I agree with everything you wrote.
The Kairos watch is functional and beautiful (well, at least the designs appeal to me, while the Apple Watch looks like a toy). I can't believe one of the selling points of the Apple Watch is sending useless taps\heartbeats to your contacts (and only those who are also wearing the same watch).
Every time I see that Apple Watch video I get an urge to slap Jony Ive in the face at least five times...and to kick Cook in the...err...kick him low...at least two times.
That part on the keynote about the heartbeats rubbed me off the wrong way when Tim unveiled it. It disturbs me for it has no use because, after all, I'm a guy. People are entitled to their own opinion and that's fine.
But, this type of feature needs to left out. Who in the hell is Apple trying to market this feature to in order to make money off of? What about people who have no family and have no reason to use that stupid feature? Didn't Apple THINK of that? It's no wonder Cook once considered selling this watch near V-Day of this month which I believe has to do with this.
Personally, it should be optional and be an available download for those who want it. Taptic technology is not new since it's just a reference to haptic tech as they're trying to be cute with the naming.
But you know what's really disturbing? I've noticed that Apple usually have shortages when they sell new iPhones each year due to demand. Now if they're going to try and bait new customers who buy the Apple Watch to buy the iPhone, then what happens if the latter has a product shortage?
For those who have existing iPhones, it wouldn't be an issue to get the watch, but for the new customers to come in the picture, that can be a problem. I can see a person walking into the Apple store, looking at the watch and then be told they must buy an iPhone to use it. And that person happens to have an outdated iPhone, Android or any other smartphone besides iOS which would make the transition quite awkward.
And consider the rumors that Apple's watch is supposedly modular that if one wants to upgrade, they would go to the store and get a chip or modular upgrade to stay ahead software-wise or hardware spec increase. If that becomes a reality, sooner or later, someone is going to wise up and say, " Hey wait a second! If you guys can make a watch that's modular and upgradable, why didn't you do this with the iPhone, iPad, and iPod? ".
See the scheme here? Apple is notorious for locking people in to buy devices without having to provide a memory card slot like other manufacturers do.
If they had provided a stand alone NFC or GPS in the watch and left out that 'heartbeat' feature, then the $350 might've been a bit more justifiable along with better battery length.
The only good thing about it is the vibration/haptic feature for deaf or hard of hearing people, as I'm part of that demographic, to be notified. I like the idea of going into an arcade bar, for example, to drink and play games without having to pull my phone out every time but use my watch to alert me of any incoming text, especially when driving. Or using GPS to guide me where the hell my friends are at, say, at a dark nightclub or shopping area. Or vibrate to wake me up from a nap at a certain programmed time.
EDIT: I don't mind the health-related sensors and find it important for those who love to exercise or are into sports. Like me, I'm a fencer (yes, with swords) and I would love to keep track of my heart rate and cholesterol, or even certain milestones.