I Apple, but not my Apple Watch

[Rangers94]

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??

I think we can all agree that the Apple Watch is much better at pushing information rather than pulling information from. I find the Apple Watch to be very useful as far as notifications, imessages, receiving or dismissing phone calls etc. Basically it alerts you when to use it rather than you using it for information. Although a few exceptions are the timer, stopwatch and setting reminders through siri from my wrist instead of digging for my iphone or searching for it. I find the Apple Watch to be very convenient in that regard.

However, for 3rd party apps, news info etc, my iphone is still the no brainer and I don't think the Apple Watch can ever replace it nor is it trying to.

 

[Docsteel]

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.

I would have to disagree with the logic here. Multiple upon multiple projects are underway, from integrating your car's O/S with blue-tooth, building systems, shopping options, etc to become Internet integrated. This wasn't the case 10 years ago, and comparing MS (who frankly is uneven at best) handling of the entertainment industry in the living room is simply not equivalent to the myriad of obvious applications coming (hell, just think of Medical) wear a wearable is quicker and more natural than even a smart phone. The better way to look at this if you want a comparison would be to compare the rapid emergence of the Cloud for general computing compared to the first attempt. Few now remember this "cloud" is nothing new; it's the re-branding and re-introduction of what some us recall at the end of the 90's as ASP's or Application Service Providers. The time wasn't right, it took another full decade to be realized once the Internet was sufficiently powerful enough to accommodate it but those technically aware enough of the big picture recognized it was the natural direction of things in time.

I believe we in the same position with wearables, only the time difference is say three years as opposed to about 12 with ASP/Cloud services. If you think it is about YouTube and the apps usage you are missing the point entirely of the integration possibilities which are all but inevitable. 90+% of the folks returning their Apple Watches will own another within five years, mark my word.

 

[etm0001]

While I agree with (I want GPS in the Watch as well) also don't forget your Garmin is a $150 MORE than Apple Watch Sport 42mm and $200 more than 38mm.

If we want to compare the Apple Watch Sport to the baseline Fenix 3, then the baseline Fenix 3 MSRP is $150 more than the 38mm, and $100 more than the 42mm. (There is a sapphire Fenix 3 which costs $599.) But yes, the Fenix 3 is more expensive for sure.

There is a precedent. The Sony Smartwatch has GPS built in. So it is possible.

You're right, I forgot about the Sony watch. It's dimensions are 36x51x10mm, and the Apple Watch is 42×35.9×10.5mm (42mm version, obviously). So I agree, if Sony can do it Apple certainly can (but presumably only if they can maintain the same (or better) battery life).

 

[Randizzledante]

yeah it's not for everyone.

Personally I love it for running. I love that it makes me super motivated to achieve 30 minutes of exercise on non-running days. I love the fact that I can get notifications and absolutely no-one else knows or hears. I love that I can book reminders and timers simply by speaking to my wrist. I love the fact I have barely typed an sms in 2.5 weeks. I love that I can use it so easily when driving. I love that I can ask directions and know which way to turn without taking my eyes off the road. I love the fact it prompts me to get off my ass every hour when I'm playing playstation. I love that I can now leave my iPhone in my flipbelt when running.

There's so much I love about it that it really has changed my life. But it's probably not for everyone. Nothing wrong with that

You have actually made me appreciate my Apple Watch even more than I already did!

I came here to bring up a section of users that I don't believe was discussed, and that is us (if I'm not the only one out there, that is) non-power iPhone users.

Now I know what you're thinking - what? The Apple Watch was made for people who use their iPhone constantly! But nay, I say.

I hardly use my iPhone 6 (though I love it). I am not even close to a power user. I get a handful of emails a day, and even fewer texts. I check the weather and maybe my calendar.

The Apple Watch does literally everything I did on my iPhone - AND THEN SOME! The fitness tracking? Super awesome. Heart rate monitor? I love it. And you know what? I never once used Siri on my iPhone because I thought she was a gimmick on there. Now, Siri is my best friend. SUPREMELY useful, and hands-free! My phone sits uselessly at both home and work, and I miss it not.

Where my manual drivers at? I can actually talk-text people back again! Take a quick glace at maps! It's wonderful!

I guess I'm just here to say that I am impressed. And I expect I will only become more enamored as apps come out (and can run off the watch properly ). Apple Watch really can be for anyone, as long as you warrant its strengths.

 

[JackANSI]

The point:

There isn't a person I know that I would/could tell them: "This watch is for you". For those that sell their Watch, I get it. For those that love their Watch, I get it. It is way to personal of a choice for me to understand, just as my opinion is probably lost on you.

I can't say to anyone (without looking stupid): "Apple got it right with this where everyone else got it wrong". There are glaring flaws in the Watch, if you can't see them you're wearing some really, really rose-tinted glasses and are not being honest with yourself (in my opinion). For being a "personal" device, it really tells you how you should do things instead of listening to how I want them done.



The long read:

I wasn't going to keep my watch when I purchased it. It was entirely a "purchase for resale" type thing since I knew there would be more orders than Watches. After putting it up on eBay and almost getting my asking price of triple what I paid, I decided to try it out before relisting it as "used" for 50% more than I paid (Yes, I'm one of "those guys". Do I care about your opinion on MY choices? No.) But, I am keeping it.

I'm an avid user of watches from Casio databank watches when I was around 7 or 8 to my ultimate prize of a Omega Seamaster co-ax chrono. (I've almost always had a watch on my wrist)

Coming from a Pebble v1 (plastic) as a "notification companion" I can say the Apple Watch holds its own in the "notification companion" arena. I don't really want (or care) to call the Apple Watch a "smart watch" till it can natively run 3rd party apps or be a bit more than an extension of my iPhone. Its too darn slow updating to current information. Most things take less time to get the phone out and use it (unless the phone is not on me). Thats not "smart".. period. That reeks of "rush job" to me.

The notifications are pretty good. I only get phone calls, messages, and e-mail as notifications, the rest are easier to just get on the phone as the app comes up quickly and the updated data is there in no time. If I had time to pay attention to sports like some, I'd probably get those notifications on the phone too since I enjoy the context of scores when I do look at them (like who had how many hits on a team, or who made the winning catch/throw).

The Apple Watch is a poor choice of a fashion statement. I can say the Apple watch always looked "dated" to me in the same way the Pebble v1 looked "really dated". If I were to wear my Apple Watch to a function that I'd normally wear my Omega, I would be sending the wrong message for sure. Instead of "style" or "class" I'd be saying "wasteful" and "naive". The only thing the Apple Watch had was being exclusive in the run up to the preorder deliveries. Now it is looking ever more overpriced in people's eyes (the non-"apple-is-the-almighty-no-one-must-speak-ill-of-apple" crowd, you know, the people that don't follow Apple Rumor sites). The reaction I get most from my Apple Watch is "Wow, that's the really expensive smart watch right? I'd rather do "X" with that money." not "Wow, that's the really awesome smart watch right? I want to get one really bad."

Functionally I use my Apple Watch for nothing more than what I used my Pebble for, except for Apple Pay and the weather (neither of which the Pebble did at all/well). It is way better than the Pebble at notifications/weather for me as it just "works".. most of the time. The Apple Watch is ~how~ Apple Pay should work. No more getting anything out at all, just double press and done (don't even have to have the phone on me). So fast and clean. (at least where supported)

I call the health functions as a "push" as it doesn't really do anything all that better than some other cheaper options do. I still use my nano for music anyway and I don't feel any desire to change that. Something about putting the nano on and tying my shoes just makes me switch modes, a real transition into a "mood" that I didn't feel when I wore the Apple Watch. But I'm not an obsessive "tracker" that needs to know the exact inches I ran. I run till I'm tired, then I turn around and run back. Some days thats a few miles, other days it is many more than a few. I know when I've had enough and don't need something second guessing me.

I hate the band options in general and really hate the price. I hope third party bands wipe the floor with Apple. If they aren't getting the margins they desire out of the watch, they are definitely getting them out of the bands.

Overall, with things like the weather app pulling in multiples of the list of locations I have (only 5 locations, but sometimes there will be enough little "page dots" that I can swipe through 5 or 6 sets of duplicates...) the Watch very much feels like a beta of a first version. With as many months as the Apple Watch was in people's hands before release, it is embarrassing that there is a single bug. I have yet to use "Siri" for much as I had a Martian and never really used it there past the first day or so. It is just not reliable enough. If it is that important that I talk to my wrist for something, I usually can't risk it being screwed up by Siri.

Luckily I don't think it is anything that can't be taken care of with software updates, provided Apple wants to fix things. I keep wanting to use the crown as a "selector" and the button as "back", and in general I can think of a few better/simpler ways to navigate than what is currently on there. I don't think Apple will change anything with navigation, ever, as that would be akin to admitting they got it "not-right" the first time. So I'm not going to hope for anything but bug fixes. Which sucks. Because it is supposed to be so "personal" yet there are so few options on how to make it feel and operated at a "personal" level.

 

[striders]

I loved everything about the Apple Watch, from the physical looks to the retina screen, until I tried to use it...

Laaaaggg..

No seriously, it's no fun waiting 5 seconds to open Apple Maps, 3 seconds to open 3rd party apps, etc. I know the Watch OS 1.0 is currently pulling everything from the iPhone, but c'mon! I had Pebble and Android Wear and never seen this much lag.

For some maybe it's not a problem, but for me, a smartwatch is supposed to provide instant bits of information to the wearer - take a glance, see it, done. Now it's take a glance..wait..wait..argh! Screen is off.. tap..wait.. finally.

 

[sailermon]

The point:

There isn't a person I know that I would/could tell them: "This watch is for you". For those that sell their Watch, I get it. For those that love their Watch, I get it. It is way to personal of a choice for me to understand, just as my opinion is probably lost on you.

I can't say to anyone (without looking stupid): "Apple got it right with this where everyone else got it wrong". There are glaring flaws in the Watch, if you can't see them you're wearing some really, really rose-tinted glasses and are not being honest with yourself (in my opinion). For being a "personal" device, it really tells you how you should do things instead of listening to how I want them done.

Well, I could not disagree more. Apple did get it right, just as they always have since Jobs matured and returned. Please read on.



The long read:

I wasn't going to keep my watch when I purchased it. It was entirely a "purchase for resale" type thing since I knew there would be more orders than Watches. After putting it up on eBay and almost getting my asking price of triple what I paid, I decided to try it out before relisting it as "used" for 50% more than I paid (Yes, I'm one of "those guys". Do I care about your opinion on MY choices? No.) But, I am keeping it.

Well, I guess it couldn't be that bad, since you decided to keep it!

I'm an avid user of watches from Casio databank watches when I was around 7 or 8 to my ultimate prize of a Omega Seamaster co-ax chrono. (I've almost always had a watch on my wrist)

Coming from a Pebble v1 (plastic) as a "notification companion" I can say the Apple Watch holds its own in the "notification companion" arena. I don't really want (or care) to call the Apple Watch a "smart watch" till it can natively run 3rd party apps or be a bit more than an extension of my iPhone. Its too darn slow updating to current information. Most things take less time to get the phone out and use it (unless the phone is not on me). Thats not "smart".. period. That reeks of "rush job" to me.

I'll bet you can't give me one example where it is faster and more convenient to pull you iPhone out than to get what you need with "glances" on the AW. Examples are seeing the time of day, temperature, daily activity, next appointment, notifications, just to name a few. This is especially true if your iPhone is I another room, in you jeans pocket, or somewhere else except in your hand.

The notifications are pretty good. I only get phone calls, messages, and e-mail as notifications, the rest are easier to just get on the phone as the app comes up quickly and the updated data is there in no time. If I had time to pay attention to sports like some, I'd probably get those notifications on the phone too since I enjoy the context of scores when I do look at them (like who had how many hits on a team, or who made the winning catch/throw).

The Apple Watch is a poor choice of a fashion statement. I can say the Apple watch always looked "dated" to me in the same way the Pebble v1 looked "really dated". If I were to wear my Apple Watch to a function that I'd normally wear my Omega, I would be sending the wrong message for sure. Instead of "style" or "class" I'd be saying "wasteful" and "naive". The only thing the Apple Watch had was being exclusive in the run up to the preorder deliveries. Now it is looking ever more overpriced in people's eyes (the non-"apple-is-the-almighty-no-one-must-speak-ill-of-apple" crowd, you know, the people that don't follow Apple Rumor sites). The reaction I get most from my Apple Watch is "Wow, that's the really expensive smart watch right? I'd rather do "X" with that money." not "Wow, that's the really awesome smart watch right? I want to get one really bad."

I guess you opted fro the cheaper "sports" model. If you wanted fusion, you should have purchased the SS with Milanese loop band and you could have worn it to any function and have looked good or the gold watch for an even more classy look. Apple gave everyone many choices depending on what was important to you, in addition to being able to change out bands depending on the situation.

Functionally I use my Apple Watch for nothing more than what I used my Pebble for, except for Apple Pay and the weather (neither of which the Pebble did at all/well). It is way better than the Pebble at notifications/weather for me as it just "works".. most of the time. The Apple Watch is ~how~ Apple Pay should work. No more getting anything out at all, just double press and done (don't even have to have the phone on me). So fast and clean. (at least where supported)

Those exceptions are fairly significant, don't you think?

I call the health functions as a "push" as it doesn't really do anything all that better than some other cheaper options do. I still use my nano for music anyway and I don't feel any desire to change that. Something about putting the nano on and tying my shoes just makes me switch modes, a real transition into a "mood" that I didn't feel when I wore the Apple Watch. But I'm not an obsessive "tracker" that needs to know the exact inches I ran. I run till I'm tired, then I turn around and run back. Some days thats a few miles, other days it is many more than a few. I know when I've had enough and don't need something second guessing me.

I guess you not into fitness much. The AW lets you monitor the important metrics during a workout and tracks and shares all the information with Heath Kit and other Apps so that you have a complete history of your calorie intake and burn so that you can readily monitor your daily gain or loss for weight management. Basically the AW does what other the the sports band do plus a whole lot of other things too.

I hate the band options in general and really hate the price. I hope third party bands wipe the floor with Apple. If they aren't getting the margins they desire out of the watch, they are definitely getting them out of the bands.

How many band options do you expect? Holy crap, it's at least 10 times what anyone else offers. As far as price goes, a whole lot of people spend $250 a week just on entertainment and going out to eat and drink. In the scheme of things, AW is not that bad of deal. There are a lot of ways to pay for an AW. One good way is to buy some Apple stock and just sit back for a few months.

Overall, with things like the weather app pulling in multiples of the list of locations I have (only 5 locations, but sometimes there will be enough little "page dots" that I can swipe through 5 or 6 sets of duplicates...) the Watch very much feels like a beta of a first version. With as many months as the Apple Watch was in people's hands before release, it is embarrassing that there is a single bug. I have yet to use "Siri" for much as I had a Martian and never really used it there past the first day or so. It is just not reliable enough. If it is that important that I talk to my wrist for something, I usually can't risk it being screwed up by Siri.

You should try Siri again. The AW is perfectly suited for Siri and Apple has improved Siri tremendously over the last few years. You do need to be articulate, but shouldn't we all anyway?

Luckily I don't think it is anything that can't be taken care of with software updates, provided Apple wants to fix things. I keep wanting to use the crown as a "selector" and the button as "back", and in general I can think of a few better/simpler ways to navigate than what is currently on there. I don't think Apple will change anything with navigation, ever, as that would be akin to admitting they got it "not-right" the first time. So I'm not going to hope for anything but bug fixes. Which sucks. Because it is supposed to be so "personal" yet there are so few options on how to make it feel and operated at a "personal" level.

B.S... Apple has always provided ample enhancements along with bug fixes, and there is no reason we should assume it will be any different with the watch. I believe new Apps for the watch are going to add a lot of enhancements, as well.

The bottom line is that Apple did a fantastic job on this device, just like they have for the iPod, iPad, iPhone, Apple TV and the Mac.

 

[zmunkz]

This is the first time I can remember that significantly different price points did not yield "more". The more expensive iPhone offers more memory. The more expensive Mac has a better processor, etc, etc. But with Apple Watch the $17,000 version does NOTHING different from the $349 version

You are thinking in terms of tech.... You are forgetting the luxury/fashion side, which is new for this device. The apple watch is $350. Everything else is for the fashion side, which is a perfectly valid consideration to a buyer.

 

[AustinIllini]

I dunno. I agree with a lot of what OP said. That being said, it wasn't for me. The experience was all replaceable with my cell phone. The watches are ridiculously expensive on eBay, so I sold mine.

 

[MrXiro]

"Apple decided to make a watch and only then set out to discover what it might be good for"

http://www.wired.com/2015/04/the-apple-watch/

This "let's throw **** against the wall and see if it sticks" wouldn't happen if Steve was alive.

Image

I whole heartedly disagree with this statement and no I don't think the Watch is perfect product. It has quite a few first gen niggles that need fixing.

Apple saw an interesting product when they made the "Nano Watch" iPod. People saw it as a way to wear their iPod as a watch. When they released the "2nd Generation" of the Nano Watch all it had was a handful of new colors and a firmware that had MORE watch faces... oh and it also had a built in pedometer.

People have disagreed with me, but to me this is the birth of the Apple Watch. They chose to build on that design and add features to it, it's not a fly by night, "hey let's build a fashion accessory" moment for them. Hell the Apple watch still sort of looks like that Nano, only streamlined and updated.

Now if only they kept some of the simplistic UI features... I really hate that honeycomb grid.

 

[Sharkey311]

It's changed my life and can't imagine it without it. Sorry you weren't impressed I guess.

 

[cardfan]

I dunno. I agree with a lot of what OP said. That being said, it wasn't for me. The experience was all replaceable with my cell phone. The watches are ridiculously expensive on eBay, so I sold mine.

As long as you always have your iphone, in your hand (or in front of you), able to see every single notification, never miss a call or reminder, or check the time, then sure, your iphone replaces the Watch.

 

[cardfan]

I loved everything about the Apple Watch, from the physical looks to the retina screen, until I tried to use it...

Laaaaggg..

No seriously, it's no fun waiting 5 seconds to open Apple Maps, 3 seconds to open 3rd party apps, etc. I know the Watch OS 1.0 is currently pulling everything from the iPhone, but c'mon! I had Pebble and Android Wear and never seen this much lag.

For some maybe it's not a problem, but for me, a smartwatch is supposed to provide instant bits of information to the wearer - take a glance, see it, done. Now it's take a glance..wait..wait..argh! Screen is off.. tap..wait.. finally.

A smartphone isn't smart without installable apps. Otherwise it's a feature phone. Installable widgets live on the iphone are not watch apps.

I consider the Apple Watch, a feature watch, able to pull from iphone and primarily Apple's ecosystem of features. But that's all I want. And there's plenty of room for improvement even with just this both software and hardware. Siri definitely.

I don't care about the third party stuff yet because it's halfbaked. A nod to knowing people want "apps" even if they're not apps. Even when we get such full native apps, I'm not even sure I'll use them. An app sucks to use on the watch unless it's very specific.

One of the glances needs to be the launch screen. Not this honeycomb crap but an UI in which you can actually see the app to open. I'd like to see a double tap on screen to switch apps.

I'm sure Apple will continue to improve things. But IMO, the main selling point about this watch, right now, is notifications along with some communications features like phone calls, messaging. If this doesn't excite you or wet your pants, then I'd wait. And frankly I'm not sure why you'd want the 2nd or 3rd gen either if notifications on your wrist doesn't appeal to you.

 

[AustinIllini]

As long as you always have your iphone, in your hand (or in front of you), able to see every single notification, never miss a call or reminder, or check the time, then sure, your iphone replaces the Watch.

Or, you know, just put you phone on vibrate in your pocket.

If I wanted a notifications screen, I would certainly not pay $400 for it.

 

[Robert M.]

A part of me couldn't imagine living without it now, but the other part wants to sell it. IMHO, Apple Watch isn't ready for prime time. Apple should've delayed it until the fall when dedicated apps were available, and polished some of the bugs. It's been almost three weeks, and they haven't released an update yet. One that the watch desperately needs to fix the numerous glitches/lack of certain basic features.

Loving the fitness tracking stuff, but I may sell it and buy a cheap Fitbit. I think this product will be great after a few updates. Then I could jump back in.

 

[AustinIllini]

A part of me couldn't imagine living without it now, but the other part wants to sell it. IMHO, Apple Watch isn't ready for prime time. Apple should've delayed it until the fall when dedicated apps were available, and polished some of the bugs. It's been almost three weeks, and they haven't released an update yet. One that the watch desperately needs to fix the numerous glitches/lack of certain basic features.

Loving the fitness tracking stuff, but I may sell it and buy a cheap Fitbit. I think this product will be great after a few updates. Then I could jump back in.

Yeah, I was certainly on the fence on this. But once I saw that it was going for $600 on eBay, it was a no brainer for me. Lack of dedicated apps is an absolute detriment to the device.

 

[bjdraw]

If you don't mind waiting, then by all means take the profit from those who can't wait.

But I for one have always been very frustrated by the lack of glance-able information on the iPhone lock screen (seriously, just the time and date!). Combine this with the fact that I've always found it more convenient to use a $800+ watch to know the time without looking for a clock or pulling my phone out, and the Apple watch was a no brainer.

But even if there wasn't single 3rd party app or activity tracker, I'd still use it a lot, because what I use it for is to quickly check the time, date, calendar and my latest notifications.

 

[striders]

I consider the Apple Watch, a feature watch, able to pull from iphone and primarily Apple's ecosystem of features. But that's all I want.

And that's why I mention the lag.

BUT.. if you're ok with "pull from iPhone and wait for 3-5 seconds"...who am I to argue.

 

[YYR123]

Is this another "Now that Steve J is gone, all hope is lost" thread?

 

[Randizzledante]

Is this another "Now that Steve J is gone, all hope is lost" thread?

I'm not sure why everyone is so worried about this, you guys seriously think Apple *doesn't* have a legion of clones being grown as we speak?

 

[cardfan]

And that's why I mention the lag.

BUT.. if you're ok with "pull from iPhone and wait for 3-5 seconds"...who am I to argue.

Oops, not what I meant. I was talking notifications. But the lag isn't acceptable even for the rest besides the third party widgets or maps. It's barely tolerable especially for Siri.

 

[ipride362]

I have read all these here so I am going to give my feelings on it.

1. I agree completely with the original post. There is something missing, but I feel Apple is trying to get to market and will nail the use later. Kind of like the iPad didn't really have anything killer over the iPhone other than a larger screen until everyone updated their apps for it. I feel the watch will eventually become our phone and the transition leaves it useless.

Siri is the hinge. Make Siri not just for dictation but guessing premade responses. Eventually, we will be sending short messages to each other. I think Apple is jumping on the eventual Internet overload many Facebook era kids will have or are starting to have. Like me, I barely use Facebook anymore. It is too much information and none of it useful.
Globalized, General sites like facebook will become less used as time goes on. People like decentralized data. Foursquare and urbanpsoon for food, instagram from pics, nike+ or fitbit for health, etc.
The watch does everything but not good enough yet.


LET APPLE figure that out. Maybe second gen.

2. For me, the watch will be everything. In my household, phones are banned right as dinner starts. We cannot be on the phone at all until bedtime, unless using it to further conversation and family time.
The WATCH will make it easier for me to stay up to date in my online world without becoming drawn to the phone. It solves both issues. I can stay up to date without being addicted to the phone.

3. Without a killer app though, I am worried the gimmicks (heart rate sharing, etc) will eventually be forgotten in favor of making the watch more and more complex until it needs a complete UI rewrite.

Your thoughts on this?

 

[malochico1]

am i the only one who is happy with the watch?

I mean i love watches and wear one every single day. I own roughly 8-10 watches. From Invicta to a rolex, none of them which do anything more than tell time or have an alarm.

Now instead of wearing my Movado or any other expensive watch at work, along with a fitbit on my other hand. I can simply wear this watch and guess what? Not only i can see time, i can now see my messages and incoming calls as well.

Everyone is making this into such a big deal. It is called an Apple WATCH. It is a Watch that tells you time but also gives you ability to do various other things that you couldn't do with your other watch before this one.

 

[za9ra22]

I think Apple have got it pretty much right, and for all the wisdom and assumptions being made here about design, features, function, marketplace and marketability, I suspect Apple's size and budget is sufficient that it has figured out what it wants to achieve with this product, and how to go about it.

That isn't to say they must have got everything right, and clearly there are deficiencies, bugs and shortcomings, but for those who think the watch will fail, it's important to remember that it is a platform for stuff to run on, and so far aside from Apple's own stuff, there's nothing much written for it. That will change, and likely change rapidly now the watch is out in public, and (hopefully) the SDK becomes available for it.

On top of that, there will be OS updates in due course to tweak the UI, add and fix features, bring additional functionality - it doesn't require second generation hardware for that - and where they had no more than a few thousand people testing the watch during development, now they have hundreds of thousands, all capable of providing feedback.

Personally, I find my Apple watch infuriatingly close to exactly what I want, and frustrating for what it doesn't get right, or doesn't do at all. Before, I had a Pebble, and what it did, it did superbly well. By comparison, the Apple watch does a great deal more, yet doesn't do it anything quite as well. But it will, I have no doubt, even as it will always be 'blessed' by that way Apple have of implementing features. What it relies on is developers bringing that wealth of imagination to potential uses for the watch that they have brought to iPhones and iPads before it.

Even now, with notifications, Apple's handful of apps and the fitness functionality, the watch is a useful, usable and engaging adjunct to my day - and I'm sure many others' days. It reminds me greatly of the first iPhone, which promised much, took some time to deliver of that promise, yet was pleasing to own and use in the meantime, despite the short-term deficiencies.

Would Steve have done this? Of course. Technology has become increasingly personal over the generations, and wearables are about as personal as we know how to get right now. The watch is a perfect example of Apple's design philosophies, and Jony Ive is no less a perfectionist in the work of his studio now as he was under Jobs.

I'm keeping my Apple watch....though I may go back to using the Pebble for a bit!

 

[striders]

Oops, not what I meant. I was talking notifications. But the lag isn't acceptable even for the rest besides the third party widgets or maps. It's barely tolerable especially for Siri.

Oh, I guess I read your post wrong too. My bad.

I now just use the built-in apps (like the Weather app) since 3rd party apps are still lagging and painful to use . Hopefully, now the developers have the actual watch in their possession, they can better optimize the app.