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Why is the Apple Watch such a tough sell?
- Thread starter Macwick
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I disagree with what you posted but you are right on one thing - Both are our opinions, and with that, I'll not argue the issue any further.
The way I sold it to my wife was this: You really only "need" two things. A computer and a smart phone. When you're home, you use your computer to surf the web, send emails, make/edit spreadsheets or work documents, check social media, etc. When you're on the go, you use your iPhone for phone calls, texts, map directions, make a reservation, and anything else imperative to "on the move" type of information. (Over the years, the smart phone has become more and more like a full-on computer, so they are not entirely different anymore, but think more concept of each piece of equipment).
Now, for this reason, when Apple launched the iPad people asked "why?" "That is so stupid, why do I need a tablet when I have a laptop?" But really, the iPad was a more convenient way to use a home-style computer. Granted, at the start, it was pretty rough around the edges. Not a lot of Apps were compatible, people didn't really appreciate the potential of a tablet, and most people saw it as a "luxury" item you don't really need. When Apple said it was a product you didn't know you needed, they were exactly right. Today, people love iPads. The convenience and practicality of it is very clear, the have tons of potential, and people have no problem shelling out hundreds of dollars for a product the "don't really need-need." So the iPad is the convenient device to using your computer.
The Apple Watch is the same concept, only for the iPhone. Right now it's kind of rough around the edges. Not a lot of apps as compatible, people aren't aware of the full potential that the watch may one day have, and it's seen as a "luxury" item you don't really need. But what the iPad did for home-style computer use, the Apple Watch will do for on-the-go-style smartphone use. Can you use it to the same extent you can use your iPhone? No, just like you can't use an iPad to the same extent you can an actual computer. Do you need it? Of course not. But it just makes things that much more convenient. Don't think of it as a watch and don't try to compare it to other watches. It's as much a watch as the iPhone is a phone. Today, is it the product you "didn't know you needed?" No, probably not. But it one day it will likely be, and getting in on the ground floor is just kind of fun because then you can appreciate it's full potential when it gets to that point in a few years.
Anyway, just my view on the whole thing.
Now, for this reason, when Apple launched the iPad people asked "why?" "That is so stupid, why do I need a tablet when I have a laptop?" But really, the iPad was a more convenient way to use a home-style computer. Granted, at the start, it was pretty rough around the edges. Not a lot of Apps were compatible, people didn't really appreciate the potential of a tablet, and most people saw it as a "luxury" item you don't really need. When Apple said it was a product you didn't know you needed, they were exactly right. Today, people love iPads. The convenience and practicality of it is very clear, the have tons of potential, and people have no problem shelling out hundreds of dollars for a product the "don't really need-need." So the iPad is the convenient device to using your computer.
The Apple Watch is the same concept, only for the iPhone. Right now it's kind of rough around the edges. Not a lot of apps as compatible, people aren't aware of the full potential that the watch may one day have, and it's seen as a "luxury" item you don't really need. But what the iPad did for home-style computer use, the Apple Watch will do for on-the-go-style smartphone use. Can you use it to the same extent you can use your iPhone? No, just like you can't use an iPad to the same extent you can an actual computer. Do you need it? Of course not. But it just makes things that much more convenient. Don't think of it as a watch and don't try to compare it to other watches. It's as much a watch as the iPhone is a phone. Today, is it the product you "didn't know you needed?" No, probably not. But it one day it will likely be, and getting in on the ground floor is just kind of fun because then you can appreciate it's full potential when it gets to that point in a few years.
Anyway, just my view on the whole thing.
Maybe because it over priced and lacks any features you can't already do better or easier from another device...
plus the battery life is a joke.
plus the battery life is a joke.
Maybe I use mine differently than others, but I wake up at 5:15 am and go to be at 10 pm each night. During that time I have one 45 minute workout in the morning and another 30 minute workout at night. Each night I go to bed with about 30% charge left. I have no problem charging each night since I charge my phone each night too.
I did just recently move from a Pebble which would last anywhere from 4 to 7 days on a charge. The downside about that was that you never quite knew when to charge it and then when I did, I would often forget it the next morning because I wasn't used to charging it every night haha. Pros and cons each way
Funny... you could have said the exact same thing when the iPad was released when compared to a MacBook. With the exception of the battery life, anyway... and that's a stupid argument because mine is at 30% or so every night when I go to bed. And I'm a HEAVY user. I drop it on the charger like the rest of my devices, so I don't see the issue. Furthermore, the reasons the battery life is only a day (retina, color, responsiveness, etc) all make it worth the non-existent trouble.
ipad wasn't over priced vs the mac,
ipad has a the usp of apps and games over the mac,
ipad has a useable and easy to navigate OS
The watch has, erm.... yeah; nothing you can't already do and the health apps are poor vs the competition.
ipad has a the usp of apps and games over the mac,
ipad has a useable and easy to navigate OS
The watch has, erm.... yeah; nothing you can't already do and the health apps are poor vs the competition.
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I agree with most of what you say. Having said that there is one big difference between the watch and the iPad: the watch is a complimentary device and really is very limited without an iPhone while an iPad is a fully functional, stand alone device. So while there is overlap between a laptop and iPad, the iPad works just fine stand alone and could even be used as a replacement for a computer if your need was mainly consumption (though even that is changing). The watch is very limited without a phone. The other thing a bit different is that the tiny screen on a watch will limit what it can be used for.
Very true - the watch will never have the functionality that the iPad has when seen as a standalone device. But, the iPad is 1,000 times more functional today than it was when it first launched, so I think you would have heard a different argument in the months immediately following it's launch. I suspect we will see a similar evolution with the watch. Granted, it will never be able to replace another device you have (which, you're right, today's version of the iPad could replace a computer for 75% of consumers), but I think the watch's standalone capabilities will only improve (more features will run independent of a paired iPhone, for example). I don't think it will ever get a cellular chip or GPS abilities, so that coupled with it's small size will mean it will never be a life changer for anyone at the same scale as the iPad. But as it gets more abilities to run independently off a wifi network, and with the growing popularity of public hotspots, I think you'll be able to do a lot more with this device in 3-5 years that will put to rest a lot of the skepticism we are hearing today. And you'll probably be able to get away with running to the store without your iPhone and doing just fine.
The Apple Watch is a hard sell for me personally for no particular reason.
I am an unabashed Apple fan. I have multiple Apple products (most of which I don't actually NEED, but they all get used).
I've never been able to put my finger on it. I have a couple of "smart watch" devices - a Fitbit Surge and a Charge.
Both do the health stuff well - the Surge notifies me on calls and texts, while the Charge notifies me on calls only.
I tend to use my classic dress or sports watches more with the Charge on the other wrist, over using the Surge which has more "smart" functionality. Why? Dunno.
I like the idea of an Apple Watch, but for me, spending $NZ1200 on a smart watch makes me think of the other things I could spend the money on.
If it was $300 here? Maybe. But it needs longer battery life (at least 3 days) and it needs to be guaranteed water resistant to 30M along with a few other things.
I think the thing that gets me the most...to get a black strap on a Sport Watch, I have to get a space grey watch. I don't want a space grey watch, I want a silver one. With a black strap. I don't want to have to buy an additional strap at additional cost.
I've thought about a Pebble Time. I won't get one for the same (not really sure why) reason. I'm just not sold on a smart watch just yet...and I love my watch collection, so that is always another consideration.
I am an unabashed Apple fan. I have multiple Apple products (most of which I don't actually NEED, but they all get used).
I've never been able to put my finger on it. I have a couple of "smart watch" devices - a Fitbit Surge and a Charge.
Both do the health stuff well - the Surge notifies me on calls and texts, while the Charge notifies me on calls only.
I tend to use my classic dress or sports watches more with the Charge on the other wrist, over using the Surge which has more "smart" functionality. Why? Dunno.
I like the idea of an Apple Watch, but for me, spending $NZ1200 on a smart watch makes me think of the other things I could spend the money on.
If it was $300 here? Maybe. But it needs longer battery life (at least 3 days) and it needs to be guaranteed water resistant to 30M along with a few other things.
I think the thing that gets me the most...to get a black strap on a Sport Watch, I have to get a space grey watch. I don't want a space grey watch, I want a silver one. With a black strap. I don't want to have to buy an additional strap at additional cost.
I've thought about a Pebble Time. I won't get one for the same (not really sure why) reason. I'm just not sold on a smart watch just yet...and I love my watch collection, so that is always another consideration.
Just as you enjoy yours I believe all of us who have actually bought one, not just posted here, also really enjoy the device. Everyone I've talked to does. None of us were forced to buy so obviously the price wasn't a drawback. All of us have to decide on what we will spend our money and on what we won't. Even in this thread most are quite positive about their purchase. Those that didn't purchase it really don't need to proclaim here why they didn't because no one asked them nor was there any requirement that they purchase it so no explanation or defensiveness is needed.
As far as forecasts to its success or failure, the same things were said about the Apple Tv. It's never been a financial bonanza for Apple but continues to be sold in acceptable numbers and is being developed even further. No reason the watch won't follow the same path or become even more successful. After all when I got the very first iPhone it was many months before I actually met someone else who had one. I already personally know five people who have the watch. And based on all the questions I and my wife get about ours, more will be wearing them soon.
I took a chance buying it, but I really had no idea how nice notifications on the wrist Would be until I wore the thing and started using it
People ask me all the time about the watch, I can't even describe to them if it's worth it and I love this thing
People ask me all the time about the watch, I can't even describe to them if it's worth it and I love this thing
When strangers ask me about my Apple Watch, I just tell them "I really like it and am glad I bought it." People will ask me after they see me using it to pay for coffee or a sandwich. My aviation friends will ask about it, and I might demo the Foreflight glance to show a quick weather update at nearby / favorite airports (I have actually checked that while shopping at the grocery store to stay on top of changing conditions).
Battery life is fine. Don't forget with Reserve Mode it can go a couple days more, or if you really wanted to, I think Reserve Mode with a full battery is spec'd at 72 hours... that's a workweek! Granted, it's just a watch in reserve mode, but it's there nonetheless, and better than a non-functional bracelet with a blank screen.
Now even the skeptics around me are thinking about getting a Watch for themselves. This is exactly how I saw the iPhone spread in 2007, and that was supposed to be a big flop because it didn't have a keyboard, was AT&T only and GSM/EDGE at that. No Copy/Paste, no App Store, and gosh it was expensive! You had to pay some $700 or so for it, unlocked and unsubsidized. Only later did we get a price cut and store credit. That Apple is making lower margin on the Watch than the iPhone is interesting... they have priced it as aggressively as they can and have it a sustainable business.
Battery life is fine. Don't forget with Reserve Mode it can go a couple days more, or if you really wanted to, I think Reserve Mode with a full battery is spec'd at 72 hours... that's a workweek! Granted, it's just a watch in reserve mode, but it's there nonetheless, and better than a non-functional bracelet with a blank screen.
Now even the skeptics around me are thinking about getting a Watch for themselves. This is exactly how I saw the iPhone spread in 2007, and that was supposed to be a big flop because it didn't have a keyboard, was AT&T only and GSM/EDGE at that. No Copy/Paste, no App Store, and gosh it was expensive! You had to pay some $700 or so for it, unlocked and unsubsidized. Only later did we get a price cut and store credit. That Apple is making lower margin on the Watch than the iPhone is interesting... they have priced it as aggressively as they can and have it a sustainable business.
Any arbitrary number over one day makes no sense, as you have to get some shuteye and you're charging your iPhone anyway. Why stop at 3 days? Why not even longer at 7 days?
You know what dumbphone owners said about iPhone and other smartphones back then? "It needs to hold several days of charge." They got over it and so will you.
In a thread titled "Why is the Apple Watch such a tough sell?" people who decided not to buy one certainly should chime in and tell everyone why. Just because it works for you doesn't mean it works for everyone else. I am on the fence myself and like to hear why people have and have not bought one. It helps to make an educated decision.
Nope
I won't get over it.
Three days was an "at least" number.
I wear my smart watch to bed and it monitors my sleep.
An Apple watch cannot do that as it'll inevitably die during the night.
In it's current form it is crippled for the usage patterns I would want from it
YOU may get over my desire for a longer battery life, but I won't.
Not necessarily. Because of the small battery and quick charge, some members are wearing their AW during the day AND to bed, charging them during the evening off hours and while showering. It may be crippled in your mind, but it's not reflected in the real world experience of some users. Three days is just an arbitrary and meaningless number until you've actually tested it.
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This reminds me of the discussions over electric car range. People will say "Electric cars are no good until you can drive 350 miles on a charge and recharge in 2 minutes at any gas station... oh, and they are too expensive anyway!"
Turns out in the real world that nightly charging at home for phones, watches, and even cars... happens to work out just fine for most people, most of the time... but like in politics, not all people all the time. If you absolutely must have 3 days between charging opportunities, Apple Watch and similar are not for you (unless you'll be using Power Reserve mode for up to five days). I would suggest looking at Pebble, or sticking with traditional watches.
Here's an interesting exercise. What would it take to redesign Apple Watch to have a 3 day battery life and 30M water resistance (100M seems to be the new requirement - I guess pools are much deeper in some areas). You can swap out components, remove features, change the form factor, change the charging interface...
What would you end up with given today's technology? Would it still appeal to as many people, or would it be much more specialized for a niche group. Would it be more or less expensive as a result?
Turns out in the real world that nightly charging at home for phones, watches, and even cars... happens to work out just fine for most people, most of the time... but like in politics, not all people all the time. If you absolutely must have 3 days between charging opportunities, Apple Watch and similar are not for you (unless you'll be using Power Reserve mode for up to five days). I would suggest looking at Pebble, or sticking with traditional watches.
Here's an interesting exercise. What would it take to redesign Apple Watch to have a 3 day battery life and 30M water resistance (100M seems to be the new requirement - I guess pools are much deeper in some areas). You can swap out components, remove features, change the form factor, change the charging interface...
What would you end up with given today's technology? Would it still appeal to as many people, or would it be much more specialized for a niche group. Would it be more or less expensive as a result?
Apple Pay, fitness tracking, check time, check weather, see your next calendar event, manage emails, manage text messages. All of those are easier from the watch than from any other device, especially if you keep your phone in your pocket or in a purse most of the time.
The directions you get when navigating with Maps are also extremely helpful if you don't have CarPlay or another way to get your GPS visual data where you can see it. 1Password is great for storing some must-have items, especially the door code at work. That one isn't quite as big of a difference between phone and watch, but it's a difference. Also you can place a to-go order at Chipotle with your "favorite order" in about 10 seconds.
Is it worth $350+ for all of that? Up to everybody's own tastes. But it's not without good uses. I saw a story today involving a guy whose life may have been saved or at least he was able to give doctors good data for a diagnosis quickly thanks to the heart rate monitor:
http://qz.com/472522/how-the-apple-watch-may-have-saved-this-mans-life/
So again, personal choice. But it doesn't lack ANY features that aren't better elsewhere, and that's on gen 1 hardware with gen 1 OS.
Remember my statement about MY usage patterns and current experience with a smart watch?
This is why it won't work for me. Personally.
It may work and be absolutely awesome for the vast majority of humanity, but it's simply not there for me...yet.
Added to that, it's still not quite there in a style sense for me either.
I like it. I don't love it.
But I'd love to take up ththe challenge of making it more water resistant and have battery life that suits.
But it'd still need to be cheaper and more stylish. Again, for ME. Not necessarily for anyone else.
I've got to try this myself. How quickly can it charge? I'm in such a habit of simply plugging my devices in at bedtime. I miss being able to see the time on a watch before I fumble around for the phone (I'm very nearsighted and wouldn't be able to read a bedside clock anyway).
That Rolex is super nice looking.
I know it sounds stupid but I wish a person could wear a watch that nice on one wrist and the Apple Watch on the other.
The problem is that so many of the posters are here to slam the watch and imply that those of us who purchased it are misguided and then go on to tell us how superior they are for not having bought one.
The watch isn't a tough sell, they're selling every day. It does exactly what it was designed to do. It is not right for everyone, just as an iPhone is not right for everyone. To make an educated decision first determine what you need and want such a device to do and then ask if this can do it. For some, fitness and health tracking is of primary importance and this may not give them what they need. Some want some kind of wrist worn gps device for a specific purpose and again this may not be the device for them.
Some people haven't worn and don't want to wear anything on their wrists so obviously this isn't for them. When the Pebble watches were first talked about, as well as some others, I realized immediately how convenient some of the features would be but they really didn't appeal to me in an aesthetic sense. Plus the rumored possibility of an Apple device kept me waiting to see what would be released. Once I saw what they looked like and that the features that I valued were included, my decision was made.
To make your educated decision go to a store and look at them, try some on, figure out what functions you really want and then come back here and ask if the device can perform those functions. If you decide not to buy one that's great too. Perhaps you can ask what would be recommended that could perform the functions you're looking for. There are many choices available and none are the "perfect" choice for every single person out there. This one was perfect for me.