Faster Apple Watch 2 With GPS, Barometer, Larger Battery, and Same Thickness to Launch Later This Year

[SHNXX]

Seems like an incredible upgrade, much like iphone 1 to 3G.
I will be getting it for sure.
My current one can be a great gift for my mum.

 

[lordofthereef]

Not necessarily. The Apple Watch is evolving. You cannot expect to have every possible available feature. The Gen 1 Watch does a lot of things well, but There is no way the Gen 1 Watch would survive with GPS coupled with the Heart rate monitor with the current 18 hour battery life. The S1 Chip with a 28 NM is not nearly powerful enough to handle these features. With the S2 Chip and a stronger battery, other features will be probable.

I read this differently.

I think the first gen should have had more so that I would've wanted one in the first place.

In all seriousness, I think the first device, while generally ok, left s lot to be desired for some folks. It's basically a notifications center for the wrist with a Fitbit crammed in.

 

[44267547]

I read this differently.

I think the first gen should have had more so that I would've wanted one in the first place.

In all seriousness, I think the first device, while generally ok, left s lot to be desired for some folks. It's basically a notifications center for the wrist with a Fitbit crammed in.

I am weight lifter more than a runner and so I never wear my Stainless 42 MM when working out, more or less from abusing it around weights. I use the Watch mainly as a notification device, which keeps me from pulling my iPhone out. It does exactly what I want it to with the notifications. I think every one uses the Watch differently and Apple wants the audience to find their want or need in the Watch, whatever that might be.

 

[lordofthereef]

Not bashing apple or anything, but I recently came across a good apple watch competitor for general smartwatch and fitness features that doesn't suck (android wear) and also doesn't cost a ton; the Garmin VivoActive HR. Complicated name, good product though - and several day battery life is a plus. I suggest checking it out as well, but I completely agree the AWatch 2 looks great.

Good product in terms of features but I think most can agree it fails in the design category. And that's ok. Not everyone cares what their watch looks like. I go around with a Fitbit surge I bought used for $50 and am very happy with its features. But if I'm going to pay hundreds of dollars for a watch it's going to need the features I want and look good to me. Not shelling out the Benjamins for something I considered ugly.
[doublepost=1470725408][/doublepost]

I am weight lifter more than a runner and so I never wear my Stainless 42 MM when working out, more or less from abusing it around weights. I use the Watch mainly as a notification device, which keeps me from pulling my iPhone out. It does exactly what I want it to with the notifications. I think every one uses the Watch differently and Apple wants the audience to find their want or need in the Watch, whatever that might be.

Fair enough. In just talking from a feature perspective. Adding a 3G radio (and dropping perceived price) of the second gen iPhone is really what started the amazing sales numbers Apple wanted with that product. They have people what they needed.

The number one complaint I hear about smart watches in general (incoming anecdotal evidence) is that it's nothing but an accessory to your phone. Dropping 50%+ what you did in your phone is a tough pill to swallow, particularly for those who don't generally wear watches (me). Couple that with less than stellar performance and you have a device that is even harder to justify. People want the functionality to justify the price of admission and I think, if these rumors are true, we are getting there.

In my case this (rumor) has revitalized my willingness to stick with the brand. The next iPhone isn't looking good (I know we have a ways to go yet before we see the final specs). This phantom product has me believing that everything will be ok.

Fwiw in a pretty big apple fan. We've had every iPhone minus the 5c and haven't had many regrets (6 plus sucked, looking back). First gen Apple Watch just didn't cut it (in lying, wife has one but is most disappointed by it).

 

[44267547]

Good product in terms of features but I think most can agree it fails in the design category. And that's ok. Not everyone cares what their watch looks like. I go around with a Fitbit surge I bought used for $50 and am very happy with its features. But if I'm going to pay hundreds of dollars for a watch it's going to need the features I want and look good to me. Not shelling out the Benjamins for something I considered ugly.
[doublepost=1470725408][/doublepost]
Fair enough. In just talking from a feature perspective. Adding a 3G radio (and dropping perceived price) of the second gen iPhone is really what started the amazing sales numbers Apple wanted with that product. They have people what they needed.

The number one complaint I hear about smart watches in general (incoming anecdotal evidence) is that it's nothing but an accessory to your phone. Dropping 50%+ what you did in your phone is a tough pill to swallow, particularly for those who don't generally wear watches (me). Couple that with less than stellar performance and you have a device that is even harder to justify. People want the functionality to justify the price of admission and I think, if these rumors are true, we are getting there.

In my case this (rumor) has revitalized my willingness to stick with the brand. The next iPhone isn't looking good (I know we have a ways to go yet before we see the final specs). This phantom product has me believing that everything will be ok.

Fwiw in a pretty big apple fan. We've had every iPhone minus the 5c and haven't had many regrets (6 plus sucked, looking back). First gen Apple Watch just didn't cut it (in lying, wife has one but is most disappointed by it).

And this next Key Note might be the most anticipated Key Note in Apple's history, not so much for the product line, but the iPhone 7 lack there of in innovation and of course the 3.5 Jack being deleted, then add the lack of MacBook Pro not being refreshed, or will it? That being said, I plan on upgrading to the iPhone 7, and no, the Jack has no effect on me.

The Apple Watch 2 is likely to be announced, which I plan on upgrading if it appeals in my direction. I think in terms of hardware, the Apple Watch did things right with the stainless model. Sometimes the Watch tries to do to many things, which convoluted the User from adjusting to what they want. I'm also loving switching the bands to customize it, which I think Apple executed well with the ease of doing so.

But the Apple Watch euphoria has worn off of me, but I still wear it and receive a lot of compliments. The Watch needs speed, which Watch OS3 will assist and stronger battery life, which Watch 2 will hopefully be addressed. And Being I love technology, the Apple Watch just fits my personality.

 

[Sevendaymelee]

GPS is critical. Makes it much more useful for fitness. Barometer too. Coupled with waterproofing, would make for a great diving watch.

My iPhone can do all of the above with the exception of diving... which my dumb watch can do up to 100 meters. Really no need for a smart watch when you think about it.

 

[DTphonehome]

My iPhone can do all of the above with the exception of diving... which my dumb watch can do up to 100 meters. Really no need for a smart watch when you think about it.

That's great for you, but people who run (and that's a lot of people) don't like to have their phones with them. They're bulky and awkward. There's no NEED for a phone either. We all got along fine without them 20 years ago.

 

[imronburgundy]

Skipped the first gen. If it has a god and barometer this will be a day one buy for me, no questions asked.

I'm about 1000x more pumped for this then the new iPhone.

But does it have a soul? I'm thinking the Watch Edition maybe includes the soul option at that price.

 

[Vanilla35]

Good product in terms of features but I think most can agree it fails in the design category. And that's ok. Not everyone cares what their watch looks like. I go around with a Fitbit surge I bought used for $50 and am very happy with its features. But if I'm going to pay hundreds of dollars for a watch it's going to need the features I want and look good to me. Not shelling out the Benjamins for something I considered ugly.

I completely understand that. I personally don't consider it ugly but it's definitely is definitely "big" and does not have any real design element like some smart watches, or the apple watch. I agree, the fitbit surge is in pretty much the same category but having the smaller screen actually makes it more practical in some ways.

 

[johnnyturbouk]

I'd love all of those things myself, but I do not think it is currently a feasible thing to expect gps and lte all in the same form factor and have a usable battery life. I'd pick running functionality over the LTE, personally.

Absolutely, i think they have a difficult task, but both GPS and a longer battery would be a pre-requisite in order for me to upgrade. I'm already thinking of skipping on the ip7, this would be the first time that i have skipped an iPhone upgrade.

 

[wigby]

But youre not going to have full conversations through a watch.. its awkward and clunky to take all your phone calls on a watch, all your texts, skype, telegram, Instagram, snapchat... the watch isn't suppose to replace a phone, or really do what a phone does at all, its a watch / fitness band. Time and calories is what counts.

You're talking about things it always does no matter what. I'm talking about what people actively use it for. Apple added character writing (perfect for Chinese), all new emojis/notification animations and better Siri texting dictation support. As soon Apple Watch gains LTE, people will stop using their phones for notifications altogether.

 

[Mac 128]

Seems like an incredible upgrade, much like iphone 1 to 3G.
I will be getting it for sure.
My current one can be a great gift for my mum.

I'm not sure what you're referring to. I skipped the 3G because not only did I think it was less attractive, but it was little more than the 1g with a 3G radio (which granted was no small thing at the time), but otherwise I don't recall it being a jaw-dropping upgrade.

I read this differently.

I think the first gen should have had more so that I would've wanted one in the first place.

In all seriousness, I think the first device, while generally ok, left s lot to be desired for some folks. It's basically a notifications center for the wrist with a Fitbit crammed in.

I still don't buy this continued propaganda that the 1g Watch could not handle GPS. True it couldn't handle continuous GPS, but then neither could the watch handle making or taking phone calls, a technology they insisted on including. So basically they included the dick Tracy gimmick that had the potential of draining the battery in less than 3 hours with continuous use, but not the more useful GPS, which needn't be used continuously, or even significantly so as to unnecessarily drain the battery. I seriously doubt GPS even if used continuously would drain the battery any faster than making continuous phone calls, or even listening to music continuously which also cuts the battery life by over two-thirds, and yet both of those options exist.

 

[Vanilla35]

You're talking about things it always does no matter what. I'm talking about what people actively use it for. Apple added character writing (perfect for Chinese), all new emojis/notification animations and better Siri texting dictation support. As soon Apple Watch gains LTE, people will stop using their phones for notifications altogether.

People are forgetting LTE requires more money given to their carrier monthly. I don't think people will start going for that anytime soon, at least not in the US.

 

[agsystems]

If true, a worthy update, but I don't know if it will be worth an upgrade for me. Sort of an "S" model, which would appeal to people who don't like to buy first-generation products.

Well - any 'upgrade' that changes the band mechanism will not be welcome by anyone - my guess the boring upgrade cycle will stay for 2-5 years at least.

 

[lordofthereef]

I still don't buy this continued propaganda that the 1g Watch could not handle GPS. True it couldn't handle continuous GPS, but then neither could the watch handle making or taking phone calls, a technology they insisted on including. So basically they included the dick Tracy gimmick that had the potential of draining the battery in less than 3 hours with continuous use, but not the more useful GPS, which needn't be used continuously, or even significantly so as to unnecessarily drain the battery. I seriously doubt GPS even if used continuously would drain the battery any faster than making continuous phone calls, or even listening to music continuously which also cuts the battery life by over two-thirds, and yet both of those options exist.

If I felt like going through my old posts I could find half a dozen where I complained about lack of gps and was essentially put down for wanting too much.

As I said, $300+ for a wrist notification widget just wasn't good enough for me. Glad we are (supposedly) getting something I deem worthwhile. But I guess this is part for the course for most first gen Apple products, when we sit down and think about it.

In short, I agree with you.
[doublepost=1470754583][/doublepost]

I completely understand that. I personally don't consider it ugly but it's definitely is definitely "big" and does not have any real design element like some smart watches, or the apple watch. I agree, the fitbit surge is in pretty much the same category but having the smaller screen actually makes it more practical in some ways.

A better option (for me) might have been the Moto sport. But it's lacking in software features and doesn't work with iOS at all (for sport tracking). The matter isn't a deal breaker since I have an android phone, but when the native software is weak it's easier to just not buy anything at all.

 

[Mac 128]

People are forgetting LTE requires more money given to their carrier monthly. I don't think people will start going for that anytime soon, at least not in the US.

It depends on what it's used for initially. Apple managed to get FaceTime exempt from the total user data caps. They could initially offer LTE as a safety feature to support SOS, which would work just like lifeline does now. I've been wondering how that will work and what kind of lawsuits might crop up when someone's out jogging and breaks a leg, but can't call for help after this feature has been demonstrated without sufficient disclaimers. LTE also helps GPS lock in more efficiently and use less power. So there's good reason to include the radio. Once there, then customers can chose to expand its services if their needs require it, just like cellular enabled iPads. And over time, just like FaceTime, Apple can negotiate with the carriers to offer services without impacting the customers, up to bundling a less expensive package with the watch that relays everything to the watch from the phone, only charging more if the watch operates out of the presence of the phone for more than 50% of the day, or something like that.

There are any number of ways to make this work.

However I don't agree people will stop using their phones for notifications altogether when the watch gets LTE. In most cases, people are going to have their phones with them until there's a much better way to input text, and surf the web.

 

[lordofthereef]

But does it have a soul? I'm thinking the Watch Edition maybe includes the soul option at that price.

It may come with a couple souls depending on the model.
[doublepost=1470754726][/doublepost]

It depends on what it's used for initially. Apple managed to get FaceTime exempt from the total user data caps. They could initially offer LTE as a safety feature to support SOS, which would work just like lifeline does now. I've been wondering how that will work and what kind of lawsuits might crop up when someone's out jogging and breaks a leg, but can't call for help after this feature has been demonstrated without sufficient disclaimers. LTE also helps GPS lock in more efficiently and use less power. So there's good reason to include the radio. Once there, then customers can chose to expand its services if their needs require it, just like cellular enabled iPads. And over time, just like FaceTime, Apple can negotiate with the carriers to offer services without impacting the customers, up to bundling a less expensive package with the watch that relays everything to the watch from the phone, only charging more if the watch operates out of the presence of the phone for more than 50% of the day, or something like that.

There are any number of ways to make this work.

However I don't agree people will stop using their phones for notifications altogether when the watch gets LTE. In most cases, people are going to have their phones with them until there's a much better way to input text, and surf the web.

There are also examples of Samsung gear (I think that's what it's called) being linked to mobile data and they charge you a nere $5 a month, for now anyway. The only reason I know this is because my sister in law's fiancé has one. He has a pip boy skin and I nerded out on it a bit.
[doublepost=1470754996][/doublepost]

And this next Key Note might be the most anticipated Key Note in Apple's history, not so much for the product line, but the iPhone 7 lack there of in innovation and of course the 3.5 Jack being deleted, then add the lack of MacBook Pro not being refreshed, or will it? That being said, I plan on upgrading to the iPhone 7, and no, the Jack has no effect on me.

The Apple Watch 2 is likely to be announced, which I plan on upgrading if it appeals in my direction. I think in terms of hardware, the Apple Watch did things right with the stainless model. Sometimes the Watch tries to do to many things, which convoluted the User from adjusting to what they want. I'm also loving switching the bands to customize it, which I think Apple executed well with the ease of doing so.

But the Apple Watch euphoria has worn off of me, but I still wear it and receive a lot of compliments. The Watch needs speed, which Watch OS3 will assist and stronger battery life, which Watch 2 will hopefully be addressed. And Being I love technology, the Apple Watch just fits my personality.

I agree on all points.

The jack does have an effect on my decision, though it wouldn't be a deal breaker if I gain enough. The only bullet point that I could argue (from rumors) that might be appealing to me is water proof design, but that's not enough for me to toss aside the 6s plus.

I'm kind of st a point where I feel this latest phone was too good for Apple's own good. I just installed iOS 10 and it feels very much like ios9 with widget support. That's not a bad thing, though I was hoping it would have a "brand new feel". Fwiw emoji suggestions don't work in the keyboard somehow. My wife pointed this out lol.

It's possible I've learned to expect too much of Apple.

 

[agsystems]

I'm not sure what you're referring to. I skipped the 3G because not only did I think it was less attractive, but it was little more than the 1g with a 3G radio (which granted was no small thing at the time), but otherwise I don't recall it being a jaw-dropping upgrade.



I still don't buy this continued propaganda that the 1g Watch could not handle GPS. True it couldn't handle continuous GPS, but then neither could the watch handle making or taking phone calls, a technology they insisted on including. So basically they included the dick Tracy gimmick that had the potential of draining the battery in less than 3 hours with continuous use, but not the more useful GPS, which needn't be used continuously, or even significantly so as to unnecessarily drain the battery. I seriously doubt GPS even if used continuously would drain the battery any faster than making continuous phone calls, or even listening to music continuously which also cuts the battery life by over two-thirds, and yet both of those options exist.

Off course it can handle it - just like the 3G could do video but didn't' - from Apple's POV - their business is to provide you with sufficient improvements to grab the sale and then leave enough out to cause you to upgrade the next time.

Haven't said that, IMO this is not the type of product you can future proof - it will get scratch/damage, the battery will need to be replaced or at some point it won't be supported by the next OS.

I was able to grab one basically new from eBay for about 200 so to me that's a great price - anything over 300+ it doesn't make sense to me since I know Apple will iterate this product quickly.

 

[Mac 128]

Well - any 'upgrade' that changes the band mechanism will not be welcome by anyone - my guess the boring upgrade cycle will stay for 2-5 years at least.

Sure it will, by the over half-a-billion iPhone customers who did not buy an Watch last year. Apple sold around 10-15 watches by all accounts last year, and many of those people may not be happy depending on how many started a band collection. On the other hand, many of them may simply not care since they will not only buy a new watch but keep their old watch, rotating it and its proprietary collection of bands into their outfits, buying new bands for their new watch, and maybe even some new bands for their old watch!

If I felt like going through my old posts I could find half a dozen where I complained about lack of gps and was essentially put down for wanting too much.

As I said, $300+ for a wrist notification widget just wasn't good enough for me. Glad we are (supposedly) getting something I deem worthwhile. But I guess this is part for the course for most first gen Apple products, when we sit down and think about it.

In short, I agree with you.
[doublepost=1470754583][/doublepost]
A better option (for me) might have been the Moto sport. But it's lacking in software features and doesn't work with iOS at all (for sport tracking). The matter isn't a deal breaker since I have an android phone, but when the native software is weak it's easier to just not buy anything at all.

I actually felt like the 1st gen Watch did too much, so it ended up not doing much of anything extremely well, and led to confusion about what it could and couldn't do. Apple probably would have been better off focusing on one or two things, and leaving off some of the more frivolous features. Maybe then they would have been able to focus on the software and hit their target release dates (which seem obvious in hindsight they meant to release before Christmas 2014, alongside the iPhone) while offering a better user experience.

 

[lordofthereef]

Here is an example of the data plan I mentioned above. The person I was speaking of has Verizon but T-Mobile does a similar data plan so I imagine most carriers are right in that range, assuming they support smart watch data at all.

If we got this device in our plan and it was able to do music streaming over lte I would deem that worth $5 a month. Anything short of that and I feel like the functionality might not be there to justify a monthly installment.

http://www.t-mobile.com/internet-devices/samsung-gear-s2.html

 

[madfelon]

Here is an example of the data plan I mentioned above. The person I was speaking of has Verizon but T-Mobile does a similar data plan so I imagine most carriers are right in that range, assuming they support smart watch data at all.

If we got this device in our plan and it was able to do music streaming over lte I would deem that worth $5 a month. Anything short of that and I feel like the functionality might not be there to justify a monthly installment.

http://www.t-mobile.com/internet-devices/samsung-gear-s2.html

Would love to see all carriers do this if Apple watch 2 had a cellular chip in it. I would love to stream spotify, receive a text message all while leaving the phone at home when Im out at the gym.

 

[lordofthereef]

My iPhone can do all of the above with the exception of diving... which my dumb watch can do up to 100 meters. Really no need for a smart watch when you think about it.

I think we are at a point where we were with smartphone infancy. I could do everything a smartphone can on my computer at the time. Mind you, we didn't really have streaming, gps wasn't in phones yet, so all you could really do was pull up a web page. Really slowly.

My point is the features are coming and I'm sure we will reach a point where people are leaving their phones st home for certain activities. Which reminds me, we are going kayaking tomorrow in Boston harbor for my birthday. How cool would it be to strap on a watch and know that I have everything I need on my wrist, particularly in case of emergency?
[doublepost=1470761603][/doublepost]

I actually felt like the 1st gen Watch did too much, so it ended up not doing much of anything extremely well, and led to confusion about what it could and couldn't do. Apple probably would have been better off focusing on one or two things, and leaving off some of the more frivolous features. Maybe then they would have been able to focus on the software and hit their target release dates (which seem obvious in hindsight they meant to release before Christmas 2014, alongside the iPhone) while offering a better user experience.

Really? Wow. To each their own I guess. I feel like it doesn't do anything other than give you alerts that you'd get in your phone alongside tracking heart rate and steps (and from what I read, there is some contention regarding how well it does the last two. Come to think of it I think the iPhones now do step count as well). Maybe that is too much for a first gen product, but like I said, my experience has been people finding it difficult to justify this thing for what it does.

 

[Bklass]

GPS = Take my money! I'm an avid runner and loathe the idea of strapping something to my waist or arm while out on a run (ca. 2004, iPod Photo; that was a nightmare). Having everything in one place - GPS tracking, music streaming - and with as few devices as possible, is a minimalists dream. To have a smartwatch that doubles as a fitness/running has me really excited.

This is precisely why I typically avoid 1st gen Apple products. V.2.0 generally has some of the kinks ironed out and additional, worthwhile features that Apple intentionally left out of V.1. Let's not be fooled - Apple could have easily crammed a GPS chip in AW1, but they are extremely strategic with their product launches. An obvious reason why they are "late adopters" of various tech (not that GPS is anything new).

I was super excited about the new MacBook. But it's not quite there yet. Even MacBook2 isn't where I want it to be. Remember how the first MacBook Air had only 1 USB port? It's only a matter of time until Apple releases the much sought after 2-USBC-port-model.... I hope.

 

[Vanilla35]

It depends on what it's used for initially. Apple managed to get FaceTime exempt from the total user data caps. They could initially offer LTE as a safety feature to support SOS, which would work just like lifeline does now. I've been wondering how that will work and what kind of lawsuits might crop up when someone's out jogging and breaks a leg, but can't call for help after this feature has been demonstrated without sufficient disclaimers. LTE also helps GPS lock in more efficiently and use less power. So there's good reason to include the radio. Once there, then customers can chose to expand its services if their needs require it, just like cellular enabled iPads. And over time, just like FaceTime, Apple can negotiate with the carriers to offer services without impacting the customers, up to bundling a less expensive package with the watch that relays everything to the watch from the phone, only charging more if the watch operates out of the presence of the phone for more than 50% of the day, or something like that.

There are any number of ways to make this work.

However I don't agree people will stop using their phones for notifications altogether when the watch gets LTE. In most cases, people are going to have their phones with them until there's a much better way to input text, and surf the web.

I agree there are many ways it could work, but I don't think it will go the way you describe. If they are adding FaceTime calls, that is going to be a lot of data. Can you imagine a 30 minute video call? Whether going through a potato cam or not, it's still gonna rack up the data, and that's definitely not going to just be dismissed by any carrier. I agree things like GPS lock, and emergency features would be negligible - but notifications and video IMO will not.

What specifics do FaceTime have in terms of not using data from carriers? Do iPads have data-free FaceTime calls?

 

[truthertech]

Ballmer could boast the same thing under microsoft. But long term he destroyed the company

No, Ballmer mocked the iPhone and never came within an inch of it in sales, profits, etc.