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I'm bored with my Apple watch
- Thread starter Ffosse
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What I admire about Apple's ethos is the desire to go beyond just the standard tropes of computing, namely word processing, slideshows, and spreadsheets. Why I've continued to buy an iPhone over anything Samsung are all those quality-of-life apps that Apple makes, the ones that everyone calls bloatware or "useless." I mean, Photoshop isn't "useless" just because I don't use it. It's merely irrelevant to my daily workflow.
Point is, although it seems like the Apple Watch doesn't solve any problems that an iPhone couldn't, it does have its own unique use-case scenarios that, again, is based on quality-of-life apps and UIs. It's tough to sell it that way because it's hard to articulate these esoteric moments into words, but the Apple Watch/watchOS in a lot of ways is more meaningful in a quality-of-life way than even my Mac/macOS.
Nicely described (and works for the whole Mac/iPhone/watch experience, IMHO.)
I think I was having a flashback to when Steve Jobs announced iLife back in 2002 or 2003. I think he described iLife as "Like Microsoft Office—for the rest of your life." And I think he positioned the original iLife suite as either "lifestyle" apps or "quality-of-life" apps. Either way, I bought into it and it's the reason why competitors never really interested me. Okay, Samsung, you have a curved display, but where are your lifestyle apps? Where's the ecosystem?
I think by this point, based on its original mission statement, iLife is more than just iMovie and GarageBand. It's pretty much all of Apple's apps outside of iWork.
That's why I've always cringed at people who'd embarrass themselves by saying people buy Apple ONLY because of the logo and status. For me, the ease—and depth—of my workflow would be hard to replicate on Windows/Android. It'd be maddening. I'm sure I'm biased but I always thought it was the other way around, that if you don't have much of a digital workflow/lifestyle, get a Samsung.
I never really saw it as a gadget to have fun with, but as a utility. I am fairly busy some days and can go stretches of hours without looking at my phone, only to find I missed an important call or email. With my watch, I can quickly glance phone calls, messages, news, etc. I also enjoy its health/activity tracking features, as the health app in iOS was useless to me before then.
That's exactly what the Watch is. It's a multi faceted device that merely conveniences us and in conjunction can be used as a fitness device. It's like a multi-tool, but in a Watch form.
Not bored at all. My S1 ($130 brand new on a price mistake by Target) which has already paid for itself many times over.
My work will regularly send out a group text to the employees asking who want's to pick up an overtime shift to cover for someone calling off. Whoever responds first is the one who gets the OT. The Apple Watch makes my replies nearly instantaneous since I created a default reply for the message app of "I'll take it!"
In addition to never missing a text message anymore, I love the other things the Apple Watch brings to the table:
My work will regularly send out a group text to the employees asking who want's to pick up an overtime shift to cover for someone calling off. Whoever responds first is the one who gets the OT. The Apple Watch makes my replies nearly instantaneous since I created a default reply for the message app of "I'll take it!"
In addition to never missing a text message anymore, I love the other things the Apple Watch brings to the table:
- Unlocks my MacBook Air without having to type in a password.
- Keeps track of my heart rate + calories burned + route during exercise.
- While driving I can silence Siri so she's not constantly interrupting my conversation with the other person in the car and can simply follow different vibration pattern to know when to turn left or right.
- Wake up for work via silent watch vibration instead of a loud alarm so my girlfriend can continue sleeping.
- Apple Pay so darn easy and convenient! Wish I could use it at every store.
How could you text using your AW without the iPhone?? I thought the only thing you can do with AW2 (without iPhone) is used the GPS embedded in AW.
Although expensive, the authentic link band is a game changer. It's slim, lightweight and has nice profile look to it with the Apple Watch. I have the black stainless and regular stainless.
If the Apple Watch is boring people,why did they buy it? If all I wanted was a timepiece to brag around with,I would use my great grandpas older cousins pocket watch,a 150 years old Seth Thomas engineer watch,with his name,and railroad company engraved. Not exactly smart,not very accurate,but it sure catch people's attention.
A smart watch like Apple Watch is not a fashion toy,it's a tool.
A smart watch like Apple Watch is not a fashion toy,it's a tool.
'Cuz they thought it would replace their phones.
Funny that they don't get bored of their phones after realizing that they won't replace their laptops, though.
It's about managing expectations, and not everyone is adept at doing so.
I just realized that I enjoy wearing my G-Shock watches more. They have a limited set of functions that they do and they do it well. They tell me, the time, the date, the temperature, the barometer and displays the last 24 hrs on a graph and you can see how that changes with what weather is actually doing, even allowing you to predict your own weather. One of G-Shocks shows the altitude and can record the readings for when you go hiking. They also have timers, alarms, world time and even tells the sunrise/sunset times. All of them are solar powered so simply being outside for 5 minutes will give the watch enough power to last for a few months. They automatically sync up with the time server in Ft. Collins nightly to keep the time 100% accurate. The solar and atomic functions alone make it more convenient then having to charge the Apple watch every day or so.
I also had a Samsung Gear S watch that I quickly gave up on wearing three months after purchase. It was a lot more limited in functionality then the Apple watch. It lasted a bit longer per charge then any of my Apple watches did.
It was never about thinking the watch could replace my phone. It's supposed to add connivence so that you have to pull out your phone less but to me that really made no difference. I still used my phone just as much as I did without the watch.
I'm just much happier wearing my other watches. I haven't sold any of my apple watches yet but I may do that in the fall. Or I may not. I don't like to sell things because I may start wearing them again in six months. It's why I don't sell my phones. I switch back and forth between 5 iPhones and 6-7 Android phones constantly. I like variety.
Well,if that's ok with you,do as you wish. For my daily use,the G-shock watches are rather useless,a Watch without e-mail reader,phone remote and news feeds just would not do what I wanted when I bought the Apple Watch. And besides,most G-shock watches are bulkier and heavier. If I just want a bulky timepiece,withouth the functions I need,my 150 years old pocket watch suits me better. Only time I don't use my AW,is when working underwater,for deep sea work,my old doxa Watch or the even older stainless Rolex suits me better. Rugged,reliable and better water protection than both Apple Watch and G-shock.
I'm bored with the watch too, it just doesn't have any killer workflows... everything is a work around.
Just like typing my previous post on hear, I did it on an iPad, but it took much longer than just getting the MacBook as I changed my mind and revised the text...
For very simple things the watch can work sometimes, a reminder a text not needing a reply, a fitness tracker, a watch.
It's bulky in the main and kinda ugly, but different people different strokes.....
Posters should stop trying to convince others they are either right or wrong for reason Y.
We all need to accept many opinions exist.
Just like typing my previous post on hear, I did it on an iPad, but it took much longer than just getting the MacBook as I changed my mind and revised the text...
For very simple things the watch can work sometimes, a reminder a text not needing a reply, a fitness tracker, a watch.
It's bulky in the main and kinda ugly, but different people different strokes.....
Posters should stop trying to convince others they are either right or wrong for reason Y.
We all need to accept many opinions exist.
I never liked the looks of Rolex watches. For the price tag, I always expected them to look better. A $400 Apple watch looks better then a Rolex.
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Mad Mac Maniac
macrumors 601
This whole thread kind of hurts my head... first of all it's not the job of a watch to entertain you. And if that's what you were expecting I can't help you. But yes the watch absolutely should provide utility to you, and it absolutely does for me. There's no way I can create a comprehensive list of every utility I get out of it but I will try.
-glanceable date and time (duh, but I hadn't worn a watch for years)
-glanceable weather information
-receive, read, and respond to text messages (especially when phone is out of room/charging)
-receive phone calls (especially when phone is out of room/charging/hands are occupied)
-tracking steps and promoting healthy lifestyle through reminders and health rings
-recording resting HR throughout the day and night (I use HeartWatch, amazing app)
-sleep tracking (duration, quality, HR, etc)
-workout tracking (record of type, calories burned, distance, HR, etc)
-variety of watch faces based on mood, need, and situation
-variety of watch bands based on mood, need, and situation
-easily ping iPhone if you can't find it (only have used this maybe 3 times in the past 2 years, but it was super helpful especially 1 time when I was outside and it would have taken like 30+ minutes easily to find it)
-viewfinder for iPhone camera (I've actually used this for photos at least twice)
-relax/mindfulness with the breathe app (or any numerous other meditation apps)
-Apple pay from your wrist (almost always impresses the cashier)
-music/podcast control from your wrist
-access to siri with a wrist raise
These are all the things that I personally have actually used my watch for. Most of these I do on a daily basis. Honestly I use my watch all the time. Even when I'm not using it I'm still utilizing it (though movement/HR data that's being recorded, or through the freedom to leave the phone without missing anything). And I'm only using it for a fraction of the things it can be used for.
How does this make ANY sense? Health data as in steps? 1) not gonna be that reliable in your pocket 2) that's a $300 pedometer... Plus your iPhone already can track your steps... If I were you I'd just sell it if you're so convinced you don't wanna use it.
I don't understand how an Apple Watch with all it's capabilities can "bore" you, but a standard mechanical watch apparently excites and entertains you??
-glanceable date and time (duh, but I hadn't worn a watch for years)
-glanceable weather information
-receive, read, and respond to text messages (especially when phone is out of room/charging)
-receive phone calls (especially when phone is out of room/charging/hands are occupied)
-tracking steps and promoting healthy lifestyle through reminders and health rings
-recording resting HR throughout the day and night (I use HeartWatch, amazing app)
-sleep tracking (duration, quality, HR, etc)
-workout tracking (record of type, calories burned, distance, HR, etc)
-variety of watch faces based on mood, need, and situation
-variety of watch bands based on mood, need, and situation
-easily ping iPhone if you can't find it (only have used this maybe 3 times in the past 2 years, but it was super helpful especially 1 time when I was outside and it would have taken like 30+ minutes easily to find it)
-viewfinder for iPhone camera (I've actually used this for photos at least twice)
-relax/mindfulness with the breathe app (or any numerous other meditation apps)
-Apple pay from your wrist (almost always impresses the cashier)
-music/podcast control from your wrist
-access to siri with a wrist raise
These are all the things that I personally have actually used my watch for. Most of these I do on a daily basis. Honestly I use my watch all the time. Even when I'm not using it I'm still utilizing it (though movement/HR data that's being recorded, or through the freedom to leave the phone without missing anything). And I'm only using it for a fraction of the things it can be used for.
How does this make ANY sense? Health data as in steps? 1) not gonna be that reliable in your pocket 2) that's a $300 pedometer... Plus your iPhone already can track your steps... If I were you I'd just sell it if you're so convinced you don't wanna use it.
I don't understand how an Apple Watch with all it's capabilities can "bore" you, but a standard mechanical watch apparently excites and entertains you??
As an owner of both, I'd say it's just a matter of different styles and taste. Granted, the price of Rolex has gone up so much vs. inflation that they've fully moved into the realm of luxury goods, rather than simply well-made tools.
It's like comparing the following, which are both classic designs:
