Apple announced its smartwatch which it is calling the Apple Watch, this week, and while the smartwatch have been around for quite a while already, since Apple is now doing it, it legitimizes the smartwatch market. While some people thought Apple would completely revolutionize the way we look at the smartwatch, it really didn’t offer anything new other than a a better looking UI.
The Apple Watch is still big, bigger than what most people would want to wear, and doesn’t do anything that your iPhone can’t do already. This accessory starts at $349 and is said to be available early next year.
Does the Smartwatch Even Matter?
This is my brief and cynical look at the purpose of a smartwatch: You pair it with your smartphone just to get the exact same notifications you get on the phone itself. And, 95% of those notifications tell you to go to your phone anyway.
The size of these watches is ridiculous, and most people (in the US anyway) have stopped wearing watches. We’re already glued to our phones which give us the time already.
All tech companies are hopping on this smartwatch bandwagon. So far we’ve seen watches for Android aka Android Wear from companies like Samsung, LG, and Motorola. This week we saw the Apple Watch – heck, even BlackBerry has announced it’s working on one. Microsoft is said to be working on one as well, that will be cross-platform and be more like a band type of thing, not a clunky square gadget – according to “those close to the situation.”
The smartwatch has been tried already going back several years, and never caught on. To learn more about the genesis of the smartwatch, check out this Wikipedia post. So, are they going to catch on this time, or be the next technology fad?
Currently I don’t see a market for these since you need to have your phone with you for them to work. After a few years, maybe they will become untethered and act more of an independent device. But now, I see no need for them – much like Google Glass – and wouldn’t recommend getting one — yet.
But what do I know? After all, when the iPad first came out I dismissed it as well. And have owned four different models of it since they were released.
What I your take? Do you use or plan on using a smartwatch? Are you salivating over the chance to spend $349+ for the Apple Watch? Or are you like me, and could care less about the smartwatch, no matter who is offering them.
Leave a comment below and let your voice be heard.
16 Comments
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Stefan
People are constantly complaining that smartwatches “just don’t have enough features”. I remember when LG released a full smartphone in the form of a watch a few years ago and it pretty much failed. This is essentially the same thing, only this time it also requires a separate device to function properly.
I say the moment I have to take off my watch to leave it to charge before I go to bed is the moment technology just goes too far.
Brian Burgess
You know another thing is, the phone you pair the smartwatch with is doing a lot of the technical work and just sending results to the phone via a Bluetooth LE signal.
Plus they (Apple anyway) was touting how great it is for runners and cyclists. I guess I don’t know a whole lot of professional style runners that want to bring the phone with them, plus wear a clunky watch at the same time while running.
If you get the new iPhone and watch…that is a lot of money to worry about falling on the road, getting lost…falling off a bike…etc..
Jordan
Brian, depending on what you want from the watch you don’t need the phone for a lot of the fitness benefits. For example I own the moto 360, and when I run it will track my heart rate and steps. That’s all self contained within the watch itself.
Bogdan Bele
If I would have to wear one, the one I like most is the Motorola one, Moto 360. But I don’t think they’re a device that will completely disrupt the tech world as we know it.
Don’t get me wrong, I love watches, but a good watch is a true work of art. I don’t think a thing that has an LCD display could ever be considered that.
Bogdan Bele
P.S.: the Samsung one only needs the phone when setting it up. It has its own SIM.
Steve Krause
OK… so I guess I’m going to be the odd-man-out on this one…
Personally, I kinda like it. Then again, I was also a huge fan of the original “smart” watch — the Timex Datalink.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3Pzxmq-JLM
I owned that watch way way back in the 90’s. It was really amazing…. back then. Today however, as Brian pointed out, we already have all the data in our pocket so I see it more of a Jewelry piece than anything practical. So for those into watches and bling, I’m sure it will be popular. For me, I’ll wait and see how Apple innovates with it. I’m sure they will probably come out with some exclusive apps for the platform.
Jack Busch
Wait, you need to have your iPhone on you in order for the Apple Watch to do anything?
When I thought an Apple Watch could replace an iPhone, I was only slightly interested. Now, it doesn’t seem to make sense at all. It’s like getting a bike, but in order to ride the bike, you need to tow your car behind it.
Well, it’s not exactly like that, but it seems ridiculous either way.
NMG
Do you Even Care About the Smartwatch? No, no I don’t.
Stefan
Best comment on this thread by far! :D
randyvg
I don’t wear much more than clothes so nope! These watches are but mere convenient redundancies for some. It is easy to lift your up your wrist instead of taking out the wallet sized phone. I can get so much more from my computer/smart phone. An ideal smart watch would be independent of a phone and act as a texting walkie-talkie and affordable. If the services reolied on free wifi, I think I would be in.
Jim
I’ll pass. I do still wear a watch but couldn’t see me spending $350 so I don’t have to pull out my $600 phone (or pull it out AFTER I look at my overpriced watch). I have to agree with Jack. If it replaced my phone THEN I’d be interested.
Bob
Who even wears a wrist watch nowadays?
Hex
When I was in college I finally became educated sufficiently to figure out that the only function served by a watch was to tell me how late I was to whereever it was that I was supposed to be. That I was late was a given, so I knew I was late with or without the watch; how late was just superfluous information. I haven’t worn a watch in 40+ years.
Simon H
The only market I see for the smart watch is people buying it just to say they have one.
Unfortunately this makes owning one a reminder that a fool and his money are soon parted.
I would rather not look like a fool thank you.
Stu
I use a Nike Fuel Band daily – It’s all I need and I can get about a weeks use between charges (which only take 40 mins) My phone does the rest
Bob z
Legitimized because Apple is making it? Pardon me for saying but that sounds like a fan boy comment. I believe there are far more Androids than Apples on the market.. But I don’t care to start a discussion on which is better.
I owned a Samsung Smart watch with augmented app and was pretty happy with this from a cost basis. I now own a Moto 360 for 100 less than your predicted apple price. I admit I would not pay more.
Don’t you work with a pc with multiple screens? Similar concept… my phone will be in my pocket while I casually roll my wrist to view my text or email or who is calling. Especially great when I am driving. Yes an earpiece might be better but the best apps for it suck battery.. And the Moto is gorgeous. I rotate the screens so to background is different every time I tap it. It’s a niche product. You have to like watches and I do. If you don’t, then nobody will be able to convince you they are useful.