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Apple Watch Hands-On: A First Look at Software, Apple Pay, Water Resistance, and More

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We got several hands-on first impressions of the Apple Watch following its September debut, but at that time, finished versions of the Apple Watch with fully functional software were not available.

As of today, members of the press are getting their first look at Apple Watches running near-complete versions of Watch OS, and several sites have shared new tidbits and thoughts on the device, which we've rounded up below.

TechnoBuffalo's Jon Rettinger tested the aluminum Apple Watch Sport, Apple's most affordable watch, giving a demo of the device's software. A hard press on the screen brings up different watch faces, each of which can be customized, as Tim Cook described during today's event.

Re/code's Jason Del Rey has a detailed look at how Apple Pay will work on the Apple Watch. Apple Pay users will need an iPhone that links to the Apple Watch to share payment information from the iPhone. The Apple Watch does not store card or account information, using a placeholder code instead.
First, you need to own an iPhone -- a 6, 6 Plus or a 5, 5C or 5S to use Apple Pay with the Apple Watch. Watch owners have to open the Apple Watch app on their iPhone, which Apple is installing on phones as part of an iOS software update. Once the Apple Watch app is open, you tap the Passbook and Apple Pay option in the app to add a credit or debit card to be used for in-store payments using the Apple Watch.
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A passcode is required for setting up Apple Pay with the Apple Watch, and it has to be re-entered every time the watch is put back on after being removed to unlock Apple Pay. A payment is made by tapping the side of the Apple Watch twice and holding it near a payment terminal. According to Re/code, it does not look like users must have their iPhones with them to make payments with the Apple watch after linking.

Several small details on the Apple Watch have also been shared by Apple on its updated Apple Watch pages. The Apple Watch, for example, has a water resistance rating of IPX7 according to a footnote on the page, meaning its splash and water resistant but it is not waterproof. It can be worn during exercise, in the rain, and while washing your hands, but submerging it is not recommended.

An Apple Watch apps page on Apple's site shows off a range of apps that were demoed during the event and some that weren't, giving a quick look at some of the things the Apple Watch will be able to do. With the SPG Hotel app, Starwood hotel visitors can use the Apple Watch to unlock their rooms, and with the American Airlines app, Apple Watch owners can get their boarding passes right on their wrists.

applewatchapps-800x706.jpg
The Nike+ Running app displays distance, duration, and pace on the Apple Watch, while the Instagram app allows users to browse their feeds, like photos, and leave emoji comments. Shazam will identify songs, Dark Sky will let users know the chances of rain or snow, and the NYTimes Apple Watch app will offer headlines and breaking news.

applewatchapps2-800x447.jpg
iOS 8.2, released today, includes an Apple Watch companion app that has some information on Apple Watch setup. The Apple Watch will quickly connect to an iPhone using the camera. You just need to hold the Apple Watch up to the camera and align the watch display with the view finder. From there, the Apple Watch App Store is accessible, but it has yet to be populated with apps. It is not possible to delete the Apple Watch app from the iPhone in iOS 8.2.

applewatchcompanionapp.jpg
Image via iPhone Hacks​
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The Apple Watch will be available for pre-order beginning on April 10. Apple will also begin allowing customers to test the device in its retail stores on that date.

Article Link: Apple Watch Hands-On: A First Look at Software, Apple Pay, Water Resistance, and More
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2015/03/09/apple-watch-hands-on-impressions/
I really want to like these watches but the pricing seems a bit high for the entry level that has a rubber like band. Perhaps it's the time change that has me in a funk
 
Here the base model is $499 AUD for the small one. But the kicker is the top model, we're talking new car money for one of those. Yes I know there are much more expensive watches in the world which people by but why such a price difference for a bit of gold when it doesn't do anything different and doesn't look any better?
 
appleguy123 said:
Pretty ridiculous that you can't delete the watch app from your phone.

It should have just been placed in the AppStore.
Click to expand...

It's simple marketing. Everyone with an iPhone who updates to 8.2 will now know about Apple Watch, where they might not have before.
 
I like the :apple:watch a lot but what kills for me is the water resistance aspect. I need something waterproof for swimming and surfing and I use my Omega basically 24/7 without thinking about.
Hopefully the next versions they can address that.
 
This is apple tv 2.0. It will not sell well. Price will drop. 199.99 is sweet spot for the sport. 299.99 for the stainless. Including a band.

The first impressions have been very telling. Critics are gleaming with excitement ovee rhe new macbook. I just am not reading that excitement for the watch. Wait 8 months for the price drop and for version 2 for proper pricing and packaging.
 
So what is the point of this thing again? And why do I want to be charging a wristwatch every freaking night?
 
appleguy123 said:
Pretty ridiculous that you can't delete the watch app from your phone.

It should have just been placed in the AppStore.
Click to expand...

Especially when 90% of us won't even have the stupid watch. Oh well, something will pop up in Cydia to delete it. :)
 
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What some goofy colored watch bands. Makes them look like kiddie watches you find in a cereal box. No professional would be caught dead in one of those.
 
How about doing your readership a service and post both positive and negative reviews instead of just the usual Apple boot lickers?
 
Judging by the videos i think that Android Wear is much cleaner and simpler to use. This Apple watch wants to have everything yet it doesnt have anything..
 
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