I really wanted an Apple watch...

[Tulipone]

...and then I purchased one. I now feel as though I am really missing the point. Don't get me wrong, the idea of an easy ECG on a watch is fine - but that seems to be the only bit of additional functionality that extends the scope of an iPhone. I get that I can see messages without taking my phone out of my pocket and twisting my wrist - but is that it?

So it isn't the cost of the watch that was important to me - but I do want to feel as though there is more than one piece of extra functionality for the money. I hear rumours that non-invasive glucose monitoring in the next version and that would add a further health monitoring angle. Think I may be returning this and waiting.

Anyone else have a similar position? What is the goto thing you use the watch for?

 

[keysofanxiety]

When I got mine 6 months ago, it was to encourage exercise as I was a lazy soak and wanted to feel less like a bloated waste of space.

I’m still a butter-blimp who adores the bottle, but now I have to close my rings (the game aspect makes it very desirable) and do an hour and a half on the exercise bike daily else my watch will shout at me.

Baby steps I suppose, but now exercising feels normal whereas before it was a chore. And I’m consistently under 12 stone, whereas before I was 13. That’s a massively positive step for me.

 

[willmtaylor]

...and then I purchased one. I now feel as though I am really missing the point. Don't get me wrong, the idea of an easy ECG on a watch is fine - but that seems to be the only bit of additional functionality that extends the scope of an iPhone. I get that I can see messages without taking my phone out of my pocket and twisting my wrist - but is that it?

So it isn't the cost of the watch that was important to me - but I do want to feel as though there is more than one piece of extra functionality for the money. I hear rumours that non-invasive glucose monitoring in the next version and that would add a further health monitoring angle. Think I may be returning this and waiting.

Anyone else have a similar position? What is the goto thing you use the watch for?

Everything the watch does and doesn’t do is plainly advertised. Not sure what else you expected.

 

[Tulipone]

Everything the watch does and doesn’t do is plainly advertised. Not sure what else you expected.

I guess I was seeking confirmation that it is a watch, with a sort of ecg monitor that can be used to view messages. I was hoping that the exercise and health attributes would be clearer - sorting out settings so that counts are merged or separate rather than mixed (although understand that it possibly just my issue with settings). Apple sells a dream and I really want to buy into that. Trouble is I am struggling to love the reality and was hoping that I am missing significant functionality. Others do love them.

 

[44267547]

I guess I was seeking confirmation that it is a watch, with a sort of ecg monitor that can be used to view messages. I was hoping that the exercise and health attributes would be clearer - sorting out settings so that counts are merged or separate rather than mixed (although understand that it possibly just my issue with settings). Apple sells a dream and I really want to buy into that. Trouble is I am struggling to love the reality and was hoping that I am missing significant functionality. Others do love them.

The watch isn’t for everyone, and the way I see it, the Apple Watch is a multi tool, that offers mainly [fitness tracking, notifications and health monitoring]. But obviously a lot of that is dissected into different parts, sometimes the Apple Watch can be a bit intimidating at first, as there is a lot to learn about the different functionality and what works for you, but I find the Apple Watch usually meet everybody’s expectations differently, because it does have so much to offer.

 

[Beachmusic18]

I was new to it this fall, going from a Fitbit to AW...it’s taken fitness to a whole new level and I am totally hooked. Closing those 3 rings every day...gotta do it. Out the window went 10,000 steps, closing the rings results in 13,000-17,000 steps (and steps at a brisk pace, not just any steps). You can track any number of separate workouts...indoor runs or walks, outdoors runs/walks, weight training, hiking, paddling and on and on—active calories. The monthly challenges are great. It is all very motivating. You’ve got all your workout stats by the day, week, month etc (seen on the phone).

Work on getting it set up properly and I think you’ll love it. I don’t care about messaging...tho it is nice to see them on my wrist when the phone isn’t near to me. Don’t care about ECG, but the rest of it is great enough that I’m totally hooked. Oh...and I woke up Monday morning, put it on, entered my passcode and was greeted by a shower of Happy Birthday balloons rising on my watch face. It’s not just the big things, but little surprises along the way as well.

 

[SisterBlue22]

For me, it's the notifications via haptic. If I'm shopping or whatever, and my phone is in my purse, I may not hear or feel it, so I would tend to keep checking it. With the watch on, I get a tap on the wrist for a notification, and I can decide whether it's something worth pulling my phone out for. I also love the calendar reminders while I'm at work, and to be able to glance at my watch to see what meeting I need to be in next, and where it's located. Many little things for me.

 

[Matz]

I’ll echo that the AW isn’t for everyone. I see mine as an iPhone extension, that works through a combination of haptic, visual, and aural media.

I have an S3 GPS, which does not have the ECG feature. But I find it useful in that it frequently relieves me of the need to remove the phone from my pocket.
Features I find useful include:

• Apple Pay
• Shopping lists
• Directions via Maps
• Text notification and reading
• Exercise monitoring
• Temperature and weather
• Upcoming appointments
• Notification of unusually elevated heart rate
• Day/Date/Time

It’s the combination of these, packaged nicely (imho), that make the AW a keeper for me.

Edit: Forgot about:

• Setting a timer or reminder (via Siri)
• Controlling music playback

 

[Hmm]

Other than heart rate monitoring, I’m not sure there’s that much the watch does that the phone doesn’t already do. So in many cases, it may be a matter of how much one likes the convenience of having functionality available without having to get your phone out all the time. As a previous poster mentioned, I also like notifications on the watch, whether it’s calendar reminders, iMessages, or Slack notifications. Replying to them from the watch is great too. I have the Modular face so I can see the weather all the time. It’s also nice to just raise my wrist, say “Hey Siri” and have it answer some random question or set a timer. Or control my music, skipping tracks and adjusting volume. Or hold the watch up to a card reader and pay for stuff with Apple Pay. I can use my phone to do all of this, but I prefer doing them with my watch and leave my phone in my pocket.

 

[BobbyJet]

i will say that the watch changed my life. It motivates me to monitor my activity, gauge how much i am doing. The sharing activity and competitions give me what i lacked before, motivation. I am in much better shape and feel younger than before. So yes, I love it!

 

[millerj123]

I guess I was seeking confirmation that it is a watch, with a sort of ecg monitor that can be used to view messages. I was hoping that the exercise and health attributes would be clearer - sorting out settings so that counts are merged or separate rather than mixed (although understand that it possibly just my issue with settings). Apple sells a dream and I really want to buy into that. Trouble is I am struggling to love the reality and was hoping that I am missing significant functionality. Others do love them.

In addition to all the health stuff, you get instant notifications, so you can be aware in the car, or when sitting down without having to take your phone out.

For the record, I love mine.

 

[s15119]

I wasn't sure what I would use my Apple watch for. Now I can't stand to be with out it. #1 for me is activity tracking and reminders. It's helped me very much meet my health goals.

Outside of that the main thing is messaging, taking phone calls without grabbing my phone (I don't have the LTE, so my phone needs to be close), reminders and setting reminders, timers and alarms. I also use Apple Pay with my watch.

It's certainly not a be all and end all. But for me, it's a great extension for my phone and I'm not likely to give it up any time soon.

 

[JTBing]

...and then I purchased one. I now feel as though I am really missing the point. Don't get me wrong, the idea of an easy ECG on a watch is fine - but that seems to be the only bit of additional functionality that extends the scope of an iPhone. I get that I can see messages without taking my phone out of my pocket and twisting my wrist - but is that it?

So it isn't the cost of the watch that was important to me - but I do want to feel as though there is more than one piece of extra functionality for the money. I hear rumours that non-invasive glucose monitoring in the next version and that would add a further health monitoring angle. Think I may be returning this and waiting.

Anyone else have a similar position? What is the goto thing you use the watch for?

Besides the obvious convenience of not needing to constantly pull out your phone to check notifications and respond to messages, I've found that the two biggest things I appreciate about having a Watch are wrist Maps and Apple Pay. If you frequently use navigation, having it on your wrist while driving is awesome. The notifications for turns are more obvious and better timed than those on my phone, and my next step is always right in front of me without needing to pull out my phone or, worse, dedicate one hand to constantly hold my phone up for directions.

Also, Apple Pay. I use it much more now that I have my watch. I used it with my phone but it was still pulling something out of my pocket so half the time I'd just use my card. Having ready access on my wrist is far more convenient and I use it frequently. Now I actually take note of places which accept it so that I remember that it's available.

I just the other day discovered another time my watch comes in handy. I disc golf frequently but hadn't been out to play since I'd gotten my watch. Before, I'd usually have to dig in my bag a few times a round to check my phone for messages. Now I can leave my phone safe and dry in my bag the entire round without needing to worry that someone (like my pregnant wife) may be trying to contact me.


Personally, I think the Watch is one of those products that you may not fully appreciate as soon as you get it. For a while it'll feel like a splurge that does a couple cool things but you could do without. If you're like me, though, you'll gradually discover some key ways that it makes your life easier. That makes it worthwhile to me. Give it a shot. Maybe it won't be for you, and that's fine! But it's the kind of thing which may well gradually win you over, not immediately blow you away. And I like it for that.

 

[MyAmazingDiscoveries]

Try your watch driving with Apple Maps - game changing... the haptic feedback pulses just before making turns.

And if you have $4.99, get the Just Press Record app. Another game changer for me... it records AND transcribes while speaking near the watch. In fact, it works so well, I have my wrist in the 9 o'clock position on the steering wheel and it flawlessly transcribes my thoughts - no need to hold the watch near my mouth.

The Find Friends app on the watch is super handy... I can see where my family is in a flick of my wrist.

As a content creator, I remote control the Camera app (and Filmic Pro) from my wrist - I see what my iPhone sees on my watch - just like George Jetson did.

Making/taking phone calls from my wrist is magical.

Getting notifications on my wrist instead of from my phone keeps my screen time down.

And Apple Pay using my Apple Watch is sorcery. Cashiers are constantly blown away by it.

My resting heart rate is checked and recorded every 5 minutes. I open the Health app to view reports... I click on the Monthly view to make sure I am in the 70-beats-per-minute when not active.

When I take my daily 33-minute power nap, I ask Siri (from my watch) to set an alarm - no phone needed. I no longer lug my phone to my bed.

My favorite app is AnyList (it is FREE, but I paid extra to help support the developer)... I see my shopping list from multiple grocery stores - in my wrist. When it goes in my shopping cart, I tap to erase it from my list.

I could go on and on.

 

[matrix07]

I guess I was seeking confirmation that it is a watch, with a sort of ecg monitor that can be used to view messages. I was hoping that the exercise and health attributes would be clearer - sorting out settings so that counts are merged or separate rather than mixed (although understand that it possibly just my issue with settings). Apple sells a dream and I really want to buy into that. Trouble is I am struggling to love the reality and was hoping that I am missing significant functionality. Others do love them.

When I first got the watch I felt underwhelmed too until I seriously use it for Health aspect (exercises, monitoring, changing habits with Streak app). I’m getting more and more healthy now I have no complaint because what’s more important to ourselves than our health, right?
Now like a song says, I can not live without it.

I guess one thing that makes me more happy with my watch is I’m using cellular version and here monthly fee is quite cheap, like $4 a month, and I can go out to do whatever phone-free whenever I want and that feels really great. For example when I go to the gym to do elliptical I’ll bring my iPad along to watch YouTube but if I have to bring iPhone too it will feel really weird.

 

[throAU]

...and then I purchased one. I now feel as though I am really missing the point. Don't get me wrong, the idea of an easy ECG on a watch is fine - but that seems to be the only bit of additional functionality that extends the scope of an iPhone. I get that I can see messages without taking my phone out of my pocket and twisting my wrist - but is that it?

The watch is a helpful fitness device.
If you have a fitbit or something, then sure.... redundant

The watch is a helpful pager/notification device that means you don't need your phone.
If you don't need/use, then sure... redundant

The watch is a portable music player that works with wireless headphones for workouts
If you don't need/use, then sure... redundant

The watch enables navigation by taps for left and right whilst in the car or on a bicycle or whatever
If you don't need/use, then sure... redundant

The watch means i can leave my phone anywhere in the house while i go and do something else, and remain contactable.
If you don't need/use, then sure... redundant

I can control my homekit stuff from it.
If you don't need/use, then sure... redundant


I could go on... but the watch is not a single "killer app" device.

But it does a lot of little things and makes life a little bit easier. it also encourages you and helps you get fit via helping to measure exercise and prompting you to do so.


None of these things are essential. But they all add up. I'm on my second watch now (still have my S2 and daily an S4), i find it useful day to day. YMMV.

You may find that you adapt to making use of it. You might not. Both myself and girlfriend have been surprised at how much use we get out of them. It is all small stuff. But it adds up.



edit:
I'll also add that the watch has been instrumental in helping me shed 14 kg since January.
[doublepost=1553153586][/doublepost]

Other than heart rate monitoring, I’m not sure there’s that much the watch does that the phone doesn’t already do.

It's not WHAT the watch does, but the method in which you can use it to do those things.

It is largely a hands-free (and often, eyes free and SILENT via haptics) device.

There are times when pulling out your phone is inconvenient, rude or impossible. Being notified of things in those situations, or able to use the watch to do things in those situations is convenient.

For some people who don't need notifications for their day job or whatever, probably not as critical. But if you work in an environment that involves scheduled meetings, 24/7 communications, etc. then it is a massive help

 

[Newtons Apple]

I guess I was seeking confirmation that it is a watch, with a sort of ecg monitor that can be used to view messages. I was hoping that the exercise and health attributes would be clearer - sorting out settings so that counts are merged or separate rather than mixed (although understand that it possibly just my issue with settings). Apple sells a dream and I really want to buy into that. Trouble is I am struggling to love the reality and was hoping that I am missing significant functionality. Others do love them.

I returned my first Apple watch feeling about like you described. BUT, 6 months later, I bought another and have had every model since then and wear every day. I find it great for having Siri add items to lists, checking texts and email, etc.

 

[Strider64]

I just purchased the AW 3 with the main reason in being cheaper, plus as strange as this sounds I didn't want the ECG feature on it. I just went through a complete physical with the Doc checking out everything that included taking my pulse a various times because my heart rate was a little high at first that turned out to be nothing. That got me thinking when I started looking at the AW and notice the AW4 has the ECG feature. The last thing I want it to to do is flag me saying that I should go see a Doctor as I think a person should have an annual physical anyways. I rather take advice of an actual Doctor than some device beeping at me or putting a red flag up. I don't know if you can disable the ECG feature on the AW 4, but I didn't want to take the chance plus the AW 3 was cheaper and seams to have most of the features as the AW 4.

 

[ftaok]

The AW has many features. Most folks use the features that are useful for them and ignore the rest. That's what's great about the AW. Find the features that you need and go on with your life.

For me, I use the following features.

1. Fitness device (for running and closing the 3 rings)
2. HRM thoughout the day (although I would prefer continuous HRM, I do understand the battery impact)
3. More discrete notifications
4. Setting timers at my daughter's soccer games (need to know when to unclench as the time expires)
5. Setting timers while coaching soccer games
6. Using the AW to adjust volume, play/pause/skip videos and podcasts on my iPhone
7. Keep track of my appointments and calendars via my home screen complications
8. Keep track of the weather with complications
9. Keep track of time.
10. ApplePay at certain locations

 

[BSG75]

The watch isn’t for everyone, and the way I see it, the Apple Watch is a multi tool, that offers mainly [fitness tracking, notifications and health monitoring]. But obviously a lot of that is dissected into different parts, sometimes the Apple Watch can be a bit intimidating at first, as there is a lot to learn about the different functionality and what works for you, but I find the Apple Watch usually meet everybody’s expectations differently, because it does have so much to offer.

To me the Apple Watch is the ultimate "tool watch." It's great for fitness, navigation, notifications, health tracking, monitoring multiple time zones, phone calls, etc. For some people, it may be a matter of living with the AW for a while to discover its usefulness.

I'll always appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into mechanical and automatic watches, but for overall usefulness in daily life, it's hard to beat the Apple Watch.

 

[MisterSavage]

To me the Apple Watch is the ultimate "tool watch." It's great for fitness, navigation, notifications, health tracking, monitoring multiple time zones, phone calls, etc. For some people, it may be a matter of living with the AW for a while to discover its usefulness.

I'll always appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into mechanical and automatic watches, but for overall usefulness in daily life, it's hard to beat the Apple Watch.

Yeah I got my first one on sale and wasn't really sold on the fact that I needed one. Now I can't imagine not having it.

 

[Beachguy]

I want one but the cost is prohibitive, especially since I really don't want one.

Let me explain- I have heart issues. 7 stents for starters. As well, I have mobility issues. My phone goes everywhere with me and I worry what will happen if I fall when I am home alone, or even if my stepson and his SO are home (I am a big guy, they are very thin.) Having it be able to make an emergency call if I fall is useful to me. Other than that, the AW has always made me yawn. It still does. My other stepson has an AW3 and after about 2 minutes of showing me, I was bored and disinterested. So, for the two reasons given, I would like one. But, absent those two features, I could not care less about having one.

 

[Tulipone]

...sometimes the Apple Watch can be a bit intimidating at first, as there is a lot to learn about the different functionality and what works for you, but I find the Apple Watch usually meet everybody’s expectations differently, because it does have so much to offer.

I think that this is exactly right but I am missing exactly what the benefits are. Friends who have them tell me that checking messages is the really useful functionality - I wanted to love the health aspect but the access apps feel so disjointed. I know it’s me - but it has until Saturday before it gets returned.

I want one but the cost is prohibitive, especially since I really don't want one.

Let me explain- I have heart issues. 7 stents for starters. As well, I have mobility issues. My phone goes everywhere with me and I worry what will happen if I fall when I am home alone, or even if my stepson and his SO are home (I am a big guy, they are very thin.) Having it be able to make an emergency call if I fall is useful to me. Other than that, the AW has always made me yawn. It still does. My other stepson has an AW3 and after about 2 minutes of showing me, I was bored and disinterested. So, for the two reasons given, I would like one. But, absent those two features, I could not care less about having one.

I hope that you manage to find a way to get one soon. It must be irritating to you to hear my petulant noise.
[doublepost=1553195672][/doublepost]Thank you all for your input - it has been very informative and is helping a bunch. I think I am starting to like it....! I have downloaded AnyList and still to try it out and perhaps this is my issue. Perhaps I shouldn't try to find a reason for it, just enjoy it for itself and catch up with the benefits. Actually I am pretty sure that is what all of you have told me. Thank you.

 

[MisterSavage]

Let me explain- I have heart issues. 7 stents for starters.

Do you have something else that monitors your heart activity? I would have thought the watch looking for rapid heartbeat, aFib, etc would be an instant sell.

 

[Beachguy]

Do you have something else that monitors your heart activity? I would have thought the watch looking for rapid heartbeat, aFib, etc would be an instant sell.

It was indeed an instant sell, except for the $400 price tag. I am trying to get insurance to cover it.