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

[wikiverse]

I think I'd be nervous using it as my hotel room key. I'd be paranoid about the battery running low, so would be trying to avoid using the watch whilst out and about... In case I returned to the hotel and am unable to get back in my room! (Where the charger would be waiting...!)

If you are seriously getting 'range anxiety' from a watch, then you shouldn't use this product.

Seriously, technology should complement your lifestyle. You shouldn't be a slave to it.

There is nothing - NOTHING - that this device does that can't also be achieved in another existing way; like a traditional hotel room key... or your iPhone.

 

[samcraig]

I don't misunderstand. I simply don't agree with you in the slightest. Each post you type more and more but I still can't agree with your logic because the Apple watch, to me, has no better or worse "idea" than it's competitors. You've proven nothing to me. And that's ok. We disagree.

As a side note - "watch" is also a verb. "look at or observe attentively, typically over a period of time" - so in the future, I doubt my grandkids will ask what a watch is because I don't anticipate time pieces going away. And as I just mentioned - regardless of function, if you're glancing at your wrist - it makes sense to call that device a "watch." - regardless of data presented.

Lastly - a smart phone is called a smart phone because it is still a phone. It offers a lot more - but it's still a phone too.

You misunderstand.

Usually when something gets invented or discovered it takes awhile to find a real use case for it.

Right now that thing you put on your wrist has no clear direction. It's a watch, a running/jogging tool, an exercise buddy, a watch that links to your phone, a watch that has personal medical ID on it, and a watch that helps you pay for things. I never said lacks direction. If I did I mistyped. I said it has no clear direction.

If I asked you what does a watch do can you answer that question with one sentence?

Phone - Used to communicate with people from a distance.
Computer - Used to process data into meaningful forms
Car - Used to travel at a distance
Watch - Used to tell time? Used to sync to your phone? Oh I Know - A watch is used as a jogging assistant. But I thought it was used to tell time. What's a watch?

Right now the idea of the watch paradigm is shifting before your very eyes. It's changing. A watch is no longer a watch. But what is it? Right now. No one knows but it's changing. Once the metamorphosis is completed that watch will be completely different and it will be required to live day to day. It won't be a watch anymore but it'll still be called a watch. Your grand kids will ask you why is it called a watch when it's used to monitor your health for example. You won't be able to answer it like you do now.

Why is your smart phone still called a phone? Clearly you can do a lot more with it than just "a system that converts acoustic vibrations to electrical signals in order to transmit sound, typically voices, over a distance using wire or radio."

 

[iMacoo7]

On the fence...

I remember when the MBA was first announced and I was an early adopter of that product. Surrounded with many frustrations with the device , because of the notorious heat sink failure(Although apple finally nullified the problems that the early adopters were having and price drop months later- lesson was learned....
Same lesson was learned for the Original iPhone. I was planning on the Apple Watch Space grey, but @ $1K AND this being a first Gen with the device evolving every year or bi-yearly It would be a waste (When I could settle for the sports edition and grab a new MB). I still am on the fence on which of the 2 models to settle with (Space Grey Sports edition VS. Apple Watch with sports band). The reason why Im toggling the fence is for the following reasons:
1. The scratch resistance of the sports vs. watch
Thats my biggest concern. If the sports edition has the same glass elements of the iPhone 6, then Ill be getting the watch, BUT then theres the infamous price drop which makes me think that the wisest choice would be the sports edition......
Any thoughts/comments from others on their choice of watch?

 

[pdqgp]

The Galaxy Gear S still requires a Samsung phone to load and update the apps on the watch. It also needs a cell contract to work standalone - a different one than the phone has.

The fact that the Gear S needs a Samsung to load apps isn't a big deal. How else are people going to get notifications? Also, it doesn't require a different contract, it's just an additional device that plays off your existing contract for an additional $10mo.

The Apple watch needs and iPhone to do just about anything. With the gear S you can leave your phone entirely at home and still do 95% of what you can with your phone. That's the entire beauty behind it. Go jogging, working in the yard, hit the gym, go to the store, etc. and you don't need to have you phone in your pocket or anywhere near you.

 

[SAJapple]

Apple Watch

I wonder how long the queues will be outside Apple stores on launch day.

 

[pdqgp]

It also pairs with wifi so you are really only using bluetooth when you don't have a wifi signal.

Not sure about Apple but with the Gear S, it defaults to bluetooth first as they say it uses less power. I can confirm this as I've tested it with the various connections.

Bluetooth
WiFi
Remote/Cell

 

[bbeagle]

The fact that the Gear S needs a Samsung to load apps isn't a big deal. How else are people going to get notifications? Also, it doesn't require a different contract, it's just an additional device that plays off your existing contract for an additional $10mo.

The Apple watch needs and iPhone to do just about anything. With the gear S you can leave your phone entirely at home and still do 95% of what you can with your phone. That's the entire beauty behind it. Go jogging, working in the yard, hit the gym, go to the store, etc. and you don't need to have you phone in your pocket or anywhere near you.

It's $15 a month on T-Mobile.

It's not all it's cracked up to be. Here's a review of the Galaxy Gear S:

I had my Gear S for almost 6 weeks and have tried it as a stand alone phone and also just as an accessory paired with my Galaxy 4. Using it as a stand alone phone was terrible. With it's only 3G capabilities and the phone's receiver, I had to be in close proximity to the cell towers. Unlike my Galaxy 4, the reception and ability to communicate was ten fold. I could not even use the Gear S in my home or car. I had to be out in the open in order to make or receive calls. Of course, having the Gear as a backup phone might be its' only fame. It is cool to answer calls, but of course, everyone hears your conversation. I now only use it when paired with my Galaxy S4.

http://www.t-mobile.com/internet-devices/samsung-gear-s.html

IVE HAD MY WATCH FOR 3 WEEKS AND ITS A NICE WATCH ONLY DOWNFALL IS THAT THE BATTERY LIFE IS ONLY HALF A DAY IF EVEN THAT IT OVERHEATS WHEN USING THE CHARGER BACKUP BATTERY (WHEN NOT ON ARM) AND IN USE EVEN WHEN USING IT ON ARM WILL OVERHEAT WHEN IN USE FOR EXTENDED PERIODS AND TURNS OFF I WAS PLANING TO USE THIS AS A 2ND LINE WHICH IS NOT A GOOD IDEA. BAD INVESTMENT

Yes, it might be a better situation than the Apple Watch SOMETIMES, and you're paying $15 x 12 = $180/year for the privilege.

No watch is perfect yet.

 

[samcraig]

It's $15 a month on T-Mobile.

It's not all it's cracked up to be. Here's a review of the Galaxy Gear S:


http://www.t-mobile.com/internet-devices/samsung-gear-s.html



Yes, it might be a better situation than the Apple Watch SOMETIMES, and you're paying $15 x 12 = $180/year for the privilege.

No watch is perfect yet.

Did you really just post a review to counter someone who seemingly HAS the watch and uses it? If so - I find that amusing.

 

[whiteboytrash]

The fact that the Gear S needs a Samsung to load apps isn't a big deal. How else are people going to get notifications? Also, it doesn't require a different contract, it's just an additional device that plays off your existing contract for an additional $10mo.

The Apple watch needs and iPhone to do just about anything. With the gear S you can leave your phone entirely at home and still do 95% of what you can with your phone. That's the entire beauty behind it. Go jogging, working in the yard, hit the gym, go to the store, etc. and you don't need to have you phone in your pocket or anywhere near you.

That's not true though. People just don't leave their phones at home. If they did it would be because they have a entire phone replacement product. Neither S or Watch replace the phone.

The tethering between watch and phone is very normal and what the device is built to do. Otherwise it would be a tiny scaled down phone with no battery life or features.

The other part is Apple Watch allows you to leave your phone at home. You just won't get notifications or phone calls unless you're in a Wi-Fi zone.

 

[pdqgp]

It's $15 a month on T-Mobile.

Cool. Glad I'm with AT&T where it's only $10mo. Well worth it.

It's not all it's cracked up to be. Here's a review of the Galaxy Gear S:

I had my Gear S for almost 6 weeks and have tried it as a stand alone phone and also just as an accessory paired with my Galaxy 4. Using it as a stand alone phone was terrible. With it's only 3G capabilities and the phone's receiver, I had to be in close proximity to the cell towers. Unlike my Galaxy 4, the reception and ability to communicate was ten fold. I could not even use the Gear S in my home or car. I had to be out in the open in order to make or receive calls. Of course, having the Gear as a backup phone might be its' only fame. It is cool to answer calls, but of course, everyone hears your conversation. I now only use it when paired with my Galaxy S4.

I own one and can say through personal experience it works great. As a stand alone unpaired device it works flawlessly. IMO the person quoted above must have a crappy carrier or live in the sticks. Reception is fine.

If I leave for the store, I leave my Note 3 at home. My watch pairs with my Cars bluetooth automatically. It takes about 1-2 minutes of lost pairing with my Note 3 to switch over to remote connection whereby auto call forwarding is activated. I use tasker to connect my phone instantly vs having to ring the Note 3 first then ring my watch.

Feel free to ask away with questions. Had mine since launch day and don't regret it for one minute. No doubt Apples apps look more unified and better but the Gear S has some really good ones and they work great.

Yes, it might be a better situation than the Apple Watch SOMETIMES, and you're paying $15 x 12 = $180/year for the privilege.

IMO the fact that the Samsung connects via cell is the entire reason to buy it. Why anyone would buy a phone that needs paired via BT or WiFi all the time is a PIA that I wouldn't endure. That to me is worth the mere $120yr on AT&T. Is it perfect, no, but it works just fine.

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That's not true though. People just don't leave their phones at home. If they did it would be because they have a entire phone replacement product. Neither S or Watch replace the phone.

They will once they use a device where they can. What prompted me to buy one was the simple fact that when I go riding bike trails with my kids, I don't want to be without a phone for safety reasons, but I also don't want us to have to carry them.

Now when I work in the yard, wash my car, run errands, go to dinner with the wife, am in meetings at work, etc. I can disconnect myself somewhat by just taking my watch. I don't my full phone with me all the time. My most common need is to respond via text or email which it does without my actual phone nearby. Voice dictation works great too.

The tethering between watch and phone is very normal and what the device is built to do. Otherwise it would be a tiny scaled down phone with no battery life or features.

If the Gear S can do it just fine and last 2 days then Apple should be able to. Yes, it's a scaled down phone with a large majority of overlap in features but that's exactly what I want.

In my real world use since last November I use it mostly for:

Text messages
Calender
Tasks
Notifications
Phone
Music player
GPS - Especially handy in the city
Handy alarm/reminder
Calculator

Those are the most common for me.

The other part is Apple Watch allows you to leave your phone at home. You just won't get notifications or phone calls unless you're in a Wi-Fi zone. Just like the S.

Apple Watch is NOT just like the Gear S. The Gear is completely standalone for notifications as it has it's own sim card. What's the point of having an iWatch if both devices need to be on the same wifi or tethered via BT? That limits you severely.

Again, the Gear S is far from perfect, but being an avid user of both platforms and a user of the Gear S too, I'm happy to share a first hand view.

Using one won't change your life, but it does extend how you are able to use technology. I was one that for the longest time couldn't "get-it" when it came to wearables, but once I found a stand alone unit I jumped in the deep end and have enjoyed the swim since.

 

[iAshley]

I think it was unexpectedly nice for Apple to allow Apple Pay to work if you have an iPhone 5, 5C or 5S.

They make money from Apple Pay...

 

[Lancer]

Why is everyone obsessed with the price of the gold Apple watch? Non of us are actually going to buy the gold watch.

Because you know that's the number the media is going to focus on.

 

[mkeeley]

As someone pointed out it looks quite smart in product shots on its own, looks rubbish shown being worn. It's like they designed it without ever putting it on.

 

[RebornProphet]

I look forward to updating to Watch OS 2 in a years time and seeing my first gen Watch lag.

 

[bbeagle]

Did you really just post a review to counter someone who seemingly HAS the watch and uses it? If so - I find that amusing.

It's interesting that you believe in ONE person's experience, like that person's experience is gospel. It's good to get more than ONE opinion.

----------

I own one and can say through personal experience it works great. As a stand alone unpaired device it works flawlessly. IMO the person quoted above must have a crappy carrier or live in the sticks. Reception is fine.

.....

Apple Watch is NOT just like the Gear S. The Gear is completely standalone for notifications as it has it's own sim card. What's the point of having an iWatch if both devices need to be on the same wifi or tethered via BT? That limits you severely.

Again, the Gear S is far from perfect, but being an avid user of both platforms and a user of the Gear S too, I'm happy to share a first hand view.

Thanks for the opinions.

It's very tough to navigate out there. The companies themselves (in this case Samsung/Apple) will stretch the truth on their products, and you won't really know what you get until you buy something. And then fanboys on both sides won't tell anyone of the flaws. It's really ridiculous.

The part I have sort of an issue with is that I want a watch that I can use on it's own - and NOT own a cell phone. It seems with the Galaxy Gear S, you need a cell phone to download/update apps, but you also get a 2nd phone number - now you've got to give everyone BOTH your numbers. It's a lot better than the Apple Watch situation, but still a pain.

And then there's Apple Pay - Samsung Pay or Google Wallet won't work on the Gear S, right? You'd need your phone, or physical wallet to pay, right?

 

[pdqgp]

It's interesting that you believe in ONE person's experience, like that person's experience is gospel. It's good to get more than ONE opinion.

Feel free to read the message boards. The Gear S reception is great. I travel lots of places for my job and have yet to encounter a signal issue. I use it without my phone a lot too as when I go into meetings with clients I always leave my phone in my car.

----------

It's very tough to navigate out there. The companies themselves (in this case Samsung/Apple) will stretch the truth on their products, and you won't really know what you get until you buy something. And then fanboys on both sides won't tell anyone of the flaws. It's really ridiculous.

No problem. Happy to share the flaws too. The biggest of which for me is that it looks like a mini Note 3 on my wrist. There are a lot more attractive designs out there. That said though, a lot of people are intrigued by it still and look past it's appearance once they see that it actually functions.

The part I have sort of an issue with is that I want a watch that I can use on it's own - and NOT own a cell phone. It seems with the Galaxy Gear S, you need a cell phone to download/update apps, but you also get a 2nd phone number - now you've got to give everyone BOTH your numbers. It's a lot better than the Apple Watch situation, but still a pain.

I understand. That's a different problem entirely. I sorta did what you're saying because initially I used a cheap $15 phone for an additional $10mo for when I didn't want to carry my Note 3 with me. Crazy right? I did that for about 3 months then I bought the Gear S.

I approached the decision knowing that it may be a device that I toss in the garbage 2-3yrs from now. After all, it's technology and again, not the most perfect device. However, I buy what gets the job done for me in the moment and ride it out until the next better thing comes out and provides me a value proposition worth upgrading to. Gear S today, who knows what next year or the year after.

 

[samcraig]

It's interesting that you believe in ONE person's experience, like that person's experience is gospel. It's good to get more than ONE opinion.

----------

Only I didn't. You pointed to one review as your proof point. I merely pointed out that i find it amusing that you used that to counter someone who had the device - as if that person wouldn't know more than a) you and b) likely more than the reviewer who mostly likely only used the device for an abbreviated amount of time vs this owner.

 

[MacMulti]

Think I will be too lazy to have to keep it charged daily.

Even having to replace my watch battery every 3 years bugs me.

I just like my watch to do what it does best, keep the time, nothing else.

 

[bbeagle]

T
With the gear S you can leave your phone entirely at home and still do 95% of what you can with your phone. That's the entire beauty behind it. Go jogging, working in the yard, hit the gym, go to the store, etc. and you don't need to have you phone in your pocket or anywhere near you.

This sounds exactly what I want in a watch.

It's just prohibitively expensive for me, because it requires a Samsung phone. It's $350 + $180 cell service + $600 phone = $1130.

If Samsung could allow downloading/updating apps from a PC/Mac, then it would be do-able, but not the way it is.

Conversely, Apple Watch has the same issue for non-Apple users.

Pebble and Microsoft watches are better then if you don't want the particular watch built by the same company as your phone.

 

[pdqgp]

It seems with the Galaxy Gear S, you need a cell phone to download/update apps, but you also get a 2nd phone number - now you've got to give everyone BOTH your numbers. It's a lot better than the Apple Watch situation, but still a pain.

And then there's Apple Pay - Samsung Pay or Google Wallet won't work on the Gear S, right? You'd need your phone, or physical wallet to pay, right?

No, you don't hand out your watch PH#. No need. The only time it's going to appear is if your main phone is OFF or DEAD and it is truly your only device on and running. Otherwise the Gear S connects remotely to your phone. If you call the Gear S # while it's connected, you will go straight to voice mail. Not a big deal as the user gets a notification.

Now it is true that if your main phone is DEAD or OFF and you text or call someone it will show as a different number they may not recognize, but that's very rare. I've never had that happen as my phone is usually on 24x7.

You are correct that Apple Pay and Google Wallet won't work. That's kinda a bummer for me but I'm okay with it as honestly, I'm not ready to go into a store without a credit card.

This sounds exactly what I want in a watch.

It's just prohibitively expensive for me, because it requires a Samsung phone. It's $350 + $180 cell service + $600 phone = $1130.
If Samsung could allow downloading/updating apps from a PC/Mac, then it would be do-able, but not the way it is.

Conversely, Apple Watch has the same issue for non-Apple users.Pebble and Microsoft watches are better then if you don't want the particular watch built by the same company as your phone.

Yep. There are still dilemmas for some. I've toyed around with getting an LG or other tethered only version as there are times such as at trade shows and other places where I will have my phone with me and use it for notifications, etc. Again, people spend money on watches and clothes and other items all the time.

 

[mdelvecchio]

What a shame that MR has been taken over by haters.

If you can't afford $349, you're not in the game. Focus on your grades.

 

[PatriotInvasion]

So why is this device that is about 1/32nd as capable as an iPhone more than 50% the cost of an iPhone starting? I mean I guess I get why gold is expensive but stainless steel? Not exactly a precious metal. This is an iPhone accessory and should be priced in the $149 - $249 range. Not interested at these price points and the fashion appeal is very very subjective on the higher end models.

 

[samcraig]

What a shame that MR has been taken over by haters.

If you can't afford $349, you're not in the game. Focus on your grades.

Yes... because that's the reason people have criticisms. In fact - it's clearly the only reason.

This sounds exactly what I want in a watch.

It's just prohibitively expensive for me, because it requires a Samsung phone. It's $350 + $180 cell service + $600 phone = $1130.

If Samsung could allow downloading/updating apps from a PC/Mac, then it would be do-able, but not the way it is.

Conversely, Apple Watch has the same issue for non-Apple users.

Pebble and Microsoft watches are better then if you don't want the particular watch built by the same company as your phone.

It is an issue of ecosystem... which is why I have said to those Pebble "naysayers" that Pebble does offer a great deal of value as it's platform agnostic and does much of what many people want or think they need. It won't do everything - but it is a good device at a good price point.

 

[gregrose]

LOL this watch looks like a total joke and after watching how the interface works, it makes me laugh even more. I cant believe anyone would actually buy this over priced piece of junk that does nothing interesting. People will quickly regret their decision of buying this product.

Trash

 

[pdqgp]

It is an issue of ecosystem... which is why I have said to those Pebble "naysayers" that Pebble does offer a great deal of value as it's platform agnostic and does much of what many people want or think they need. It won't do everything - but it is a good device at a good price point.

^^ This. I know friends that have Pebble and like it. Again, think of the wearable as an extension of the main device. Even if that extension isn't huge.