First Time AppleWatch User - Questions

[Hankster]

I've been using Apple products for a decade. I never joined the smartwatch users when the tech was introduced. Mainly because I prefer regular watches. A few weeks ago I received the Series 4 black stainless steel as a gift (44mm). My concern was how much would i really use it. My profession requires me to have my cell phone near me at all times.

It's close to the point where I'm deciding on returning it or keeping it. A few features I've enjoyed.
1. Texting is very quick via dictation and for the most part it's correct.
2. Being able to skim emails is helpful (I have six active email accounts).
3. Speaking (when in private) into the watch versus into a phone is more comfortable. The sound quality I've been told is almost the same (nice surprise).
4. Having the ability to call 911 immediately and without speaking is nice (for emergencies).
5. The battery life is amazing. Through a normal day I'm only at 65-70% remaining by 10pm. I charge everything at night so this doesn't really matter, but nice to know I do much more without battery issues.
6. My car app allows me to start my car from my watch which is a very neat feature.

A few features I find lacking.
1. The inability to use the speaker for anything other than phone and Siri. If I want to listen to a podcast (which I listen to often) I need headphones. Same for music. Would prefer an option for this. If I want to burn through battery life it should be my decision.
2. Apps are really lacking. I use my iPhone for information on news and sports. I have ESPN, Bleacher Report, AP News and New York Times. The information shown on the watch is barely anything. Articles are cut off to only one paragraph. Sports scores and news are only shown for your "favorite teams" instead of all sports news. Is there an option to change these? At this point I may as well use my phone to view scores and news.
3. Other apps seem very limited it's their ability.

At the end of the day a smartwatch is a "want" not a "need", as everything can be done on a phone which everyone has. Are there other users who have the same conflicts as me regarding lack of app abilities? I want to keep the watch, but I'm not one to use something I don't truly find useful. Also, I hate keeping items on me after work (ring, watch, keys, etc), so making the most of a smartwatch I need to keep it on me. Thank you for the feedback in advance.

 

[MistrSynistr]

You're just used to your phone. It's a bit jarring at first. I had the same concern when browsing news/etc on my watch but after a few days you adjust to it and realize why you're getting these condensed versions.

I found out I don't 'need' the watch, but I also do 'need' it because it's fantastic to wear to the gym with bluetooth headphones and not lug my phone around with me.

 

[Significant1]

The single biggest reason to get an Apple Watch is health tracking.

 

[akash.nu]

A few features I find lacking.
1. The inability to use the speaker for anything other than phone and Siri. If I want to listen to a podcast (which I listen to often) I need headphones. Same for music. Would prefer an option for this. If I want to burn through battery life it should be my decision.

This has never been Apple’s style. Once Steve jobs mentioned - customers trust us to make the right decision for them.

2. Apps are really lacking. I use my iPhone for information on news and sports. I have ESPN, Bleacher Report, AP News and New York Times. The information shown on the watch is barely anything. Articles are cut off to only one paragraph. Sports scores and news are only shown for your "favorite teams" instead of all sports news. Is there an option to change these? At this point I may as well use my phone to view scores and news.

That’s the whole point of the watch apps. They’re there to provide information at a glance, it’s not expected for users to read lengthy paragraphs on such a small screen. App developers need to keep that in mind and follow Apple’s UX guidelines to design and develop their apps.

3. Other apps seem very limited it's their ability.

The reason is down to the notion of providing the utmost important info on the Watch app.

At the end of the day a smartwatch is a "want" not a "need", as everything can be done on a phone which everyone has. Are there other users who have the same conflicts as me regarding lack of app abilities? I want to keep the watch, but I'm not one to use something I don't truly find useful. Also, I hate keeping items on me after work (ring, watch, keys, etc), so making the most of a smartwatch I need to keep it on me. Thank you for the feedback in advance.

Yep it’s always going to be a want as it is not a standalone device. It’s an iPhone accessory to begin with.

 

[mofunk]

There are more features in the Apple Watch that you haven't tapped into.

When you use GPS, the Apple watch helps by giving you haptic feedback to your wrist. This way you aren't looking down at your phone or a screen. It will tap your wrist before saying the directions.

Traveling has its perks. You don't have to pull out your iPhone to show your boarding pass. I see people fumbling with their phones and bags. If only they used the Watch.

Like the iPhone, if you have a lot of Notifications your battery will drain a lot faster. ESPN can run your battery down, depending on how many teams you are following. I would pick the ones you really need notifications on your Watch. Like Messages, certain Mail accounts, etc. And just have your phone do the rest.

ditto on the Health App