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

[drewyboy]

something even more important to Apple than what you personally may think is valuable

I'm just going by the fact that Apple wants cellular so the camera is clearly lower down the list. Plus Apple has continually beat the drum that this is a health related device. So because of that I have to believe there are more/better sensors that they'd like to put in before a camera.

It's not that I think a camera is a stupid idea, it's that from Apple they make it appear they have other higher priorities.

 

[Glideslope]

Does the addition of GPS allow a "Find My Apple Watch"? Or, was this already in Watch OS?

 

[5105973]

I guess all the cool things come later. OLED iphone 2017. LTE watch 2017. OLED ipad 2018. 4k apple tv? not this year. This is a good year to ignore Apple and save some money. Hopefully more do the same and puts some pressure on Apple to refocus.

I don't think they need the pressure. I think they know they have to do these things. They just got behind trying to go about it their usual meticulous way, I think. I'm going into the Samsung experience with a 4G watch and a Note 7 knowing these features are going to be fun and cool but likely will not have the refined, "finished product" feel I have come to associate with my Apple devices. The Gear S2 Sport watch has problems with bands falling apart and screens going bad, for example. They refine it with each generation but meanwhile, the customers are Guinea pigging for them.

I do think to a certain extent for once Apple threw its usual caution to the wind and released something of an unfinished product in the Apple Watch and did let us guineapig for them. I filled out a lot of surveys for them which I've never been asked to do before for any of their other products. I did one for the purchasing and try on experience. And two more about the watch itself.

Summer is almost over so I don't need a waterproof watch and have no plans to update from my two first gen Apple Watches this fall. But if they make it usable in a pool I'll try to nab one next spring, and maybe even catch a sale. I do love my Apple watches.

 

[Dydegu]

So Apple Watch and iPhone again in September, just like in 2014. Invites next Thursday.

The question is... another hardware event in October? More things to come in September?

 

[carrrrrlos]

Considering.

 

[44267547]

Apparently "fat turds" are in style, as big ass watches are the trend these days. The 42mm AW is actually smaller than my previous watch.

Exactly. Male watches, especially Invicta and Omega scream 'Look at me' due to their size. Its function and fashion. My 42 MM Stainless Steel Watch does not hold a comparison to the size of those watches. On a side note, I love the thickness of the Apple Watch, with the added eight from
The stainless steel really adds to how substantial it is in my opinion.

 

[JimmyHook]

Why would they do that? They have never done it for any other product.

They do it for EVERY other product

 

[44267547]

Question for Apple Watch current stainless steel owners...Do you find the watch rather heavy to use for running?

I may try Watch 2 but only if it has GPS and if the price is lowered. Unfortunately here in Canada, the stainless steel version is still $700 CDN.

The Stainless version is significantly heavier, but not to the point where it's bothersome for running. The Sport Watch is light enough with the 7000 series aluminum where it's ideal for runners.

If There was a price reduction on the stainless steel version, it would only be when the second-generation Apple Watch launches. GPS seems to be Almost confirmed. We will know shortly.

 

[bribri99]

I would be okay with it tethered to the iphone if it were so darn slow in getting data from it...it's painfully slow and I have the developers beta of the iphone and the watch. It's still not usable, tho a lot better.

Loading the nest app is just pain

 

[5105973]

Question for Apple Watch current stainless steel owners...Do you find the watch rather heavy to use for running?

I may try Watch 2 but only if it has GPS and if the price is lowered. Unfortunately here in Canada, the stainless steel version is still $700 CDN.

It's a bit heavy, yes. It's not so much that it's heavy and fatigues the arm, but that it can after awhile press down on a nerve and leave a pain shooting up and down my arm. The sport is much more comfortable and does not cause the same issue, but the plastic backing of it sticks to my skin more.

I'm not much of a runner though. It's not the watch that's too heavy to use for running it's my butt that's too heavy. But I'm working on that. I do very light running around a field with my greyhound. She's off leash or I'd be dead. I'm 50, don't judge.

 

[spazzcat]

Camera is essential!
Not buying until has camera and can operate independent of my phone.
For capturing all sorts of photos on the go when you're without your phone.

I will never understand why you would want a camera in a wearable...

 

[tremlock]

GPS would be handy, I can finally leave my iPhone at home when I go out jogging, and use bluetooth headphones to listen to music/podcasts.

you can now. Sync playlist to apple watch and use bluetooth.
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Why would they do that? They have never done it for any other product.

not true. they do have a trade in / buy back program for store credit.

 

[pelegri]

LTE isn't needed in the watch. Throw a low power EDGE chip in there, problem solved. Can get data like scores, etc, no problem. They are over thinking the cell part.

Functionality wise, 911 emergency call / tracking / emergency reach. For kids and elderly parents...

Technology wise, LTE is expanding in all directions (faster/lower power), so maybe it does not need to be LTE. Not my area of expertise, though..

 

[44267547]

It's a bit heavy, yes. It's not so much that it's heavy and fatigues the arm, but that it can after awhile press down on a nerve and leave a pain shooting up and down my arm. The sport is much more comfortable and does not cause the same issue, but the plastic backing of it sticks to my skin more.

I'm not much of a runner though. It's not the watch that's too heavy to use for running it's my butt that's too heavy. But I'm working on that. I do very light running around a field with my greyhound. She's off leash or I'd be dead. I'm 50, don't judge.

I can't imagine running with the Watch on my wrist from your Avatar picture. Now that would he heavy!

 

[Fall Under Cerulean Kites]

cool - while i wouldn't recommend these watches for a serious athlete it will be a much more enticing product for others.

As a garmin fenix user - it's vital to have GPS on board. I don't run with my phone especially during races.

Why would you not recommend this rumored watch for a “serious athlete?”

I don’t own an Apple Watch. But if the AW2 appears with GPS on board, then this “serious athlete” will be picking one up.

I’m not going to suggest the AW2 would replace a dedicated GPS watch for every event, however it could be perfect for many people’s training.

 

[Osamede]

I said a long time ago that this company is selling very expensive open betas as finished products. Clearly data connectivity is the end game. But they will keep selling tests designs without it and building up slowly.

The trendy business terminology for that is "design thinking". But only this company charges through the nose for knowingly still-in-design-phase products....

I wont be buying any Apple Watch until it actually is independent of a smartphone.

 

[BreadofWonder]

I just want a massive speed boost, something in the neighborhood of 50% more would be enough for me to upgrade. Battery is fine, I don't work out enough to care about GPS but I don't mind its inclusion. I don't mind heavier waterproofing. WHY oh WHY has nobody been clamoring for a Digital Crown that doesn't stick when it gets a drop of water on it? That would be a GREAT improvement!

You won't need to get a new watch for that. Check out the watchOS3 announcement.

 

[oftheheavens]

i would never want just an apple watch and no phone. I know (think) that isn't what it is saying by full cellular capabilities, it is referring to being able to answer a phone call when out of range of your phone or whatever. BUT my point for this rant is even with the much better running beta (and before beta) answering a call on the watch would usually equate to the person calling not hearing anything and me having to pull my phone out anyway. I guess the apple watch does make a good call waiting type thing.

Everything else (almost) i love about my watch though. I do wish the genuine links were $100 or less but who knows what we will see this fall.

 

[44267547]

So Apple Watch and iPhone again in September, just like in 2014. Invites next Thursday.

The question is... another hardware event in October? More things to come in September?

I definitely think we will see the invites by late next Week or shortly after. Then packaging leaks should follow for the iPhone 7. I think if the MacBook Pro's are updated, this will require a completely separate Key Note event to discuss the updates.

 

[bribri99]

You won't need to get a new watch for that. Check out the watchOS3 announcement.

still incredibly slow

 

[simonmet]

GPS would've been deliberately withheld from the first watch to have a major feature with with to promote v2. It's the Apple Way™.

 

[Carlanga]

GPS would be handy, I can finally leave my iPhone at home when I go out jogging, and use bluetooth headphones to listen to music/podcasts.

Besides the tracking distance, what does bt headphones and music have to do w GPS? You need to store all of that on the watch anyways, pre-download them on your watch before going out whcih you can already do just w/out gps. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204691

 

[gbc204]

So is GPS just for exercising? Or will i be able to drive around without my phone and use maps for directions?

 

[Carlanga]

GPS would've been deliberately withheld from the first watch to have a major feature with with to promote v2. It's the Apple Way™.

yep, and V3 will let you use the memory w certain apps.

 

[satchmo]

The Stainless version is significantly heavier, but not to the point where it's bothersome for running. The Sport Watch is light enough with the 7000 series aluminum where it's ideal for runners.

If There was a price reduction on the stainless steel version, it would only be when the second-generation Apple Watch launches. GPS seems to be Almost confirmed. We will know shortly.

It's a bit heavy, yes. It's not so much that it's heavy and fatigues the arm, but that it can after awhile press down on a nerve and leave a pain shooting up and down my arm. The sport is much more comfortable and does not cause the same issue, but the plastic backing of it sticks to my skin more.

I'm not much of a runner though. It's not the watch that's too heavy to use for running it's my butt that's too heavy. But I'm working on that. I do very light running around a field with my greyhound. She's off leash or I'd be dead. I'm 50, don't judge.

Thanks for the feedback. There was that one rumour of a new Apple band that was a fitness tracker (like the Microsoft's). I could see that being something light and durable to serve the runners and fitness types. The Apple Watch could do both, but less aimed at hardcore athletes.