I Apple, but not my Apple Watch

[pmau]

So, every other product that Apple makes delivers for you?

I just don't get why something that doesn't work for you is a bad product?

Because if you are honest, you would see that it is.
It is a miniature iOS device, with no real concept.

It's not bad as in "does not work", it's bad because Apple wasn't able to design something that brings new possibilities to its users.

But ... I don't want to argue. If you think it's great I'm OK.
I bought one, too.

I'm just saying it is not what Apple's marketing is telling us.

And please do not tell me about software improvements.
This device will never be capable of great things, even with new software.
And finally, we are discussing this version, not some 2nd gen version that will be great.

This one is clearly not a useful and innovative product.
This is my opinion.

 

[BillyTrimble]

It's not bad as in "does not work", it's bad because Apple wasn't able to design something that brings new possibilities to its users.

That is just wrong. The watch brings many new possibilities to me. You just aren't able to appreciate them. And that's OK. The watch isn't for you. But it is the right product for me.

 

[Zedcars]

The heart rate monitor is inaccurate and if that is then so must the fitness data it generates.

Where is your evidence to support this claim?

Brad Larson, an engineer at a plotting instrument firm, has conducted a detailed comparison with a dedicated heart rate monitor. The results are contrary to your statement.

http://venturebeat.com/2015/05/08/the-apple-watch-heart-monitor-might-yield-clinical-grade-results-after-all/

Could it be that "you're wearing it wrong?"

 

[pmau]

That is just wrong. The watch brings many new possibilities to me. You just aren't able to appreciate them. And that's OK. The watch isn't for you. But it is the right product for me.

Fine. I stop here.
As I said, if you see all the innovation, it's the right product for you.
... and as I said ... I bought one too. I just can't see the great game changer.

 

[Eeko]

So I got my Watch.

I am an Apple zealot in many ways. That annoying guy that up-sells Apple stuff to friends and family, border line religiously. Ever since I bought my first Powerbook G4 in 2001 - I have been a convert. So I unquestioningly looked forward to the Apple Watch from the moment I saw it.

But now its here - and this Watch just doesn't add up for me. It feels superficial and pointless. It adds nothing to the apple experience except another layer of abstraction. I mean how hard is it really to check a message on your phone, as opposed to your wrist? And the other stuff feels limited and limiting.

The concept looks like a classic Apple product. Its has all the hallmarks of great design, style and simplicity. but then you look closer and its like something vital is missing.

I knew why I wanted an iPod. It was going to change how I listened to my music. I knew why I wanted an iPhone. It was going to change and expand the way I used my phone. I didn't know why I wanted an iPad - until I got one and then it all made sense. But with this it feels like its been designed the wrong way around - its a product looking for an idea.

This is the first new Apple product without Steve Jobs input and boy can I sense that. He would have asked much harder questions than anyone else on the team seems to have done.

This is starting to be the way I feel about it, too. I have 2 days to decide if I want to keep it, but I think it's going back today.

I'm looking forward to the new Apple TV and iOS9!

 

[latndude]

Agree

This is a product that many people, like yourself, will not understand and will be disappointed in. That's OK. This is a very different product for Apple. And you have absolutely NO way of knowing if it is something that Jobs would have developed. And it's irrelevant anyway because many of us do understand what the watch is and isn't. It's a fabulous device and I like more and more every day I use it.

As Apple says, this is a very personal produce. It's right for me and many others. It's simply not right for you and wasn't designed to be the right product for you. It's that simple.

I have to agree , I like fashion and watches, and as such , the Watch is right on target , I also love technology , compare to other similar offers in the "smartwatch camp" the Watch leaves them is the dust . As a personal accessory it triumphs for what is intended to be . As a compliment to the rest of my Apple ecosystem is a welcome addition . Not for everyone , yes , that is perhaps true . Steve Jobs , he is the past , Apple has to look ahead and the future looks pretty good.

 

[Nebrie]

Every single Apple product follows this adoption curve. The Apple Watch is no exception. Apple's early adopters for the watch are fitness buffs and people who spend more time pulling out their phone and putting it back takes more time than the interactions they needed the phone for. If you're in this group, the watch is a breakthrough that makes your world drastically better. If you're not, then it won't seem like anything special and you should wait for Apple to target your needs in future versions.

 

[racer1441]

My point is this product feels like something Steve wouldn't have launched in its current state. It's a product for the sake of a product, rather than offering something new.

I check out when someone claims to know what Steve Jobs would do.

 

[Blakjack]

So I got my Watch.

I am an Apple zealot in many ways. That annoying guy that up-sells Apple stuff to friends and family, border line religiously. Ever since I bought my first Powerbook G4 in 2001 - I have been a convert. So I unquestioningly looked forward to the Apple Watch from the moment I saw it.

But now its here - and this Watch just doesn't add up for me. It feels superficial and pointless. It adds nothing to the apple experience except another layer of abstraction. I mean how hard is it really to check a message on your phone, as opposed to your wrist? And the other stuff feels limited and limiting.

The concept looks like a classic Apple product. Its has all the hallmarks of great design, style and simplicity. but then you look closer and its like something vital is missing.

I knew why I wanted an iPod. It was going to change how I listened to my music. I knew why I wanted an iPhone. It was going to change and expand the way I used my phone. I didn't know why I wanted an iPad - until I got one and then it all made sense. But with this it feels like its been designed the wrong way around - its a product looking for an idea.

This is the first new Apple product without Steve Jobs input and boy can I sense that. He would have asked much harder questions than anyone else on the team seems to have done.

You're obviously a person who has their phone in their hand 100% of the time.

Me...most of the time, my phone is in the bedroom while I'm in the living room sitting in the recliner or in my pocket while I drive.

When Im at the gym, its in my gym bag which is in my locker. Oh and when Im on the toilet, my phone is usually out of reach as well.

I usually can't pick my phone up when I'm washing dishes or out in the yard getting my hands dirty.

But you...you carry your phone in your hand 100% of the time.

 

[chiffchaff]

Because if you are honest, you would see that it is.
It is a miniature iOS device, with no real concept.

It's not bad as in "does not work", it's bad because Apple wasn't able to design something that brings new possibilities to its users.

But ... I don't want to argue. If you think it's great I'm OK.
I bought one, too.

I'm just saying it is not what Apple's marketing is telling us.

And please do not tell me about software improvements.
This device will never be capable of great things, even with new software.
And finally, we are discussing this version, not some 2nd gen version that will be great.

This one is clearly not a useful and innovative product.
This is my opinion.

Yes, it's your opinion. Not empirical truth. So when you say if others were "honest" they would agree with you, that's where your post is incorrect.

 

[mightyjabba]

The watch is in its infancy as a product and a platform. There are rough edges. But as someone who enjoys technology (and Apple's take on technology in particular), I will enjoy seeing how it develops over time. That's not to say that it's not useful in its current form, but if you're buying into a brand new platform you have to expect some growing pains. I really am reminded of the original iPhone in many ways.

But beyond that, the watch is not the kind of product that will appeal to everyone. People who like Apple don't necessarily have to like and own everything the company makes. The main issue is that some people seem to have been expecting a life-changing product like the iPhone, when it's closer to an iPad. It's something that's nice to have, but not essential. It's something that some people will love, but not everyone will need, or even see the point of. That's okay.

 

[foxkoneko]

You're obviously a person who has their phone in their hand 100% of the time.

Me...most of the time, my phone is in the bedroom while I'm in the living room sitting in the recliner or in my pocket while I drive.

When Im at the gym, its in my gym bag which is in my locker. Oh and when Im on the toilet, my phone is usually out of reach as well.

I usually can't pick my phone up when I'm washing dishes or out in the yard getting my hands dirty.

But you...you carry your phone in your hand 100% of the time.

This exactly. I barely touch my phone now that I got my watch. The phone has become just a web browser #
I'm near my MacBook most of the time so this drops the phone usage even more #

 

[scaredpoet]

My point is this product feels like something Steve wouldn't have launched in its current state.

How quickly we forget. If you compare the 1st gen Apple Watch to the 1st gen iPhone, it is EXACTLY the product Steve Jobs would've launched. No cut and paste, no third party apps, no MMS capability, no 3G... and these were all things phones did at the time, not enhancements that Apple had to innovate on.

Actually I take it back: the Apple Watch is actually quite a bit better.

It's a product for the sake of a product, rather than offering something new.

No, it's a product that doesn't appeal to your use-case, and that's perfectly fine. One doesn't need to own or like each and every product Apple produces, and not liking or owning one product does not predict impending doom for the company.

Also, it's coming up on 4 years. It's more than time to stop dragging Jobs' lifeless corpse out and using it as a yardstick every time someone disagrees with something Apple has done.

 

[lord e55ex]

So I got my Watch.

I am an Apple zealot in many ways. That annoying guy that up-sells Apple stuff to friends and family, border line religiously. Ever since I bought my first Powerbook G4 in 2001 - I have been a convert. So I unquestioningly looked forward to the Apple Watch from the moment I saw it.

But now its here - and this Watch just doesn't add up for me. It feels superficial and pointless. It adds nothing to the apple experience except another layer of abstraction. I mean how hard is it really to check a message on your phone, as opposed to your wrist? And the other stuff feels limited and limiting.

The concept looks like a classic Apple product. Its has all the hallmarks of great design, style and simplicity. but then you look closer and its like something vital is missing.

I knew why I wanted an iPod. It was going to change how I listened to my music. I knew why I wanted an iPhone. It was going to change and expand the way I used my phone. I didn't know why I wanted an iPad - until I got one and then it all made sense. But with this it feels like its been designed the wrong way around - its a product looking for an idea.

This is the first new Apple product without Steve Jobs input and boy can I sense that. He would have asked much harder questions than anyone else on the team seems to have done.

Exactly the same for me. The thing that struck me was, why am I waiting to load a news app on my watch when in fact I could have got my phone out and accessed richer content a lot faster??

It also bothered me how dependant it was on the phone. I went from carrying a phone, to carrying a watch, phone and charge cable. Each to their own though, this otherwise meets a lot of people's needs.

 

[fischersd]

"If you build it, they will come"

Yes, love that movie.

The point being, for a lot of people, maybe the watch doesn't yet have the "killer app" which will make it indispensable for them. For most, the convenience will be more than enough.

Having the platform out there will allow the software development community to use their creativity to use it in ways we haven't imagined yet (provided Apple makes enough API's available and doesn't hoard them all to themselves).

Sorry guys, but the "if Steve was alive" stuff is getting old. He's gone. Keeping that up, you're getting a little too akin to the people that still think Elvis is alive. That era is over. We can all be nostalgic about it, but we need to move forward.

 

[Docsteel]

There are two thoughts I would have reading the OP:

1) The product was in the pipeline long before Job's died - they hadn't reached even the prototype product but it wasn't just something they thought of in the time since his death. I would even wager that some of the basic functions/design may have come from note or discussions he had in the past.

2) I keep having to remind people, this is just the beginning of wearables and the utility for the average person IS limited - before too long, having one will be utterly necessary as whipping your phone out to unlock doors, activate systems, walk through stores even use it to store and communicate identification information at work and a lot of system-integrated applications in the Internet of Things not even thought of yet outside of research labs.

For some of the other posters, myself and my wife, the ability to triage email, calls and other notifications without having to waste time pulling out the phone or retrieving it is indeed paying off. Heck, even using Maps with it and having it ping to be sure you remember to turn is handy.

It's not for everyone, but it is definitely "here today" for those of us with lots of timely email and phone messages that need responding to; for your average 20 year old working at Starbucks or just hanging out in College it's utility is just not apparent (yet).

The Wired article quoted (about throwing things on the wall to see what sticks) is actually pretty common; everyone sensed the time to make a wearable was now because everyone and their brother in the tech industry knows the Internet of Things is coming along and is the next big wave in technology, but for some folks today the Watch won't be for them, no doubt,

This exactly. I barely touch my phone now that I got my watch. The phone has become just a web browser ��
I'm near my MacBook most of the time so this drops the phone usage even more ��

Same here, I was shocked how much less I was pulling my phone out or chasing it down in the house.

 

[TEBnewyork]

Because if you are honest, you would see that it is.
It is a miniature iOS device, with no real concept.

It's not bad as in "does not work", it's bad because Apple wasn't able to design something that brings new possibilities to its users.

But ... I don't want to argue. If you think it's great I'm OK.
I bought one, too.

I'm just saying it is not what Apple's marketing is telling us.

And please do not tell me about software improvements.
This device will never be capable of great things, even with new software.
And finally, we are discussing this version, not some 2nd gen version that will be great.

This one is clearly not a useful and innovative product.
This is my opinion.

I am honest when I say that it has changed my behavior and interaction with other products for the better. If it doesn't for you, that's fine. Not a good product for you. But it is one for me.

 

[mbhforum]

I Apple, but not my Apple Watch

Interesting thread. I am a huge Apple fan and I am really liking the watch. My use cases are similar to others that it is an extension of your iPhone that makes things more convenient and easier. Do we need it? No. But we have smartphones because it's easier than going to run to your computer to send an email or surf the web. You can make the argument that a smartphone is an extension of the personal computer. I think we're people are getting hung up on with the watch is we might be on the tip of device overload between computers, tablets, wearables and smartphones as each plays a specific part.

I got my wife a Apple watch for Mother's Day and she is lukewarm about it. She doesn't think that she needs it. I told her try it for a week and if you find that it's not worth it, we'll return it. I won't be mad or upset since I know, everyone has different use cases. My use cases include home automation, notifications, sports scores, checking my next meeting easily and weather checks easily. Those are reasons for me why I like my Apple watch.

 

[ToroidalZeus]

There are two thoughts I would have reading the OP:

1) The product was in the pipeline long before Job's died - they hadn't reached even the prototype product but it wasn't just something they thought of in the time since his death. I would even wager that some of the basic functions/design may have come from note or discussions he had in the past.

2) I keep having to remind people, this is just the beginning of wearables and the utility for the average person IS limited - before too long, having one will be utterly necessary as whipping your phone out to unlock doors, activate systems, walk through stores even use it to store and communicate identification information at work and a lot of system-integrated applications in the Internet of Things not even thought of yet outside of research labs.

For some of the other posters, myself and my wife, the ability to triage email, calls and other notifications without having to waste time pulling out the phone or retrieving it is indeed paying off. Heck, even using Maps with it and having it ping to be sure you remember to turn is handy.

It's not for everyone, but it is definitely "here today" for those of us with lots of timely email and phone messages that need responding to; for your average 20 year old working at Starbucks or just hanging out in College it's utility is just not apparent (yet).

The Wired article quoted (about throwing things on the wall to see what sticks) is actually pretty common; everyone sensed the time to make a wearable was now because everyone and their brother in the tech industry knows the Internet of Things is coming along and is the next big wave in technology, but for some folks today the Watch won't be for them, no doubt,



Same here, I was shocked how much less I was pulling my phone out or chasing it down in the house.

The problem is Steve Jobs wasn't around to say "NO!"

This reminds me of how almost a decade ago everyone thought the internet of things (to use modern terms) would center around the living room. So Microsoft developed the Xbox as a game console ninja that would sneak into people's homes and plant MS as the center of this new technological world.

The fact is that market never realized itself. Everytime MS tried pushing more multimedia & family features like cable streaming & kinect it saw backlash from the gaming community. Most important MS wasted so much money on the original Xbox that even the Xbox 360's profits didn't put into the black.

There is a high probability the wearable market will see a similar fate. I'm not convinced people want a flavor flav clock around their necks that broadcasts youtube.

 

[fischersd]

This reminds me of how almost a decade ago everyone thought the internet of things (to use modern terms) would center around the living room. So Microsoft developed the Xbox as a game console ninja that would sneak into people's homes and plant MS as the center of this new technological world.

The fact is that market never realized itself. Everytime MS tried pushing more multimedia & family features like cable streaming & kinect it saw backlash from the gaming community. Most important MS wasted so much money on the original Xbox that even the Xbox 360's profits didn't put into the black.

You forgot about "Surface" - which some will remember was the original name of their "Table OS" which was windows based. Problem is, the tables where so expensive, it was only a restaurant or two in Vegas that bought into it.

It's a delicate balancing act. Technology adoption is driven by several factors - I think one of the big ones with the watch is going to be the price point for a lot of people. Me, I think the SS ones should have been brought lower (and I don't think the Sports are durable enough). Any who...I digress.

 

[Dumbinho]

I didn't read the whole thread. But for the OP.
I don't have my  watch yet. But I do have a pebble. So I'm gonna speak from my experience with the pebble.
I think this is a product that you have to give it a chance to know its full potential. It's one of those that once you have it for a while. You will get used to it and love it without knowing it until you get rid of it.
Especially for those that work a lot with hands on like me. It's very helpful when I get a msg that is important but something that doesn't need my reply. I can just glance at it. Instead of removing my gloves, reach for my phone just to look at a msg. Or a phone call. Sometimes it is not important. I can ignore the call without reaching for my phone.
You can also control your music, camera etc.
I can do all these stuff with a pebble. I can't imagine the endless possibilities you can do with an  watch once the developers start making their awesome apps.
I can already imagine going to a Disney World trip. Get on the plane using passbook on my watch. While waiting on the plane, get a coffee at Starbucks using my watch. Then check in to the hotel and get in your room with your watch. Then walk in to Disney using your watch and pay for your lunch there with your watch. But the expensive frozen toys for my daughter using my watch. Do all this without the need to reach for not only your phone but also your wallet!

 

[ToroidalZeus]

You forgot about "Surface" - which some will remember was the original name of their "Table OS" which was windows based. Problem is, the tables where so expensive, it was only a restaurant or two in Vegas that bought into it.

It's a delicate balancing act. Technology adoption is driven by several factors - I think one of the big ones with the watch is going to be the price point for a lot of people. Me, I think the SS ones should have been brought lower (and I don't think the Sports are durable enough). Any who...I digress.

You know iPad sales are going down and Surface sales are going up. I like Apple so it pains me to say that MS is doing a good job transitioning a full-fledged Windows OS to touchscreen. But anyways I digress too.

 

[sk1wbw]

Can we please stop saying that this is something that Steve wouldn't have done? Do you people realize that he is dead and there is a new CEO now?

 

[Dumbinho]

You know iPad sales are going down and Surface sales are going up. I like Apple so it pains me to say that MS is doing a good job transitioning a full-fledged Windows OS to touchscreen. But anyways I digress too.

As much as I love apple. I gotta give props to Microsoft. They have been trying and succeeding after they got a new CEO. The last one was an idiot. They are making some great stuff lately. Their new holographic computer sounds awesome! Even tho I would never buy their surface tablets because they are so heavy. The latest models are great tablets/laptops for business or college students.
In the end. It's all good for the consumers. More competition drives more innovation.

 

[pmau]

You know iPad sales are going down and Surface sales are going up. I like Apple so it pains me to say that MS is doing a good job transitioning a full-fledged Windows OS to touchscreen. But anyways I digress too.

Well ... look at it this way: If your sales go from 10.000 units to 20.000, you have doubled your sales.

If your sales go from 4 million to 3.8, it's still impressive.
(I was lazy, I made the numbers up)

Having said that, I think Microsoft is trying to many things and adapting to many established technologies. Compared to "old" MS, it's still a massive improvement.