CES 2014: Apple's Competition in the Smart Watch Arena

[IJ Reilly]

Sadly I don't have much faith in Apple's product naming these days. Macintosh? Awesome. Newton? Fantastic. PowerBook? Nice. iPod? Yeah, pretty good. But iPhone? Ugh. iWork? iCloud? iPad? Enough with the iEverything. Can't we move to something more iConic than another generic iWord?

Years ago somebody in the tech media, I can't remember who, joked about Apple's Ministry of Names. This was long before the iEverything trend, when they used product names (such as Quadra, Performa, and Centris) that sounded more like Japanese cars than computers. I think the Ministry of Names still exists at Apple, but they are more careful about their choices. I have nothing against the iName trend (it certainly builds brand identification), but I happen to believe that "iWatch" is a terrible name if only because it associates with historically low-function devices, not to mention, all those other so-called smart watches.

I also remember when so many people on these boards ragged on Apple (sorry) about the iPad name. This, when the handle MR was using for the anticipated tablet was the totally awful "iSlate." As for their wearable, Apple will almost certainly put an 'i' in front of the name, but I'd be shocked if it was put in front of the word 'watch.' I can think of a couple of better possibilities right off the top of my head.

 

[laurim]

ok... so I'm a newbie to the forum, but have followed it for a while and own many apple products. My question is this.... does anyone else think this smart watch thing is bogus? A.... why would I want yet another computer, strapped to my wrist? especially one disguised as a watch?

I already have a clock on my phone, a clock on my computer, a clock in my car, there are clocks on the outside of buildings and in public spaces.. clearly no need for a watch...unless it is classy like an old omega or rolex or something like that

so its not a watch.... its a computer on your wrist that what? tells you that the phone in your pocket is ringing?

ok, why did I buy a cheap watch for when I travel then? Because I can't keep my iPhone in my pocket and constantly need to know how long before my plane or bus or train. Also when I'm working I'm running all over a big building and usually leave my purse at my workstation, with my iPhone in it. How about when I'm in the bathroom and my client or colleague is trying to get a hold of me to hurry back to do something? When I'm in a strange city I use Siri and Maps to guide me to places and using a watch would be less conspicuous than walking with my phone out (and risking it being snatched out of my hands). How about at the movie theater when you aren't supposed to be blinding people with your iPhone screen and might have an important call or message from someone? How about at the beach when you don't want to risk someone stealing your phone while you are in the water? How about during any sort of exercising? While holding a baby, really, anything bulky? Not everyone wants to or can constantly hold their phone in their hand, especially when their hands are already full with luggage or other things. There are plenty of reasons to have a phone accessory like this that also has basic watch capability. With your kind of logic, there's no need for bluetooth headsets or remote controls for tvs.

 

[CFreymarc]

I am sure these are all good design but, IMO, we are seeing a "rubber chicken show" of devices where none have a significant user base. About the only one with traction is Pebble. To me, this year is a huge shakedown in this market with no real killer app surfacing.

 

[CFreymarc]

ok... so I'm a newbie to the forum, but have followed it for a while and own many apple products. My question is this.... does anyone else think this smart watch thing is bogus? A.... why would I want yet another computer, strapped to my wrist? especially one disguised as a watch?

I already have a clock on my phone, a clock on my computer, a clock in my car, there are clocks on the outside of buildings and in public spaces.. clearly no need for a watch...unless it is classy like an old omega or rolex or something like that

but what makes a rolex or omega classy? the fact that they are beatifully engineered and will last for 100 years with proper maintenance.
disposable technology doesn't exactly scream classy to me.

so its not a watch.... its a computer on your wrist that what? tells you that the phone in your pocket is ringing?
ok... so I'm a newbie to the forum, but have followed it for a while and own many apple products. My question is this.... does anyone else think this smart watch thing is bogus? A.... why would I want yet another computer, strapped to my wrist? especially one disguised as a watch?

I already have a clock on my phone, a clock on my computer, a clock in my car, there are clocks on the outside of buildings and in public spaces.. clearly no need for a watch...unless it is classy like an old omega or rolex or something like that

but what makes a rolex or omega classy? the fact that they are beatifully engineered and will last for 100 years with proper maintenance.
disposable technology doesn't exactly scream classy to me.

so its not a watch.... its a computer on your wrist that what? tells you that the phone in your pocket is ringing?

It is about access to information in a more convenient and quicker manner. The same view was used to dump on the first generation PDAs where some said, they can just sit in front of their desktop and get the same data and it is on a bigger screen. However you are not always around your desktop.

My take on smart watches is it will break away from the current trend of "smartphone stare" we are seeing in public. Those with a social lifestyle will love this as it reduces a motion of pulling your smartphone out of your pocket or purse to get incoming information. Thus, you can have more attention on your surroundings without holding your smartphone to view the screen.

One big feature I see with smart watches is that it makes great access to your smartphone in a hands free environment such as driving a car or working in hands-on labor environment such as mechanical service and assembly lines.

It is obvious you only see life through your own eyes and the problems you deal with day-to-day. Perhaps whomever you are dating is providing this type of life.

 

[Thehangmn]

ok, why did I buy a cheap watch for when I travel then? Because I can't keep my iPhone in my pocket and constantly need to know how long before my plane or bus or train. Also when I'm working I'm running all over a big building and usually leave my purse at my workstation, with my iPhone in it. How about when I'm in the bathroom and my client or colleague is trying to get a hold of me to hurry back to do something? When I'm in a strange city I use Siri and Maps to guide me to places and using a watch would be less conspicuous than walking with my phone out (and risking it being snatched out of my hands). How about at the movie theater when you aren't supposed to be blinding people with your iPhone screen and might have an important call or message from someone? How about at the beach when you don't want to risk someone stealing your phone while you are in the water? How about during any sort of exercising? While holding a baby, really, anything bulky? Not everyone wants to or can constantly hold their phone in their hand, especially when their hands are already full with luggage or other things. There are plenty of reasons to have a phone accessory like this that also has basic watch capability. With your kind of logic, there's no need for bluetooth headsets or remote controls for tvs.

I can see it now.

The apple iWatch; for people who don't want their iphone to get stolen.

the apple iwatch; for people who still want to be disruptive at movie theaters but get kicked out for using their phone

the apple iwatch; for those moments when you don't want to use a $40 bluetooth headset and would rather buy a $400 phone accessory that is attached to your wrist.


I suppose it would be easy to make a joke about tv remotes being kinda dumb... but i think seeing the value in them is pretty easy. I even see the value in companies including a remote control for their window air conditioners. although I can't ever imagine a situation for myself that one would be needed... I can imagine some situations where it makes sense. (in a window that is high up)

seems like people are bringing up things like "my company wont let me in some parts of the building with a cell phone"

and my answer to that would be... so why would they let you in that part of the building with a smart watch with cell like capabilities?

this smart watch stuff just seems niche to me. seems like tech dorks that have every tech device made just needed something else to get excited about.

my thoughts? apple wont make a watch, and if they do, it will be like the apple t.v. not a flop, but not that big new product that everyone thinks it will be.

 

[Thehangmn]

It is about access to information in a more convenient and quicker manner. The same view was used to dump on the first generation PDAs where some said, they can just sit in front of their desktop and get the same data and it is on a bigger screen. However you are not always around your desktop.

My take on smart watches is it will break away from the current trend of "smartphone stare" we are seeing in public. Those with a social lifestyle will love this as it reduces a motion of pulling your smartphone out of your pocket or purse to get incoming information. Thus, you can have more attention on your surroundings without holding your smartphone to view the screen.

One big feature I see with smart watches is that it makes great access to your smartphone in a hands free environment such as driving a car or working in hands-on labor environment such as mechanical service and assembly lines.

It is obvious you only see life through your own eyes and the problems you deal with day-to-day. Perhaps whomever you are dating is providing this type of life.

so it is a device to alleviate the problem of iphone addicts? but only superficially.

why do you need a phone when you are on an assembly line? shouldnt you be working? i don't want my car mechanic checking his facebook while he's replacing my timing belt.

I can see all sort of ridiculous things that people buy and use on a regular basis.. and plenty of them make sense. but a smart watch... nope. if that makes me close minded.. I guess you can blame my girlfriend?

 

[laurim]

I can see it now.

The apple iWatch; for people who don't want their iphone to get stolen.

the apple iwatch; for people who still want to be disruptive at movie theaters but get kicked out for using their phone

the apple iwatch; for those moments when you don't want to use a $40 bluetooth headset and would rather buy a $400 phone accessory that is attached to your wrist.


I suppose it would be easy to make a joke about tv remotes being kinda dumb... but i think seeing the value in them is pretty easy. I even see the value in companies including a remote control for their window air conditioners. although I can't ever imagine a situation for myself that one would be needed... I can imagine some situations where it makes sense. (in a window that is high up)

seems like people are bringing up things like "my company wont let me in some parts of the building with a cell phone"

and my answer to that would be... so why would they let you in that part of the building with a smart watch with cell like capabilities?

this smart watch stuff just seems niche to me. seems like tech dorks that have every tech device made just needed something else to get excited about.

my thoughts? apple wont make a watch, and if they do, it will be like the apple t.v. not a flop, but not that big new product that everyone thinks it will be.

Maybe they can't have an iPhone with them because it has a camera on it, like at a place with sensitive documents.

How would looking at a watch be disruptive at the movies? You see you have an important call or message coming in so you get up and leave to take it. A thousand times better than people lighting up their big screens every three minutes. Also, I've been to a ton of movie theaters that inexplicably have no clocks anywhere and when your hands are full with pop and popcorn you can't dig out a phone to see when you can go in to sit down.

BTW- people snatching iPhones is a real problem and getting worse.

Just because YOU can't find a reason to use a smart watch doesn't make it a bad idea. Only makes it something YOU won't buy and someone else will. Like any other product on earth. I bet if I knew you, I could name a bunch of things you think are useful for you that I would have absolutely no use for and think are silly. I think remote starters for cars are awful because they create unnecessary pollution. I live in MN, btw. Someone else thinks they are great.

We get it, you don't find a need for technology that makes life a little easier or don't have the kind of life that requires a little easier access to information. You don't have disposable income to pay for this convenience. Maybe very few people want to get in contact with you and you never have an important place to be at a certain time. Who knows?

 

[CFreymarc]

I can see it now.

The apple iWatch; for people who don't want their iphone to get stolen.

the apple iwatch; for people who still want to be disruptive at movie theaters but get kicked out for using their phone

the apple iwatch; for those moments when you don't want to use a $40 bluetooth headset and would rather buy a $400 phone accessory that is attached to your wrist.

I suppose it would be easy to make a joke about tv remotes being kinda dumb... but i think seeing the value in them is pretty easy. I even see the value in companies including a remote control for their window air conditioners. although I can't ever imagine a situation for myself that one would be needed... I can imagine some situations where it makes sense. (in a window that is high up)

seems like people are bringing up things like "my company wont let me in some parts of the building with a cell phone"

and my answer to that would be... so why would they let you in that part of the building with a smart watch with cell like capabilities?

this smart watch stuff just seems niche to me. seems like tech dorks that have every tech device made just needed something else to get excited about.

my thoughts? apple wont make a watch, and if they do, it will be like the apple t.v. not a flop, but not that big new product that everyone thinks it will be.

My take is that Apple knows the market is still in the alpha stage and is staying on the sideline 'til the rubber chicken show ends its Vaudeville tour. Once those pioneers die, the settlers will build their houses next to the trails they blazed.

 

[CFreymarc]

I can see all sort of ridiculous things that people buy and use on a regular basis.. and plenty of them make sense. but a smart watch... nope. if that makes me close minded.. I guess you can blame my girlfriend?

You are assuming smart-watches use the same data flow as smart-phones. You can't see the change in user experience that will also change the data shown.

Did you get really upset when PC's didn't ship with floppy drives?

This has the working of a good banter. I'll blame you for staying with your girlfriend instead of upgrading.

 

[CFreymarc]

I had not worn a watch in probably 15 years, and this has convinced me to begin doing so again.

You just quoted a trend I am seeing here. The wristwatch market has been in a nosedive for over a decade. The volume of digital watches such as Casio has been in decline for years.

From that, these very high end watchmakers with some having limited editions going north of $100,000 is the only growth section of the market for the past few years.

With smart-watches taking off, we are seeing a resurgence.

 

[Dontazemebro]

Laughing at all the "iWatch will shake up the world/better than anything available now" statements. Apple could put a boogie board on a wristband and most of you would probably do somersaults, proclaiming it the next best innovation to hit the market. Not one person here has a definitive answer on what it will look like, or how it will function. You sheeple masses slay me, LOL.

 

[LagunaSol]

Laughing at all the "iWatch will shake up the world/better than anything available now" statements. Apple could put a boogie board on a wristband and most of you would probably do somersaults, proclaiming it the next best innovation to hit the market.

Ah, the classic "Apple could slap X on a Y and you fanboys/sheep/cultists would jump for joy!" argument. Well played.

You may want to note that most of the commenters here are questioning the need for such a product at all - the exact opposite of what you claim.

Not one person here has a definitive answer on what it will look like, or how it will function. You sheeple masses slay me, LOL.

Seems premature for both praise and ridicule then, don't you think?

 

[IJ Reilly]

Seems premature for both praise and ridicule then, don't you think?

It's never too early for praise and ridicule. If I haven't praised and ridiculed something by 10 AM I feel my day is wasted.

 

[EvilQueen]

I am coming at this from the standpoint of a Pebble user for about 60 days now. I was skeptical about the thing, but the early adopter in me won out. Somewhat to my surprise, I find it very useful.

This is about where I am at. Currently I see no need for anything like this, but I know the gadget freak in me and I will probably get one. I just hope I find it useful and not have to take a bath on it selling it on E-Bay.

 

[Oflife]

Where is the TOQ, Gear & Sony Smartwatch 2?

??

All three are already on the market and selling, the Qualcomm TOQ is superb from a display and battery life angle. Sony is nice too. Samsung a bit big, but very versatile.

 

[C. Robert]

Not everybody has the same wants/needs as you.

I use a Pebble and it benefits me a lot.


I work in places where I can get fired for having a cell phone in certain areas. I keep it on me though just in case of an emergency or if say my boss wants to get ahold of me. Having the Pebble allows me to not worry about pulling out a cell phone and risk losing my job. I can read the text or see who is calling and determine if I need to leave the area or not.

If you can't have a cell phone and your boss wants to get a hold of you. Don't you still have to wait until your in an area where you can use one. Kind of defeats the purpose, other than knowing you have a missed call. Which is a distractor.

 

[shenfrey]

Is there a watch for iOS?

 

[colticus]

If you can't have a cell phone and your boss wants to get a hold of you. Don't you still have to wait until your in an area where you can use one. Kind of defeats the purpose, other than knowing you have a missed call. Which is a distractor.

I am responsible of the safety of multiple job sites that are miles apart. If something happens at another job site I need to know. The easiest way to get ahold of me is by cell phone. If I am at a job site where phones are not allowed, how will I know if I am needed elsewhere? That's why I keep the phone on me and utilize the smart watch. Once I receive a call or txt or even email, I simply glance at my watch to determine if I need to leave the area and contact whoever text, called or emailed me.
I don't understand why you are questioning my use. Just because you don't have a need/want for one doesn't mean I don't.

----------

Is there a watch for iOS?

The Pebble works great with ios.

 

[Risco]

• iWatch is released
• Wow's everyone as complete departure from everything else on the market
• Sells in the millions.
• Thousands of posts on the forum complaining it only has two day battery life that they should not have to charge a watch.
• All other manufacturers panic and start reverse engineering.
• Samsung releases a clone of the iWatch
• Apples sues Samsung for patent infringement
• Samsung sues Apple for patent infringement
• Nokia sues everyone.
• Apple 3D 4K TV is released
• Rinse and repeat!

 

[Renzatic]

• iWatch is released
• Wow's everyone as complete departure from everything else on the market
• Sells in the millions.
• Thousands of posts on the forum complaining it only has two day battery life that they should not have to charge a watch.
• All other manufacturers panic and start reverse engineering.
• Samsung releases a clone of the iWatch
• Apples sues Samsung for patent infringement
• Samsung sues Apple for patent infringement
• Nokia sues everyone.
• Apple 3D 4K TV is released
• Rinse and repeat!

 

[Risco]

YouTube: video

Right on!

 

[derbladerunner]

??

All three are already on the market and selling, the Qualcomm TOQ is superb from a display and battery life angle. Sony is nice too. Samsung a bit big, but very versatile.

Selling? But what numbers? I doubt many people buy these devices (Samsung Gear is now offered free in many countries if you buy a new Samsung Galaxy w contract, that says a lot...I doubt they would offer them for free in a bundle it it was selling like hotcakes).

Archos and other smaller companies sold MP3 players before the iPod was launched, but none of them took off like the iPod.
Nobody remembered the huge Archos MP3 player after the iPod launched, the story could repeat itself in the smartwatch or wearables space if Apple plays its cards right.

I hope Apple takes their time and releases a really nice product, the current wearables still look too gimmicky to me.

The nicest one out there is probably the Pebble, also thanks to its long battery life, but it's quite limited. It will be interesting what they come up with in a possible Pebble 2.0 device.

 

[Aniseedvan]

Being female and mildly techy I know i'm in the minority but being able to see notifications for calls and texts predominantly would be very handy for me, given for example my work trousers have no pockets so my phone is usually in a bag. That said I do have tiny wrists (I can fit my 7 year old daughters gloves on, just), so for something that clearly looks different would need to be stylish (clearly subjective based on some of the previous comments), or disguise itself like a normal watch as I don't like to advertise my tech if I can help it.

The pebble steel looks like it's OK to me, but with the number of issues I've seen about BT connections not being stable (I've got my phone BT'd to two cars, and my fitbit one, jaybird headphones, polar HRM, Headset, plus a few more all use BT), I'd be reluctant to order into the UK and face potential return issues, etc.
Whilst I wouldn't blindly follow into buying an Apple watch, there is some appeal to the fact there's a physical store 20 minutes down the road and the integration would expect to be improved with my phone.

A fitness band with minimal notifications might be enough for me. I'd probably get the fitbit force, if a) they'd ever release it in the UK, and b) finally push out the notification update to people who already have it...

 

[chimpboy74]

Wearable tech is all about the wrong thing so far, and you nailed it.

Besides the fact, a watch is too much a fashion statement. Health Trackers so far make sense for wearable tech, but we aren't there yet for a true smart watch that has notable utility.

Time will tell though... Right now, a watch is needed. And, maybe a wearable tech health tracker is a true want.

To date, smart watches are silly.

I didn't have a need or want for a smartwatch until I saw the kreyos. I saw how it made my cycling (slightly) more convenient. I think those companies that have gone down the route of fitness will see the most success (initially at least). There's some interesting stuff starting to appear e.g HOTwatch private calling feature. Cool? Gimmick? Time will tell.

It's certainly early stages for smart watches and they may evolve into something completely different.

 

[crackbookpro]

I didn't have a need or want for a smartwatch until I saw the kreyos. I saw how it made my cycling (slightly) more convenient. I think those companies that have gone down the route of fitness will see the most success (initially at least). There's some interesting stuff starting to appear e.g HOTwatch private calling feature. Cool? Gimmick? Time will tell.

It's certainly early stages for smart watches and they may evolve into something completely different.

Still... have to remember, the iWatch or whatever the watches may be called, may in fact, not be COOL.

I know it sounds petty & a stupid argument, but if the device isn't cool, Apple won't make it. If it's not revolutionary, Apple won't make it.

A lot of people, or me personally one day, hope to have enough money to buy the likes of a Rolex, or for me, there are some Breitling's that I cherish. A watch is engrained in us to symbol status or image, but could that change...

Also, for me I fish in my spare time, so I use tide & temp watches for my utility watches if needed... I have a couple cheap Nixon's basically & some others for those times needed.

If Apple makes this watch/iWatch last over a week or 2, maybe 3 on battery life and is totally waterproof or even water-resistant with legit utility... maybe I'll buy. I need it to do a lot though, and be pretty damn strong build wise.

Till then, the health market should be the craze... wearable tech is about health tracking for the masses, not a watch. For great utility, we need maybe breakthroughs from Qualcomm/Broadcom/etc to debut an efficient GPS chip without the need for A-GPS, and many utility hardware functions that make this a must want, this is just blah from Apple or really MacRumors.

It could be a want one day, like a TV Remote, then a luxury, then a need for all - only if they market it right, and today's technology gives legit feature sets. In the 70's, TV's were ripe for a remote...

Fully believe, besides the huge push for health tracking, they do need to make this harness powers in the household nonetheless, which is a legit utility platform that I see from this. Connecting a lot of household appliances to WiFi, and having control via wearable tech.

Altogether, I think an iTV would debut before an iWatch. Or should at least... A watch is different... it's almost like sneakers/shoes/boots/etc. It's such a fashion statement at times, and for some, many want a sneaker or watch to last close-to forever even though they do entirely 2 different things as far as utility for the watch.

If they do get manufactured by Apple, they better be waterproof and last a long fn time. I kind of think all this is rumors... because these things might be just for the blahhh, and not for the image-minded consumer.

Samsung Galaxy Gear can't be serious. What a joke... waste of money. Have you seen some of the commercials!!!!