Smart watches, what's the point?

[mrex]

My main gripe being the battery life, which when I first read about it was convinced it was a gross misprint. In fact the current hype that "Apple Watch is so capable you’ll want to wear it all day long, so we made sure we gave it a battery that lasts all day," is a truly remarkable marketing slogan. Imho any watch manufacturer unable to provide at least a 48hr power reserve is nothing more than an insult to the buyer.

Im not a heavy user and tapping the watch all the time.. It's around my wrist from the morning 6.00 to the evening 21.00 and battery shows about the 70% of the capacity left (may include about an hour listening music (AirPods) when exercising and tracking (gps) without phone with me). I always put it back to the charger on every evenings. and it is full charged on mornings. I guess you could get two days battery for it. But I keep the screen at the minimum brightness - it is enough even under the room lighting but don't know if it is enough in sunlight (can't say because I don't remember when was the last time I saw the sun now it is dark, and rainy and need to go out with the dog )

My current issue with the watch isn't the battery but the lack of customising it and making it more useful than it is now. I wonder, though, if the lack of the ability to customise the watch is due to the battery life - will it run out too quickly then - or is it because apple is just so obsessive to control everything... don't know. Still, you should do more with it. now I just feel that it is missing lots of opportunities to use it efficiently.

 

[ManicMarc]

I would prefer a 'root canal' procedure each and every week in preference to owning a 'smart watch'.

Each to their own. I feel the same about premium brand cars. Utterly pointless in my view. Though if someone offered me a fancy car or some dental surgery, I think I'd go with the car. Unless my dentist didn't like the car.

Smart watches are useful, as the millions of people who buy them and upgrade will testify.
Will the Apple Watch be like the iPad? Built up as the 'next big thing' in computing, but now nearly 9 years on, and not much traction outside basic usage? Perhaps, but I feel like Apple has learnt from the iPad's mistakes. The Apple Watch does a lot more now than it could in 2015. The iPad in 2013 was pretty much the same as it was in 2010 except with a smaller option. The Apple Watch is at least evolving.

There is a lot to be said for "ambient computing" - constant monitoring of your body's vitals, and an AI assistant never more than a wrist flick away. It's not perfect now, but it seems to me more likely we'll all be wearing smart watches in 20 years time than we will still be carrying around pocket watches smart phones.

 

[Knight3]

Are you taking this perspective from a stockholder point of view?

Because it sounds like your priority is the business over the customer.

Of course the customer is not always right. But when it comes to creating their products, Apple seems to believe the customer is always wrong.

I’m saying that a company gets to choose how to make their own products while a customer gets to choose between different companies.
[doublepost=1544270360][/doublepost]

Doesn't your phone already do all those things and more besides?

You’re nothing more than trolling at this point.





Please don’t engage him/her anymore.

 

[nnoble]

Enjoy the weekly root canals. Surely these would be even more utterly pointless.

 

[eyoungren]

I’m saying that a company gets to choose how to make their own products while a customer gets to choose between different companies.

Sure they do. But companies that continually choose to do their own thing while ignoring what the customer wants will eventually no longer be companies. Because customers will be choosing them less, or not at all.

Despite my claims about Apple, they do actually listen to the customer (sometimes).

The biggest change at Apple has been affected when the customer has brought down the financial hammer and endangered their profit stream either by negative publicity or refusing to buy what Apple's peddling.

 

[Starship67]

To the OP if you don’t see the need don’t buy one. Simple really.

 

[Knight3]

Sure they do. But companies that continually choose to do their own thing while ignoring what the customer wants will eventually no longer be companies. Because customers will be choosing them less, or not at all.

Despite my claims about Apple, they do actually listen to the customer (sometimes).

The biggest change at Apple has been affected when the customer has brought down the financial hammer and endangered their profit stream either by negative publicity or refusing to buy what Apple's peddling.

All the while making them the only Trillion dollar company?

 

[eyoungren]

All the while making them the only Trillion dollar company?

That argument doesn't invalidate my statements.

If Apple NEVER listened and were still a trillion dollar company then you'd have a rebuttal.

 

[Lankyman]

And this is where you’re completely mistaken, because you don’t have experience with smart watches in general, but look where the Apple Watch is leading in terms of being more health oriented with heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, now EKG, and possibly glucose monitoring in the future. And you’re trying to tell the majority in this thread that a smart watch doesn’t take us any further forward? That’s a fairly large oversight on your behalf, Health advancements are now where we can monitor our daily activities and perhaps help us be more mindful of heart conditions, I would say that is definitely ‘moving forward’, and the Apple Watch is the one device that seems to be leading in that direction.

Oh dear! I say yet again, you have just the same apps on your smartphone. And again for the record, obesity and type 2 diabetes and other weight related issues are at record levels in the western world, so for all they help out there it's not really working is it.
[doublepost=1544310348][/doublepost]

So your "narrative" is that smart watches are stupid. Why take the time to come to a place where we talk about smart watches, and nearly everyone owns one, just to insult us? And yes, I know you'll say you didn't insult anyone, but you did. You had no apparent question. You just wanted to tell us that Smart Watches are dumb. Leaving us to infer that anyone who purchases one is equally dumb. Again, you never said that. But it's there between the lines.

He was right to dismiss you. You appear to just be here to stir everyone up. If there is a valid question in your head, let's hear it. We'd love to answer your questions and help. Otherwise, what's the point of your post?

Where do I say they are stupid? I say they are pointless along with many other valid statements. You will also note, (or maybe not) that I purposely haven't put this thread in the watches section, nor do I single out any particular brand of smartwatches. I'm not sure nearly everyone owns a smartwatch either.

Perhaps it's you thinking it's cool to sound indignant, who knows. It would help if you read my post properly though.
[doublepost=1544310666][/doublepost]

You’re nothing more than trolling at this point.

Please don’t engage him/her anymore.

I point out that you already own a device that does many of the same things and you claim this to be trolling - how bizarre.

You don't want to engage, that's fine, I don't recall asking you to 'engage' in the first place, it was your choice to do so. This is the general discussion thread not a device thread.

It's simply my opinion.

 

[colonelbutt]

Short and sweet - is the so called 'smart watch' the most boring and pointless bit of tech ever invented (whoever makes them)?

I would say a resounding 'yes' to that question. Whilst some will work without your smartphone being nearby they are essentially 'companion devices'.

If ever a device was invented which was then looking for a market it is this 'trinket'. I genuinely wouldn't wear one even if they were 'free'. The battery in my current 'analogue' watch is now pushing 4 years and tells perfect time, what else do you need?

I would prefer a 'root canal' procedure each and every week in preference to owning a 'smart watch'.

Your first comment declares them useless but your last comment compares them to root canal. Somewhat inconsistent

If you don’t feel it’s useful to have your health tracked, including paces and heart, a totally accurate time that can’t go off, a phone, text and email viewer, music listener and data provider all on your wrist, then I guess you were also the person that originally said a smart phone was a waste of time if you have a PC.

I rest my case ...

 

[tromboneaholic]

Oh dear! I say yet again, you have just the same apps on your smartphone. And again for the record, obesity and type 2 diabetes and other weight related issues are at record levels in the western world, so for all they help out there it's not really working is it.
[doublepost=1544310348][/doublepost]

Where do I say they are stupid? I say they are pointless along with many other valid statements. You will also note, (or maybe not) that I purposely haven't put this thread in the watches section, nor do I single out any particular brand of smartwatches. I'm not sure nearly everyone owns a smartwatch either.

Perhaps it's you thinking it's cool to sound indignant, who knows. It would help if you read my post properly though.
[doublepost=1544310666][/doublepost]

I point out that you already own a device that does many of the same things and you claim this to be trolling - how bizarre.

You don't want to engage, that's fine, I don't recall asking you to 'engage' in the first place, it was your choice to do so. This is the general discussion thread not a device thread.

It's simply my opinion.

The thread you created has become a stronger argument for smart watches, so thanks for giving us a platform to discuss the benefits.

 

[Knight3]

I point out that you already own a device that does many of the same things and you claim this to be trolling - how bizarre.

You don't want to engage, that's fine, I don't recall asking you to 'engage' in the first place, it was your choice to do so. This is the general discussion thread not a device thread.

It's simply my opinion.

You chose not to respond to my prior posts quoting you but you went with this one. Interesting!

 

[kargurin]

Feel bad for those who can’t afford one then lash out in frustration. Then again if you work hard enough.......

 

[richpjr]

Feel bad for those who can’t afford one then lash out in frustration. Then again if you work hard enough.......

Ok, this made me laugh.

 

[Partridge]

I point out that you already own a device that does many of the same things and you claim this to be trolling - how bizarre.

You don't want to engage, that's fine, I don't recall asking you to 'engage' in the first place, it was your choice to do so. This is the general discussion thread not a device thread.

It's simply my opinion.

This is the Apple Watch forum. Not general discussion. It is literally a device forum where we talk about this device. And you are literally trolling.

 

[brianric]

This is an ongoing point of contention on this forum. My opinion is expressed rather adequately I think in several of the following threads so I will let this lie here.

iPhone with LED Indicator?
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/notification-led.2039922/
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...om-schedule-for-missed-text-messages.2034042/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/who-thinks-apple-will-add-notification-light.2028503/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/iphone-7-notification-light.1991693/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/how-would-iphone-be-impacted-by-adding-led-light.1975911/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/iphone-6-flashing-home-button-mod.1952457/
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ront-facing-multicolor-led-indicator.1401519/
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...use-for-notification-of-urgent-items.1454507/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/no-front-facing-led-notification-light.1789896/

In short however…my iPhone is not often in my pocket. It's either on a desk, a couch or chair arm, a table or in a cup holder. But if it is in my pocket then I will hear a notification come in. I don't walk around with DND or the mute switch on. And if I do, then the notification can wait until I'm done with whatever I'm doing.
[doublepost=1544213580][/doublepost]
But which came first? Your desire for a missing feature or function, or the Apple watch?
[doublepost=1544214237][/doublepost]
Good point. Here's my problem with that being used as a justification.

No one was saying before the Apple Watch "Oh someone needs to develop a watch that does X medical functions because there are plenty of people who have died because it doesn't exist." No, after the watch came out was the only time this became evident.

No one had a jones for a watch that did this before it was introduced. So justifying it's value by using examples after the fact isn't really an argument.

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's 26 months ago, and A-Fib four months ago, I'm also a type 2 diabetic taking Lantus (insulin) and Trulicity. I use an app called Medisafe to remind me when to take my medicine. Prior to getting the Apple Watch I would miss taking my medicine at the proper times when I was preoccupied. Sinemet (Parkinson's) taken three times a day at 6 AM, 1 PM and 8 PM, Beta blocker, blood thinner and Ropinrole (Parkinson's) at 6 AM and 6 PM, and Trulicity once a week injection. Doesn't take long when you miss taking your Parkinson's medicine that you have uncontrolled tremors, great difficulty walking and losing one's sense of balance. Using just the phone wasn't helping, especially when I'm on a photo shoot (I'm a photographer). Bought an Apple Watch two years ago and having not missed a dose since. I notice a buzz on my wrist a lot more than one on the phone or an audible ding. Now that I have A-Fib I have two series 4 watches and wear the watch 24 hours around the clock except when I'm in the shower. Eventually I fully expect I'll have to take Sinemet four times a day and Roninrole three times daily. I wouldn't know what I would do without the Apple Watch because except for type 2 diabetics all my other medical issues happened after the Apple Watch was introduced. Besides, I only have to justify my purchase of the Apple Watch to myself. I shutter to think what life would be without the watch.

 

[MisterSavage]

Using just the phone wasn't helping, especially when I'm on a photo shoot (I'm a photographer). Bought an Apple Watch two years ago and having not missed a dose since. I notice a buzz on my wrist a lot more than one on the phone or an audible ding.

Are you setting alarms or are you using an app for this? That's great it's been so helpful for you!

 

[brianric]

Are you setting alarms or are you using an app for this? That's great it's been so helpful for you!

I use an app called Medisafe. If I remember to take the medicine just before the alarm goes off I just go to the app, either on the phone or watch, and mark taken.

 

[MisterSavage]

I use an app called Medisafe. If I remember to take the medicine just before the alarm goes off I just go to the app, either on the phone or watch, and mark taken.

Thanks, I'll check that out. Another useful app is "Hindsight". Basically a "how long has it been since this happened" tracker that can show you a history for each item.

 

[Lankyman]

Your first comment declares them useless but your last comment compares them to root canal. Somewhat inconsistent

If you don’t feel it’s useful to have your health tracked, including paces and heart, a totally accurate time that can’t go off, a phone, text and email viewer, music listener and data provider all on your wrist, then I guess you were also the person that originally said a smart phone was a waste of time if you have a PC.

I rest my case ...

You're describing a smartphone which can also do the things you describe though the phone is far more versatile. Trying to read a news feed on a watch would be purgotry.

However, despite all the advances in phone technology I still prefer a desktop computer to any other device, but we digress.
[doublepost=1544384235][/doublepost]

This is the Apple Watch forum. Not general discussion. It is literally a device forum where we talk about this device. And you are literally trolling.

Then the thread has been moved from it's original location. I purposely didn't start a thread in the watch forum because I wanted to start a discussion about smart watches in general with people who don't own one, not with ''watch fans'.

However, given the thread has been moved and hijacked by watch devotees I shan't be replying further as to do so is pointless.

 

[Knight3]

You're describing a smartphone which can also do the things you describe though the phone is far more versatile. Trying to read a news feed on a watch would be purgotry.

However, despite all the advances in phone technology I still prefer a desktop computer to any other device, but we digress.

Just had to chime in after reading your post here.

How come the entire world is trying to advance and make everything smaller, you're going in the opposite direction? I'm genuinely curious.

 

[Lankyman]

Just had to chime in after reading your post here.

How come the entire world is trying to advance and make everything smaller, you're going in the opposite direction? I'm genuinely curious.

Is it though? You may remember that 2G phones went really small, to the point they had become difficult to use. The phone has now gone in the opposite direction again.

The smartwatch is nothing more than a companion device. It's too small to be functional for reading documents, emailing or watching movies comfortably.

 

[Knight3]

The smartwatch is nothing more than a companion device. It's too small to be functional for reading documents, emailing or watching movies comfortably.

You just defined a smartwatch. Nice!

 

[colonelbutt]

You're describing a smartphone which can also do the things you describe though the phone is far more versatile. Trying to read a news feed on a watch would be purgotry.
.

You totally miss the point of the watch
the watch is not to read news feeds

Its to do things you cant do on a phone or PC, such as record heart and steps. Its to do things much easier without a phone, such as pay for things, use discount cards (see stocard), make phone calls, etc.

If you can't see that you are being intentionally blind or a complete luddite

 

[The Game 161]

Nope wrong

Couldn’t have a phone without my Apple Watch

Anybody who has a high number of notifications needs an apple watch