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2nd gen no need for a phone?

Z

zaranoff

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 10, 2012
24
7
Hey,

I'm wondering what you guys think of the possibility of a future :apple:watch without the need to pair it to an existing Iphone?

Do you reckon it might happen? Why/why not?

Cannot really justify the purchase this generation because I don't like the idea of it being just an extension of my phone.

Theres is no doubt in my mind that these things will sell like crazy, but if the watch would work without an Iphone, I would buy it straight away!

Cheers
 
The next one will for sure have Wi-Fi. That means you don't have to be within 30 feet of your iPhone...you can be anywhere on the same network. That will be nice.
 
I'm sure it's possible if Apple makes a software update for it, even for first gen. The watch has bluetooth (I don't know about WiFi), they could update the watch so it communicates with the computer if you want to sync data and music.

But it is meant to work along with your phone. It's a mobile device like the iPhone. So as you're walking about, it gives you notifications and alerts.

Perhaps later, they will make it work with iPads instead of just iPhones, for those who would rather own an Android. I'm assuming that is what you're trying to ask.

Apple isn't going to make an app for the Android for you to pair it with, if that's what you're thinking.
 
zaranoff said:
Hey,

I'm wondering what you guys think of the possibility of a future :apple:watch without the need to pair it to an existing Iphone?

Do you reckon it might happen? Why/why not?

Cannot really justify the purchase this generation because I don't like the idea of it being just an extension of my phone.

Theres is no doubt in my mind that these things will sell like crazy, but if the watch would work without an Iphone, I would buy it straight away!

Cheers
Click to expand...

I don't think it will happen because of battery life. You cannot add a cellular connection to the watch without it making a massive impact on battery life.
 
Wallabe said:
Apple isn't going to make an app for the Android for you to pair it with, if that's what you're thinking.
Click to expand...

Sorry I think that I phrased my question wrong! I was wondering if the future watch would work without the need of any phone, be it iOS or Android.

And yeah the Wifi would certainly make it more useful if it would not be so restricted in function without the necessary pairing.
 
I do belive the Apple Watch does come with WiFi and Bluetooth. As far as no need to pair, Both samsung and LG have launched smartwatches without the need to pair, but have not been so successful. However this is Apple and they will find a way to make it work.
 
zaranoff said:
Sorry I think that I phrased my question wrong! I was wondering if the future watch would work without the need of any phone, be it iOS or Android.

And yeah the Wifi would certainly make it more useful if it would not be so restricted in function without the necessary pairing.
Click to expand...

Yes, it is possible, but it needs to be synced one way or another to get additional features to work. Let say the 2nd gen doesn't need to pair it with the iPhones, you won't get text alert or phone call vibrations. You'll get time and can track your own health information, but no text, phone, email, etc.

Apple was able to not require setting up the iPhone with a computer because all those information you can type in, like setting up your email. I don't think that is possible anytime soon with just the watch as a standalone device.
 
Last edited:
I doubt apple will want to produce something that replaces their best selling product (the iphone).

the watch as an extension to the phone is exactly what I want (and have with my pebble). Something does everything your phone does, but without your phone....why not just keep your phone and you wont need to buy anything else?
 
Wallabe said:
Yes, it is possible, but it needs to be synced one way or another to get additional features to work. Let say the 2nd gen doesn't need to pair it with the iPhones, you won't get text alert or phone call vibrations. You'll get time and can track your own health information, but no text, phone, email, etc.

Apple was about to not require setting up the iPhone with a computer because all those information you can type in, like setting up your email. I don't think that is possible anytime soon with just the watch as a standalone device.
Click to expand...

Thats what I was thinking, I imagine it being set up just like an ipod touch. You have it synced with your apple-id on your computer and then you can use it over a Wifi network for iMessage or other apps that require a connection.

It's a shame that we have not yet reached the breakthrough in battery technology. An :apple:Watch with its own little sim-tray and 3g/4g connection would really really be appealing.
 
Armen said:
I don't think it will happen because of battery life. You cannot add a cellular connection to the watch without it making a massive impact on battery life.
Click to expand...

Why not?

My tiny Nokia phone lasts up to a whole month on a charge.
 
Piggie said:
Why not?

My tiny Nokia phone lasts up to a whole month on a charge.
Click to expand...

What do you mean why not? Apple says the apple watch will last up to 18 hours and we hear nothing but moans and groans about battery life. Imagine a LTE Apple watch with 2 hour battery life.
 
zaranoff said:
Hey,

I'm wondering what you guys think of the possibility of a future :apple:watch without the need to pair it to an existing Iphone?

Do you reckon it might happen? Why/why not?

Cannot really justify the purchase this generation because I don't like the idea of it being just an extension of my phone.

Theres is no doubt in my mind that these things will sell like crazy, but if the watch would work without an Iphone, I would buy it straight away!

Cheers
Click to expand...

Doesn't really matter what we think. Apple doesn't consult us.
 
Munky said:
The next one will for sure have Wi-Fi. That means you don't have to be within 30 feet of your iPhone...you can be anywhere on the same network. That will be nice.
Click to expand...

It already has Wi-Fi. As it stands, the Apple Watch utilizes handoff when on the same Wi-Fi network, so you can still receive texts and calls and don't need to be within bluetooth range. It's the feature I'm most excited about.
 
zaranoff said:
Hey,

I'm wondering what you guys think of the possibility of a future :apple:watch without the need to pair it to an existing Iphone?

Do you reckon it might happen? Why/why not?

Cannot really justify the purchase this generation because I don't like the idea of it being just an extension of my phone.

Theres is no doubt in my mind that these things will sell like crazy, but if the watch would work without an Iphone, I would buy it straight away!

Cheers
Click to expand...
For me, the "why is the watch dependent on the phone?" is the new, "does the iPad make phone calls?" - which is the first question out of damn near everyone's mouth when the iPad was first unveiled; people immediately assume a new device is supposed to replace something else in their life, and if it doesn't then what purpose could it possibly serve?

Granted, there's a situation or two where having the watch instead of your phone would be great. Running/jogging comes to mind and...that's really about the only case I can think of where your phone couldn't at the very least be in a bag or a pocket. Seriously, the only case. If the watch were truly waterproof that would open up more situations, but alas.

Certainly the day will come when GPS and cellular capabilities can be imbedded into the watch at its current size while maintaining battery life, but is a person really going to start leaving their phone behind? You cannot and never will be able to use a keyboard on the watch. You're never going to want to surf the web on a 1" screen (or whatever it is). You can't take a private call on the watch without a bluetooth headset. The watch can't replace the phone, and a person's going to want that bigscreen phone in their bag for when they need it.

In the meantime, the 30-300ft range that that watch can offer between you and your iPhone (via bluetooth/wifi) is going to offer a lot of flexibility right out of the box.
 
Armen said:
What do you mean why not? Apple says the apple watch will last up to 18 hours and we hear nothing but moans and groans about battery life. Imagine a LTE Apple watch with 2 hour battery life.
Click to expand...

I mean, the comment that adding in LTE will kill any battery life.

Well if my entire phone can be run for 4 weeks from a battery, then adding in LTE can't be THAT much of a killer as was suggested.
 
J4B3 said:
It already has Wi-Fi. As it stands, the Apple Watch utilizes handoff when on the same Wi-Fi network, so you can still receive texts and calls and don't need to be within bluetooth range. It's the feature I'm most excited about.
Click to expand...

No - it has nothing to do with what wifi network you're connected to. The watch and phone will connect directly to each other over wifi to increase the range over bluetooth. No external network is used.
 
Piggie said:
I mean, the comment that adding in LTE will kill any battery life.

Well if my entire phone can be run for 4 weeks from a battery, then adding in LTE can't be THAT much of a killer as was suggested.
Click to expand...

That's your phone. It doesn't have a tiny battery like the watch.
 
Sure, add GPS, and a cell radio, and a sim card, and make every one pay for it even though 98% of the Watch users would have those things a few inches away in their pocket.

"Someday the Watch will replace the iPhone."

Phone screens just got bigger. I don't see a 1.5 inch screen replacing those ever.
 
Armen said:
That's your phone. It doesn't have a tiny battery like the watch.
Click to expand...

Agreed, but my entire phone lasts 30 times longer, and the battery is not 30x the size I'm sure.

Of course it will impact, and perhaps something for the future.
I just feel too many people here are being too negative.

It's normal of course, it will be wrong to have LTE until Apple do it, and at that moment in time, it will suddenly be a great idea to do it.

----------
8CoreWhore said:
Sure, add GPS, and a cell radio, and a sim card, and make every one pay for it even though 98% of the Watch users would have those things a few inches away in their pocket.

"Someday the Watch will replace the iPhone."

Phone screens just got bigger. I don't see a 1.5 inch screen replacing those ever.
Click to expand...

For phone calls and a text message would a 1.5" screen not be large enough?
 
It's not large enough for web browsing. The watch is not practical for a lot of other iPhone uses.
 
J4B3 said:
It already has Wi-Fi. As it stands, the Apple Watch utilizes handoff when on the same Wi-Fi network, so you can still receive texts and calls and don't need to be within bluetooth range. It's the feature I'm most excited about.
Click to expand...

Thank you for making this point it was one of the features Tim Cook mentioned in the last keynote which was a great thing to hear. I'm looking forward to it when I'm at work so if I leave my phone at my desk i get any important notifications.
 
Really good and informative answers!

I completely understand the whole "why can't the Ipad make phone calls etc" that we all heard of when it was released. But the thing that baffles me and maybe I'm just trying to justify a purchase for no reason whatsoever, is that what exactly is this product?

The ipad was not designed to make phone calls, you had your Iphone for that. It was made for an incredible browsing experience. The watch was not made for answering texts, browsing the web or making phone calls, you have your phone for that. The phone also tells the time.

But what is it for? What are you guys buying this device for if it needs to be paired with your phone? Is it just for fitness?

I'm not criticizing anyone buying it, people can do what ever they please with their hard earned money. I just really want to understand this device and yet I can't.

Anyway, first world problems signing off. It will be interesting how this product shows it's usefulness when it gets out in the wild.
 
twisted-pixel said:
Your iPhone lasts 4weeks on a single charge?
Click to expand...

No my new small Nokia phone with colour screen & flashlight also!
far far smaller than an iPhone battery.

Cost me 140 times less than an iPhone, and works for 30 days between charges.

The point being, if a small battery can run an entire phone for 1 month.
How much drain per day, does LTE by itself put on a device?
Not much.
 
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