Apple Watch isn't That Useful; Also Needs Major Design Change

[convergent]

Yes - I've used a Gear S2 (tried one that was owned by a friend) and at the time (before owning an Apple Watch) thought the rotating dial was a way better idea than the crown. I've also had a Pebble which is controlled entirely by buttons on the side. I personally prefer the crown, although I feel like the people who don't like it aren't using it like I am. Most UI elements on the Apple Watch are now vertical scrolling lists (such as the App switcher or starting a workout) and I use the crown a bit like a scroll wheel on a mouse (which I think the scroll wheel is the best addition ever made to mouses) by just placing my index finder on the side of the crown (the bit facing the screen) and scrolling up or down - I actually think it's pretty slick and intuitive. Not sure how sweaty or dirty hands would impact that? Using a touch screen in general with dirty hands isn't great so having a physical button that you can use to minimize rubbing greasy fingers over the screen seems like a plus. Am I missing something?

Yeh, your missing that a large rotating dial is better in that scenario than a tiny crown. They put large weighted dials to control volume on audio gear for a reason. This is of course personal preference.

 

[madeirabhoy]

on thinking about it, I wouldn't miss either button if both of them disappeared.

the crown, I only use the twisting for one app, on my Samsung tv app it turns the volume up and down ever so slowly.

I do press it to get the apps, but not that often. I find it easier to have each different face having different complications so its quicker to swipe a couple of times to the side than to press the crown then try to hit the tiny circle with my finger.

the 'doc button. does nothing for me. its ugly.


for me, replace the two buttons with a touch sensitive slider bit

 

[Cyberghost]

I don't know why people start threads like this. All you're going to do is kick off a pointless debate. The people that love it will grab their torches and pitchforks and leap into the fray. The "me too's" will pile on, as they're always up for an entertaining fight.

It's useful to some, others not so much. (most people just don't give it a chance). A friend of mine bought and returned an S0 4 times before he finally decided to give it more than a week. Now he couldn't go a day without it.

I use mine all of the time for Apple Pay and my grocery list (handy as hell doing that with Siri as you're peering into the fridge). Always checking the temperature outside before I head out to make sure I'm appropriately dressed (tricky time of year up here). I have used the flight pass thing a couple of times. I'll read text messages and notifications on it if they're short....more than a screen (unless they catch my attention with something important), I'll wait to read it on my iPhone. When I get to the gym, recording my workouts is motivational...helps prod me to keep going to close my rings.

Edit: Oh...and I forgot...I also use it to play music during the workouts at the gym - leaving my iPhone safely locked in my car.

Looking forward to my carrier getting their head out of their ass and enabling eSIM provisioning so I can also have the cellular convenience when I forget my phone (which I'm notorious for doing) - but I may have to leave the AirPods in the car so that works for me.

I thoroughly enjoyed my S0 for a bit over two years. Hoping I get as much or more use out of my S3.

Again, to each their own. Not everyone gets enough out of what the watch can do to make it valuable to them.

This is actually a very good and helpful thread. I am on the verge of getting an AW and really need to see other's opinions to know if I will have a good use of the thing. Saw some almost new old series on craigslist and I guess people bought them because the didn't know they don't have a use for them.

 

[2010lexus]

I am a first time Apple Watch owner with the Series 3. I didn't want to dump money on the earlier versions of the Watch that were slow with poor battery life. And I just wasn't sold on the Watch anyway or smartwatches in general, because I know they have one major fatal flaw: screen size. There are other issues as well that cause problems for a watch form factor to be a computing device, but screen size is the most notable one. This results in the functionality and usability of the device to be significantly constrained and limited to the point where it's hard to make a case for a watch form factor to be a meaningful computing device.

I bought the Series 3 Watch and have had it since it became available. It's largely a forgettable device for me. There are very few things that it does that are good, and particularly in relation to a smartphone. I'm keeping it and using it basically for the health stuff, Apple Pay, and a few other nice to haves. The heart rate monitoring is good.

Here are the issues with the Watch:

• Any kind of productivity stuff is horrible. For instance, reading and responding to Emails; taking notes; writing text messages...
• Other Apps, like news Apps, Chipotle, Parking, etc. are so hamstrung as to be in many cases close to useless, and especially when you have to fiddle with your phone for logins.
• The design is terrible. It's too thick and the Crown and second button complicate the design and use. I hardly ever use the Crown to scroll; the other button is jarring and I only really use it for Apple Pay. The screen is also too small.
• Battery life is terrible. It's nice that a User can get through a day, but this is a watch. It's good that it can be charged relatively quickly, but it's annoying to have to deal with charging it so often, particularly in the context of having other electronic devices that a person has to deal with. This has really started to wear a bit on me.
• Overall, it hardly does anything better than a smartphone, and for that reason, barely has a reason to live. When I go to my MacBook Pro over my iPhone 6 Plus, it's like a calming feeling because I know I get the full Web, full Apps, and productivity is at a relative max. But the 6 Plus is capable. With the Watch, it's like a third "distraction". I'm better off skipping things like Email, etc. on it and just using my smartphone. In other words, the Watch is so hamstrung and so much worse at several things compared to a smartphone, it's just not worth spending time and energy doing those things on the Watch; I just go for the smartphone. The Watch comes in handy sometimes when I'm really on the go, but it's few and far between.
• LTE: Terrible. 1 hour of talk time, and $10 per month. I'm no longer using it, and it really isn't necessary either, because of how much I have my phone on me. In other words, the LTE functionality does nothing for me and if it did, it's flawed because of how quickly it drains the battery and the expense of it.

So I will keep the Watch for health stuff like heart rate monitoring, Apple Pay, and the convenience of having some smartphone functionality in an extremely portable, wearable form factor. But it's not an essential device and quite a flawed computing form factor.

If Apple dumped the Crown and second button, and offset the screen to make it larger, and thinned out the device with better battery life, it would help. But it still wouldn't change this into anything more than it is: a bit of a gimmick computing category with some nice to haves.

Well with all the things you dislike with it you should return it,why have anything you dislike that much.
I have to wonder why you would even buy the watch in the first place. All the things you dislike about it you would have known before you purchased it.

 

[convergent]

This is actually a very good and helpful thread. I am on the verge of getting an AW and really need to see other's opinions to know if I will have a good use of the thing. Saw some almost new old series on craigslist and I guess people bought them because the didn't know they don't have a use for them.

I bought mine used ... gen 0... and had it for 2 years and loved it. If you can find a used older generation with AppleCare, then that is a great way to go. Its what I did. I think a lot of people impulse buy the AW and then don't really use it. I found the gen 0 to work fine and perform fine, from WatchOS 2 on.

 

[booksbooks]

This is actually a very good and helpful thread. I am on the verge of getting an AW and really need to see other's opinions to know if I will have a good use of the thing. Saw some almost new old series on craigslist and I guess people bought them because the didn't know they don't have a use for them.

Right. I'm very interested in the viability of smartwatches: whether they have a reason to live or not. There are lots of AWs on Craigslist in the major city I live in. I use this as a partial indicator of the usefulness of tech and whether a product is being used, or tossed aside.
[doublepost=1508950555][/doublepost]

Well with all the things you dislike with it you should return it,why have anything you dislike that much.
I have to wonder why you would even buy the watch in the first place. All the things you dislike about it you would have known before you purchased it.

If you go back in this thread you'll see the answer as to why I bought it.

 

[newellj]

This is actually a very good and helpful thread. I am on the verge of getting an AW and really need to see other's opinions to know if I will have a good use of the thing. Saw some almost new old series on craigslist and I guess people bought them because the didn't know they don't have a use for them.

I was a skeptic, but I'm convinced. And I'm really only using it for the health/fitness functions. If I were using it for things like email and texts, I'd probably be even more enthusiastic.

 

[bodonnell202]

Yeh, your missing that a large rotating dial is better in that scenario than a tiny crown. They put large weighted dials to control volume on audio gear for a reason. This is of course personal preference.

Weighty dials certainly have their place, but I can't see how it would be faster or better in this scenario - again I go back to the mouse and how the scroll wheel is the perfect solution for scrolling down pages. To each their own though - if we all liked things to be exactly the same it would be a pretty bland world. I live in a household where I'm pretty much all in on the Apple ecosystem (aside from my Windows based work computer) and my partner is all in on Samsung. We still manage to get along just fine

 

[noteple]

I was an early adopter of fitness tracker and later Android Watch.
As soon as I got over the having to charge it every day I purchased an Apple watch S2.
Its integration with my iPhone along with its current battery life I miss it when wearing a different (dumb/dress) watch.
When its thinner or longer battery life I will upgrade and not look back.
For everyone else there is a 14 day return policy

 

[xDKP]

Have you used anything else. My point was I thought it was OK until I tried something that had a much better UI. The crown is not good, especially with sweaty or dirty hands.

I’ve run a lot with my AW2 - three marathons this year alone - and not once thought that sweat made the crown worse or harder to use. The screen yes, but thankfully Apple has that covered in the workout app with pressing both buttons pausing the race.

Yes the workout app could see some improvements but it’s already pretty damn solid for us doing a lot of running and wanting something where all is in one device that looks great (personal I know, but I thinks it’s pretty iconic design already).

Smack my Saddle brown leather on my SS or the link and it’s ready for the office or a dinner. Change it to the black sport or Nike sports strap and it’s amazing for a long run leaving my phone at home. The combination with the AirPods makes this the best running buddy (besides my dog) I’ve ever had. Hands down

At the end of the day, it seems like both sides of the table in here really need to accept there is a very different approach to these devices. I have a friend still on S0 who only really uses it as a Watch with notifications - as stated above I use mine mainly as a lovely watch and a pretty great running Watch - perfect combo

 

[44267547]

If you go back in this thread you'll see the answer as to why I bought it.

I think that member you responded to Already acknowledged you purchased it, but ultimately is questioning if you have this much disdain for it, why even retain it for something that you consistently find fault and disparage against.

But one thing after reading through this thread that is widely apparent, is the Apple Watch does so many things, but it doesn't have to do everything for you. You can pick and choose and use the features that accommodate the user the best. Everybody will use the Apple Watch differently and how it will convenience them. But the majority will find that the Apple Watch will find some usefulness that justifies the purchase based on how it does not have to involve the iPhone for every thing.

 

[hlfway2anywhere]

I think that member you responded to Already acknowledged you purchased it, but ultimately is questioning if you have this much disdain for it, why even retain it for something that you consistently find fault and disparage against.

But one thing after reading through this thread that is widely apparent, is the Apple Watch does so many things, but it doesn't have to do everything for you. You can pick and choose and use the features that accommodate the user the best. Everybody will use the Apple Watch differently and how it will convenience them. But the majority will find that the Apple Watch will find some usefulness that justifies the purchase based on how it does not have to involve the iPhone for every thing.

I’ve found it really exciting to read about what other people are using their watch for. Things I hadn’t thought about using mine for. That has been the best part of the thread.

 

[booksbooks]

I think that member you responded to Already acknowledged you purchased it, but ultimately is questioning if you have this much disdain for it, why even retain it for something that you consistently find fault and disparage against.

But one thing after reading through this thread that is widely apparent, is the Apple Watch does so many things, but it doesn't have to do everything for you. You can pick and choose and use the features that accommodate the user the best. Everybody will use the Apple Watch differently and how it will convenience them. But the majority will find that the Apple Watch will find some usefulness that justifies the purchase based on how it does not have to involve the iPhone for every thing.

You make some very broad sweeping generalizations that I'm certain you don't have the data to back it up. Saying things like what you say in terms of "the majority of people will...": you cannot say that. You do not know what the majority of people will find regarding the Apple Watch in the context of its usefulness to them, and neither do I. Especially as you make a claim that the majority of people will find usefulness to the point where it justifies their purchase. You cannot say that because you do not know.

This is a several hundred dollar item where the usefulness of it is absolutely suspect for me, as it is for several reviewers who have reviewed the product over the past couple of years, and even to some people on this thread. It doesn't mean that it doesn't have use to you, or some others. I am not taking that away. People can criticize a product all day, and they're allowed to.

Just because something is useful to you, doesn't mean it is to me, or the majority of human beings. And just because something isn't useful to me, doesn't mean it isn't useful for you, or the majority of human beings. But the reality here is that nobody, nobody can say that the AW or smartwatches in general are useful to the majority of people.

Where my analysis has focused particularly is whether the smartwatch has a reason to live in the context of not just its functions on its own, but in relation to smartphones, since they necessarily compete with smartphones as smartphones are generally on people most of the time.

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

I like mine for the ability to use Apple Pay, get notifications and use Siri with my phone still in my pocket - I use Siri to ask for answers to questions, read and send messages, make phone calls, set timers, and control the lights in my house. And also for it's ability to track my activity and keep me motivated to keep moving.

I don't see it as a replacement for my phone, but as a way to do things when my hands are full or my phone isn't within easy reach. LTE is just icing on the cake for when I go into a store and realize too late that I've left my phone in the car.

 

[bodonnell202]

You make some very broad sweeping generalizations that I'm certain you don't have the data to back it up. Saying things like what you say in terms of "the majority of people will...": you cannot say that. You do not know what the majority of people will find regarding the Apple Watch in the context of its usefulness to them, and neither do I. Especially as you make a claim that the majority of people will find usefulness to the point where it justifies their purchase. You cannot say that because you do not know.

This is a several hundred dollar item where the usefulness of it is absolutely suspect for me, as it is for several reviewers who have reviewed the product over the past couple of years, and even to some people on this thread. It doesn't mean that it doesn't have use to you, or some others. I am not taking that away. People can criticize a product all day, and they're allowed to.

Just because something is useful to you, doesn't mean it is to me, or the majority of human beings. And just because something isn't useful to me, doesn't mean it isn't useful for you, or the majority of human beings. But the reality here is that nobody, nobody can say that the AW or smartwatches in general are useful to the majority of people.

Where my analysis has focused particularly is whether the smartwatch has a reason to live in the context of not just its functions on its own, but in relation to smartphones, since they necessarily compete with smartphones as smartphones are generally on people most of the time.

I think I'm done with this thread. It's like trying to talk to a brick wall.

 

[44267547]

You make some very broad sweeping generalizations that I'm certain you don't have the data to back it up. Saying things like what you say in terms of "the majority of people will...": you cannot say that. You do not know what the majority of people will find regarding the Apple Watch in the context of its usefulness to them.

You're seriously you're questioning my Post because I stated "The majority of people will find some usefulness"? What would you expect, for me to pull magical numbers and show you what they are based on why the majority purchase the Apple Watch? The Apple Watch is sold in the millions and obviously it's evident Apple Watch serves everybody differently. So given my sweeping generalization is fairly accurate, because why would I need to provide a reason or numbers as to why the Apple Watch Benefits the millions of consumers who have purchased one, when we know they have sold millions of the Apple Watch.

Please, if you want to have a discussion, let's not question the blatantly obvious things we already know about the Apple Watch, which is the number one selling smart watch in the world and has sold millions across the globe. So clearly there's usefulness outside a tech forum, contrary to what you believe.

 

[hlfway2anywhere]

I think I'm done with this thread. It's like trying to talk to a brick wall.

You're seriously you're questioning my Post because I stated "The majority of people will find some usefulness"? What would you expect, for me to pull magical numbers and show you what they are based on why the majority purchase the Apple Watch? The Apple Watch is sold in the millions and obviously it's evident Apple Watch serves everybody differently. So given my sweeping generalization is a fairly accurate, because why would I need to provide a reason or numbers as to why the Apple Watch Benefits the millions of consumers who have purchased one, when we know they have sold millions of the Apple Watch.

Please, if you want to have a discussion, let's question the blatantly obvious things we already know about the Apple Watch, which is the number one selling smart watch in the world and has sold millions across the globe. So clearly there's usefulness outside a tech forum, contrary to believe.

OP should start a YouTube channel where he reviews random products on a 1-10 scale as to whether or not they have a reason to exist. He could even compare them to other things. Like how a toaster oven has no reason to exist if you already own a traditional convection oven. I’d totally watch that ish.

 

[Veridis]

Where my analysis has focused particularly is whether the smartwatch has a reason to live in the context of not just its functions on its own, but in relation to smartphones, since they necessarily compete with smartphones as smartphones are generally on people most of the time.

Many people like me who find the watch useful are not the majority nor average joes. We are special unique snowflakes, therefore our examples are pointless. Until the day where 50% of people use smartwatches, the Apple watch has no reason to exist.

 

[newellj]

Many people like me who find the watch useful are not the majority nor average joes. We are special unique snowflakes, therefore our examples are pointless. Until the day where 50% of people use smartwatches, the Apple watch has no reason to exist.

Respectfully disagree, not a special snowflake. Look at Apple's sales figures, and consider their return policy. There are a LOT of people who think that the AW is at least $350-450 useful, and quite a few who put a higher dollar figure on the usefulness the AW offers them.

And yes, I know you were probably being facetious, but I think it's worth being clear that this is no longer an esoteric, useless technotoy.

 

[Kermit262]

You make some very broad sweeping generalizations that I'm certain you don't have the data to back it up. Saying things like what you say in terms of "the majority of people will...": you cannot say that. You do not know what the majority of people will find regarding the Apple Watch in the context of its usefulness to them, and neither do I. Especially as you make a claim that the majority of people will find usefulness to the point where it justifies their purchase. You cannot say that because you do not know.

This is a several hundred dollar item where the usefulness of it is absolutely suspect for me, as it is for several reviewers who have reviewed the product over the past couple of years, and even to some people on this thread. It doesn't mean that it doesn't have use to you, or some others. I am not taking that away. People can criticize a product all day, and they're allowed to.

Just because something is useful to you, doesn't mean it is to me, or the majority of human beings. And just because something isn't useful to me, doesn't mean it isn't useful for you, or the majority of human beings. But the reality here is that nobody, nobody can say that the AW or smartwatches in general are useful to the majority of people.

Where my analysis has focused particularly is whether the smartwatch has a reason to live in the context of not just its functions on its own, but in relation to smartphones, since they necessarily compete with smartphones as smartphones are generally on people most of the time.

The Apple Watch has been reported to have a 97% satisfaction rating. I think he is on very safe ground to say that the majority of Apple Watch owners find it useful.

 

[0388279]

I have not heard anyone talk about the convenience of the Maps App. As a Realtor this is my favorite app for Apple Watch. While I have GPS in my vehicle, I find it too "chatty", intrusive, plus I have to enter the next destination which can take time.

With Apple Watch the destinations are dropped from maps on my MacBooks, to the iPhone, and then to the Watch. I can select the next destination on the Watch or the iPhone. I then get directions to the next location with gentle bumps on the wrist.

The Watch also allows me "triage" messages and eMail without having to take the iPhone out of my pocket.

Apple Watch works great for me.

Donald Barar

 

[newellj]

I have not heard anyone talk about the convenience of the Maps App. As a Realtor this is my favorite app for Apple Watch. While I have GPS in my vehicle, I find it too "chatty", intrusive, plus I have to enter the next destination which can take time.

With Apple Watch the destinations are dropped from maps on my MacBooks, to the iPhone, and then to the Watch. I can select the next destination on the Watch or the iPhone. I then get directions to the next location with gentle bumps on the wrist.

The Watch also allows me "triage" messages and eMail without having to take the iPhone out of my pocket.

Apple Watch works great for me.

Donald Barar

Interesting use. I'll have to give the Maps app a try on the Watch. I have to say that it would not have occurred to me because I would have assume the screen size would be too small. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Fireball Dragon]

Can't be bothered to read all the posts. So just adding my 2-cents based on the title...

THE APPLE WATCH IS FRICKIN AWESOME! Okay, not perfect, but still AWESOME!

But on a serious note, I feel that it has revolutionised the way I use my tech. it's the only device that is truly connected to you (i.e. on your body). With the AW and AirPods, I feel partly like an (iOS-based) Android lol


Each to their own, though. My opinion may differ from others, and that's fine.

 

[shox2k2]

I think the apple watch is great. Definitely better with the S3 compared to the s0 I had. But the S0 served me well for two years. I'm sure there are apps out there that could enhance my experience more but my phone is with me 95% of the time (probably more). So I get a watch. Fitness tracker. I like the swim and run apps. I can check text/email/scores quickly without having to pull out my phone. Weather. date and time. All while leaving my phone alone. That said ... it is pricey. That'd be my main negative. Probably not worth what I paid for it but I still paid it so I suppose it does have that value. I'd like the see the models be more like Sport 200 - Stainless 300 and some cheaper band options. I still can't help but think they sell the sport bands for $50 yet only cost like $1 to make. Oh well... I own 3 sport bands.

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

I'm waiting for someone to complain about not being able to read their eBooks on the Apple Watch. Where is iBooks and Kindle and nook?

Yes, we could read eBooks on the Fossil Palm Pilot Watch years ago, so...