Loved it but now..

[Arran]

Love the music remote. It also happens to control video apps that are playing too. Use case. Music or video air playing to either speakers or a TV. Phone is down someplace (not on me) and as I have to go someplace else, I pause/play from my wrist. I do this with Netflix that plays while on my treadmill. The phone is connected via hdmi off to the side where all the ports etc are for the TV. I had my watch alarm me be I had to check on dinner which was in the oven so I swiped to my music glance and paused my show.

Took care of dinner, set a new countdown timer with Siri, went back downstairs unpaised Netflix with the watch and got back on the treadmill.

All this time not going over to my phone to fiddle with it with the Lightning to hdmi dongle pulling out, and while the workout app was measuring my active and resting heart rates the entire time.

I dunno, that was just one particular scenario I use mine for.

Oh yeah, it's also a decently priced (for my tastes anyway) watch that tells time

Yeah, I didn't want an Apple watch initially, but now that I'm seeing how my wife's watch hooks into our home systems (controlling iPhone audio on speaker docks around the house, AirPlay, controlling Apple TVs, hue lighting) I'm thinking I'd love a cheap sport just to wear around the house and yard.

Like an always with you remote with phone calls and texts too.

 

[mantan]

I'm one of those people sitting on the fence wondering if this is a device worth buying.

But reading these comments, i just don't think it's for me. If a big feature is being able to look up simple lists, use timers or find stuff on Wikipedia...I can just do that on my phone. (I really don't see it as an inconvenience to take my phone out of my pocket at the grocery store.)

I had a little interest in it as a running device, but if I have to bring my phone with me to use most of the features (like Endomondo, GPS tracking etc), I might as well keep running with my phone or buy the Garmin I've been considering.

The comparison to the original iPad is interesting. When it first came out, apps were fairly limited - but as it matured, it became a must have item. I don't agree with that particular post about not seeing tablets...I think they are still used frequently by people of all ages. That's what made the device so successful - it really filled a lot of needs for a big audience.

The watch looks like it'll be a niche product. And there is nothing wrong with that. It seems like a good smartwatch, it'll arguably be the best one out there over time. But I'm not sure this industry is ripe for explosion like the mp3, smartphone or tablet industry.

 

[KPOM]

Well my Watch is now back in its box waiting to be collected by the courier.

I never got over the disappointment at the size. I bought the 42mm but the size of the watch face is about 26mm. It's tiny. I primarily wanted a watch. The other stuff was bonus. In the end it wasn't enough to make up for the fact it's just not a great watch. For me.

Interesting. I thought the 42mm was too big and am happy with the 38mm. For me the notifications are nice. I don't really have a "killer app," but wasn't expecting one, either. It's a nice "watch plus" for me. I went with the stainless steel with classic band, and am awaiting the Milanese Loop band.

----------

Truth is it's really no different than any other Apple product from the last decade. All of them needed time for firmware and software to catch up with the hardware. The difference here than the iPhone though is that when the iPhone was released people already depended on phones, so Apple had more time to develop the App Store. Millennials generally do not wear watches so Apple's window of opportunity is much shorter here.

They really need to "relaunch" it for the holiday season with updated OS that lets users declutter and remove unwanted stock apps and also work with big developed on a few killer apps.

I do expect a "relaunch" for the holidays (and always did, as this is a logical gift idea in the way that a phone is not). I doubt they will declutter the OS as they have done the opposite with the iPhone, though.

I also don't think they have as short a window as you think. Not as many millennials wear watches as previous generations, but it is still a sizeable number. The smartphone didn't "replace" the watch, as phones had long had clock features. They simply fell out of fashion for a while, but could easily come back into fashion. The current craze is for "big" watches, and Apple has actually bucked that trend with watches of a more traditional size.

My guess is that Apple is in this for the long haul. They are frustrated by the production delays, but it isn't as if April, May, or June are big gift giving months. This Fall with a new iPhone likely sporting Force Touch is another great chance to sell the Watch, either as an accessory to the iPhone or a gift idea to someone already in the store for the phone.

 

[xraydoc]

Personally, I have no need for killer third party apps. I'm not using the watch as an app platform. The phone is far superior for that.

The thing I love about the watch is that it's like a heads-up display for my iPhone. Email comes in - 1 second glance to see if it's important or if it can wait. Text message comes in- 1 second glance to see if it's from my wife or again, if it can wait. App notification, like Dark Sky, telling me it's going to rain, Amazon, telling me my package is arriving or reminders telling me it's time to do something (very handy at work, may I say).

This is the killer "app" for me. I actually use my phone less. And that is the intended purpose of the app.

There's other things, of course, but these are the main ones.

Oh, and for lists on the watch, either Evernote or OneNote are great for that.

 

[hemon]

I don't know too if I keep my Apple Watch (Steel 38mm with black sportband) because I never had a watch. Also if I received it gratis too (I made +700€ while I sold 5-6 Apple Watches)

 

[gwynne]

Loved it but now..

Used pretty much constantly: Appigo todo, hue, deliveries, betterment (financial). Evernote sometimes, and quite a few of the stock apps get heavy use. almost all my text messaging is now done by the watch, as well as music transport control.

 

[GeorgiaPower]

It's more of a supplement to your phone than a revolutionary device. With that adjustment in perspective it's cool device.

 

[kinster]

I don't know too if I keep my Apple Watch (Steel 38mm with black sportband) because I never had a watch. Also if I received it gratis too (I made +700€ while I sold 5-6 Apple Watches)

oh man, such an enterprise. Think it's time to retire.

 

[JonnyIreland]

I just used it to pay for a coffee at Tim Horton's this morning (via Passbook, no official Apple Pay here in Canada yet) & that was a pretty special feeling for a tech nerd lol.
I also used Wunderlist for my grocery shopping at the weekend and for glancing at incoming messages in my car.... these have been the only instances in which it has truly changed my daily routine so far -all small changes, but all very convenient.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

I doubt they will declutter the OS as they have done the opposite with the iPhone, though.

I also don't think they have as short a window as you think.

I agree that Apple won't declutter, but they should. The forced apps on the iPhone are annoying but you can put them in a folder on the last page and never have to look at them again. But as they AW OS is designed they actively interfere with usage. It makes the AW more difficult to use because they take up space which takes up user time, especially as the number of apps the user adds increases.

As for the short window, it goes back to "you never get a second chance at a first impression." If, after the holiday season, impressions form that AW doesn't do much, or do it well, it's very hard for Apple to recover from that after the big, long PR roll out leading up to the official introduction and launch. Quite different from the almost silent marketing of the enduring AppleTV.

People's opinions are still forming about AW and not enough units are in circulation for word of mouth to really gel. So when Apple makes a big holiday push it will still be to consumers with relatively fresh eyes and good will toward Apple. But if the app catalog isn't deep by then, and the OS isn't smoothed out more than 1.0 offers, $400+ is going to get people saying negative things to friends and on social media. Once branded like it would take a whole lot of crisis management to get back to zero.

But I'm sure Apple understands this and we'll see some good things come out of WWDC.

 

[NAYo2002]

Big of you to admit this.

When the iPad came out, I just didn't understand the hype - it seemed pointless to me. But my friends and colleagues bought them and went on about them. Soon after, they got bored of them and it's quite rare I see a tablet now.

Tablets are used at home so it's understandable that you don't see your people using them. In my experience, tablets are everywhere where laptops used to be. Also, if you have an iPhone 6 plus or larger, tablets are less necessary. In a sense, rather than becoming irrelevant, they became pocketable and replaced the cell phone.

 

[bunnicula]

Well my Watch is now back in its box waiting to be collected by the courier.

I never got over the disappointment at the size. I bought the 42mm but the size of the watch face is about 26mm. It's tiny. I primarily wanted a watch. The other stuff was bonus. In the end it wasn't enough to make up for the fact it's just not a great watch. For me.

What in the world size watch did you want if the 42mm is "tiny" to you?

I totally get expecting more from this product and being disappointed enough to return it, though I'm not sure why anyone did expect more because in both keynote presentations, Apple clearly stated what the watch could do and that's what it does.

Curious.

----------

Tablets are used at home so it's understandable that you don't see your people using them. In my experience, tablets are everywhere where laptops used to be. Also, if you have an iPhone 6 plus or larger, tablets are less necessary. In a sense, rather than becoming irrelevant, they became pocketable and replaced the cell phone.

I have a 6 plus and pretty much just use my iPad now for a book reader and occasional web browser if I'm already holding it due to the book reading thing. On trips, I use it to stream Netflix, though it gets routed through the hotel room TV, if possible. I also use it on planes.

Which is totally fine by me. I don't need it to do more.

----------

I'm one of those people sitting on the fence wondering if this is a device worth buying.

But reading these comments, i just don't think it's for me. If a big feature is being able to look up simple lists, use timers or find stuff on Wikipedia...I can just do that on my phone. (I really don't see it as an inconvenience to take my phone out of my pocket at the grocery store.)

I had a little interest in it as a running device, but if I have to bring my phone with me to use most of the features (like Endomondo, GPS tracking etc), I might as well keep running with my phone or buy the Garmin I've been considering.

The comparison to the original iPad is interesting. When it first came out, apps were fairly limited - but as it matured, it became a must have item. I don't agree with that particular post about not seeing tablets...I think they are still used frequently by people of all ages. That's what made the device so successful - it really filled a lot of needs for a big audience.

The watch looks like it'll be a niche product. And there is nothing wrong with that. It seems like a good smartwatch, it'll arguably be the best one out there over time. But I'm not sure this industry is ripe for explosion like the mp3, smartphone or tablet industry.

If you didn't want it for notifications, activity tracking, or lists....

Why were you even considering it? That's the majority of what smart watches DO.

Add Apple Pay, remote control of music/TV, and text/phone calls and that's pretty much everything.

Which is a lot, when you think about it.

 

[AustinIllini]

For the average user, the watch isn't ready. Third party apps are what make the iPhone great. The Apple Watch apps will shape this device, and they're not ready.

 

[KPOM]

As for the short window, it goes back to "you never get a second chance at a first impression." If, after the holiday season, impressions form that AW doesn't do much, or do it well, it's very hard for Apple to recover from that after the big, long PR roll out leading up to the official introduction and launch. Quite different from the almost silent marketing of the enduring AppleTV.

People's opinions are still forming about AW and not enough units are in circulation for word of mouth to really gel. So when Apple makes a big holiday push it will still be to consumers with relatively fresh eyes and good will toward Apple. But if the app catalog isn't deep by then, and the OS isn't smoothed out more than 1.0 offers, $400+ is going to get people saying negative things to friends and on social media. Once branded like it would take a whole lot of crisis management to get back to zero.

But I'm sure Apple understands this and we'll see some good things come out of WWDC.

As far as apps, I think we'll see some good things at WWDC. The fact that they have several thousand already, albeit non-native, is encouraging. I think that Apple planned this release to work out the issues and identify things that no amount of beta testing or internal studies can.

 

[bushido]

I'm one of those people sitting on the fence wondering if this is a device worth buying.

But reading these comments, i just don't think it's for me. If a big feature is being able to look up simple lists, use timers or find stuff on Wikipedia...I can just do that on my phone. (I really don't see it as an inconvenience to take my phone out of my pocket at the grocery store.)

I had a little interest in it as a running device, but if I have to bring my phone with me to use most of the features (like Endomondo, GPS tracking etc), I might as well keep running with my phone or buy the Garmin I've been considering.

The comparison to the original iPad is interesting. When it first came out, apps were fairly limited - but as it matured, it became a must have item. I don't agree with that particular post about not seeing tablets...I think they are still used frequently by people of all ages. That's what made the device so successful - it really filled a lot of needs for a big audience.

The watch looks like it'll be a niche product. And there is nothing wrong with that. It seems like a good smartwatch, it'll arguably be the best one out there over time. But I'm not sure this industry is ripe for explosion like the mp3, smartphone or tablet industry.

I thought it would stop my habit of checking my iPhone constantly in case I miss something but I get so many imessage throughout the day. the first notification on my watch is nice but once I grab my phone to reply it's a constant back and forth so I may as well just leave my phone out. almost every notifcation reguires an interaction with the phone cuz i am not gonna speak to my wrist out in public so i have to grab my phone anyway

i do like the music control but that doesnt justify the price for me

 

[Spooky73]

Personally, I have no need for killer third party apps. I'm not using the app as an app platform. The phone is far superior for that.

The thing I love about the watch is that it's like a heads-up display for my iPhone. Email comes in - 1 second glance to see if it's important or if it can wait. Text message comes in- 1 second glance to see if it's from my wife or again, if it can wait. App notification, like Dark Sky, telling me it's going to rain, Amazon, telling me my package is arriving or reminders telling me it's time to do something (very handy at work, may I say).

This is the killer "app" for me. I actually use my phone less. And that is the intended purpose of the app.

This^. Add to these the ability to do quick replies when needed via dictation or take a quick call when my hands are full (two kids under the age of 3) and the watch is a winner for me .

It's not particularly exciting and I think that has bummed some people out. It's not something that you spend a lot of time tinkering with, and while that's the point, I think it throws some people off. Like "i spent $400+ for this and I don't /can't use it/tinker with it all day?!?!".

For me, I'd been thinking I need a watch for the past few months anyway (sick of having to dig for my phone to check the time or a quick text when I'm engaged with the kids) and was considering a semi-nice watch. The Apple Watch then became more and more appealing as it served the purpose of a semi-nice watch and all the other stuff is just "icing on the cake".

 

[5105973]

I love my Apple Watch. I haven't worn any of my beautiful watches on a regular daily basis in over 10 years or more. But already after a week I feel weird without my Apple Watch. Among the many things I love about this device, I find I prefer making and taking phone calls on it (at home) rather than using the phone. Clarity seems better and I don't have to stick a headset on or put the phone up to my ear. I can fold laundry and still chat away to my mom. True I could use speakerphone on my Iphone, but again, the Watch seems to work better for this. I get fewer requests to repeat myself.

It's not up to me to try and convince anyone why I think this product is so great any more than it's my place to convince you why my spiritual beliefs are so enriching. You have to find your own place in your life for this device...or not. The App Store has what it has to try out. There are loads of articles and videos explaining what the Apple Watch does and how to use it.

Yet day after day the disillusioned or disappointed come here and ask to be shown how this device can be made relevant to them. Sorry, I can't do their intellectual footwork for them or anyone else, as much as I would love for everyone to love this product as much as I do.

 

[MarkW19]

I think it depends on your lifestyle, and also work. If you have a relatively manual hands-on job - or you're constantly out and about perhaps on your feet - I think not having to dig around for your phone all the time could be game-changing.

Also, if you're very sociable and spend a lot of time in bars, meals out etc., I think it would be a great, discrete way to keep in touch; as well as those with children for day's out, and playing with the kids at home as someone said above.

But if you're sat at your desk for most of the day, with calls/texts/emails and notifications coming through to either your phone on your desk, or your Mac (as I do) it's much less of a deal. Apart from when needed - it's great in the kitchen for timers, texts, notifications, music control! - and fitness.

So the answer I think is, it depends. I love my Apple Watch - but I find myself not getting a huge amount of use out of it, due to my job and lifestyle, though I'm certainly not sending it back! As someone said above, it also feels weird - and expensive - for it basically to be not at all in use when you're using your phone - which for most of us, is probably still quite a lot. I don't think anything over the Sport is at all worth the money right now (I think this will change with updates, better apps, future generations) - though I have the SS as I preferred the look, but wasn't fully comfortable with the price. I guess a lot of it is that it's first generation, I'm sure the price will come down over time.

It's an exciting and interesting piece of tech - and how useful it is will depend on you - but for most, I don't think it will be as game changing as the iPhone and iPad, which is I think a large part of the let-down for a lot of people.

 

[jbachandouris]

I wore the sport for 3 days and then sold it. I am waiting for a SS classic buckle which arrive Tuesday. I agree with what was said about lifestyle. I am at a desk for most of the day, so notifications are not overly valuable.

I already have a Nike+ GPS watch for running and with the Apple watch missing GPS and talks of inaccuracy, so there's that.

The SS I have coming on Tuesday is $700 after taxes. If I want a 'watch,' a Citizen Ecodrive is $100 less and more practical.

I really don't think I can justify it. I will decide 14 days from tomorrow.

 

[profmjh]

What in the world size watch did you want if the 42mm is "tiny" to you?

As I said, it's the size of the watch face that is relevant to me. On the 42mm Apple Watch, it's about 24mm. On my 42mm regular watch it's about 36mm. The Apple Watch watch face is therefore significantly smaller.

 

[jbachandouris]

As I said, it's the size of the watch face that is relevant to me. On the 42mm Apple Watch, it's about 24mm. On my 42mm regular watch it's about 36mm. The Apple Watch watch face is therefore significantly smaller.

Definitely agree here as I wear a G-shock as my daily driver.

 

[noobinator]

I agree with OP some days. I want my life to be easier than before and the watch sometimes feels to add to the complexity. It's beautiful to look at and I love the idea behind it but I'm just not sure it's for me.

I am trying to simplify my life and I don't think the watch is helping. It's actually hurting. I'm getting pinged all day and stressing more than I was before. In addition, it's another thing to charge daily and take good care of.

This sport will definitely be going back and I will probably keep my SS order just to sell it at list to someone who will actually use it. (once I get it)

Great product, but just not for me.

 

[pjschmid]

Wish I could keep it

I'm in a different boat than most here. I see the value in the Watch to my daily life. It would allow me to go through my day at the office without lugging the phone with me. As a woman I don't always have pockets so I'm left juggling the phone and laptop as I navigate my day.

In addition, although I'm far from a workout & health junkie, I see the value of the Watch in making me aware of what I am or am no doing throughout the day.

Unfortunately for me the watch has not been working. It is usually locked, not sensing that it's on my wrist, and doesn't function as advertised. I'm giving support this week to come up with a solution and then it has to go back as a crap product. Don't get me wrong I love products and have owned many and gotten family and fiends on to . This one just seems to not be the quality I've come to expect and support seems unprepared to assist customers with problems.

BTW - I have contracted both Apple Care and the in store Genius Bar and have not gotten any help with this problem.

All-in-all I was very excited and now I'm just exceedingly disappointed and let-down.

 

[mightyjabba]

I don't think anybody should feel they have make an effort to like a product. If you don't like it, return it. That said, I do feel from reading many of the posts here that a lot of people had unrealistic expectations for the watch, or didn't use it long enough to really give it a chance. One guy literally sold his a day after buying it! You can't remotely tell if it's for you in one day. In fact in some ways I think the watch makes a bad first impression. If you come at it as an iPhone user (which you will be of course ), your first instinct will be to load it up with apps and try using them a lot. But at this point, 95% of all apps are terrible. Not only are they non-native (and therefore laggy), they were designed just so the app makers would have something at launch. Most of the developers had never even used an actual watch, and they had little idea what would be most useful. Also, the watch isn't really intended as something that you sit down and use for extended periods. Its value comes from short interactions, whether they are notifications or short info checks.

 

[AlliFlowers]

My (adult) son called me yesterday asking about it. When I told him this was how I use it, he was hooked. For a busy professional who lives and dies by client email, this is a game changer.

This is how I use my watch. Pretty much strictly for push notifications. I think people who thought the apps would lead the way are the ones who are most disappointed. I use notifications, the fitness app, and the hue app for my lights. I personally find all other apps to be pretty slow and a waste. The ESPN app is awful. In the time it takes to update, I could have looked at scores for every sport on my phone.

I am finding that people who came from a different smartwatch are loving it, and people who this is the first smartwatch are having buyers remorse.