Apple watch who's getting one?
Discussion
Esseesse said:
Well it fits your definition of what a smart watch does. Think about what the average persons perception of a smart watch is... perhaps something like a watch with some fiddly computer like functions, worn by teenagers and nerdy people who like the idea of having something to fiddle with.
It matters because Apple is not positioning this as a smart watch in terms of most peoples perception, even if it ticks your smart watch attributes list. This is fashion accessory first, computer-watch second. Apple is a lifestyle company, not a tech company. They're just good at the tech required to create a good experience. Good industrial design is about creating usability and desirability.
Don't get me wrong, I see why Apple isn't calling it a smart watch, I'm still confused why you'd say it isn't one? It matters because Apple is not positioning this as a smart watch in terms of most peoples perception, even if it ticks your smart watch attributes list. This is fashion accessory first, computer-watch second. Apple is a lifestyle company, not a tech company. They're just good at the tech required to create a good experience. Good industrial design is about creating usability and desirability.
As for the idea of smart watches as you describe them, I can't even imagine them, are you referring to calculator watches?
I can understand the dislike of the "smart" prefix - the phones we use today are primarily computers with the cellular functions of increasingly marginal importance. They are a lot more than simply "smart".
The Apple watch is probably the first step on a similar road. A system on chip, probably running some flavour of UNIX. No doubt the physical limitations of current technology (mainly battery) will limit it's abilities (No GPS etc). But it's a beginning that Apple clearly believe worth making - perhaps the best way to progress the concept is to open it to the world, users and developers, thus forcing the prioritisation and technical advances required. Google Glass is effectively doing the same thing.
What will it be used for? No doubt communication, but I also see the health possibilities. I'm one of many with mild hypertension and the need to eliminate/reduce/manage it for the rest of my life. Personal blood pressure monitors that are worn throughout the day and give a far better analysis than a once in six months visit to a GP (where two readings might be taken if you are lucky and are most likely completely unrepresentative), are already available. But they aren't very sexy or enticing to wear.
If devices similar to the watch can provide such data, across a wide spectrum of health areas, then there will be big strides forwards.The watch will be only one of many incarnations and form factors.
That El Reg will take every possible swipe they can at the concept and Apple is only to be expected. As computing becomes more and more ubiquitous and further and further away from the private domain of the IT bod, they will only complain more loudly. Their hopelessly innacurate predictions of doom re Apple over the last few years are worthy of a Viz strip.
The Apple watch is probably the first step on a similar road. A system on chip, probably running some flavour of UNIX. No doubt the physical limitations of current technology (mainly battery) will limit it's abilities (No GPS etc). But it's a beginning that Apple clearly believe worth making - perhaps the best way to progress the concept is to open it to the world, users and developers, thus forcing the prioritisation and technical advances required. Google Glass is effectively doing the same thing.
What will it be used for? No doubt communication, but I also see the health possibilities. I'm one of many with mild hypertension and the need to eliminate/reduce/manage it for the rest of my life. Personal blood pressure monitors that are worn throughout the day and give a far better analysis than a once in six months visit to a GP (where two readings might be taken if you are lucky and are most likely completely unrepresentative), are already available. But they aren't very sexy or enticing to wear.
If devices similar to the watch can provide such data, across a wide spectrum of health areas, then there will be big strides forwards.The watch will be only one of many incarnations and form factors.
That El Reg will take every possible swipe they can at the concept and Apple is only to be expected. As computing becomes more and more ubiquitous and further and further away from the private domain of the IT bod, they will only complain more loudly. Their hopelessly innacurate predictions of doom re Apple over the last few years are worthy of a Viz strip.
I like technology and I like Apple products... form and function. It's been my experience that Apple produce excellent things, things I want. 
But would I buy the watch? Really not sure- I have a few 'serious' watches and it would be odd to wear a cheap electronic thing. But I am intrigued! I'd have to see one in the metal.
But would I buy the watch? Really not sure- I have a few 'serious' watches and it would be odd to wear a cheap electronic thing. But I am intrigued! I'd have to see one in the metal.
ZesPak said:
Don't get me wrong, I see why Apple isn't calling it a smart watch, I'm still confused why you'd say it isn't one?
As for the idea of smart watches as you describe them, I can't even imagine them, are you referring to calculator watches?
I think the point is that Apple have figured out that a smart watch is a terrible product for all the reasons people have already given on this thread. Therfore although they've put "smart watch" features into their product, they want to promote it as a watch. They are after the customers that buy an up market watch because it is a nice thing to own rather than a useful thing. If watch buyers were primarily concerned with utility, there would only be a market for £5 Seikos and Swiss unemployment would have rocketed.As for the idea of smart watches as you describe them, I can't even imagine them, are you referring to calculator watches?
Probably the only marketing strategy that could work. Really rather clever. Probably the only thing that is in any way innovative about the product too. They are late to the smart watch game and others have already proved it is a bit of a disaster.
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