Apple Watch 2 With GPS for Improved Navigation, Fitness Tracking Coming This Fall

[lordofthereef]

The only HUGE thing is your reply in terms of its exaggeration. Last time I checked, 5MP and 8MP were quite great quality and the camera models not HUGE. "this ridiculous feature that 99% won't even use" "No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no" -- said lots of people about lots things we now take for granted.

The modules are huge in relation to the device itself. In unsure if you've seen a dismantled Apple Watch but there isn't really empty space in it. On a board that size we are talking about even a really smalle sensor easily taking up 5-10% of the space.

I'm not here to say it's impossible. I just don't know that it's probable unless Apple has improved Ulin's last year's design immensely.

One thing I wouldn't mind is getting rid of that Digital Crown though. IMO it's useless but some will disagree.

 

[Mac 128]

GPS isn't going to get me to upgrade. Better performance is what I'm after. The watch OS 3 should help with that, but it needs more RAM to keep things going in the background, more storage space for music and photos, and better graphics performance so it's not so laggy when scrolling or playing a simple game like Pong that kills time. LTE would be neat, but all it really needs is 3G, as that's about as fast as it can connect to the iPhone anyway, and 3G chips in tiny packages today should be much more power efficient.

Something that people don't think about is if the Apple Watch is running on LTE, then the apps are no longer loading off the iPhone and have to be completely stored on the Watch. That means much better performance and storage is needed, which can limit battery life, especially when factoring in LTE, and even more so with a GPS. I don't think the hardware is mature enough to handle that, but maybe in another 18 months if they stick to that cycle. I think that's a good cycle for the Watch, and makes every-other-year upgrades at 3 years more sustainable for users. I'm willing to upgrade my Watch every 3 years, especially if they offer a band-less version for like $50 cheaper that works with all my existing bands.

One thing I know for sure is that Apple must be working on it. That $129 up-charge for cellular is likely high on their priority list for AW3. I don't think the Watch needs to be like the iPhone, at least not for a long time and maybe not until they can make big display bands that wrap around your wrist that are comfortable and stylish and work well. But having cellular on-board would still be welcome for loading the little bits of data that Apple Watch apps are good at displaying. I'm hoping that a data plan for something like that would be a simple $5/mo charge, as it wouldn't use much data. Anything over $10/mo would be a fail IMO. And I think 3G would be a good fit. I think Verizon said they weren't going to keep supporting their 3G network, but I think I read somewhere that they decided to keep it going for the IoT (Internet of Things) initiative going on right now. Maybe someone here on the forums told me that, as I've been sleep deprived lately with a new baby. IDK.

Not to unfairly single you out, as you are one of many who state your list of demands for the new watch in the shadow of withholding your purchase of an upgrade, but:

By many accounts the Watch sold somewhere between 10-15 million for the year. Now certainly Apple needs your upgrade purchase, but what they need is more first time buyers. Unless Apple built the watch for the same 10 million customers to upgrade every year, there's a potential 500 million plus customers out there using compatible iPhones who haven't bought the thing yet. Apple doesn't need 10 million existing customers to buy the new model again. They need 50 million NEW customers to buy the Watch when they buy their new iPhone, and whatever drives those sales is the priority for Apple. Whether you upgrade or not is not really Apple's problem right now, because if they're counting on your upgrade for success, then the Watch is a failure.

I'm kind of interested, but they have to make it thinner. Crazy how the one apple device that's fat is the watch.

While that's a personal opinion, as style is objective, I do agree that the design makes the watch look fatter than it is. The rounded sides give the illusion of being thicker than it is, and kind of pudgy. Most watches are rounded on the top, but the designs usually blend into the wrist like a donut. Apple's appears to float on top of the wrist. And that's what makes it look fat.

Practically speaking it's not thicker than a lot of watches, in fact it's thinner than most.

 

[ValO]

You mean this should remain exclusive only for the competition ?
There is a lot of sub-$100 stuff out there with more functionality than the W (not considering build quality of course...) from companies smaller than 200 bil

Yes, I know, but OS and functions are much more limited and less flexible.
Watches with fixed functions, apps, etc could have these features. I have owned several and find them rather limited and bulky. Also the gear s2 with cellular connectivity is rather limited in battery life for instance. The apple watch is much more of a small computer than the rest.

 

[ZipZap]

The constraint here is the battery so I doubt there would ever be a camera.

 

[Mac 128]

The constraint here is the battery so I doubt there would ever be a camera.

So that's why Apple's allows the watch to take and make phone calls, the continuous use of which will drain the battery in less than 3 hours?

That's why they're rumored to be adding GPS and cellular? Because those are such power conservative features?

You really think the camera uses more power than any of those features?

 

[mtcowdog]

How is it "late to the game" WTH.
The small watch is 1/3 the size of big Garmin watches with GPS.
That explains why there was no GPS on that watch.

Could argue that no other smart watch is the Apple Watch size with the same capacity and THEY are late to the game.

Late to the game. GPS watches have been around for years. But for the size, I can see your point. At the same time, Apple's obsession with smaller -- however cool in the tech progression -- sometimes rubs me wrong. I love Apple products and want functionality. Sometimes for me, I would rather see them made the trade-off on size rather than on limiting functionality. But I'm only one consumer.

 

[iConnected]

according to a new Bloomberg report that confirms previous rumors we've heard about the Apple Watch 2.

The report might "support" the previous rumors, "lend weight to" the previous rumors or "be consistent with" the previous rumors.

But the report does not "confirm" the previous rumors.

Only Apple can do that.

 

[aduteau]

Late to the game. GPS watches have been around for years. But for the size, I can see your point. At the same time, Apple's obsession with smaller -- however cool in the tech progression -- sometimes rubs me wrong. I love Apple products and want functionality. Sometimes for me, I would rather see them made the trade-off on size rather than on limiting functionality. But I'm only one consumer.

AGREE, plus its ok for watches to be thick ... look at the majority of watches on the market, they are mostly in the range of the AppleWatch for thickness, I see no problem with it being 10mm thick.
I like it to be more jewelry looking then flat thin gadget look

 

[Sparky2012]

I might go for the Apple Watch 2. I tried the Watch when it first came out but while it was a gorgeous device which was really well built, it was slow and was too reliant on the iPhone. With the new watchOS 3 which speeds things up, and new hardware which will improve health tracking, etc as well as daily functions, I certainly will consider buying it when it launches.

 

[LuckyBubba]

GPS is what I'm looking for in my next watch. Having my phone with me while mountain biking isn't so bad because it fits in with my gear, but having the GPS on a run is the Bees'

Knees for me!

 

[Freida]

"destroy the purpose and design" - exaggeration.
"drain the battery very quickly" - exaggeration and a problem that can be solved.
"unethical or illegal" - same issues with the phone but solved

Please, stop for a second and use your common sense here instead of arguing pointlessly! Imagine the PRACTICALITY of your suggestion. The position of the watch, the amount of time it would take to correctly frame the picture. The most likely bend pose of your body in order to aim in fact, i dare to say (and bet you) that in pretty much all cases the iphone will be faster as its way more intuitive device to aim etc. (even if i have to take it out the pocket).
So if we forget all the technical reasons why not put it in there and focus only on the practicality, YOUR ARGUMENT still loses. Camera in a watch is just plain STUPID! I really do hope you will think this through this time instead of endlessly trying to force it. So those precious moments you talk about? You would MISS them and the guy next to you with a phone would probably not miss them. In fact, put it to the test. Strap your iphone to your wrist, attach a small mirror to the camera so it there is 90 degrees angle and then look at the display of your phone whilst trying to frame something (remember, you HAVE to attach the mirror as otherwise its not valid exercise - if you don't it the same like having a camera on the bottom of the band)

 

[ZipZap]

So that's why Apple's allows the watch to take and make phone calls, the continuous use of which will drain the battery in less than 3 hours?

That's why they're rumored to be adding GPS and cellular? Because those are such power conservative features?

You really think the camera uses more power than any of those features?

I think ALL of those features are impractical and their use is curtailed/impacted by the battery. They are all drawing some power all the time. Would it be great to have them, yeah.

Lets see what actually arrives because I doubt you will see a camera or cellular capabilities. Perhaps a GPS.

 

[huntlane]

For what? Ultra low-res selfies that you wouldn't be able to post without the phone on hand anyway?

I've always thought it would be great for scanning apps. Vino, for example, gives you wine ratings by taking a picture of a bottle's label. That kind of functionality would be awesome on my wrist.

 

[manu chao]

By many accounts the Watch sold somewhere between 10-15 million for the year. Now certainly Apple needs your upgrade purchase, but what they need is more first time buyers. Unless Apple built the watch for the same 10 million customers to upgrade every year, there's a potential 500 million plus customers out there using compatible iPhones who haven't bought the thing yet. Apple doesn't need 10 million existing customers to buy the new model again. They need 50 million NEW customers to buy the Watch when they buy their new iPhone, and whatever drives those sales is the priority for Apple. Whether you upgrade or not is not really Apple's problem right now, because if they're counting on your upgrade for success, then the Watch is a failure.

That is true, but current watch users that find the new watch compelling enough to upgrade can be important opinion shapers.

 

[Night Spring]

The Apple Watch is fat? Compared to what? Have you seen a Tag Heurer, Omega or lnvicta? Those watches are twice the size and weight of the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch is really not that big. 42 MM is a great size. Not to big or to small.

Late to the game. GPS watches have been around for years. But for the size, I can see your point. At the same time, Apple's obsession with smaller -- however cool in the tech progression -- sometimes rubs me wrong. I love Apple products and want functionality. Sometimes for me, I would rather see them made the trade-off on size rather than on limiting functionality. But I'm only one consumer.

AGREE, plus its ok for watches to be thick ... look at the majority of watches on the market, they are mostly in the range of the AppleWatch for thickness, I see no problem with it being 10mm thick.
I like it to be more jewelry looking then flat thin gadget look

As a smallish woman, I have to say the Apple Watch is the biggest watch I'll ever want to wear. All those larger conventional watches are mostly men's watches. Majority of women's watches are smaller than the Apple Watch. Most of the other smartwatches available today are also too big for my wrist. Apple made a smartwatch that smaller people can wear, and I'd welcome it getting thinner.

 

[SlipSlidinAwa]

So you must have a prototype Apple Watch 2, or a time machine, or are just making crap up.

We know they are adding GPS so comparing with products that already have this is valid. AW is a toy for poseurs

 

[devsfan1830]

The modules are huge in relation to the device itself. In unsure if you've seen a dismantled Apple Watch but there isn't really empty space in it. On a board that size we are talking about even a really smalle sensor easily taking up 5-10% of the space.

I'm not here to say it's impossible. I just don't know that it's probable unless Apple has improved Ulin's last year's design immensely.

One thing I wouldn't mind is getting rid of that Digital Crown though. IMO it's useless but some will disagree.

Its useless to argue with him. I replied to him with a link to the ifixit teardown which demonstrates ZERO space for any camera module. He continues to insist its possible. Guess he thinks Apple is capable of Time Lord level trickery if he thinks they can stuff a camera in 1-2mm of space (if that). I don't even get the purpose of a camera like what hes suggested. A font facing camera would be some cool Dick Tracy level stuf. But pointed forward and away is useful for nothing more than creep shots. Grainy ones at that for the smallest module that would even have a shot at fitting in a device this small.

 

[Mac 128]

Its useless to argue with him. I replied to him with a link to the ifixit teardown which demonstrates ZERO space for any camera module. He continues to insist its possible. Guess he thinks Apple is capable of Time Lord level trickery if he thinks they can stuff a camera in 1-2mm of space (if that). I don't even get the purpose of a camera like what hes suggested. A font facing camera would be some cool Dick Tracy level stuf. But pointed forward and away is useful for nothing more than creep shots. Grainy ones at that for the smallest module that would even have a shot at fitting in a device this small.

Because Apple won't ever miniaturize the hardware currently inside the watch beyond the size it is now? Take a look at the difference between the first iPad and the iPad 2 -- there's a significant change between them within the span of one years worth of development. Who knows what custom modules, and consolidated chipsets Apple will design for future equipment compared to what they implemented in the first design? This is what Apple does. As for a front facing camera only being useful for "creep" shots, I'd beg to differ. It'd be used to take a FaceTime call, and for selfies when the phone wasn't easily accessible. It might also be useful for face recognition applications, like keeping the backlight on as long as it detects someone's eyes looking at it, as opposed to turning off after a pre-determined amount of time.

 

[lordofthereef]

I've always thought it would be great for scanning apps. Vino, for example, gives you wine ratings by taking a picture of a bottle's label. That kind of functionality would be awesome on my wrist.

This is actually a rather cool idea. I didn't even think of this. We use cartwheel (farther barcode coupon scanner) st least weekly.

 

[Mac 128]

This is actually a rather cool idea. I didn't even think of this. We use cartwheel (farther barcode coupon scanner) st least weekly.

It's ideas like this that can be applied when everyone keeps an open mind about how a particular technology might be utilized, instead of rejecting it outright.

 

[Fthree]

Finally GPS!!!!! now it can be a running watch contender!

 

[lordofthereef]

Late to the game. GPS watches have been around for years. But for the size, I can see your point. At the same time, Apple's obsession with smaller -- however cool in the tech progression -- sometimes rubs me wrong. I love Apple products and want functionality. Sometimes for me, I would rather see them made the trade-off on size rather than on limiting functionality. But I'm only one consumer.

I hate to be the guy that uses the "but Apple does it right" slogan, but I think there is much to be said about Apple giving gps to "everyone". I think a Garmin watch is likely to only be purchased by the most dedicated of runners and hikers. Conversely, Apple seems to be giving that functionality to their smart watch that is potentially in the hands of many more individuals.

The reality is the garmin Watch is very good for sports but it doesn't integrate with apps anything like an Apple Watch does. Assuming Apple gives us really solid gps functionality I see them tapping into a segment of the market that previously wouldn't have considered the Apple Watch.

 

[44267547]

What about bands? I suspect there'll be more. People want them, they're popular, easy to change (thanx to a clever design), Apple makes decent margins, etc. A win-win for all.

The "watch band" meme on MR was sort of funny the first time. Now, months later, it's hackneyed and just identifies people who are likely still in high school and don't have anything interesting to contribute.

And to your point...some of these Watch band comments include "Tim Cook only cares about Watch bands over Macs" or "When is the next Watch band event?" These Forum members making these sophomoric comments are only trying to increase their 'Likes', while hitting the refesh button to view their 'Likes Received' increase to their superficial satisfaction.

 

[garrick2007]

Highly doubt we will even hear of a new apple watch this year. Apple needs more time to figure out the watch in general, the 1st one is nice but could of been executed much better. They don't need to rush these like the iPhones, they need to chill and take there time. Id say they will release a new watch for WatchOS 4. At this time the os will be more mature, better hardware/features as well.

 

[NauCayuti]

Highly doubt we will even hear of a new apple watch this year.

There have been quite a lot of rumors indicating otherwise and many Apple Watch models are sold out. Would be very surprised if there wasn't a processor+GPS update in September.