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Apple Watch Sightings Picking Up Ahead of Official Launch
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When they unveiled the iPhone and iPad, we didn't just get a video of a few features. We got Steve Jobs using one in real time. Yes, we've all found after the fact that the iPhone demo was pure smoke and mirrors because the software wasn't anywhere near ready, but still. Or think about the iPad--the first thing Steve Jobs did was sit down on a couch, put the iPad in his lap, and start browsing the web.
I understand that Apple wanted to show this thing off before the press started leaking parts and also so that developers could start trying to make apps for it, but not showing the watch in action on stage left the door wide open for people to draw their own conclusions. This needs to change on their next product launch.
I think they were pretty clear about how it will work. They see this thing as a fully functioning 1.2-inch device that you can operate in a multitude of ways, from the digital crown to the capacitive touch screen that responds to different touch pressures.
Will I admit that there are hypothetical applications for such a device, a device powerful enough to show your entire photo library? Sure, I suppose it's possible.
My issue is that I'm not sold yet that the device that sits on our wrists should be capable of doing all that. I'm saying a wrist device is best when you spend 1-3 seconds with it - just as we did when they served the actual function of telling us the time - rather than giving us the ability to spend 3 minutes looking up movie times on it. Is all that functionality really necessary or useful? I don't think so.
And I'm far from an Apple doubter. I WAS before the iPhone. In fact, I had such a dislike for the popularity of the iPod that I ran around with a little known MP3 player called the Toshiba Gigabeat S. I had heard about the iPhone, but had my doubts. Until that keynote. From the second I saw the iPhone on stage, I was awe struck. I want from an Apple hater to a person who owns an iPhone 6, iPad Air, Macbook Pro Retina, and Apple TV.
I wanted that same feeling with the Apple Watch, but I didn't get it. In fact, I was discouraged. It felt overwrought with features.
We did see the watch in action on the stage. Kevin Lynch did a rather long demo of the software. Yes, he didn't go into lots of detail but we did see it in action and the press got to handle them after the keynote and see them in action.
I'm really interested to see what the sales numbers turn out to be on these things.
For all the hyping they've been trying to do, I still have this feeling that there's going to be a very brief initial wave of interest by a tiny demo of people willing to spend hundreds of dollars on a novelty, and after that, nothing, in a vacuum so deep and dark it makes the 5C look like a hot item.
For all the hyping they've been trying to do, I still have this feeling that there's going to be a very brief initial wave of interest by a tiny demo of people willing to spend hundreds of dollars on a novelty, and after that, nothing, in a vacuum so deep and dark it makes the 5C look like a hot item.
But this is EXACTLY what was shown in September. The watch was there on stage, live, and was demoed for a good 10 minutes.
Of course, it's the same thing - it's a beta, it was all smoke and mirrors, but the same thing as was done with the iPhone.
That whole presentation was very problematic. Ben Thompson of Stratechery is one of my favorite tech industry analysts - who recently wrote a nice post about why people keep messing up when predicting Apple's supposed "doom" (spoiler: he loves Apple and thinks they're rocking it) - wrote a GREAT breakdown of what went wrong with the Apple Watch introduction by comparing it to the product introductions Apple did for the iPod, iPhone, and iPad.
Just nailed it, I thought:
Then came the introductory video, and we never got an explanation of why the Apple Watch existed, or what need it is supposed to fill. What is the market? Why does Apple believe it can succeed there? What makes the Apple Watch unique?
The problem is that the Smart Watch needs that explanation: what exactly is the point?
To be clear, the hardware looks amazing, and I love the Digital Crown. It’s one of those innovations that seems so blindingly obvious in retrospect, and Cook was spot on when he noted that you can’t just shrink a smartphone UI to the wrist. But that was exactly the problem with too many of the software demos: there were multiple examples of activities that simply make no sense on the wrist.
The problem is that the Smart Watch needs that explanation: what exactly is the point?
To be clear, the hardware looks amazing, and I love the Digital Crown. It’s one of those innovations that seems so blindingly obvious in retrospect, and Cook was spot on when he noted that you can’t just shrink a smartphone UI to the wrist. But that was exactly the problem with too many of the software demos: there were multiple examples of activities that simply make no sense on the wrist.
The press did NOT get to do that. They did not have working software on them at the time, and a 10 minute on stage demo is not what I was referring to in reference to the long detailed iPhone/iPad demos we got.
Don't get me wrong--I have my money ready for an Apple Watch. I have no doubt it's going to be compelling. I just think they dropped the ball a bit on the reveal and left it too open to the hate mob that already comes out in droves every day WITHOUT them announcing new products.
All of this Apple Watch bashing reminds me of the iPod introduction: No wireless. Less space than a nomad. Lame.
Clearly, its wireless and space doesnt matter in this case. But, so many commenters are carrying on about how they havent worn a watch in years or that theyll never wear a watchespecially not one that starts at 349 USD.
Its not just a watch and its probably something that youll all be wearing in a few years.
Clearly, its wireless and space doesnt matter in this case. But, so many commenters are carrying on about how they havent worn a watch in years or that theyll never wear a watchespecially not one that starts at 349 USD.
Its not just a watch and its probably something that youll all be wearing in a few years.
Yes totally agree and, I stated, Apple did a poor job at the keynote and I didn't come away drooling over it.
The more and more I've seen it and heard peoples opinions after though make me think it will be successful although it's not going to be an instant hit. I suspect many users will want to see it in action in the store but once it's more widespread and in the wild, it'll be the must-have item. Christmas 2015 is going to be another busy one for Apple.
I was very careful in what I said. The press did get to wear them, albeit with them running a demo loop and the software was demonstrated by an Apple rep in a very controlled environment.
It's clear to see the hardware is done but software is where they're struggling, especially with optimising the battery life. All the hate will disappear when the reviews hit. Mark my word.
Bully for you. I'm not in the market for an Apple Watch, but I much prefer wearing something on my wrist to fishing about in a pocket or a bag every time I just want to glance at the time.
Cook needed to set it up with the why. Even if the why is simply convenience. I think they had a perfect opportunity tying it in with the larger phones so I was a bit surprised they didn't. But I suspect there are a few things Apple hasn't disclosed yet that they're saving for a launch event. And I wouldn't be surprised if a launch event features some high profile developers showing off their apps. If Apple can show healthy developer support I think that will drive sales.
What developers do with this is really make or break for the device. The demos they showed weren't very exciting. I don't want to look at 1-inch versions of my photos or browse movie showtimes with it.
As expected, looks like Apple will be doing a further keynote to show off the apps in detail. This should hopefully answer the 'why'
https://www.macrumors.com/2015/01/30/apple-developers-watch-apps-mid-february/
Him and everybody else
It reminds me when everyone rejected the idea that earth is round... 'Oh yes, I insist, the earth is flat, even though I haven't seen it personally, but I think it's true! And if you don't believe me, you are a fool!'If it was planned to suppress people expectation, it works as intended. Too well even, judging from the underwhelming reactions (only from people who haven't even seen it).
I agree 100%