Apple Watch Review Roundup: The 'World's Best Smartwatch', But 'Not For Everyone'

[uid15]

Here's why all these "reviews" and our "opinions" are almost worthless at this point:

Apple know more about it than anyone; they made it. They have been through the learning curve and come out the other side a VERY VERY VERY long time ago. The journos have barely even begun their experience, and... well... everyone else... irrelevant.

Oh, and early firmware. I repeat: EARLY FIRMWARE

 

[AppleScruff1]

You know they would: "Best iPoop or Pet Rock ever.", "How did we ever get by without..? "shut up and take my money", etc.

And "how long until Samesung rolls our SamDung or their Pet Stone?"

We joke. But you know it would happen.

That's the sad part, I really do think that's would happen. And how many comments end with "but I'll buy it anyway"?

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

No one has quite solved the wearable riddle, but the reason Apple entered this category is clear. Lots of people still wear watches, and wearable technology will eventually take off. We're more in Apple I/II territory than iPhone territory right now. It took more than a decade for personal computers to become mainstream, and it was Apple's 4th try (the Mac) before they really got it right.

Even more people wear glasses. Look up what "our" thoughts were about Google Glass when it came out.

 

[bawbac]

Would you want a fitbit hr or higher version for $200+ and not be caught dead with in on a suit or spend more for an apple? Maybe $400 more? I would...

Yes because a bulky big square object looks more elegant than a slim black band(fitbit).

 

[baller1308]

Reviews are about what I expected. Battery life seems to be decent and it's a bit early on the apps which I think will make the Apple Watch a force. I think the Apple Watch will help energize/boost the smartwatch market and I expect more great things will come in the near future.

 

[KPOM]

I haven't read every single post, so I can't say for absolute sure, but here's how it seems to go as far as I can tell.

Naysayer: Exactly as I figured. Won't be a flop, but isn't revolutionary either.
On the fencer: Hmm, I think this review has caused me to pass this time around.
Frothing at the mouth fanboy: YOU'RE CHERRY PICKING! THE REVIEWS WERE POSITIVE IF YOU READ BETWEEN THE LINES! IPHONE AND IPAD REVIEWS WERE AWFUL TOO, YOU IDIOTS! THE CREATIVE GENIUSES AT APPLE KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING AND YOU'RE NOT THAT SMART SO FORGIVE ME IF I DON'T TAKE YOU SERIOUSLY.

A lot of us are just calling out some of the reviewers on accuracy. The Verge video review seems to be particularly bombastic (a contrast to the written piece). He complains about the notifications, etc. but is contradicted by other reviewers.

David Pogue


And if some call or alert starts ringing at an inopportune moment, you can shut the watch by pressing your palm against its screen, as though to say, “QUIET!” That’s handy in libraries, churches, or chess matches.

 

[D.T.]

The band needs to attach to the body of the watch closer to the face. Right now a lot of the watch body sits above the band. It's a box-like protrusion that catches on things. Like a wart!

If the band attached higher up, closer to the watch-face, the whole outline would be smoother. The watch-body would sit underneath the line of the band and offer a more streamlined look.

Yeah, clearly I'll need to see one up close and get sense of the fitment, but I don't believe a smooth, metal surface is going to "catch on things". My point being, I don't there's any "wearability" issues with long sleeve shirts

I looked at the mount point, and checked out some side views from Rolex, I'd say they're pretty close in some traditional designs (ex: Sea Dweller).

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

I got what you said, but it was wrong. The definition of cherry picking is exactly how I stated it to be. There's nothing occasional about it.

OK, just about every time I've heard that phrase used, it has been as I described it- emphasizing the positive while hiding the negatives. Your experiences obviously differ.

 

[samcraig]

Here's why all these "reviews" and our "opinions" are almost worthless at this point:

Image

Apple know more about it than anyone; they made it. They have been through the learning curve and come out the other side a VERY VERY VERY long time ago. The journos have barely even begun their experience, and... well... everyone else... irrelevant.

Oh, and early firmware. I repeat: EARLY FIRMWARE

Not sure I agree as many of these journalists are at least tech savvy whereas many of Apple's customers may not be. Some things will get magnified as such - and others diminished

 

[ninethirty]

I am a fan of Apple, and I'm open to whatever the reviews happen to say. My personal opinion as someone who works in experience design is that the project was lacking and unfocused. The reviews seem to confirm that.

I think if you are a fan of apple and want a positive review (I would) you point out weaknesses in all reviews as why they are wrong. If you like to say negative, you will highlight the negative in equal proportion.

For example. The review about walking on a treadmill but it can't do elliptical or weightlifting, etc. Fan would say... you should add that fitbit, up and almost all others can't either. Negative would say... it can't do anything. Only one company can learn weightlifting moves and know and it is still in development.

Would you want a fitbit hr or higher version for $200+ and not be caught dead with in on a suit or spend more for an apple? Maybe $400 more? I would...

 

[uid15]

Not sure I agree as many of these journalists are at least tech savvy whereas many of Apple's customers may not be. Some things will get magnified as such - and others diminished

Being "tech savvy" != many weeks or months of daily use with NO agenda.

 

[zhugzug]

Long term usage (years)

Here is my only concern about the Apple Watch that most people haven't spoken about. I WILL not pay a yearly or even every other year 350 dollars for a new watch. I wonder how long Apple will support the first Apple Watch. I want a watch that I can literally use for 10-20 years like my Citizens.

 

[BlueMoon63]

Yes because a bulky big square object looks more elegant than a slim black band(fitbit).

Just my opinion and the Apple Watch is equal in width, height and depth of two of my watches so yes, I would. But please, this is just my opinion and for what I say for a professional appearance. Maybe I am the only one on the planet that would think that way.

 

[phpmaven]

Mesh bands are common on men's watches. I'm not sure why people see them as feminine.

I know of course that a lot of manufacturers make them, but I haven't seen them out in the "wild" myself. I have lot of male friends who are into watches, and I've never seen a mesh band on any of them. Of course that's just my experience.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Does it need to, and can a watch have, an "obvious advantage"?

I own watches and I don't buy one because it has an "advantage" over others I own. I buy it if it's a nice looking watch.

If there is any advantage to the Apple Watch, it is that, in my opinion, it's a beautifully designed watch; especially when compared to other smart watches. Is that an advantage you can put on a spec sheet? Not really. Mainly because it's an opinion. You can't argue (most of the times) with benchmarks, but there is no reasonable benchmark for beauty.

My thought process is that the Watch is never going to have a mind blowing feature that makes it wanted or needed like the iPod, iPhone or iPad. It will never have an "obvious advantage" that can make it undeniably better in some way than another smart watch. However, the attention to detail, design and interface are what sells me on the product. Those features fall under the beauty category. You can't spec it out. It is what it is. You like it or you don't. That's what gives the Apple Watch the obvious advantage, in my opinion.

My point was relative to selling on a big scale. Your response is mostly about what motivates you as an individual. As an individual, one can argue that no product is superior to this Watch OR that this Watch is the worst product ever made by anyone... and everything in between.

I was talking about it as a game-changer product on par with iPod, iPhone and iPad. To be that, sales is a commonly-applied metric. To sell on their levels, the masses (which are not people posting comments here at an Apple-centric site) have to be moved to buy. IMO, THEY are the ones that needs an iPod, iPhone, or iPad-like punch to make this Watch seem like some kind of must-have, obvious advantage.

No one should read that as putting down the watch, etc. I'm simply not imagining it up in the strata with the big 3. Instead, I imagine it as another TV-like success for Apple (and personally, I love the TV product very much myself). Granted, I could be completely wrong in this speculation and it could outsell every other Apple product combined (though I don't know how given it's dependency on iPhone).

 

[samcraig]

Being "tech savvy" != many weeks or months of daily use with NO agenda.

Really not sure I understand your comment.

 

[KPOM]

Even more people wear glasses. Look up what "our" thoughts were about Google glass when it came out.

I also don't rule out eyewear as a potential place for technology. The problem with Google Glass is that it completely failed the "look" test. It would have been fine as a medical or industrial device. It was too soon to make it an everyday wearable. The camera didn't help. If the technology improves such that a prescription lens can display notifications and still be transparent, and be completely invisible to someone looking at you, then it may work as a wearable. We're nowhere near that. A watch is different since it sits on your wrist and can be hidden from sight by a sleeve.

 

[OllyW]

Here is my only concern about the Apple Watch that most people haven't spoken about. I WILL not pay a yearly or even every other year 350 dollars for a new watch. I wonder how long Apple will support the first Apple Watch. I want a watch that I can literally use for 10-20 years like my Citizens.

I don't think a smartwatch is the ideal product for you if you expect it to last for that long.

 

[dgdosen]

I wonder if the reviewers are hesitant about giving bad reviews because they fear Apple might not choose them for future product reviews...

As with other commenters - these reviews are tepid at best.

 

[BlueMoon63]

I am a fan of Apple, and I'm open to whatever the reviews happen to say. My personal opinion as someone who works in experience design is that the project was lacking and unfocused. The reviews seem to confirm that.

The reviews were mixed and many said you don't need it but I think most if not all (didn't read everyone) said it is beautiful and the best of the available options out there. Some said you don't need it, but you will buy it.

I've already stated what I do for a living and my age and experience. The design is flawless, the software needs work. But none of that matters.

If you like it, you like it, if you don't you don't. Buy it or wait or never buy it. All I said was that it depends on your point of view ...

 

[dgdosen]

Here's why all these "reviews" and our "opinions" are almost worthless at this point:
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As a developer, you can see the experience in the simulator. That makes me question your idea of "learning curve" - there's not that much to it. Certainly not for a tech savvy millennial.

 

[AppleScruff1]

I wonder if the reviewers are hesitant about giving bad reviews because they fear Apple might not choose them for future product reviews...

As with other commenters - these reviews are tepid at best.

Personally I think this is the case. These reviewers have no problem blasting Microsoft, Samsung etc, but you have to be careful with Apple because they will cut you off in a heartbeat.

 

[MH01]

Mesh bands are common on men's watches. I'm not sure why people see them as feminine.

Maybe we look at different watches, I mostly see bracelets, leather and rubber straps for male watches, or fabric. Definitely not common, in my opinion, and always in my eyes suited to thin, small female watches.

 

[Locoboof]

I think it's weird how many people want to be notified that they have notifications and that Apple fully endorses this!

How I use my phone: it's on "do not disturb" permanently for EVERYTHING other than phone calls. If it's important, you give me a call. Otherwise I'll check it whenever I have the time or whenever I want to.

All the fuss about 'people being bossed around by their smartphones' completely vanishes once you use your smartphone the way I do.

Consequently, if I were to own a smart watch, I do not want it to show notifications unless I specifically ask it to do so.

Tl;dr: check notifications whenever YOU want to rather than when your phone or watch tells you.

Speak for YOURSELF. I like knowing when my security cameras at my house detect motion INSTANTLY. I like knowing when a delivery is left on my front porch instantly.
I like knowing when my garage door is opened. I like knowing when my front door is opened. I like knowing when my real estate agent has a offer on one of my properties INSTANTLY via email.

Heck....although I don't gamble (I have a few friends that do),try betting 2500.00 on a baseball game. Those MLB at bat updates will seem like the most important thing in your life for 9 innings if you're unable to watch it live.

I like knowing when my nieces babysitter texts me.I like knowing when there's the slightest activity on my credit report. Same with my credit card too. I could go on and on.....

My point is,although notifications are not important to YOU don't assume they aren't to others. If it's not for you,then don't bother..... But for some,they may be important to them.

 

[samcraig]

The reviews were mixed and many said you don't need it but I think most if not all (didn't read everyone) said it is beautiful and the best of the available options out there. Some said you don't need it, but you will buy it.

I've already stated what I do for a living and my age and experience. The design is flawless, the software needs work. But none of that matters.

If you like it, you like it, if you don't you don't. Buy it or wait or never buy it. All I said was that it depends on your point of view ...

The interesting thing about comparing it to what's out there - is that for many other products out there - it's irrelevant.

Very few "smart watches" currently are cross-platform. Which means that right now - if you have an Android phone - it wouldn't matter how amazing an Apple watch is - it's never going to be your choice. Conversely - if you're an iPhone user - Android Wear is never going to be your choice. And that has nothing to do with aesthetics or functionality (features). It has to do with compatibility.

The question then is (one of them) is at some point will people choose their phone OS based on watch or will it "always" be the other way around. That consumers will be "forced" to use whatever works with their ecosystem.

Android Wear is said to be coming to iOS - but it won't be as highly functional as it's not ingrained into the OS like the Apple Watch.

This is, again, why I think Pebble and some others have a decent chance at survival. At least for several years.