Apple Watch has shown that Apple has lost its way

[ctdonath]

What part did they innovate?

UX.

Long ago an industry-leading naysayer opined of the iPod "no wireless. less space than a Nomad. Lame." , however, got the user experience RIGHT, and the Watch is the descendant of that (a hundred billion dollars cash under the mattress later ... and what's a Nomad?). It's not that any particular aspect is outstandingly awesomely undeniably innovative, it's that they put the right innovation together into something that will take over the "smart watch" industry overnight.

 

[Uofmtiger]

For me, the Airplay and Remote ability to control iTunes/Appletv seem like useful features around the house or when the iPhone is docked at work. Not sure this would work with an Android, but I don't really care.

I think it looks pretty cool in some versions, but the $350 price tag for the cheapest model and the short shelf life of version one devices (when was the last time the Original iPad got an update?) makes me hesitant. If the music gestures work with Spotify or even Beats, I would get enough use out if it in a couple years to deal with the fact that it could be obsolete when I move on to iPhone 8.

If Roomie remote was supported, I would definitely buy it. So, I am just going to wait and see. I think more will be known before the release.

 

[mcdj]

I don't know how many years its been since I changed the battery in my Seiko.

How many years has it been since your Seiko has let you;

Respond to a text message?
Map your location?
Monitor your heart rate?
Interface with your music?
Check your email?
Swap out new dials?
Count your steps?

For that matter, I have NEVER changed the battery in my mechanical Rolex, so the Apple Watch must be a piece of crap.

Just because something tells time and is worn on the wrist doesn't mean it's strictly a watch. Comparing it to strictly watches is a fool's errand.

 

[Cinder6]

I think it looks great. Not fantastic, but great. It's a simple, elegant design. I did expect something a little flashier, or at least a little more eye-catching, but I'm not upset with what we got.

For me, a smartwatch needs a few things:

1. Show me notifications
2. Look good
3. Last at least a day on a charge

(I would be super excited if the screen was on all the time with a watch face, not just when I'm looking at it. I suspect that will be in the next version, assuming battery tech allows it.)

The Apple Watch hits all three, plus a whole lot more. $350 is chump change for a good watch, and for all the features it has, I would have expected at least $400, so I'm happy with the price.

I'm a bit baffled as to why everyone is so upset over it not being a round display. A round display is great for telling time with traditional hands, but not much else. It shows less data and looks awkward. Just look at the Moto 360 when not showing a watch face--it looks silly.

Plus, it's not like squared watch faces are in any way new or unusual. Tons of watches are square; it's just that the cheap ones most people buy tend to be round. Take a look at the Tag Monaco, for instance, which is a design that's been around for years.

Since everyone's making the comparison between the Apple Watch and the Moto 360, I'll chime in as well, because why not. The 360 looks better than the Apple Watch when standing alone and on a watch face. The Apple Watch looks better when actually worn. Of course, this is fashion we're talking about. There are as many opinions as there are people.

Regarding thickness: 12(.3)mm is pretty standard for automatic watches. Mine is 12mm exactly, and it doesn't feel thick at all. It's also only a little bit thicker than the Moto 360 (which is 11.5mm) (I mention this because most people I see complaining about the thickness elsewhere praise the 360).

In the end, though...if you don't like it, then don't buy it. I know I'll buy one, assuming the battery life meets my requirements.

 

[kathyricks]

Reviewer says the Apple Watch is not a compelling product yet but could be in the future: http://seekingalpha.com/article/2483315-apple-hasnt-solved-the-smart-watch-dilemma?uprof=46

 

[mcdj]

Reviewer says the Apple Watch is not a compelling product yet but could be in the future: http://seekingalpha.com/article/2483315-apple-hasnt-solved-the-smart-watch-dilemma?uprof=46

That dude is a wind bag. Version 2 of a product will be better than version 1? He took out a student loan to write that?

The first iPod was clunky, but it was still light years ahead of anything on the market. The original MacBook Air was slow and hot, but jaw droppingly thin and light, and let people take computers places they never had before. The first ipad was a brick by today's standards, but back then it felt like a slab of pure awesome, and it defined an industry like the iPhone before it.

The next WATCH will be thinner and more powerful. Gee, ya think?

 

[Lloydbm41]

Besides the interface, the gold alloy, the sapphire laminated glass, the integration of infrared health meters, and shrinking everything into one tiny chip?

LOL @ "the gold alloy"! So Apple innovated gold now? That is funny.

 

[tomo999]

I think price and battery life will affect sales a little, the styling too won't be to everyones taste. I'd hesitate in strapping a $350.00 watch onto my wrist to go mountain biking even if it was made out of toughened gold and sapphire as thats a lot of money for me. Same reason I didn't buy a Sunnto Ambit; too expensive to risk damaging it. If the battery can last 10-12hrs heavy use before re-charging is needed then thats good enough for me. Being only water resistant is a concern and a slight drawback. I hope v2 onwards will be water-proof.

The software for the watch looks fantastic; some of the features are truley amazing. Applepay is a big investment for the company, I hope venders around the world see the benefits that the added security brings and will invest in its use.

Showing the i-watch now and then waiting until 2015 to start selling it is quite clever. Apple can gauge public reaction and then try to address any obvious concerns before they go on sale. They can tweak the design (more straps, different colors etc) and include any new apps that get designed between now and when it goes out on sale.

I won't be buying V1 - not at $350.00, but I applaud Apple for the innovation and will be watching developments with interest.

 

[iPadPublisher]

Lets see how their first quarter sales look once the Apple Watch is on sale, and see if you still feel this way. Or maybe the OP forgets that Apple is a business.

While the Apple Watch may not be all things to all people, the truth is that they will likely shake up the watch business for some time into the future. Disrupt it? No... probably not... but they'll be a player from launch day, and it will generate at least $1.1 Billion in new gross sales it's first year.

 

[yep-sure]

I don't understand that desire/need/want for smart watches at all. They seem like basically a little notification panel on your wrist - nothing more. In this case, it's a big chunky 2007-esq notification panel.

All the fitness stuff sounds cool, but then you realise you need to have an iPhone on you for it to work to it's full potential - which begs the question, if you have an iPhone on you, why on earth would you use the apps on the Apple Watch, when you can have the full, much better experience just by taking your iPhone out of your pocket.

Am I missing something here, or am I correct in saying this offers nothing new to anyone?

 

[dav1dd]

Reviewer says the Apple Watch is not a compelling product yet but could be in the future: http://seekingalpha.com/article/2483315-apple-hasnt-solved-the-smart-watch-dilemma?uprof=46

This looks like spam. You need to register to read the article

 

[CausticPuppy]

As a fashion item... I really don't think it is that pricey. Women buy Coach purses that cost that much... Or a nice pair of shoes. You probably aren't going to wear the same pricey shoes everyday but you could certainly get a lot of use out of the watch. Do I wish it cost less? Sure... $299 would be great but I won't give up on it for $50.

Good point... my closet is filled with $300 pairs of obsolete shoes that my wife no longer wears.

But, those shoes still work exactly as well as they did when they were new, for anybody that wants to wear them.

 

[Zellio]

UX.

Long ago an industry-leading naysayer opined of the iPod "no wireless. less space than a Nomad. Lame." , however, got the user experience RIGHT, and the Watch is the descendant of that (a hundred billion dollars cash under the mattress later ... and what's a Nomad?). It's not that any particular aspect is outstandingly awesomely undeniably innovative, it's that they put the right innovation together into something that will take over the "smart watch" industry overnight.

So what if they have their own user interface? If you have a superior in every way iPhone sitting in your pocket why the hell are you going to be screwing around with the Apple Watch?

 

[petererr]

Get over it. Worry about your own life. Move over to Android. Do something productive. Design something better. The ball is in your court.

What the **** are you talking about? People are in this forum to talk about Apple and Apple products. We worry about our own life in some other time. Otherwise why the **** you were posting your pretentious reply in this thread?

 

[iososx]

This is true. You can tell they're saving some low-hanging fruit for further iterations.

I agree with comparisons to the iPad. People, myself included were massively disappointed with the first generation. But the product has come into its own, even if it has seen a bit of a lull since the release of iOS 7.

Very well said

 

[6GenNANO]

So what if they have their own user interface? If you have a superior in every way iPhone sitting in your pocket why the hell are you going to be screwing around with the Apple Watch?

I do wish it was fully independent. However, if I am at the gym and my phone is in my locker or strapped to my arm, it will be a lot easier to search for specific music tracks, check messages, check workout progress from the watch etc. Also, in areas where I am not allowed to use my phone (work), I can just use my watch.

 

[needfx]

...Also, in areas where I am not allowed to use my phone (work), I can just use my watch.

this will definitely raise security concerns & workplace rule adjustments

 

[katewes]

This is my explanation for the Apple Watch looking like a monstrosity.

Apple hasn't lost it's way. No. Apple is now showing signs of gross arrogance, and thinking it can do no wrong. Remember the comments of Jony Ive thinking the Swiss watchmakers would be quaking in their boots. Not.

I had been postponing buying a heart-rate monitor watch, waiting eagerly for the Apple Watch. After that gross unveiling, I'm off in search of a more beautiful watch.

 

[Blakjack]

I was going to type my own, but I read this comment over on Engadget and it's exactly my thoughts on the Apple Watch.

"I, too, have to disagree with your analysis. What you fail to address is the fact that almost all of Apple's products have not been "revolutionary" in terms of the functionality they've brought to the market. Their tablets, MP3 players, and smart phones have all merely been polished versions of existing technology. But they've brought them together in a marketable way, in a way that consumers are eager to embrace, and in a way that benefits the collective ecosystem of Apple products.

Does this watch necessarily have features lacking from other smart watches? I'd argue it doesn't, not in the ways that matter to the majority of people. But it does bring that same level of functionality to almost 50% of the US population (iPhone market is about 42.4% this month). Something that Samsung's watches never would. It brings a level of class and choice to the device not currently available from the predominantly plastic batch of existing watches. It rounds out the package by supporting future expandability through a rich developer base who will have access to the watch as an extension of their apps.

Like any other piece of technology, it isn't the last watch you'll ever buy, next year's model will be slimmer, last longer, and have greater functionality (probably more health sensors). But that won't stop a ton of people from jumping on them this year."

All in all.....ITS A REALLY GREAT START FOR THE APPLE WATCH. Apple has provided the basics in the watch. Like this guy said, the incredible amount of app developers in Apples drawer will make this watch way more incredible than we can imagine.

And I'm on the bandwagon with those who think that apple unveiled only half of the purpose of this watch. When apple officially launches it next year, I think they will unveil their healthcare partnerships as well.

And for those of you who look for innovation in every new thing....GROW UP!! Innovation isn't always what's important. Most of the time, just doing it right is. It's a process people.

 

[Superman041]

I won't be buying the first version, but I will in a few years time, just like I did with the iPhone. Once the technology develops further, develops maximise potential etc.

I don't have the money to be shelling out every few years.

Interesting article...http://9to5mac.com/2014/09/10/apple...ery-life-expects-improvements-by-2015-launch/



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I think price and battery life will affect sales a little, the styling too won't be to everyones taste. I'd hesitate in strapping a $350.00 watch onto my wrist to go mountain biking even if it was made out of toughened gold and sapphire as thats a lot of money for me. Same reason I didn't buy a Sunnto Ambit; too expensive to risk damaging it. If the battery can last 10-12hrs heavy use before re-charging is needed then thats good enough for me. Being only water resistant is a concern and a slight drawback. I hope v2 onwards will be water-proof.

The software for the watch looks fantastic; some of the features are truley amazing. Applepay is a big investment for the company, I hope venders around the world see the benefits that the added security brings and will invest in its use.

Showing the i-watch now and then waiting until 2015 to start selling it is quite clever. Apple can gauge public reaction and then try to address any obvious concerns before they go on sale. They can tweak the design (more straps, different colors etc) and include any new apps that get designed between now and when it goes out on sale.

I won't be buying V1 - not at $350.00, but I applaud Apple for the innovation and will be watching developments with interest.

I didn't read this before I posted, but I agree with you on not buying v1. Definitely something to get in a few years.

 

[DaveTheRave]

Then a smartwatch is not for you. Why are you in this thread? You want a smartwatch you never have to charge? You're dreaming.

A smart watch could be for me, if it had decent battery life. And I'm going to wait and see if there any killer apps coming out over the next few months. If I had to charge it once a week, maybe I would consider it. I never said never had to charge it.

I think the smart watch doesn't really solve a problem that most people have. Tap notifications on your wrist is a cool idea, but the hassle of charging yet another device on a regular basis (in my opinion) isn't worth the hassle or cost when I have my phone in my pocket.

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How many years has it been since your Seiko has let you;

Respond to a text message?
Map your location?
Monitor your heart rate?
Interface with your music?
Check your email?
Swap out new dials?
Count your steps?

For that matter, I have NEVER changed the battery in my mechanical Rolex, so the Apple Watch must be a piece of crap.

Just because something tells time and is worn on the wrist doesn't mean it's strictly a watch. Comparing it to strictly watches is a fool's errand.

Wow you sound defensive. What's up with that. I never said it was a piece of crap. Thanks for putting words in my mouth. And thanks for explaining to me that a Seiko is not the same as an Apple Watch. I had no friction idea!

I think I hear a "baaah" sound, getting louder...

 

[sflomenb]

I may be completely wrong, but I don't see the watch as something that Apple is going to update every year like the iPhone or iPad. I think we're probably looking at longer cycles.

Just a (unsubstantiated) hunch.

I really hope so.

I fully disagree that it is terrible and hideous. I think it looks great and it is just the beginning. App designers and apple will work together now to create even more ways to incorporate usage. I'm excited to get one.

Agree wholeheartedly.

 

[ctdonath]

So what if they have their own user interface? If you have a superior in every way iPhone sitting in your pocket why the hell are you going to be screwing around with the Apple Watch?

For the same reason you have an iPhone instead of a dumbphone and laptop which is "superior in every way" (same prolific arguments after smartphones & tablets arrived): you might be able to do the same things _objectively_ better, but _subjectively_ is equally important and something few get as right as tends to.

 

[Zellio]

For the same reason you have an iPhone instead of a dumbphone and laptop which is "superior in every way" (same prolific arguments after smartphones & tablets arrived): you might be able to do the same things _objectively_ better, but _subjectively_ is equally important and something few get as right as tends to.

LOL, there's no 'objectively' better when the watch REQUIRES THE PHONE, and the phone is already better in every way.

I hope you know that kissing up to Apple every chance you get isn't going to win you brownie points or free stuff.

 

[yep-sure]

This is exactly my point - if you have to have your phone on you for the watch to work properly, why wouldn't you just use your phone and get the full experience of the app?