Apple Watch Series 2 Reviews: 'The First Real Apple Watch' Thanks to Fitness and Processor Upgrades

[ftaok]

I honestly don't understand the point of standalone GPS on the Apple Watch. Why not just use the phone's GPS? I can't see any situation where you'd have your watch but not your phone with you.

Maybe you forgot your phone somewhere, or the battery on the phone died.

I wonder if the swimming workout uses the GPS if you're swimming outdoors. If so, you wouldn't want to bring a non-water resistant iPhone with you.

I don't see what anyone would object to having the GPS on the watch, other than added cost.

 

[WickedMessenger]

"... this is probably what the first Apple Watch should have been."

The iPhone 7 is probably what the first iPhone should have been.

 

[anomie]

i love my aw1, as someone that works out in a gym, i dont need standalone gps. watchOS 3 is enough of an upgrade to make me happy.

Another one seeing the need to justify his bs purchase without being asked. Nice! xD

 

[Rogifan]

They did split the line the way you wanted: the new Series 1 is both faster AND cheaper than the original, being the line with the more limited (still very useful) fitness capability, and without the exact two things you say you don't want.

Series 2 adds those fitness-focused things (GPS and added waterproofing)--plus something that matters more (for me): brighter screen to improve outdoor use.

They still use Sport branding for the fluo bands (and of course the Nike line is a sport-related branding).

Thinness vs. battery life vs. speed (ready for devs to leverage!) is a matter of physics, so there's no free lunch there. But the Apple Watch is till more compact that other full smartwatches, and similar to many mechanicals.

Not really. There were next to no design changes. But maybe they will with Series 3 or whatever they call the next one. But maybe what I'm really saying is I don't think all Watch models need to look exactly the same (except for finish).

 

[nagromme]

Definitely will hold out for AW2 or Series 3. If Apple wanted to sell more of these, it should have instituted an upgrade program for early adopters. Everyone I know with an original AW isn't even considering upgrading. This is a problem.

That's not a problem, that's a HUGE benefit. Apple supporting original buyers so well and making devices that last for years EVEN in such a new category is terrific.

The watch is a better product BECAUSE Apple doesn't leave you behind in one year. A watch should be expected to last longer—including smart ones!

(Apple is so often accused of "forcing" people to upgrade by crippling the previous generation... and it the truth is so frequently the reverse. And since their business model is based on customer loyalty, it's good long-term business sense!)

 

[gnasher729]

Designed to run through a marathon - who is running? Will you get lost if you don't finish within 3 hours? Or more like 6?

 

[Chew Toy McCoy]

I honestly don't understand the point of standalone GPS on the Apple Watch. Why not just use the phone's GPS? I can't see any situation where you'd have your watch but not your phone with you.

Kind of funny how dependent we’ve become on our pocket computer. I don’t even like taking out the trash without my phone in my pocket. Fact. As has been mentioned runners would like this and I find that a horrifying scenario running around without my phone on me. But you know when you’re a runner like a race car, military jet, or space craft every ounce counts against your performance.

 

[Adam Warlock]

I find it interesting that Apple got rid of the 'Sport' branding just as they're basically turning the Watch into a fitness device.

Yeah, having failed to push it as a (high) fashion accessory Apple is now turning towards fitness and, as such, there's no longer any need to differentiate between the old 'fashion' and 'sport' lines. I really wish they'd pick a direction and stick with it, but long-term commitment seems to have fallen by the wayside at Apple under Cook & friends. Outsiders like us can't know for sure, of course, but I suspect this same lack of focus to a specific plan is also happening over at Project Titan.

 

[Gymgenius]

I still don't want it. I am sure the world wanted to know.

I'll never want one, like ever.
I'll stick with my automatic.

 

[mtlscream]

This is a great update!
AW0 is great and with watchOS3, it's like having a new watch.

But AW series 2 seems to be a huge step forward It's the perfect proof that a new product gen 2 is much better. Another exemple was the iPad... iPad 1 was good but the iPad 2 was a huge step forward. I feel it's the same with AW2.

But the good news, watchOS3 make AW0 more usable than ever.

 

[mattopotamus]

I honestly don't understand the point of standalone GPS on the Apple Watch. Why not just use the phone's GPS? I can't see any situation where you'd have your watch but not your phone with you.

really? You mean like when you are running? You can bring your watch and have GPS and music. Why would you need your phone?

 

[Dwalls90]

That's not a problem, that's a HUGE benefit. Apple supporting original buyers so well and making devices that last for years EVEN in such a new category is terrific.

The watch is a better product BECAUSE Apple doesn't leave you behind in one year. A watch should be expected to last longer—including smart ones!

(Apple is so often accused of "forcing" people to upgrade by crippling the previous generation... and it the truth is so frequently the reverse. And since their business model is based on customer loyalty, it's good long-term business sense!)

Totally disagree. I don't mind being left behind, for the sake of technology moving forward.

Rather Apple stay hyper-competitive in the smartwatch sector, even if that means leaving my original AW obsolete. As they have done with iPhones, would have been good if they had an upgrade or trade-in program, however.

 

[spencers]

I still don't want it. I am sure the world wanted to know.

I still can't make an excuse to get one. I have a Garmin 225 for running/biking and a Shinola for daily wear.

I honestly don't understand the point of standalone GPS on the Apple Watch. Why not just use the phone's GPS? I can't see any situation where you'd have your watch but not your phone with you.

I have never taken my phone with me for a run, and many serious runners would never do so either. Too much bulk and no pockets on split shorts!

 

[uk_longy]

Well im going to jump on board now and get one... I missed the AW0.

Although, that being said, i think i'm going to get a series one. I wont swim in it and I wont run without my phone. The only thing i'm slightly worried about is getting the 'old' screen as opposed to the series 2 itteration. Is there any difinitive info anywhere regarding the improved quality.

Im in the uk, so the price difference is £100. I cant justify that cash for two features i wont use. Especially when the S1 gets the dual core.

 

[RoboCop001]

When you're in range of your phone, does it use the phone's GPS to save battery? Or can you turn off GPS manually, and force it to use the phone's GPS?

Also wondering what the battery life is on Series 1 now that it has a faster CPU.

 

[zorinlynx]

Peole who swim, bike, and / or run want this feature.

I wasn't even thinking about swimming; that totally makes sense. Of course, I wonder if GPS works while submerged. Probably not.

As for cycling and running, I wouldn't dare perform either activity without my phone on me. If something goes wrong, being able to call someone is rather important.

 

[Boston007]

I honestly don't understand the point of standalone GPS on the Apple Watch. Why not just use the phone's GPS? I can't see any situation where you'd have your watch but not your phone with you.

Running with an iPhone 6 SUCKS Im sorry.

Wearing it around your arm or waist SUCKS

GPS in the watch is awesome and I'm glad they did it. That basically made my decision to want an iWatch now.

 

[chiefsilverback]

I honestly don't understand the point of standalone GPS on the Apple Watch. Why not just use the phone's GPS? I can't see any situation where you'd have your watch but not your phone with you.

Running. The 6+/7+ is quite a large device to slip into your 'tight-n-light' running gear, so having GPS on the watch allows you to track your run without carrying your phone.

Regards that video review, she seemed to contradict herself a bit and focus on the the new hardware rather than the new software, until she said that the AW1 does all the same stuff (except WP and GPS) with the new WatchOS!?!?

 

[bbeagle]

Peole who swim, bike, and / or run want this feature.

So, if you run 5 miles from your house and fall hurting yourself, you'd rather not have cell service to call for help?

I don't get that. I'd always bring my phone for emergencies, therefore I'd always have a GPS with me.

 

[Lennholm]

The iPhone 7 is probably what the first iPhone should have been.

No, but the iPhone 3G with iPhone OS 2 sure was.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

ANT+?

If it doesn't do AN+, it's a 'wanna be'...

 

[ghost187]

Does it have a barometer?

It was rumored but not confirmed.

 

[XmasRights]

I honestly don't understand the point of standalone GPS on the Apple Watch. Why not just use the phone's GPS? I can't see any situation where you'd have your watch but not your phone with you.

Runners mainly. Remember that the Apple Watch can store 2GB of music, and pairs with Bluetooth headphones. All you need is that and your house keys and you can have a great run with no expensive electronics to worry about dropping.

 

[MacFan23]

really? You mean like when you are running? You can bring your watch and have GPS and music. Why would you need your phone?

Emergencies

 

[santydolby]

Apple will make a killing with these new devices (Airpods, Apple watch, iPhone) but we still want matte black refreshed macbooks.

After seeing what the A10 is capable off, bring a friggin' 80W A-series SoC for the Macbook Pros.

for long i have wished for a matte black MacBook Pro. sigh, i just moved back to Windows after 6 years, got myself a ThinkPad T460 that is in matte black and it kind of rekindled my wish to have had seen a MacBook Pro in matte black!