What is the use case ?

[retrospek]

I'm probably going to be getting the Apple Watch.

But is anyone else having a problem trying to justify why they need it ?

I've just watched the iPhone introduction video from 2007 and it is clear why you wanted that device. It had an iPod built in, it was an amazing phone with things like Visual Voicemail etc. and it even let you surf the web with a proper browser etc. I could go on.....

But what does the Watch give us in reality ? I can't see it giving me anything above what the iPhone already gives me ? and you have to have the iPhone in your pocket anyway..

Don't get me wrong - I tend to buy Apple products and will probably get the Apple Watch to try it out - but anyone else feel this way ?

Or am I missing the point somewhere ?

 

[sterl320]

I'm probably going to be getting the Apple Watch.

But is anyone else having a problem trying to justify why they need it ?

I've just watched the iPhone introduction video from 2007 and it is clear why you wanted that device. It had an iPod built in, it was an amazing phone with things like Visual Voicemail etc. and it even let you surf the web with a proper browser etc. I could go on.....

But what does the Watch give us in reality ? I can't see it giving me anything above what the iPhone already gives me ? and you have to have the iPhone in your pocket anyway..

Don't get me wrong - I tend to buy Apple products and will probably get the Apple Watch to try it out - but anyone else feel this way ?

Or am I missing the point somewhere ?

you don't need anything.

everything you choose to have when there are many options and choices at your disposal is based on convenience, ease of use, & personal preference. You don't need to justify why you will get the Watch, because you don't need the watch. WANTING to get it is the only reason why you should, & if there's nothing about it that you want, or there's nothing you want that you're willing to pay that price for, then don't get it. It's the simple.

 

[Truefan31]

I'm getting one for my workouts. Being able to do my running and sprints, being able to track lap times, and having a built in MP3 player that will pair to my bt earbuds so I can listen to music while working out is convenient. All on my wrist. I don't mind waiting to sync to my iPhone.

 

[bunnicula]

I'm probably going to be getting the Apple Watch.

But is anyone else having a problem trying to justify why they need it ?

I've just watched the iPhone introduction video from 2007 and it is clear why you wanted that device. It had an iPod built in, it was an amazing phone with things like Visual Voicemail etc. and it even let you surf the web with a proper browser etc. I could go on.....

But what does the Watch give us in reality ? I can't see it giving me anything above what the iPhone already gives me ? and you have to have the iPhone in your pocket anyway..

Don't get me wrong - I tend to buy Apple products and will probably get the Apple Watch to try it out - but anyone else feel this way ?

Or am I missing the point somewhere ?

Get it based on want, not need. That's how I approach new product categories.

It's a a watch. It sits on your wrist and tells the time. Beyond that, it's a toy. Or, that's a good way to think of it until the product line matures.

 

[Pinksteady]

I'm probably going to be getting the Apple Watch.

But is anyone else having a problem trying to justify why they need it ?

I've just watched the iPhone introduction video from 2007 and it is clear why you wanted that device. It had an iPod built in, it was an amazing phone with things like Visual Voicemail etc. and it even let you surf the web with a proper browser etc. I could go on.....

But what does the Watch give us in reality ? I can't see it giving me anything above what the iPhone already gives me ? and you have to have the iPhone in your pocket anyway..

Don't get me wrong - I tend to buy Apple products and will probably get the Apple Watch to try it out - but anyone else feel this way ?

Or am I missing the point somewhere ?

Obviously we don't 'need' the Apple Watch, no-one does. My personal take is that I am interested to see where this device category is going and I feel it is time to get on board.

I think many of the benefits will be very hard to articulate in advance, in writing, in theory. If the interface and interactions are pulled off well, I can see how the watch will save you time - by reducing the amount of time you need to get your phone out for interactions that can be done better on your wrist.

We do everything on our phone because that is the best we currently have. But what if some of the things can genuinely be done easier and quicker from a smart watch?

The Wired article points out one key difference in Apple's approach to the smart watch (which I too wondered about as soon as I saw the first keynote for it), which was that they decided to create the watch before they exactly knew how it could be of benefit. Usually their devices have a 'reason for being', which they didn't articulate in the watch keynote. Many bloggers have discussed this point as it is quite an interesting difference in approach, but the point is that the reason for being, a bit like the iPad, may not be immediately known - we'll have to find out by getting stuck in and trying it.

 

[Mr.C]

To me it is based on both want and need. Yes I do want it as like new gadgets especially new Apple ones. That said I also need it. I currently have a Pebble which already makes my life easier and more convenient. The Watch being more sophisticated will just add to that even more with its added and increased functionality. I don't need to find a way to justify it as I know what it will do for me on a day to day bases.

 

[Cory Bauer]

I agree with sterl320, nobody needs the Apple Watch. It's a nice to have accessory for solving first-world problems. That said...

But what does the Watch give us in reality ? I can't see it giving me anything above what the iPhone already gives me ? and you have to have the iPhone in your pocket anyway..

First and most obvious are the fitness features; truly tracking your activity for the day, as well as your heartrate during workouts, are features only possible with a wearable device. Whether that's of value to your or not, I found a good way to gauge what the Apple Watch "gives us" is to start paying attention to your iPhone use during a typical week.

How many times a day do you use your phone just to check the time? How many times a day do you check your phone not because you felt/heard a notification but rather because you think you may have missed a notification? For that matter, how many notifications do you miss because you didn't hear or feel the phone notify you? How many times a day do you take out your phone, have Touch ID fail to unlock on you 3x, just to check some nugget of information like the weather in an hour or the next train home? When at home or the office, how far can you get before going back to fetch your phone so it's in earshot for notifications? Is your phone large enough that fetching it from a pocket or purse a hundred-and-fifty times per day is kind of ridiculous? Would creating hands-free alerts and reminders be helpful while doing chores around the house? Or being able to change the track on the Apple TV from another room without going back to find the remote? Do you really have your phone in your pocket all day? If you do, would you rather not have your phone in your pocket all day?

 

[dannyyankou]

I'm probably going to be getting the Apple Watch.

But is anyone else having a problem trying to justify why they need it ?

I've just watched the iPhone introduction video from 2007 and it is clear why you wanted that device. It had an iPod built in, it was an amazing phone with things like Visual Voicemail etc. and it even let you surf the web with a proper browser etc. I could go on.....

But what does the Watch give us in reality ? I can't see it giving me anything above what the iPhone already gives me ? and you have to have the iPhone in your pocket anyway..

Don't get me wrong - I tend to buy Apple products and will probably get the Apple Watch to try it out - but anyone else feel this way ?

Or am I missing the point somewhere ?

Because it's new and shiny.

But I'm going to spend $1,100 on one anyway.

 

[Multiverse223]

Nobody needs any technology outside of the medical field. If they do, that's just sad. All technology is to better life. Human existence is to have fun and better life, that is all.

 

[hemolyzer]

I'm probably going to be getting the Apple Watch.

But is anyone else having a problem trying to justify why they need it ?

I've just watched the iPhone introduction video from 2007 and it is clear why you wanted that device. It had an iPod built in, it was an amazing phone with things like Visual Voicemail etc. and it even let you surf the web with a proper browser etc. I could go on.....

But what does the Watch give us in reality ? I can't see it giving me anything above what the iPhone already gives me ? and you have to have the iPhone in your pocket anyway..

Don't get me wrong - I tend to buy Apple products and will probably get the Apple Watch to try it out - but anyone else feel this way ?

Or am I missing the point somewhere ?

The Apple Watch is a "want" thing not a "need" thing. I'm not sure why so many people on this forum feel like just because they have an iPhone Apple is FORCING them to buy the watch too.

Next.

 

[Cashmonee]

Obviously no one needs these things, but life would get measurably more difficult without an iPhone, or smartphones. Does anyone here believe that will be true of the Watch or smartwatches?

 

[Bigserver1]

I agree that it's a case of want vs. need, but I'd argue that the use case is similar to that of the smartphone, tablet, etc., just slightly more nuanced.

My personal reasons are twofold. One, I need to be better about health and fitness, and I've looked for a while at fitness wearables, and the watch fulfills that need and will keep me honest about workouts, etc. Two, I feel TOO connected to my phone at times, and I find it so easy to respond to/action a random email, text, or whatever, only to get mired in the abyss that is a smartphone. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, whatever, it just sucks you in and all of a sudden you've been looking at your phone for eight minutes and the conversation has passed you by.

If the watch can cut down on phone interactions in work/social settings, I'll be thrilled. Hopefully it's a good fitness tool for me as well.

 

[puckhead193]

i think a lot will happen once we get some real apps for it. I don't need the watch. I don't work out. The only thing is the notifications. I hate taking my phone out and seeing a stupid ad from a store and not something important from work. I wanted a new watch for a while now. The last watch that I bought was in 8th grade and I still wear it. (I'll be 30 in early July ) Its a fossil that has gone through hell and back. They have a great warranty and i'm surprised it's still working and I still wear it in the summers for my "summer job". The only reason why I want a new watch wether it be a normal watch or a smart watch is being the fossil watch is considered a junior watch. (a much smaller face) and it looks funny now on my adult wrist compared to when I was 13.

 

[yaced]

I'm sick of pulling out my phone every now and then, especially while travelling. Calling an uber, getting my airline tickets displayed in Passbook on the watch at the gate, walking around using google maps in a foreign city, calling a taxi. I also use starwood hotels a lot and i'n excited to use their keyless feature wih the watch/phone.

I also use Evernote a lot for notes and ideas and will be happy to see GTD software like things on the watch.

Mobile payment will be a killer app, sadly europe is far behind.

 

[ardchoille50]

I have a great use case:

I'm deaf, so I cannot hear ringtones. I place my phone on a table/desk in my living room. If I am not at the table/desk, and not looking in the direction of the phone, I have no way of knowing when it receives notifications. An Apple Watch on my wrist would help resolve that issue.

 

[Cory Bauer]

I have a great use case:

I'm deaf, so I cannot hear ringtones. I place my phone on a table/desk in my living room. If I am not at the table/desk, and not looking in the direction of the phone, I have no way of knowing when it receives notifications. An Apple Watch on my wrist would help resolve that issue.

Best use case I've read yet!

Truth be told, even for those of us who aren't deaf, notifications via phone are very easy to miss. Have the tv or stereo on or step out of the room and you won't hear it, set the phone down or be standing in a manner that doesn't have the phone pressed firmly against your leg and you won't feel it. Phones quite frankly are good but not great notification devices.

 

[Karnicopia]

Personally I'm going to enjoy being able to keep tabs on notifications and appointments right on the watch. It will be great to filter down the notifications and handle whatever I can without having to take out the phone but also on the watch I'm looking forward to being able to see the weather time, upcoming meetings (this is actually a big one for me) all at a glance. Kind of excited to use it with Harmony and Hue automation and control music from my watch rather than having to hunt for my phone or tablet when I'm around the house. I also usually dock and charge my phone right when I get home from work and I can miss notifications then so it will be easy to keep up with things while the phone is charging. At work I always have my phone on silent and can often miss notifications there so this should be quiet but more noticeable. I really like the step counter health app for the iPhone 6 already so this should expand on that. I work in an office and sometimes from home so I do value reminders to get up and move.

I can see why the lack of GPS and battery life will be an issue for some people but it shouldn't affect me too much as I usually have my phone on me when I'm out and with standard office hours the battery life shouldn't be too much of an issue for me. I'm actually hoping this can help increase the battery life of my phone by me not having to fire it up every time I want to check notifications, weather calendar etc and just use my phone to keep me occupied on the train ride. It would be nice to have week long battery but I dock and charge my phone every night so it shouldn't be an issue for me.

 

[Chiguy12]

I'm probably going to be getting the Apple Watch.

But is anyone else having a problem trying to justify why they need it ?

I've just watched the iPhone introduction video from 2007 and it is clear why you wanted that device. It had an iPod built in, it was an amazing phone with things like Visual Voicemail etc. and it even let you surf the web with a proper browser etc. I could go on.....

But what does the Watch give us in reality ? I can't see it giving me anything above what the iPhone already gives me ? and you have to have the iPhone in your pocket anyway..

Don't get me wrong - I tend to buy Apple products and will probably get the Apple Watch to try it out - but anyone else feel this way ?

Or am I missing the point somewhere ?

I was thinking the same thing and initially made up my mind that I don't need another gadget in my life. So what changed my mind?

1. I workout 5-6 times a week and use an armband for my phone which gets in the way and its a pain when i have to check messages. I get lots of work emails so I need my phone at all times. With the watch I can quickly see my messages and change my music without taking out my phone.

2. I currently use a polar watch and heart rate strap to monitor my heart rate during training. The chest strap is uncomfortable and sometimes gets loose which can get annoying. I'm not sure how accurate the sensor is but I'm assuming it will work great since apple designed the Apple watch for fitness. I was already planning to buy a new HR monitor that goes on my wrist for $150 so I might as well go with the Apple watch.

3. I have a nest thermostat, wifi garage opener for my home and smart lights that I control with my phone. All three products promise to work with homekit so it would be great to control everything from my wrist instead of the phone.

4. I have an iPhone 5s so now I can use Apple pay with the watch without upgrading to an iPhone 6 or 6s.

5. Apple has teams of developers flying in to Apple campus to test out their apps everyday so I'm sure there will be a ton of apps at launch. Hopefully the apps are usefull and will help me be more productive and get rid of daily hassles.

I think we waste so much time taking out our phones each time it rings or vibrates only to find out it's not important. When I eat I hate taking out my dirty phone to answer a call. In some occasions such a meeting, dinner, family gathering, special occasion or even church it's rude to pull out your phone.

I'm getting the $350 Apple Watch Sport because I'll be using it at the gym so I want something lighter and nothing to shiny or flashy. Some people say the sport model is ugly but I loved the aluminum finish since my first MacBook pro and iPhone. Also I'm sure there will be third party bands that will match the aluminum finish.

 

[poematik13]

I'm getting one for:
1) health/workout aspects. tracking calories, movement, etc. would also like to be able to display text files of my routine/reps.

2) fashion; never had a nice watch (or any watch at all) so this would be a great start.

3) driving; dont have to use my phone for texting and navigation anymore and risk getting in an accident or a ticket. just glance at my wrist on the steering wheel.

4) answering calls sounds fun on it, as well as games

 

[ninethirty]

Well surely you must be aware that people are universally sick of using their iPhones. They've been saying it for YEARS! Or at least since Apple announced the watch and suggested that you're sick of using your iPhone, but I digress. Anyway, the point is, it's difficult to reach into your pocket and order an uber. Or to read an email or a text. Imagine how cool it would be to just raise your wrist to your face and speak to Siri just like you definitely 100% do all the time now with your phone (that you hate)and have your watch do things instead.

Consider the following scenario. You're on the train, headed home from work, and you get a text message. Do you really want to pull your phone out of your pocket, read the message and then respond to that person discretely? No, you want to speak to your watch in order to write them back on a crowded train, obviously. Does it matter that the train is probably loud, or that other people don't want to hear you speak to your watch? Absolutely not! Those dorks are living in the past - you're the future!

Or if that example doesn't work for you, think about the fitness angle. Ever been out for a run, iPhone strapped to your upper arm and think "Man, if only I ALSO had a watch that could work in tandem with my phone, that would be sweet!" Well, that isn't a problem now. You can literally do that! And on the off chance that you find it weird that you'd have to have both with you for any kind of connectivity, or to get alerts and whatnot still, leave your phone at home! The watch won't be able to do a heck of a lot without it, but HELLO! You hate your phone remember? Those things are SO annoying.

I hate to say it, dude, but if you can't see the use case, it's because you're stuck in the past.

I'm probably going to be getting the Apple Watch.

But is anyone else having a problem trying to justify why they need it ?

I've just watched the iPhone introduction video from 2007 and it is clear why you wanted that device. It had an iPod built in, it was an amazing phone with things like Visual Voicemail etc. and it even let you surf the web with a proper browser etc. I could go on.....

But what does the Watch give us in reality ? I can't see it giving me anything above what the iPhone already gives me ? and you have to have the iPhone in your pocket anyway..

Don't get me wrong - I tend to buy Apple products and will probably get the Apple Watch to try it out - but anyone else feel this way ?

Or am I missing the point somewhere ?

 

[camtechman56]

I'm probably going to be getting the Apple Watch.

But is anyone else having a problem trying to justify why they need it ?

I've just watched the iPhone introduction video from 2007 and it is clear why you wanted that device. It had an iPod built in, it was an amazing phone with things like Visual Voicemail etc. and it even let you surf the web with a proper browser etc. I could go on.....

But what does the Watch give us in reality ? I can't see it giving me anything above what the iPhone already gives me ? and you have to have the iPhone in your pocket anyway..

Don't get me wrong - I tend to buy Apple products and will probably get the Apple Watch to try it out - but anyone else feel this way ?

Or am I missing the point somewhere ?

For me it will be the advantage of being able to see who is calling or texting while I'm in the middle of a job. I work maintenance in a steel mill and don't like fishing my phone out while in a tight place or am 40 ft high on a crane. with the watch I could just send a short message like "be there when I get done here" or etc. and also time and weather. The doodles and heart beat is a waste for me. however as it supports the IPhone, I will also be using apps like to-do and keep track of jobs and work orders through out the night.

 

[ChinaRye]

I am having trouble justifying it other than pure gadget lust.

 

[Deafmac]

I have a great use case:

I'm deaf, so I cannot hear ringtones. I place my phone on a table/desk in my living room. If I am not at the table/desk, and not looking in the direction of the phone, I have no way of knowing when it receives notifications. An Apple Watch on my wrist would help resolve that issue.

I'm Deaf too (hello from UK!) be interesting to see what kind of effect the watch will when using sign language. Would it keep turning the watch on and off.

Just having an image in my head that my watch keep flashing when I i use sign language!

 

[Cindori]

I think it's interesting how Apple is pretty open with the fact that they don't really know how the Watch is going to be used. Both Tim and John have mentioned several times how "our customers are going to come up with ways to use Apple Watch that we never even imagined". I think it's pretty clear that they have high hopes for 3rd party developers to come up with the killer features. They are just "putting the tech out there" to see what happens.

 

[My Name is URL]

It is not a "need" for me by any stretch of the imagination. It is a nice new shiny thing I want to play with and I admit it haha.