AWS4 - meh.

[Tenashus1]

I know I'll probably get a lot of flak for writing this, but I'm really not enjoying my experience with the AWS4 so far. My wife originally suggested the watch to me since I was carrying my iPhone 8 in my pants pocket. She thought it would lighten my load and remove the concern about LTE. Well, I thought that was a great idea-especially with the phone call and message ability of the AW. After purchasing the watch, I began to waver on it, wanting to return it. Everybody I talked with though sang its' praises. I'll get used to it they said. So, gulp, I kept it.

Now it has become a distraction for me. It vibrates at times even when there is no notification, making me feel like it's tracking my vital functions somehow. I don't use it for the health apps. I don't need to become a hypochondriac. I seem to be doing fine myself. Then, I miss the Drudge Report, Google and my mail doesn't update on the watch unless it's next to the phone. Can't access my photo library or my translator. Can't access a complete bible. Plus, every phone call becomes public without some sort of air pod that I can't wear through my workday.

After a month of having it, today I was tempted to revert to my beautiful and trusty Citizen watch with the blue face that just tells the time so simply and elegantly.I looked at the AW watch face and it looked like the Christmas tree lights you see at a drag racing track when they count down to starting a race. This morning I had both the watch and the phone on me. I got a phone call and my whole body started to vibrate - like a St. Vitus dance.

Close to $700 for the watch with the Apple Care requirement. I'm sure it's me. I really can't figure it out, but I miss my Citizen and my LTEing iPhone. It must be me, but I'm not impressed with the watch. Not at all.

 

[44267547]

I know I'll probably get a lot of flak for writing this, but I'm really not enjoying my experience with the AWS4 so far. My wife originally suggested the watch to me since I was carrying my iPhone 8 in my pants pocket. She thought it would lighten my load and remove the concern about microwaves. Well, I thought that was a great idea-especially with the phone call and message ability of the AW. After purchasing the watch, I began to waver on it, wanting to return it. Everybody I talked with though sang its' praises. I'll get used to it they said. So, gulp, I kept it. Now it has become a distraction for me. It vibrates at times even when there is no notification, making me feel like it's tracking my vital functions somehow. I don't use it for the health apps. I don't need to become a hypochondriac. I seem to be doing fine myself. Then, I miss the Drudge Report, Google and my mail doesn't update on the watch unless it's next to the phone. Can't access my photo library or my translator. Can't access a complete bible. After a month of having it, today I was tempted to revert to my beautiful and trusty Citizen watch with the blue face that just tells the time so simply and elegantly. I looked at the AW watch face and it looked like the Christmas tree lights you see at a drag racing track when they count down to starting a race. This morning I had both the watch and the phone on me. I got a phone call and my whole body started to vibrate - like a St. Vitus dance. Close to $700 for the watch with the Apple Care requirement. I'm sure it's me. I really can't figure it out, but I miss my Citizen and my microwaving iPhone. It must be me, but I'm not impressed with the watch. Not at all.

Not trying to be rude, but your post is _very_ difficult to read without using a separation for paragraphs, which maybe you can edit your post to make it more readable for others.

But based off your usage with the Apple Watch, it’s definitely not for you, and the watch is not necessarily meant for everyone’s usage either, but at least you tried it.

 

[Starship67]

Lost me at microwaves.

 

[Tenashus1]

The phone is constantly searching for a signal while it's on your person unless it's completely shut off. The ill effects of the electromagnetic phone signal on your body are negative - especially when it's kept over your heart, or in your pocket. Not good for your health.
[doublepost=1545957929][/doublepost]

Not trying to be rude, but your post is _very_ difficult to read without using a separation for paragraphs, which maybe you can edit your post to make it more readable for others.

But based off your usage with the Apple Watch, it’s definitely not for you, and the watch is not necessarily meant for everyone’s usage either, but at least you tried it.

I thought it might merge all the paragraphs when I originally posted so I left it that way. But, thanks for the encouragement. I have paragraphed the post now.
[doublepost=1545958050][/doublepost]

Lost me at microwaves.

The phone is constantly searching for a signal while it's on your person unless it's completely shut off. The ill effects of the electromagnetic phone signal on your body are negative - especially when it's kept over your heart, or in your pocket. Not good for your health.

 

[Starship67]

The phone is constantly searching for a signal while it's on your person unless it's completely shut off. The ill effects of the electromagnetic phone signal on your body are negative - especially when it's kept over your heart, or in your pocket. Not good for your health.

lol @ the FUD.

 

[StumpyBloke]

The phone is constantly searching for a signal while it's on your person unless it's completely shut off. The ill effects of the electromagnetic phone signal on your body are negative - especially when it's kept over your heart, or in your pocket. Not good for your health.

Absolute rubbish. There is no empirical evidence on the planet to support this.

But...as posted above, I agree and believe that the watch isn’t for you either. At least you tried it. And I would have thought you should be able to recoup quite a lot of your original outlay

Personally, I love mine and would never be without it, but we are all different.

 

[Cowboy1629]

This is a simple one to fix.

Put your old watch back on and give the Watch to someone that would appreciate it.

You will be happier and so will the person you give it to.

Win/Win

 

[xDKP]

If everything you ever wanted was a classic time piece, the AW is definitely not for you.

If you want to take your health a step up, no matter the current level, it’s great. If you want selected notifications on your wrist and let your phone stay at home more, it’s great. Remember you can choose what notifications to receive on your wrist - just receiving all is terrible, but to receive the most important is a great help.

 

[Cashmonee]

I know I'll probably get a lot of flak for writing this, but I'm really not enjoying my experience with the AWS4 so far. My wife originally suggested the watch to me since I was carrying my iPhone 8 in my pants pocket. She thought it would lighten my load and remove the concern about microwaves. Well, I thought that was a great idea-especially with the phone call and message ability of the AW. After purchasing the watch, I began to waver on it, wanting to return it. Everybody I talked with though sang its' praises. I'll get used to it they said. So, gulp, I kept it.

Now it has become a distraction for me. It vibrates at times even when there is no notification, making me feel like it's tracking my vital functions somehow. I don't use it for the health apps. I don't need to become a hypochondriac. I seem to be doing fine myself. Then, I miss the Drudge Report, Google and my mail doesn't update on the watch unless it's next to the phone. Can't access my photo library or my translator. Can't access a complete bible.

After a month of having it, today I was tempted to revert to my beautiful and trusty Citizen watch with the blue face that just tells the time so simply and elegantly.I looked at the AW watch face and it looked like the Christmas tree lights you see at a drag racing track when they count down to starting a race. This morning I had both the watch and the phone on me. I got a phone call and my whole body started to vibrate - like a St. Vitus dance.

Close to $700 for the watch with the Apple Care requirement. I'm sure it's me. I really can't figure it out, but I miss my Citizen and my microwaving iPhone. It must be me, but I'm not impressed with the watch. Not at all.

Microwaves aside (the Apple Watch would present the same problem with LTE), I think you have followed a similar path to mine. I realized that I did not need instant notifications on the wrist and that the Apple Watch was more a distraction than an aid. To make matters worse, it was not always good at its job, missing notifications on occasion or being late with them, apps that did not work, complications that were flaky at best, etc. I moved on from it (at a decent expense, they don't hold value), and find myself happier.

I understand not everyone is like me or the OP and finds great value in the Apple Watch. OP, don't feel bad that you did not.

 

[satchmo]

I looked at the AW watch face and it looked like the Christmas tree lights you see at a drag racing track when they count down to starting a race.

Yup. I feel the same with the round complications face. This is just visual noise to the max. And yes, you can clean it up somewhat, but I'm baffled as to what Apple was thinking to use this as a selling feature. They usually pride themselves with a design ethos that stresses less is more.

 

[sean000]

Microwaves aside (the Apple Watch would present the same problem with LTE), I think you have followed a similar path to mine. I realized that I did not need instant notifications on the wrist and that the Apple Watch was more a distraction than an aid. To make matters worse, it was not always good at its job, missing notifications on occasion or being late with them, apps that did not work, complications that were flaky at best, etc. I moved on from it (at a decent expense, they don't hold value), and find myself happier.

I understand not everyone is like me or the OP and finds great value in the Apple Watch. OP, don't feel bad that you did not.

I’ve always been cautious about recommending the Apple Watch to others... especially back when the S0 was still new and Apple had yet to smooth out the edges. Some people just get excited about the wow factor of it, but find they don’t really need or want it once the novelty wears off. Others find it to be very useful as a fitness tracker, but might be happier with something like a Fitbit.

I’d say many AW owners I know don’t go beyond the basics of fitness tracking and silent notifications (and for some that is plenty to justify owning one). For me a lot of it was about improving my relationship with my iPhone. I think the Apple Watch is less intrusive and less distracting than the iPhone, but it needs to be reliable (and so far I’m finding the S4 definitely is). For me the Apple Watch is one of the best gadgets I have owned in my 25-30 years of buying tech gadgets, but would I recommend one? That would still depend on the person and what they want out of it. When I first got the S0 people kept asking me how I liked it, and I always said that I loved it! Then I caution them about the downsides before rushing into it. The S4 has few downsides beyond price, but it’s still not for everyone.

 

[orbital~debris]

I'd suggest at the very least, restore your Watch to factory conditions and set it up again as new (not from a backup). That is likely to iron out some/all of the odd behaviour you've mentioned.

 

[Cashmonee]

I think the Apple Watch is less intrusive and less distracting than the iPhone, but it needs to be reliable (and so far I’m finding the S4 definitely is).

This is interesting. I found the opposite to be true and in fact is the reason I got rid of my Apple Watch (wore one for 3 years) in favor of analog watches. I found the Apple Watch to be very distracting and that it was constantly trying to pull my attention from the environment I was in and the people I am with. To that end, I did end up coming out of the experience with a better relationship with my phone as you say. It made me realize that nearly all of the notifications I received were not so important that I needed to be tied to a device. It helped me realize that it is ok to leave my phone at my desk and take a look at it when I deem it ok. It lets me control when, not the device.

I appreciate that I am not the same as everyone else, and I see you realize the same. I think you are giving those around you good advice by being balanced.

 

[Tenashus1]

Microwaves aside (the Apple Watch would present the same problem with LTE), I think you have followed a similar path to mine. I realized that I did not need instant notifications on the wrist and that the Apple Watch was more a distraction than an aid. To make matters worse, it was not always good at its job, missing notifications on occasion or being late with them, apps that did not work, complications that were flaky at best, etc. I moved on from it (at a decent expense, they don't hold value), and find myself happier.

I understand not everyone is like me or the OP and finds great value in the Apple Watch. OP, don't feel bad that you did not.

I think I used the wrong term originally. It is the LTE in my pocket that I was concerned about with the phone, not microwaves. Wrong word.

Tried wearing the watch again and, still, it's just not for me.

 

[Cashmonee]

I think I used the wrong term originally. It is the LTE in my pocket that I was concerned about with the phone, not microwaves. Wrong word.

Tried wearing the watch again and, still, it's just not for me.

Still applies. The watch has LTE (assuming at least since you talk about leaving your phone behind) so the same issue would be present. In either event, you are probably ok.

And my original sentiment remains. Do not feel bad that it is not for you. You should not have to struggle to justify or make tech work for you.

 

[Tenashus1]

Still applies. The watch has LTE (assuming at least since you talk about leaving your phone behind) so the same issue would be present. In either event, you are probably ok.

And my original sentiment remains. Do not feel bad that it is not for you. You should not have to struggle to justify or make tech work for you.

I had the thought that LTE inside the pocket all day was a worse alternative to LTE on the wrist. The wrist would offer at least a less confined signal.
[doublepost=1546131242][/doublepost]

Lost me at microwaves.

It wasn't microwaves I was concerned with -wrong term. It was the LTE. Sorry for any confusion with that.

 

[jtara]

LTE-schmell-TE there is no association between LTE and "microwaves".

"Microwave frequencies" are considered those above 1000mHz.

Today's cell phones (regardless of encoding technology) span frequency ranges from a bit below microwaves to microwave. And you don't get to choose.

600mHz - not microwave, but close
2200mHz/2.2 gHz - definitely microwave
10gHz (some 5G) - very much microwave
Bluetooth (2.4gHz), all WiFi bands (2.4gHz 5gHz) - microwave

What is it about LTE in particular that you think is a higher risk than other encoding technologies?

ALL cell phones, and ALL Bluetooth/WiFi are constantly broadcasting/exchanging "I'm here","keepalive" kinds of messages. It is not specific to LTE. And it's a little nothing compared to when you are talking on the phone or watching Netflix.

Maybe you are concerned about data transfers when you are not talking on the phone. Yes, if apps are sending data in your pocket, it will increase RF density and very slightly increase overall exposure. You can disable apps ability to transfer data when not on WiFi. There is still some small amount of data transfer for iMessage and notifications which is very minimal.

As far as alerts go, you have to take the time to configure it to give you the alerts you want, and not the ones you don't want. It is all under your control.

If you are concerned with microwave exposure, first thing is to toss the microwave oven, or at least fix the leaky gasket. FWIW, I once worked at a Bluetooth company (Widcomm - bought out by Broadcom). The microwave oven in the lunch room was a huge problem when doing tests with a spectrum analyzer. We'd almost have some problem figured out, and then that HUGE BLOB would pop up, and we'd have to wait for somebody to finish heating their soup and start over... The microwave oven on the other side of the office was pumping way more RF into the lab than the Bluetooth devices we were testing which were a couple of feet from the spectrum analyzer.

 

[Tenashus1]

LTE-schmell-TE there is no association between LTE and "microwaves".

"Microwave frequencies" are considered those above 1000mHz.

Today's cell phones (regardless of encoding technology) span frequency ranges from a bit below microwaves to microwave. And you don't get to choose.

600mHz - not microwave, but close
2200mHz/2.2 gHz - definitely microwave
10gHz (some 5G) - very much microwave
Bluetooth (2.4gHz), all WiFi bands (2.4gHz 5gHz) - microwave

What is it about LTE in particular that you think is a higher risk than other encoding technologies?

ALL cell phones, and ALL Bluetooth/WiFi are constantly broadcasting/exchanging "I'm here","keepalive" kinds of messages.

Now I'm really confused. Anyway, I don't think they are healthy for prolonged human exposure. I won't wear anything Bluetooth, and I use a tablet under my laptop that redirects the wifi signal (so I'm told) away from myself.

So, if I understand correctly, LTE and microwaves actually are related to some extent. Yes?
[doublepost=1546132210][/doublepost]

LTE-schmell-TE there is no association between LTE and "microwaves".

"Microwave frequencies" are considered those above 1000mHz.

Today's cell phones (regardless of encoding technology) span frequency ranges from a bit below microwaves to microwave. And you don't get to choose.

600mHz - not microwave, but close
2200mHz/2.2 gHz - definitely microwave
10gHz (some 5G) - very much microwave
Bluetooth (2.4gHz), all WiFi bands (2.4gHz 5gHz) - microwave

What is it about LTE in particular that you think is a higher risk than other encoding technologies?

ALL cell phones, and ALL Bluetooth/WiFi are constantly broadcasting/exchanging "I'm here","keepalive" kinds of messages. It is not specific to LTE. And it's a little nothing compared to when you are talking on the phone or watching Netflix.

Maybe you are concerned about data transfers when you are not talking on the phone. Yes, if apps are sending data in your pocket, it will increase RF density and very slightly increase overall exposure. You can disable apps ability to transfer data when not on WiFi. There is still some small amount of data transfer for iMessage and notifications which is very minimal.

As far as alerts go, you have to take the time to configure it to give you the alerts you want, and not the ones you don't want. It is all under your control.

If you are concerned with microwave exposure, first thing is to toss the microwave oven, or at least fix the leaky gasket. FWIW, I once worked at a Bluetooth company (Widcomm - bought out by Broadcom). The microwave oven in the lunch room was a huge problem when doing tests with a spectrum analyzer. We'd almost have some problem figured out, and then that HUGE BLOB would pop up, and we'd have to wait for somebody to finish heating their soup and start over... The microwave oven on the other side of the office was pumping way more RF into the lab than the Bluetooth devices we were testing which were a couple of feet from the spectrum analyzer.

Don't own a microwave. Destroys any nutrition in the food in addition to putting out the waves. Really bad.

Someone I know used to work for a cell tower company for five years on the towers themselves. Now in a nursing home after having been treated for brain cancer. To this day, he wonders about the connection.

 

[Cashmonee]

As far as alerts go, you have to take the time to configure it to give you the alerts you want, and not the ones you don't want. It is all under your control.

I mostly agree with this. I realized none of the notifications were so important that I needed to know right away all of the time. If it were possible to say only give me urgent notifications during these hours, then maybe it would be worth it. Unfortunately, for me it came down to getting interrupted far more often than I wanted to, and that it ultimately was the watch intruding into my life whether I thought it was relevant or not. I however acknowledge that I have a unique job that requires me to interact with people all day long, and the watch would constantly be trying to pull me from those interactions. If interacting with people and being a part of your environment is not super important, you can totally tailor the notifications to an acceptable level. That simply was not possible for me.

 

[jtara]

So, if I understand correctly, LTE and microwaves are related to some extent. Yes?

No.

LTE is a set of standards for encoding radio signals in a cellular phone system, controlling the cellular network, etc. It's best to consider LTE and 5G as "version numbers" for the cell phone system.

LTE doesn't dictate that any particular frequency range be used by the signal. That's decided by what licenses your cell phone company has in your area, what distance you are at, whether the signal has to go through a lot of walls, etc. SOME carriers have some lower-frequency bands available to them in some locations that will go greater distances and go through walls better.

But the lowest frequencies used are close enough to "microwave" frequencies that it is moot. IF there is any potential damage from the low levels of signals used by phones/WiFi/Bluetooth/your cordless phone, it's likely the lower frequencies that might sometimes be used are equally damaging.

Ya been hoodwinked by Alex Jones.

 

[Tenashus1]

I mostly agree with this. I realized none of the notifications were so important that I needed to know right away all of the time. If it were possible to say only give me urgent notifications during these hours, then maybe it would be worth it. Unfortunately, for me it came down to getting interrupted far more often than I wanted to, and that it ultimately was the watch intruding into my life whether I thought it was relevant or not. I however acknowledge that I have a unique job that requires me to interact with people all day long, and the watch would constantly be trying to pull me from those interactions. If interacting with people and being a part of your environment is not super important, you can totally tailor the notifications to an acceptable level. That simply was not possible for me.

Agree completely.
[doublepost=1546132660][/doublepost]

No.

LTE is a set of standards for encoding radio signals in a cellular phone system, controlling the cellular network, etc.

LTE doesn't dictate that any particular frequency range be used by the signal. That's decided by what licenses your cell phone company has in your area, what distance you are at, whether the signal has to go through a lot of walls, etc. SOME carriers have some lower-frequency bands available to them in some locations that will go greater distances and go through walls better.

But the lowest frequencies used are close enough to "microwave" frequencies that it is moot. IF there is any potential damage from the low levels of signals used by phones/WiFi/Bluetooth/your cordless phone, it's likely the lower frequencies that might sometimes be used are equally damaging.

Ya been hoodwinked by Alex Jones.

Dr. Mercola is a good source for me. Never 100% sure about Alex.

 

[jtara]

Dr. Mercola.

Same difference.

You stocked-up on alkaline water? I hear it flushes the LTE from your body.

I will happily drink deionized water all day. Once that "alkaline water" hits your stomach (and even before) it is neutralized by the highly acidic environment in your gut. You do get some beneficial minerals - the same ones you get straight out of the tap, or from a banana. (I suggest the banana, and reverse-osmosis water, DI IS a bit extreme and unnecessary - but still healthy - unless you are a reef-dwelling creature kept in an aquarium, then it essential, before mixing pure ocean minerals back in...)

 

[Tenashus1]

Same difference.

You stocked-up on alkaline water?

Got a home filter. Big difference in the taste from tap water with it, and no antidepressants or lithium to boot.

Anyway, I love my Citizen eco drive watch. Never needs a battery and doesn't vibrate or bother me at all. No LTE either. Just the time of day displayed on a beautiful, dark navy face.
[doublepost=1546133147][/doublepost]

Same difference.

You stocked-up on alkaline water? I hear it flushes the LTE from your body.

I will happily drink deionized water all day. Once that "alkaline water" hits your stomach (and even before) it is neutralized by the highly acidic environment in your gut. You do get some beneficial minerals - the same ones you get straight out of the tap, or from a banana. (I suggest the banana, and reverse-osmosis water, DI IS a bit extreme and unnecessary - but still healthy - unless you are a reef-dwelling creature, then it essential, before mixing pure ocean minerals back in...)

Interesting. Did not know. Thanks for the tip.

 

[willentrekin]

Dr. Mercola is a good source for me. Never 100% sure about Alex.

Mercola may be worse, if only in terms of sheer societal damage between anti-vax and other stances. He's also a proponent of "alternative medicine." You know what they call "alternative medicine" that's been tested in labs and proven effective?

Medicine.

(I think I stole that from Tim Minchin.)

"Can't access a complete bible."

What? On your watch?

 

[Tenashus1]

Mercola may be worse, if only in terms of sheer societal damage between anti-vax and other stances. He's also a proponent of "alternative medicine." You know what they call "alternative medicine" that's been tested in labs and proven effective?

Medicine.

(I think I stole that from Tim Minchin.)

"Can't access a complete bible."

What? On your watch?

Please don't get me started on "medicine." Yes, I had wished that the watch would replace my phone in some ways but, alas, it does not. I'm better off accessing my bible than getting distracted by the watch anyway.

I love alternative medicine, and I love my Citizen watch.