List of positive uses and advantages for Apple Watch?

[venividivigor]

I'll get started...

Benefits for me:

- easy to answer phone calls while driving instead of trying to pull out your iPhone to see who's calling, etc

- controlling Apple TV with Apple Watch

- controlling music from the shower

- quickly get an uber when I'm too drunk to function

- being able to check your heart rate while your on coke

- fitness motivation

- being able to quickly do actions from the wrist from Facebook and Instagram notifications

- quickly able to switch tools from the wrist on pro create pocket

- using Shazam without having to take iPhone out awkwardly

- reading texts while driving and being to reply with dictation or voice alone

- eyes free turn by turn walking directions

- being able to read messages during workout

- when iPhone is plugged to a speaker or a dock, you can control your music thru your wrist

- if Apple Watch actually holds 2gb of music, I'll use it for working out

 

[papa8706]

Nice list, hit most of mine already.

-sending my friends my heartbeat after a long night so they know I'm still alive jk lolz
-being able to see who's calling or texting me when my phone is in another room
-tracking sports scores without having to constantly unlock my phone
-I like the idea of being able to take a quick call when my hands are tied
-simple siri tasks
-weather

After using a pebble for the last couple years I found that smartwatches are invaluable just for the simple tasks you have already noted. Apps like instagram or twitter are cool for little notifications but I won't be browsing content or pictures on my watch

 

[telefono]

My list is similar to yours.

What excites me more are the things we don't know about yet, we will ad to the list as developers offer Apps in future...........just like the early days of iPhone Apps, it will get better and better as time goes by

 

[fitshaced]

This is the problem with the Apple watch. You try and justify its uses for you as plain and simple, you just want one. It's the shiny design that gets you interested, the functions of it are secondary and so you try and see how you can apply its functions to your life after your decision to buy it.

If your decision was purely based on function and could list uses that are actually important to you life (you listed none, only some nice to haves), you would probably by a different device/watch.

I bought a Garmin Fenix last year as I need a GPS watch for training. It also needed to be water proof and be able to sync with my phone. It comes with iphone notifications but that's not something I use. I bought a Tissot stainless steel watch not long before that which tells the time. It's a classy looking watch though and that's why I bought it. The reasons for buying either of those are very different. But, the reason for buying the Apple watch (for anyone) is more like my Tissot purchase than my Garmin.

People have become obsessed with gadgets. But what's worse is that they've also become obsessed with customisable gadgets. Being able to swap the classy strap on an Apple Watch with another classy strap suckers people in. Save your money. You'll quite likely to get buyers remorse after buying the Apple watch.

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

As a sports watch. I'm hoping it will prove to be as good as or better than a Garmin forerunner, or TomTom running watch.

(although I'll probably wait for version 2)

 

[papa8706]

This is the problem with the Apple watch. You try and justify its uses for you as plain and simple, you just want one. It's the shiny design that gets you interested, the functions of it are secondary and so you try and see how you can apply its functions to your life after your decision to buy it.

If your decision was purely based on function and could list uses that are actually important to you life (you listed none, only some nice to haves), you would probably by a different device/watch.

I bought a Garmin Fenix last year as I need a GPS watch for training. It also needed to be water proof and be able to sync with my phone. It comes with iphone notifications but that's not something I use. I bought a Tissot stainless steel watch not long before that which tells the time. It's a classy looking watch though and that's why I bought it. The reasons for buying either of those are very different. But, the reason for buying the Apple watch (for anyone) is more like my Tissot purchase than my Garmin.

People have become obsessed with gadgets. But what's worse is that they've also become obsessed with customisable gadgets. Being able to swap the classy strap on an Apple Watch with another classy strap suckers people in. Save your money. You'll quite likely to get buyers remorse after buying the Apple watch.

While I agree with you in some aspects of the gimmicky features and apps that would be better off being used on a phone, I don't agree with your logic that I must "just want one".

IMO the watch is without a doubt overpriced and not "revolutionary". Many other companies have been doing this for a long time. I do believe it is the most fashionable smartwatch though, but not as classy as traditional timepieces.

That being said, I've used pebble since the kickstarter and it has become invaluable. In my line of work smartwatches are very common since you are required to wear gloves and protective gear when working in the environmental health and safety field. When you get a call, you can't take your gloves off. Being able to see who's calling or what the message is before you decide if it's important enough to leave the area is worth it's weight it gold (as long as it's not 18 karat gold)

While the pebble I have does the trick, I always found it to be hideous. The Apple watch is much sleeker in my opinion so I think I'd get more daily use out of it outside of work

 

[BvizioN]

My list is similar to yours.

What excites me more are the things we don't know about yet, we will ad to the list as developers offer Apps in future

Bingo...

This is what most people don't get about the Apple Watch. They expect from it to do everything straight out of the box on release day. Just as with iPhone, developers are the ones who will bring the true usefulness of it.

 

[maflynn]

I'll get started...

Benefits for me:

- easy to answer phone calls while driving instead of trying to pull out your iPhone to see who's calling, etc

- controlling Apple TV with Apple Watch

- controlling music from the shower

- quickly get an uber when I'm too drunk to function

- being able to check your heart rate while your on coke

- fitness motivation

- being able to quickly do actions from the wrist from Facebook and Instagram notifications

- quickly able to switch tools from the wrist on pro create pocket

- using Shazam without having to take iPhone out awkwardly

- reading texts while driving and being to reply with dictation or voice alone

- eyes free turn by turn walking directions

- being able to read messages during workout

- when iPhone is plugged to a speaker or a dock, you can control your music thru your wrist

- if Apple Watch actually holds 2gb of music, I'll use it for working out

Most of those can be easily handled by the phone. Yes, you need to pull it out and use it, but then if you ever looked at people waiting for a train or bus. They're doing that anyways. In fact I'd say the natural position is to have the phone in hand. The majority of tasks the watch can do, the phone does as well.

Some of the items in the list seem like mental gymnastics to try to justify the desire for the watch. For instance
Taking the phone out awkward for shazam - that makes zero sense. I find I can easily take my phone out and find out what's playing. When has it suddenly become difficult to grab your phone for a task?

The watch being a motivation factor for working out - it wil help yes, but if you don't currently want to work out, the watch isn't going to help you. If you are already motivated, then the watch isn't going to help you since you already are motivated. Its great at improving your workouts, by allowing you better track your exercise and setting higher and harder goals.

Reading texts while working out. Do you realize how hard that will be. If you try doing this while running, you could get hit by a car if you were outside, or fall off the treadmill inside.

 

[papa8706]

Most of those can be easily handled by the phone. Yes, you need to pull it out and use it, but then if you ever looked at people waiting for a train or bus. They're doing that anyways. In fact I'd say the natural position is to have the phone in hand. The majority of tasks the watch can do, the phone does as well.

Some of the items in the list seem like mental gymnastics to try to justify the desire for the watch. For instance
Taking the phone out awkward for shazam - that makes zero sense. I find I can easily take my phone out and find out what's playing. When has it suddenly become difficult to grab your phone for a task?

The watch being a motivation factor for working out - it wil help yes, but if you don't currently want to work out, the watch isn't going to help you. If you are already motivated, then the watch isn't going to help you since you already are motivated. Its great at improving your workouts, by allowing you better track your exercise and setting higher and harder goals.

Reading texts while working out. Do you realize how hard that will be. If you try doing this while running, you could get hit by a car if you were outside, or fall off the treadmill inside.

I really can't argue any of the points you made. When it comes down to it it's pricey luxury/companion item that's not necessary for most. On the contrary when it comes to technology look at the iPad. Many people said, and still think, I have a computer and an iPhone why bother? You could argue bluetooth headsets are pointless too. Why not use speakerphone, earbuds, or hold the phone that you already have on you.

I think if it is really going to succeed as anything more than a niche product they should have changed their price point. Interested in seeing what kind of success they have and how that dictates the future direction of the concept

 

[bmac4]

While I agree with you in some aspects of the gimmicky features and apps that would be better off being used on a phone, I don't agree with your logic that I must "just want one".

IMO the watch is without a doubt overpriced and not "revolutionary". Many other companies have been doing this for a long time. I do believe it is the most fashionable smartwatch though, but not as classy as traditional timepieces.

That being said, I've used pebble since the kickstarter and it has become invaluable. In my line of work smartwatches are very common since you are required to wear gloves and protective gear when working in the environmental health and safety field. When you get a call, you can't take your gloves off. Being able to see who's calling or what the message is before you decide if it's important enough to leave the area is worth it's weight it gold (as long as it's not 18 karat gold)

While the pebble I have does the trick, I always found it to be hideous. The Apple watch is much sleeker in my opinion so I think I'd get more daily use out of it outside of work

I agree with you. I have had a pebble for about a year and half. I really love having notification, and some of the other function are cool but nothing special. Apple did not make a revolutionary smartwatch. Most of the things it can do, another watch has already done. That being said I still want it. The reason being. It's the only watch made specificity for iOS. I always liked android wear, but at the moment it does not work with iOS. While pebble is good, it just does not work as well with iOS. That is 99% of the reason for me getting the Apple watch. If I am going to have a smartwatch and use iOS then it should be the Apple watch. It's always going to work better than anything else would..

 

[OllyW]

Bingo...

This is what most people don't get about the Apple Watch. They expect from it to do everything straight out of the box on release day. Just as with iPhone, developers are the ones who will bring the true usefulness of it.

That's why I probably won't get one just yet.

It doesn't do enough for me to decide I must have it. I felt exactly the same way when the iPhone and iPad were first released and ended up getting both of them when their second generations were introduced, so perhaps it will be the same for the Watch.

 

[BMcCoy]

It doesn't do enough for me to decide I must have it. I felt exactly the same way when the iPhone and iPad were first released and ended up getting both of them when their second generations were introduced, so perhaps it will be the same for the Watch.

I think that's the heart of the matter, and one that without question the important Apple bods are having a lot of discussions about..

They know that improvements in technology and creativity from app programmers will mean that a new iteration of the watch will attract a swathe of new users. But equally, now that they have pitched the watch as an expensive fashion accessory, there is a huge danger in bringing out a second gen watch too soon. If customers anticipate a new gen watch annually, there will be a huge dis-incentive to purchase it, particularly the more expensive models.

It's a different concept of device to the iphone and ipad. And so the roadmap and marketing strategy has to be different too.

I suspect the secret apple plan is not yet set in stone, and that they'll wait to see how this release goes over the next few months before putting plans in motion for either a new generation model next year, or to stick with this model for much longer and keep pushing it to customers.

 

[maflynn]

I really can't argue any of the points you made. When it comes down to it it's pricey luxury/companion item that's not necessary for most. On the contrary when it comes to technology look at the iPad. Many people said, and still think, I have a computer and an iPhone why bother? You could argue bluetooth headsets are pointless too. Why not use speakerphone, earbuds, or hold the phone that you already have on you.

I think if it is really going to succeed as anything more than a niche product they should have changed their price point. Interested in seeing what kind of success they have and how that dictates the future direction of the concept

No argument on the iPad, my point is that the listed items are really not reasons to buy it, since a tool that they already have exists.

Don't get me wrong, I'm tempted to get one (though the wife will kill me), I think its a cool piece of technology. There's no harm in saying you want one just because.

 

[profmjh]

OK, I'll admit it. I want an Apple Watch because I think it's beautiful, especially the OS.

I also want one because I want a watch which is super-accurate. My current mechanical watch is currently 20s slow.

I'm looking forward to controlling my iPhone. It's a 6+ and hauling it out of my back pocket on the street to change tracks is slightly annoying. I'm looking forward to seeing who's calling or who just texted me without hauling the 6+ out of my pocket.

If I were rich I'd get the Jaeger-LeCoultre if my dreams. But it's £20,000. Second hand.

The Apple Watch SS is £519. I can (just about) afford that.

 

[samcraig]

I'll get started...

Benefits for me:

- easy to answer phone calls while driving instead of trying to pull out your iPhone to see who's calling, etc

I don't mean to preach - but seriously - don't answer your phone while you're driving. Watch or phone - you're putting lives in danger.

 

[VFC]

OK, I'll admit it. I want an Apple Watch because I think it's beautiful, especially the OS.
.....

I'm looking forward to controlling my iPhone. It's a 6+ and hauling it out of my back pocket on the street to change tracks is slightly annoying. I'm looking forward to seeing who's calling or who just texted me without hauling the 6+ out of my pocket.

.....

Interesting so many people justify purchasing the AW because they won't have to take their iPhone out of their pocket.

During the height of the "Bend Gate" debate, defenders of the iPhone 6 & 6+ where saying the phones are bending because people are foolishly keeping their phones in their pockets, especially their back pocket. So when people posted pics of their bent phone they were attacked for purposely carrying their phone in a location (pocket) that puts the phone under too much twisting force; claiming the phone was not designed to take that much stress.

 

[spampy22]

3rd party apps

I'm waiting for my favorite apps to come to the watch

GolfShot - GPS app while playing golf that shows distance to the pin, club selection, will be on my wrist instead of my phone. This has been verified by GolfShot and they have one for Android wear already.

Biking Apps - being able to see speed, cadence, distance, elevation and other functions.

 

[profmjh]

Interesting so many people justify purchasing the AW because they won't have to take their iPhone out of their pocket.

During the height of the "Bend Gate" debate, defenders of the iPhone 6 & 6+ where saying the phones are bending because people are foolishly keeping their phones in their pockets, especially their back pocket. So when people posted pics of their bent phone they were attacked for purposely carrying their phone in a location (pocket) that puts the phone under too much twisting force; claiming the phone was not designed to take that much stress.

I suspect Bendgate -- and the forthcoming Scratchgate -- was overblown nonsense. I have a 6+ and it feels pretty solid to me. That being said I'm always careful to take it out of my pocket when I'm indoors.

But when I'm outdoors it's either in my back pocket or in my breast pocket, depending on the weather. It *is* a hassle to take it out for a quick look to see who texted or to change album. I'd rather just leave it in there. I don't want to drop it on the street or be seen with it in public.

And I wasn't justifying my upcoming purchase. I said I want an Apple Watch because it's pretty and it's an accurate timepiece. The other stuff is a bonus.

 

[BMox81]

Interesting so many people justify purchasing the AW because they won't have to take their iPhone out of their pocket.

During the height of the "Bend Gate" debate, defenders of the iPhone 6 & 6+ where saying the phones are bending because people are foolishly keeping their phones in their pockets, especially their back pocket. So when people posted pics of their bent phone they were attacked for purposely carrying their phone in a location (pocket) that puts the phone under too much twisting force; claiming the phone was not designed to take that much stress.

Of course people are going to justify their reasons for getting one - much like people are coming with their own reasons not to get one.

End of the day, its all down to the individual and no-one should be criticised if they do or don't get one.

 

[mattopotamus]

good list.

I will add the ability to archive/delete emails. Most emails I receive I just need to read and delete/archive. This is a feature I really liked with android wear. Lets just hope it actually removes the damn notification from your phone!

I hate the fact if I delete an email on my ipad the notification badge stays on the iphone until I open the mail app. This is only with the stock mail app. Gmail does it right. If I get a gmail email that I respond to it on my computer the badge icon goes away on my iphone.

 

[2macORnot2mac]

It makes a nice watch.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

PROS

1. It makes me look like I make 30% more than I actually do.

2. Ladies think I'm an 11.5 compared to my non-Apple Watch wearing 6.

3. Cars in left lane on the Beltway clear out for me when their GPS tracks me coming down the pike.

4. I get the best table in the best restaurants and w/o reservations.

5. My boss gets me the coffee now.

6. I'm no longer required to go through security at the airport.

CONS

1. Way too many women flirt with me hindering my ability to get any work done.

2. I constantly dream about replacing my plastic band for a link but then think $500 for a SS bracelet is insane. Then the dream repeats.

3. Hamburger is no longer good enough for me.

4. I'm in constant fear Apple will update the watch and PROS 1-6 will no longer apply.

5. The Watch will tell me the weather but won't let me actually control it.

 

[VFC]

I'm waiting for my favorite apps to come to the watch

GolfShot - GPS app while playing golf that shows distance to the pin, club selection, will be on my wrist instead of my phone. This has been verified by GolfShot and they have one for Android wear already.

Biking Apps - being able to see speed, cadence, distance, elevation and other functions.

1 - Would not the weight of the AW on your wrist affect your golf swing?

2 - They sell iPhone bike holders where you can mount the phone on your handle bars and see all the info (plus way more) on a bigger screen that can be kept on continuously without worrying about the battery dying before you finish the ride. You have to have the iPhone with you anyway for the AW GPS function to work.

 

[bbeagle]

-I like the idea of being able to take a quick call when my hands are tied

When I'm having sex and my mom calls, answering the call on my wrist allows me to continue. It used to be awkward when I told the girl I'd need to get off, walk over to the coffee table, and take a 2 minute break to answer the call. Then I could continue the action. I think girls will be impressed now.

 

[spampy22]

Nope, and I have a Garmen today that does this.

1 - Would not the weight of the AW on your wrist affect your golf swing? Nope, and I have a Garmin today and doesn't mess with my swing. Have you never played gold with a watch on?

2 - They sell iPhone bike holders where you can mount the phone on your handle bars and see all the info (plus way more) on a bigger screen that can be kept on continuously without worrying about the battery dying before you finish the ride. You have to have the iPhone with you anyway for the AW GPS function to work.

I have this today but with some extra functions that the watch can provide i.e. Heart Rate and real Calorie burn it will benefit. I hate wearing a heart rate strap