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I agree, we need and I hope companies offer both Round and Rectangular shaped watches for different people's preferences.
 
True the analog watches look better round, but the Watch is going in a different direction. They are putting futuristic faces. The motion faces where it shows a butterfly flap its wings and changes color, the earth view that shows your location, the GALAXY view that shows all the planets in correct position, this is the future, not plain analog, But again not everyone likes that, so their is a need for circular watch faces.

ImageImageImageImage

While I agree with those who say that round watch cases look better, there is no question that smart watches must be able to competently display some amount of text... and text just doesn't work very well on round faces.

Until someone somewhere comes up with a great UI for round screens that display the type of information that smart watches might in the future, it makes sense to stick with rectangular screens.
 
I owned the 360 for 2 weeks before returning it, the round display has more cons that positives.

Everything would get cut off, and it would be hard to do certain swipes from the edge.

The 360 also has a weird tapered edge, which would result in a "rainbow effect" where colors would smear at the edge of the screen.

As for the OS itself, Android wear is very much a beta, it has super limited functionality and is borderline useless for anything other than reading texts.
On the other hand, apple has already demoed numerous features on their watch, which easily eclipse the number and quality of available feature on the 360.

Having not played with the apple watch first hand, its hard to make a definite statement as to which is better, but having reviewed what appeals claims to be offering and comparing that to my actual experiences with the moto 360, I would say that the apple watch is more than likely going to come out on top.
 
While I agree with those who say that round watch cases look better, there is no question that smart watches must be able to competently display some amount of text... and text just doesn't work very well on round faces.

Until someone somewhere comes up with a great UI for round screens that display the type of information that smart watches might in the future, it makes sense to stick with rectangular screens.

It is swings and roundabouts.

There is no reason whatsoever that a round screen cannot display perfectly the exact same amount of text that any given rectangular screen can.

It really depends if you see round as positive or negative, in the same way you see 4:3 and 16:9

You CAN decide to see 16:9 simply as a 4:3 screen with the top and bottom removed = less screen.
You CAN decide to see a round watch as a rectangular watch with the corners removed = a smaller screen.

That would be choosing to see it from a negative point of view.

On the other hand, there is nothing on earth stopping you from seeing things totally differently.

You CAN decide to view a 16:9 screen, as a 4:3 screen, but with MORE display area either side = larger screen.
You CAN decide to see a round watch as a rectangular watch, but with MORE screen area added on all around the rectangle.

If you do choose the latter, then you could see how a round watch could display every single item on say the apple watch screen AND have extra screen area top, right, bottom and left.

As long as the pixel density is right, and the physical size is something you are comfortable with, Round can display everything oblong/square can AND more.

If you choose to see it that way.

Of course, naturally it would benefit any round display to have the OS enhanced to take advantage of the shape.
 
I owned the 360 for 2 weeks before returning it, the round display has more cons that positives.

Everything would get cut off, and it would be hard to do certain swipes from the edge.

The 360 also has a weird tapered edge, which would result in a "rainbow effect" where colors would smear at the edge of the screen.

As for the OS itself, Android wear is very much a beta, it has super limited functionality and is borderline useless for anything other than reading texts.
On the other hand, apple has already demoed numerous features on their watch, which easily eclipse the number and quality of available feature on the 360.

Having not played with the apple watch first hand, its hard to make a definite statement as to which is better, but having reviewed what appeals claims to be offering and comparing that to my actual experiences with the moto 360, I would say that the apple watch is more than likely going to come out on top.

My guess is there will be two camps. One that wants these devices to be feature-rich. And another that thinks their main purpose is just a remote display for notifications. Personally I have no interest in spending $200-$400 for a remote viewer to display notifications.
 
I owned the 360 for 2 weeks before returning it, the round display has more cons that positives.

Everything would get cut off, and it would be hard to do certain swipes from the edge.

The 360 also has a weird tapered edge, which would result in a "rainbow effect" where colors would smear at the edge of the screen.

As for the OS itself, Android wear is very much a beta, it has super limited functionality and is borderline useless for anything other than reading texts.
On the other hand, apple has already demoed numerous features on their watch, which easily eclipse the number and quality of available feature on the 360.

Having not played with the apple watch first hand, its hard to make a definite statement as to which is better, but having reviewed what appeals claims to be offering and comparing that to my actual experiences with the moto 360, I would say that the apple watch is more than likely going to come out on top.

"Android Wear is very much a beta", but Apple Watch (or Watch OS) doesn't even exist yet in consumer hands. Those demos are just demos, you have no idea if they eclipse the quality of features on the 360. The press weren't even allowed to touch the watch outside of demo mode.

The hardware is clear and of personal preference but I don't think you can make any real comparisons about the software.
 
...You CAN decide to see a round watch as a rectangular watch, but with MORE screen area added on all around the rectangle.

If you do choose the latter, then you could see how a round watch could display every single item on say the apple watch screen AND have extra screen area top, right, bottom and left.....

Only if you are willing to wear a significantly larger watch in order to achieve this.

ScreenShot2014-10-02at45033PM_zpsfc3696a7.jpg
 
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My guess is there will be two camps. One that wants these devices to be feature-rich. And another that thinks their main purpose is just a remote display for notifications. Personally I have no interest in spending $200-$400 for a remote viewer to display notifications.

Yes, you are right, and I'm not even sure which is going to be the right approach.

We could have long lasting battery, more watch like, and notifications on some devices, and basically a micro iPod Touch from Apple type devices.

I will be honest, the public could go either way.

IF.... The Apple watch was a stand along device, I'd be happier to accept the micro iPod Touch path, as it will be the only device you may have on you, so therefore you want to have access to all apps, albeit heavily cut down/restricted in display and function due to the screen size and power.

But having is, as, let's be honest right now.... An iPhone accessory, that, in reality you need your iPhone in your pocket, I'm not convinced you need that.

Real scenario, you get a notification on your Apple watch when you have one in 6 months time, you look at the watch, oh it's Joe asking me what I want to do tonight.

You look real close at the phone, use the mini dial, to get where you want to get to, tap and swipe the screen a bit and work out how to let Joe know, of you just reach in your pocket, 2 seconds... use Touch ID, and type your reply, or speak to Joe.

I can see many people just not bothering with the watch to do any replying as they have their phone in their pocket.

Do we need that level of functionality with an accessory device?

If Apple split the watch into it's own separate device then yes.

People are generally going to use the easiest device they have to do the task on.

And, to be honest, I'm not even sure the better sports smart watches have anything to worry about.
You are running, you want clear simple displays, with nice easy to use physical buttons to press during exersize.

Be honest, we can't see Apple watch users, seriously wearing that, when working out, and/or at the gym. Its not that sort of device.

It's tricky to know.

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Only if you are willing to wear a significantly larger watch in order to achieve this.

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Please adjust the circle down in size.

Remember the Moto 360, which I guess we are talking about, has it's screen right out to the edge of the display.
You have not allowed for the large, percentage wise black/dead bezel area on the Apple watch. So the circle can be a fair bit smaller.

But yes, you need to add the curves of the circle onto the sides of the rectangle of course :)
 
Please adjust the circle down in size.

Remember the Moto 360, which I guess we are talking about, has it's screen right out to the edge of the display.
You have not allowed for the large, percentage wise black/dead bezel area on the Apple watch. So the circle can be a fair bit smaller.

But yes, you need to add the curves of the circle onto the sides of the rectangle of course :)

You made the statement comparing a circle to a rectangle and so my rendering is CORRCT. If you want to get into design elements like basel size choices then that is an altogether different debate.

So you admit that all things being equal a rectangle is a better choice than a circle for displaying tex/pic based info (which is factually is) and your 'beef' is basel size?

Now if you prefer round for a personal stylistic reason I respect that. However saying a circle is equal or superior to a rectangle for displaying text based info is fallacy.

Also you can't just say you can make the circle arbitrarily larger than the rectangle to hold the same info since I can say you can then make the rectangle even larger to hold more info. So who makes theirs larger last wins.

As covered before in order to draw a meaningful conclusion on the circle vs rectangle debate they MUST have the same surface area for a TRUE comparison.
 
I mention is, as the picture as shown, hints that, in order for a round device like the moto 360, to show all the apple watch can, as your photo shows, it would have to be THAT much bigger than the entire watch, which is a little misleading.

You only have to add on the curves to the actual display area.

As I said it's all how you choose to see it.

I could say the display of a classic watch dial is smaller on the Apple watch as it's a rectangle, so it's harder to see.

All down to your perception :)
 
I personally don't see why so many freak out about round watches, but different strokes. However, I think the Moto is just plain ugly. I'm a woman, and that would look ridiculous on me. I prefer Apple's square design because it is more streamlined... Same width as band so not as jarring as a giant bottle cap on the wrist.

It just looks classier, and I cannot wait to have butterflies or the solar system on my wrist. ;)
 
I personally don't see why so many freak out about round watches, but different strokes. However, I think the Moto is just plain ugly. I'm a woman, and that would look ridiculous on me. I prefer Apple's square design because it is more streamlined... Same width as band so not as jarring as a giant bottle cap on the wrist.

It just looks classier, and I cannot wait to have butterflies or the solar system on my wrist. ;)

ditto!
 
I personally don't see why so many freak out about round watches, but different strokes. However, I think the Moto is just plain ugly. I'm a woman, and that would look ridiculous on me. I prefer Apple's square design because it is more streamlined... Same width as band so not as jarring as a giant bottle cap on the wrist.

It just looks classier, and I cannot wait to have butterflies or the solar system on my wrist. ;)

Think your "greytkids" will spring for the Edition for Mother's Day 2015? ;)
 
I personally don't see why so many freak out about round watches, but different strokes. However, I think the Moto is just plain ugly. I'm a woman, and that would look ridiculous on me. I prefer Apple's square design because it is more streamlined... Same width as band so not as jarring as a giant bottle cap on the wrist.

It just looks classier, and I cannot wait to have butterflies or the solar system on my wrist. ;)

I do understand what you are saying, but please remember it being sleek or pretty/ugly has nothing to do with it being round or square, it's about the overall design.

A square watch can look horrid and a round watch can look gorgeous.
It's not the shape, it's the design.

I'm sure Apple could of designed a round watch and everyone here would be gushing over it, and laughing at Samsungs Square watches, saying how it took Apple got get it right.

However.

The problem I see is, persuading ladies who like wearing things like this:

http://www.accurist.co.uk/media/cat...d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/l/b/lb1799_gift_set_1.jpg

http://www.farfo.com/images/omega_solid_golid_diamond_vintage_ladies_watches.jpg

http://www.wimbledonwatches.co.uk/p/263/raymond-weil-watch/ladies-raymond-weil-gold-watch-wr0732

To start wearing this 'Chunk' on their wrist:

http://cnet2.cbsistatic.com/hub/i/r...cb46/apple-event-apple-watch-edition-5593.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JJKNLIViN...HETRQXXdhMs/s1600/hero_blkstainless_large.jpg

Not sure they will ever capture this classic feminine market
 
I do understand what you are saying, but please remember it being sleek or pretty/ugly has nothing to do with it being round or square, it's about the overall design.

A square watch can look horrid and a round watch can look gorgeous.
It's not the shape, it's the design.

I'm sure Apple could of designed a round watch and everyone here would be gushing over it, and laughing at Samsungs Square watches, saying how it took Apple got get it right.

However.

The problem I see is, persuading ladies who like wearing things like this:

http://www.accurist.co.uk/media/cat...d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/l/b/lb1799_gift_set_1.jpg

http://www.farfo.com/images/omega_solid_golid_diamond_vintage_ladies_watches.jpg

http://www.wimbledonwatches.co.uk/p/263/raymond-weil-watch/ladies-raymond-weil-gold-watch-wr0732

To start wearing this 'Chunk' on their wrist:

http://cnet2.cbsistatic.com/hub/i/r...cb46/apple-event-apple-watch-edition-5593.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JJKNLIViN...HETRQXXdhMs/s1600/hero_blkstainless_large.jpg

Not sure they will ever capture this classic feminine market

those are extremely old fashioned watches, which nobody wears anymore.
also these are just junky cheap watches.
Contemporary high-end ladies' watches are mostly very large by previous standards.

Since you have not bought any high-end watches in the past, just go to a watch shop like Torneau or a high-end boutique like Patek Philippe or Breguet and ask them what ladies like to wear.
They do not wear those small bracelets anymore.
 
those are extremely old fashioned watches, which nobody wears anymore.
also these are just junky cheap watches.
Contemporary high-end ladies' watches are mostly very large by previous standards.

Since you have not bought any high-end watches in the past, just go to a watch shop like Torneau or a high-end boutique like Patek Philippe or Breguet and ask them what ladies like to wear.
They do not wear those small bracelets anymore.

Are we talking about normal every day typical consumers?

I know it's easy to get carried away on tech forums in thinking everyone is into a certain look.
For example, the major UK high street, normal person's company has the following watches in stock for woman, and I assume they do their research as to what they will be selling for the year in their shops all over the UK

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Brows...3/3|cat_33007498|Ladies'+watches|33015335.htm
 
Are we talking about normal every day typical consumers?



I know it's easy to get carried away on tech forums in thinking everyone is into a certain look.

For example, the major UK high street, normal person's company has the following watches in stock for woman, and I assume they do their research as to what they will be selling for the year in their shops all over the UK



http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Brows...3/3|cat_33007498|Ladies'+watches|33015335.htm


I have no idea what that company is but I think apple is not concerned with what that company thinks women want.

What type of watches are advertised on fashion magazines?
It's mostly expensive watches (at least above $5000) or fashion watches like Michael Kors which are mostly oversized.

Again, didn't you say you haven't bought watches in years?
I'm not sure you understand what women like to wear these days?
I recently had to shop for women's watches and at least understand designs that are "in vogue."
 
I have no idea what that company is but I think apple is not concerned with what that company thinks women want.

What type of watches are advertised on fashion magazines?
It's mostly expensive watches (at least above $5000) or fashion watches like Michael Kors which are mostly oversized.

Again, didn't you say you haven't bought watches in years?
I'm not sure you understand what women like to wear these days?
I recently had to shop for women's watches and at least understand designs that are "in vogue."

Oh I know. I am simply saying there is a VAST gap between specialist things, fashion magazines and an average consumer.

We may be looking at Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and high end Mercedes, BMW, Audi


However forgetting that the VAST majority of people are buying Fords and Vauxhauls and Renault's etc.

I'm aware this is not the market Apple are aiming for of course :)
 
Oh I know. I am simply saying there is a VAST gap between specialist things, fashion magazines and an average consumer.



We may be looking at Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and high end Mercedes, BMW, Audi





However forgetting that the VAST majority of people are buying Fords and Vauxhauls and Renault's etc.



I'm aware this is not the market Apple are aiming for of course :)


Well these are priced for the average consumer so if they offer aspirational style with average consumer price, that would be a positive not a negatice.
 
Think your "greytkids" will spring for the Edition for Mother's Day 2015? ;)

Since they are greyhounds, it's doubtful!

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I do understand what you are saying, but please remember it being sleek or pretty/ugly has nothing to do with it being round or square, it's about the overall design.

A square watch can look horrid and a round watch can look gorgeous.
It's not the shape, it's the design.

I'm sure Apple could of designed a round watch and everyone here would be gushing over it, and laughing at Samsungs Square watches, saying how it took Apple got get it right.

I don't get into the whole Samsung versus Apple thing, because I think that's stupid. My whole comment was comparing the Apple watch to the Moto watch and I think the Apple watch is a clear winner, precisely because it isn't giant, ugly, round and clunky. If Apple had created a round watch I certainly hope they would not have made it look like one was wearing a Coke bottle on his/her wrist. But they didn't, so I'm happy.

By the way the links of watches that you posted are absolutely gorgeous, and probably crazy expensive! I would love any one of those, but they don't do the things that the Apple watch does. So THIS female will be buying the Apple watch both because I think it is a nice looking watch but also because of the other functions that it performs. Primarily the health functions. Currently I have a Fitbit Force and love it. So I am very excited about the Apple watch.
 
Lets get back on track here! Someone observe both closely and make opinions on both!!!

I did. I said I think Watch looks like a cohesive design, that the watch and bands were designed together. Whereas the Almost 360 looks like one person designed an alimunum tire and someone else the band that goes with it. I also don't like the the bands attach at the bottom vs the middle of the device. That also makes it look less cohesive. Apple may not be using standard watch bands but I'll bet the 3rd party market for Watch bands will be huge. Just like the iPhone case market is huge.
 
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