Yes, it's true there are negative comments toward the Watch or other Apple products, but some were legitimate from those who have used it and didn't have much of a strong experience with it. And then there are those who have not bought the Apple Watch but have used other smart bands/watches may have a different point of view.
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Apple Supplier Numbers Suggest Apple Watch Sales Are Below Analyst Expectations
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Yes, it's true there are negative comments toward the Watch or other Apple products, but some were legitimate from those who have used it and didn't have much of a strong experience with it. And then there are those who have not bought the Apple Watch but have used other smart bands/watches may have a different point of view.
Well yeah, it's a first gen product. People criticized the original iPhone for not having 3G and the original iPad for not having multitasking. I'm sure the 2nd and 3rd generation watches will have improvements that skeptics have been asking for.
I think I understand why some would want it to flop and it's probably because out of disappointment in Apple's direction that a flop would bring them back down from Cloud 9 to Earth. In a way, they do need a big kick in the a$$ with some sense of urgency and focus.
In regards to the Apple Watch, I think it's a good idea but flawed. There's another problem I foresee that if a person buys the Watch to pair with the iPhone and then in about a year or two later decides to switch to Android or another potential OS ( anything can happen between 2016-2017 ), then it becomes a problem that the Watch is iOS specific.
I think Apple's biggest mistake was to keep the Watch iOS-only and making prices that feel unjustified for what it can do. The design itself is okay but not surprising due to the square and rounded corners. Take a look at the design elements. The rounded cornered element is all over the design DNA from icons, to iPhone, to iMacs, Apple TV. Anytime they plan on creating a new product, it's more likely to result in that exact SAME design element for unification purposes.
My old design professor way back in art school once said " Order is a related structure and structure is a related order ". This is exactly what we're seeing with Apple's design language. I'm not defending the design elements but I question their ability to execute lately 'under the hood' such as Apple Music.
On surface, it may look aesthetically pleasing, but under the hood, it can be a mess.
And since I'm deaf/hard of hearing, the Apple Watch probably would be an over-priced device for me. I only want the device to notify me of any incoming text messages by vibrating alerts especially if I'm driving, the ability to track my physical performances when I'm fencing, to tell time accurately, provide appointment schedules and to-dos on the go, etc. And one that lasts more than 24 hours. So if I'm drinking and gaming at a local arcade bar located in Burlington, Vermont, and a friend texts me, I don't have to pull my phone out. I just look at the wrist and know what's being said to me. I have a bad habit of pulling my phone out to check for messages especially Facebook.
If I want to respond to the message after seeing it on the wrist, I would pull my phone out and do that. I don't want to reply via the watch, although it has pre-set text messages for convenience ( I know Apple Watch does that, too ).
EDIT: It's especially handy if I'm drawing on my sketchbook, I don't have to look at my phone while at the cafe having coffee. The smart watch or band will do the job for me of alerting while staying focused.
I thought of getting Pebble Time because it has a great battery life and a focused OS. Then I changed my mind when I found both great products that offered a better alternative for me here:
Kairos Smart T-Band OD: https://www.kairoswatches.com/tbands/tband/od/
Sony SmartBand Talk: http://store.sony.com/smartband-talk-zid27-M/SWR30/cat-27-catid-SmartWear
The Kairos hybrid watches are very expensive but when I talked to the customer service, they told me that the Smart T-Band will be interchangeable with any mechanical watch you own. I love this design as it's 'out of the way' and discreet, and the battery life is impressive. It's very focused. It's only $299. I had a cool skull watch from several years back but the hinges broke off but it's not wide enough to fit the Smart Band. I could get a simple mechanical watch and buy this T-band and I'm set to go. Best part? It's both iOS and Android compatible.
BTW, Kairos hybrid watches are mechanical but with a layered screen that shows other visual notifications and messages. I prefer the T-band since the design is more sensible than extravagant.
Sony's SmartBand was VERY tempting to me, but the only problem is that it's Android only. But I hope Google will get permission to have iOS be compatible with it. The Smartband price is very reasonable especially with the e-ink and battery life. It's got a clean design and cuts through the BS without the fiddling around on the crown and touchscreen.
To be honest with you, I'm quite angry at Apple on why they NEVER bothered to come up with a cheaper alternative such as these smart bands. Those two products, I think, have the best designs I've seen this year. If Apple has their heads checked, they need to create a second Watch that's cheaper but more of a smart band approach. The Sony SmartBand OS with monochrome screen reminded me of the Kindle but also of Apple's old school classic mono screens back in the day.
But no. What do they do? They go with a rounded square design element.
I think Apple Watch's OS is overkill, IMO. It was designed to minimize distractions and allow us to get by in our day, but for some reason, I don't think it's doing that due to too many apps going to that device. The problem is they're now stuck on Watch OS 2 and have to stick with its elements, after seeing Kevin Lynch's bumbling keynote. We probably won't see another watch band device for another year or so.
They need to beef up the battery life, speed up the processing and loading time in between apps and DROP the price.
I can only speak for myself, but I think many potential 
Watch buyers are feeling a bit apprehensive about buying a first generation Apple device. Given the fact that the original iPhone and iPad were both under-spec'd, a majority of those sales may have been due to early adopters (like myself) and consumers today may have learned from past experience.
Watch buyers are feeling a bit apprehensive about buying a first generation Apple device. Given the fact that the original iPhone and iPad were both under-spec'd, a majority of those sales may have been due to early adopters (like myself) and consumers today may have learned from past experience.Completely agree on replacing Tim, the man is turning Apple into HP (a company with regular products, not outstanding ones!).
How do think Ive's creative output has hurt out? Not sure who to blame on that ridiculous 12 inch macbook. Someone forgot to tell the product leader that it's a computer, not a fashion accessory and needs ports.
I suspect both marketing or Phil had a hand in the MacBook idea and Tim probably OKed it without restraint. Maybe Jony. This has to be on Phil since he's in Hardware.
I like the MacBook. I'll get one when it has the next gen Intel processor.
I want an Apple Watch. But they need to make it a standalone device. When they add a cell radio that can connect to any network, and GPS, i.e., an iPhone on my wrist, I'll be first in line ready to empty out my wallet.
I want an Apple Watch. But they need to make it a standalone device. When they add a cell radio that can connect to any network, and GPS, i.e., an iPhone on my wrist, I'll be first in line ready to empty out my wallet.
Extremely unlikely the watch will become a phone. That requires a carrier plan to make calls on it independently and GPS as well.
I would like if the Apple Watch has more stand alone function. Hopefully it will in the future.
I love my macbook air, but can you imagine having one port that includes the charging port? The extra adapters you need to carry? I hate how there is no HDMI on my Air, which has caused so many problems because everyone uses HDMI, and the bag with the adapter is never around. And trying to share files with the rest of the PC world? Only macs have Air drop so I guess I need another 30 dollar adaptor.
Also, the magnetic plug is an amazing feature. I thought they would only get ride of this when they adopted wireless charging. There is no consistency now between products. Personally, this is when the CEO should have said.. no... But Tim isn't the product focused CEO as Jobs was....
but yes, it's great because it's small, light, and amazing battery. Best netbook ever! *eyes rolling*
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In addition to your list, it should also be exclusive and hold its value over time.
The AW is not this.
Well put.
I feel that Cook is being duplicitous with us. That betrays the lack of confidence he has in the product.
The great question is: will Apple go down the pan without Jobs? The agony of that searing question is fearfully upon us. Yes.
Steve Jobs has shown that he was irreplaceable. Cook has brought Apple's profits to all-time highs, but all on Jobs's babies. This feels like the swansong of Apple. Rather like in the 90s, when Apple made record profits even when their product line was falling apart, once again we see the last hurrah of the money machine.
But Apple needs a Steve Jobs to save them; we have no Steve Jobs to save them.
Oh ok. Now this "watch" sales "mystery" is indicative of a bigger problem and it relates to Steve Jobs death?
Omg!
So Tim Cook is "duplicitous" because he and the CFO nearly ONE YEAR AGO made it CLEAR that the sales of the Watch would be reported in the "other" category??? That's Dupicitous? Oh ok!
So Tim Cook (the soothsayer) somehow thought MONTHS AHEAD that the watch -- according to you -- would fail -- and would conspire A YEAR IN ADVANCD to hide this information once it was released? Oh ********! Get real.
I'm certain they GRASP that the wearables market is a tough one. It relates to active sports and that in turn relates to consumer cool factor.
Having worked for Quiksilver (surfwear) for 7 years -- there's NO WAY to just enter these markets and succeed.
Full disclosure-- I'm an entertainment marketing person living in the Los Angeles market. I'm an Apple stockholder (and am still buying its stock) and I'm a 26 year customer.
It's clear to me and many of my peers that Apple went out of its way to SEPERATE the launch of this product from its stores and its flagship line up of laptops and iPhones. For those that understand the STARK differences in the wearables vs tech industry understand this point -- clearly. Given the success of iPhone 6 it was a brilliant move to keep the watch as far away from its retail and partners as long as it did.
While you insist that the "watch" is "critically" important to see if Cook is a good employee of not is sheer IDIOCY. Steve Jobs botched plenty of initiatives. He was NEVER a genius of all things. Tim Cook has never ever attempted to emulate Steve Jobs and thank god he hasn't.
Do your research.
Tim Cook has done a masterful job GROWING Apple at a pace that is UNPRECEDENTED! Steve Jobs could NEVER have appropriately handled THE GROWTH this company have endured in such an insanely short period of time. He lacked management skills OUTSIDE of Apple.
Do you really really think Steve Jobs could have executed the production, distribution, sales, and support of at least 250 MILLION iPhones this last year?? Are you serious? Yea that's a TREMENDOUS feat by ANY measure or metric for a company that used to be thrilled selling 10 million iPods a year.
Many of Steve Jobs Senior people ARE STILL AT APPLE. Apple still struggles in the SERVICES arena - software etc. THATS NOTHING NEW. The tech industry and consumer demands and expectations have EXPLODED in recent years as has the threat to customers security.
With Apple handling well north of 500 Million Customers via its products and services I'm inclined to say they are doing a good job OVERALL at it. A GREAT JOB? That's subjective. What corporate company is doing a "great job" these days for YOU the consumer??? In terms of quality, service, reliability, and support?
Crickets.... Seriously.
Has the ability to have perspective literally fallen off a cliff? Are people today so into themselves that they can't see the FOREST thru the trees?
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I have to respectfully disagree. Apple's growth is due to it's rock solid OSX, and the natural momentum of their current product line entering/pushing new market's like China. Entering new market's with amazing products isn't something that Tim can take credit for. To be honest, Donald Trump could have gone anywhere with Apple's amazing products and he would be successful. But the credit shouldn't go to him.
And I give Tim credit on the supply chain management, something that was always discussed. However, the products and innovation under him are underwhelming to say the least. I won't even talk about Apple music or the new macbook, but the Apple Watch, I don't need sales figures to tell me it's a product that needs development. My own eyes do. Maybe that's the issue, Tim is relying on others to tell him if a product will sell. He even says he is less hands on. And I think we have to give credit where credit is due.. Sounds like you are discounting Jobs, the man who twice built up Apple, who wasn't perfect but he did build and set the ship on course to where these record breaking sales are possible. Tim is just the current Captain dancing on a pretty awesome ship.
The device hasn't even become available everywhere and you're proclaiming its market fully saturated already? A little premature, don't you think?
That seems to be the case with many who bought the watch. I know several owners that either returned theirs or in many cases just got tired of one more device to attend to and now their Apple Watch is lounging unused in a drawer somewhere.
As the hype cooled the lack of public buzz about the watch set the tone for soft sales at best. I'm certain Apples wealth and ego will keep it alive, but I don't see the universal demand that a truly good product attracts.
I don't actually know what's happening behind the curtain, so this is all pure speculation on my part trying to match what I'm seeing to what I hear of the personalities...
Under Jobs, it was Jobs' job to act as a sounding board for Ive-- actually less his job and more the fact that he was a brilliant, but obsessive, micro manager. In a more traditional corporate structure, Schiller's team would be the sounding board for Ive's team and Cook would act as final arbitrator when Schiller and Ive couldn't work it out themselves. It would have very little to do with the executives' ideas. It looks to me like that's what they're moving toward.
This will certainly change how Apple works, but adapting to changing personnel is necessary in an organization. The challenge is maintaining the strengths of a successful company (and fixing it's weaknesses). I don't share the feeling of some that Apple will fall apart without Jobs-- he built a good team, and they're continuing to hire the best.
I'm one of those who will wait for at least the second generation before making the purchase. Apple is making this decision really easy by taking its time to release the device in Finland, so if and when the device is finally released here, there's not much point in paying such a price for a first gen product especially when I already have notifications delivered to my Pebble Steel. Let's see if 2nd or 3rd generation Apple Watch improvements justify the price.
Guess it must be great to have the world revolve around you. For me and my wife it has definitely been a must have gadget. Our lives have measurably improved since we got them.
I'll never understand why you waste your time feeding these... people. Dumb articles like this just give them something to giggle and troll over. "We're all curious..." - No we're not. Very few people, especially on here, should give a ****, really.
Apple's "supposedly" - by someone's guesstimate - not meeting some OTHER remedial Wall St. guesstimator's rectally-produced figures. All this, despite the fact that Apple hasn't released any real figures, and you have people celebrating the Watch's failure, while simultaneously restarting the countdown clock to Tim Cook's replacement and/or Apple's doom.
Actual OWNERS of the watch say they love it, but $?&! that - it didn't sell the 50B units I imagined it would yet. Epic Failure. Outsold every other wearable combined, you say? Irrelevant to my one-man argument. Inbound software enhancements already announced? Doesn't matter, had sex.
Jesus Force-Touching Christ.
You don't want the watch, or like it? Fine. Doesn't fit your needs or budget? Cool. Go do something else with your life. Build a Lego set. Do some yard work. Masturbate with denim gloves. But constantly bitching about something you never intended to buy in the first place - or lying about having bought, just to justify your further bitching (psychotic), or listing the Apple products that have ever been in your home to qualify your current (ir)rationale - that's Olympic-level stick bundling.
Apple's "supposedly" - by someone's guesstimate - not meeting some OTHER remedial Wall St. guesstimator's rectally-produced figures. All this, despite the fact that Apple hasn't released any real figures, and you have people celebrating the Watch's failure, while simultaneously restarting the countdown clock to Tim Cook's replacement and/or Apple's doom.
Actual OWNERS of the watch say they love it, but $?&! that - it didn't sell the 50B units I imagined it would yet. Epic Failure. Outsold every other wearable combined, you say? Irrelevant to my one-man argument. Inbound software enhancements already announced? Doesn't matter, had sex.
Jesus Force-Touching Christ.
You don't want the watch, or like it? Fine. Doesn't fit your needs or budget? Cool. Go do something else with your life. Build a Lego set. Do some yard work. Masturbate with denim gloves. But constantly bitching about something you never intended to buy in the first place - or lying about having bought, just to justify your further bitching (psychotic), or listing the Apple products that have ever been in your home to qualify your current (ir)rationale - that's Olympic-level stick bundling.
I don't care either. I had a similar experience where I forgot my wallet and my phone. So what did I do? I *verbally* gave them my credit card #, my cvv, and my expiration date, and I was done. No technology whatsoever.
Dude -- no offense but I OWE Steve Jobs a debt of gratitude because his Mac taught me how to monetize my talent and take myself to heights I could never have imagined without a Mac.
Steve Jobs and Tim Cook are two very different people. I'm confident when I say that BOTH have strengths in some areas and failures in others. That true of EVERYBODY ON EARTH.
I will say that respectfully Tim Cook has never ever presented himself in ANY interview as "the" person and only person behind any of the products. That rests on the heads of those who were all hired by Jobs.
"I won't even talk about Apple Music or the new notebook..." What does that mean? Again "Cooks" debacle?? Dude or dudette apparently you really did not live during Steve Jobs reign at Apple. But I'm not going to give you a history lesson but Apple has had misfires throughout its history so chill. Did somebody say Newton? MobileMe? Jobs cutting the price of the iPhone and REFUNDING people like me for "overcharging". etc etc etc.
You gotta be able to admit that nobody is infallible - not even Jobs who I cite as a mentor. But even I can easily admit that I too am not a jack of all trades and admit that I'm not good at things outside the s one of my knowledge. So? Tim Cook was hand selected by Jobs. That's the bottom line.