Apple products tend to shrink dramatically from 1st to 2nd revision (iPhone and iPad especially so), so we'll see how that works out and if it's at odds with adding more sensors.
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Future Versions of Apple Watch to Include Additional Sensors, 'Richer Health Features'
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Sorry to disappoint, but while I thought the leaked pics of the iPhone 4 were not pleasing and hoped it was fake, I've owned the 2G*, 3G, 4, 5S, and soon a 6.
*Even drop to the US to buy the 2G before the iPhone even came to Canada.
Only Samsung product I own is a TV.
It may not be on a yearly cycle, but there will be updates. Particularly as they can improve battery life and make it thinner. I think we'll see an update in time for next Christmas.
If the Watch had a GPS, it would keep me from having to carry my iPhone on my to track my bike ride. I get that the activity will be monitored, but I am more interested in a map and the data after the fact.
I love endomondo's data after a ride that shows just how slowly I was moving at the 9:37 mark when the wind kicked in. Alas, I have to have my iPhone on me to get all this data collected. If only there was some gadget I could wear on my wrist instead.
Are GPS components big? Are they getting squeezed out of the Watch due to the health sensors? Are GPS readers on the market now the size they are because the components are too big for a reasonable sized watch?
I love endomondo's data after a ride that shows just how slowly I was moving at the 9:37 mark when the wind kicked in. Alas, I have to have my iPhone on me to get all this data collected. If only there was some gadget I could wear on my wrist instead.
Are GPS components big? Are they getting squeezed out of the Watch due to the health sensors? Are GPS readers on the market now the size they are because the components are too big for a reasonable sized watch?
I do agree, but then you don't have to wait an entire year for a better enhanced model to come along as the maker (Samsung) learns more and develops more advanced hardware.
Sure some love this method, and some hate this method.
Both have pro's and con's.
Something makes me feel this Apple device is quite an old design of hardware, given what we have seen from other brands who have a faster release schedule, and they have something much better coming to replace it.
Think the next version is going to be quite a jump if its not going to appear for a year after the 1st one.
If this does not launch till Spring 2015. Will be interesting how long Apple will wait before an upgrade to the basic hardware design.
If they give it a year. Spring 2016 would be a HELL of a long time to wait, and other brands would have a massive amount of time to offer new things before that distant date as this tech is moving so fast.
It definitely will not be a year after the release of the first generation. Let's say they release it in February. I can't see Apple missing the next holiday season to release a device in February 2016.
In general, Apple needs to get away from yearly refreshes for certain products. I think it makes sense for the phone, because the carrier duopoly still believes in 2y contracts. The iPad could go either way, but it seems like the technology is increasingly pushing the limits of innovation in certain areas like Chip Manufacturing and glass improvements. So I see average updates longer than a year.
I really hope the watch gets 6 to 9 month updates, and not in the traditional sense of the iPhone. They can a release a simplified fitness band version in the summer, with a more advanced full featured watch in November, in time for the holidays. Six-month pushes with new bands, and potentially new colors or case materials, etc.
The next generation of any tech product will always be an improvement over the previous generation, or there won't be a next generation. Whether this one is updated annually or less often, the "wait for the next generation" game plays out to never buying anything.
Besides, we can see from the release schedule for the first generation Apple Watch that Apple is more concerned with getting the product right than on meeting some sort of release schedule.
As pointed out in the MacRumors Apple Watch Forum, it should be possible to
link to a GPS module via Bluetooth. For example, the Garmin GLO Portable GPS and GLONASS receiver is small, weighs 2.12 ounces and last 12 hours:
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/oem/sensors-and-boards/glo-/prod109827.html
It may just work out-of-the-box. In any case, I expect third-parties will create solutions based on this idea. Perhaps that was Apple's solution all along
link to a GPS module via Bluetooth. For example, the Garmin GLO Portable GPS and GLONASS receiver is small, weighs 2.12 ounces and last 12 hours:
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/oem/sensors-and-boards/glo-/prod109827.html
It may just work out-of-the-box. In any case, I expect third-parties will create solutions based on this idea. Perhaps that was Apple's solution all along
I will.
Apple's second iPod was a runway hit, Apple got the iPhone right with iPhone 3G, and iPad 2 was the mega-hit.
If I ever get a watch, it will be the second generation.
You only live once. I'm interested in the product and I'll get one when it comes out. If I want a 2nd-gen when that comes out I'll sell my 1st-gen. Not a big deal. Ill chalk up the depreciation to cost of ownership for that 9-18 months and move on.
If you want one, buy it. If not, don't.
If you want one, buy it. If not, don't.
Future Versions of Apple Watch to Include Additional Sensors, 'Richer Health ...
The first one isn't even out and they're talking about the next one? Jeez... Let us get our hands on the one that isn't even out first. Lol
The first one isn't even out and they're talking about the next one? Jeez... Let us get our hands on the one that isn't even out first. Lol
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I wonder how many people will die on the roads now while people check their wrists for their Facebook notifications and send "heartbeats" to their love interests
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I wish they would have left these watches to the fitness categories/payments, etc.
I wish they would have left these watches to the fitness categories/payments, etc.
I'm not against faster cycles, I just don't see how they are going to be able to engineer new models, gain FCC approval, create their marketing materials, hold keynotes, and release these devices on that kind of timeline.
Even in the heydays of iPods selling like hotcakes, I don't think they ever deviated from a yearly cycle?
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I have no doubt that there's a team within Apple right now working on the next iteration. I'm just not convinced that it is going to come as fast as reported for a variety of reasons.
If I'm wrong, that's totally fine.
My opinion, but there are two major reasons why Apple didn't include more sensors:
First of all, the majority of advanced health sensor hires were done in the past 12 months. That's likely not enough time to roll a sophisticated and highly accurate sensor into a device that is already on the chubby side. Tech is only so small at this point, and adding more sensors it would add more bulk.
Second, Apple is already struggling in the battery department, and I imagine a large portion of battery drain goes to constant infrared and visible light beams which track your heart rate. Same reason why GPS is not included yet. Add everything we could possibly desire, and you have a device the size of a cube strapped to your wrist.
Heart rate is most important, so I'm glad that capability made it. Second is the improvement of battery life that will allow sleep tracking, instead of having your watch off your wrist and charging all night.
First of all, the majority of advanced health sensor hires were done in the past 12 months. That's likely not enough time to roll a sophisticated and highly accurate sensor into a device that is already on the chubby side. Tech is only so small at this point, and adding more sensors it would add more bulk.
Second, Apple is already struggling in the battery department, and I imagine a large portion of battery drain goes to constant infrared and visible light beams which track your heart rate. Same reason why GPS is not included yet. Add everything we could possibly desire, and you have a device the size of a cube strapped to your wrist.
Heart rate is most important, so I'm glad that capability made it. Second is the improvement of battery life that will allow sleep tracking, instead of having your watch off your wrist and charging all night.
I'll admit I was a little let down by the watch with all the hype that ALL OF US created thinking it would be years ahead of the completion. This is a generation one product for sure. And all apple fans know to hold out for the second gen devices so I have no doubt apple will pack it with new tech. Hell most of all the top medical and science professionals they hired only came to apple with in the past 9 months. That's not a lot of time for them to implement everything they want in to the watch. Samsung and the others are all on their 3rd or 4th attempt at a smart watch and they are very slowly coming together. I have no doubt the 
watch has a bright future ahead with newer versions.
watch has a bright future ahead with newer versions.