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Bad News Regarding Wi-Fi only Connectivity!!!

G

grmax5

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Apr 23, 2015
16
1
I just read the Apple Watch Users Manual and if you are not connected via Bluetooth but the watch and phone are on the same wi-fi network, the only functions available are iMessage, Digital Touch Message and Siri.

I am devastated by this.....I can't believe that you can't receive phone calls or e-mail if both devices are on the same network.

This could be a deal breaker for me and my watch is scheduled to deliver tomorrow. I was so excited..... Talk about a disappointment.....

Not sure I am going to keep the watch now.....
 
Uh I don't get it.


Why would you ever have Wi-Fi and no Bluetooth?
 
Going to meetings at work.....walking on the treadmill in my basement....

One of the key benefits to this watch was being free from having to carry my phone everywhere.
 
grmax5 said:
I just read the Apple Watch Users Manual and if you are not connected via Bluetooth but the watch and phone are on the same wi-fi network, the only functions available are iMessage, Digital Touch Message and Siri.

I am devastated by this.....I can't believe that you can't receive phone calls or e-mail if both devices are on the same network.

This could be a deal breaker for me and my watch is scheduled to deliver tomorrow. I was so excited..... Talk about a disappointment.....

Not sure I am going to keep the watch now.....
Click to expand...

For the love of *** if you ordered the 38mm Space Gray, you're right, it's an abomination, CANCEL, CANCEL, CANCEL!!
 
GmDude66 said:
My thoughts also?
Click to expand...

Bluetooth is a 30 foot range in clear space. Less when walls and such get in the way. Lots of people have houses bigger than 30 feet :)

That being said, are we sure this is accurate? If I can take a phone call on my Mac/iPad over Wifi, why can't the watch do it?
 
Man, this stinks. I was totally looking forward to having wi-fi functionality around the house.

For those that are wondering why someone would be in this situation, imagine leaving your iPhone by your iMac while you run downstairs to grab a drink and work on another project in the house. With the watch on your wrist, you (could have) still received phone calls, emails, etc.

Hopefully this is coming in a future software update. Unfortunately, there's probably a reason they limited it and it's probably battery life. If so, we may not see this functionality until v2.
 
What surprised me is that you don't need to have your phone with you to use Apple pay.
 
grmax5 said:
I just read the Apple Watch Users Manual and if you are not connected via Bluetooth but the watch and phone are on the same wi-fi network, the only functions available are iMessage, Digital Touch Message and Siri.

I am devastated by this.....I can't believe that you can't receive phone calls or e-mail if both devices are on the same network.

This could be a deal breaker for me and my watch is scheduled to deliver tomorrow. I was so excited..... Talk about a disappointment.....

Not sure I am going to keep the watch now.....
Click to expand...

...just connect via bluetooth...

----------

post the manual
 
Bryan Bowler said:
Man, this stinks. I was totally looking forward to having wi-fi functionality around the house.

For those that are wondering why someone would be in this situation, imagine leaving your iPhone by your iMac while you run downstairs to grab a drink and work on another project in the house. With the watch on your wrist, you (could have) still received phone calls, emails, etc.

Hopefully this is coming in a future software update. Unfortunately, there's probably a reason they limited it and it's probably battery life. If so, we may not see this functionality until v2.
Click to expand...

Most people I'm sure see the value of this, I just don't understand why it was expected. Apple never mentioned it (and barely mentioned the WiFi connectivity at all) and any reviews/articles discussing this feature have detailed these limitations already.
 
Wait, the keynote made it seem like as long as both devices were on the same network you'd be able to receive calls. Like if you're in the backyard and your phone is upstairs in your house.

This is upsetting because I don't like carrying my phone around if I'm just messing around in the backyard. Hopefully this is false.
 
Definitely would be nice to be able to use outside of Bluetooth range at home. I believe David Pogue noted everything still worked on WiFi but I could be wrong.
 
Robert M. said:
Wait, the keynote made it seem like as long as both devices were on the same network you'd be able to receive calls. Like if you're in the backyard and your phone is upstairs in your house.

This is upsetting because I don't like carrying my phone around if I'm just messing around in the backyard. Hopefully this is false.
Click to expand...

It's not false. It's been mentioned in multiple reviews and articles over the past couple weeks.
 
Qrispy said:
Uh I don't get it.


Why would you ever have Wi-Fi and no Bluetooth?
Click to expand...

When you are out of range. I work in a hospital and leave my 6 Plus in my bag, this is kind of a let down to me as I wanted to do every feature of the watch from over 100 feet away. The building is 20 floors ffs.
 
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