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Esexx

macrumors 6502
Mar 12, 2015
298
5
I have never considered any other type of smart watch.

Only when the Apple Watch was announced!
 

Night Spring

macrumors G5
Jul 17, 2008
14,885
8,056
I've been back & forth between getting an AW or one running AW.
While the AW looks amazing & I love Apple... Android has been doing amazing things with AW and definitely has the OS headstart (if not the tailwind that AW will see upon release).

I like what I'm hearing about AW getting gestures in the next release & I genuinely wish the AW was shipping with this feature!
It makes me feel like the OS on AW will seem dated at launch, compared to AW, if one needs your opposite hand to function, whilst the other does not.

I think you are abbreviating Apple watch as AW, and Android Wear as also AW. Makes for very confusing reading!
 

bmac4

Suspended
Feb 14, 2013
4,885
1,877
Atlanta Ga
I spent a lot of time researching all of the Android smartwatches currently on the market. My friend let me wear his Moto 360 for a few hours at a party. Overall, they all feel like what they are - reactions to the rumors of Apple's participation in the market rather than fully formed products. I sensed that they all share a general lack of focus or vision.



To be fair, I haven't worn an Apple Watch for a few hours at a party yet, so the jury is still out. But, I do feel that Apple's product is more complete out of the gate than the others. Software and apps will likely be the deciding factor.


Ok so you feel like Android wear is a reactions to Apple preparing to put out the AW. I hate to tell you, but Android wear watches were released early last year. Long before Apple even hinted at the AW. The Android watches were a reaction to Samsung smartwatches from 2013. It had nothing to do with Apple. Now the Android wear watches we see this year might be a reaction, but I can't really see how. The AW does all the same things Android wear can do. The only thing Android Wear doesn't have is a price tag of $350+. The build materials are better in the AW, but for features they are pretty much the same. I would say the AW is more of a reaction to Android wear.

I will be getting an AW, but I don't believe at this point it really does anything any of the other smartwatches can't do. Not to say that is a bad thing. The UI looks good, and it puts Android wear on its toes. Hopefully the competition heats up, and we keep getting better, and better products.
 

cnev3

macrumors 6502
Sep 13, 2012
462
56
I like how the LG G Watch R looks. It's a style of watch i'd wear for a regular watch. Just not sold on either yet.
 

matrix07

macrumors G3
Jun 24, 2010
8,226
4,895
I hate to tell you, but Android wear watches were released early last year. Long before Apple even hinted at the AW. The Android watches were a reaction to Samsung smartwatches from 2013. It had nothing to do with Apple.

I hate to tell you but the rumor of iWatch started long before that. The rumor of iWatch with many fitness sensors reached intensity when Aple released iPod nano with watch face.. in 2010. :eek:
Apple even hired a wearable expert in 2011, I believe. Showing Apple has full interest in wearable and with iPod nano with watch face just released last year it convinced many people then that Apple has worked on a watch type computer. (He worked there for a couple of years then resigned to work with Google.)
 
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mattopotamus

macrumors G5
Jun 12, 2012
14,738
6,109
Ok so you feel like Android wear is a reactions to Apple preparing to put out the AW. I hate to tell you, but Android wear watches were released early last year. Long before Apple even hinted at the AW. The Android watches were a reaction to Samsung smartwatches from 2013. It had nothing to do with Apple. Now the Android wear watches we see this year might be a reaction, but I can't really see how. The AW does all the same things Android wear can do. The only thing Android Wear doesn't have is a price tag of $350+. The build materials are better in the AW, but for features they are pretty much the same. I would say the AW is more of a reaction to Android wear.

I will be getting an AW, but I don't believe at this point it really does anything any of the other smartwatches can't do. Not to say that is a bad thing. The UI looks good, and it puts Android wear on its toes. Hopefully the competition heats up, and we keep getting better, and better products.

I hate to tell you but the rumor of iWatch started long before that. The rumor of iWatch with many fitness sensors reached intensity when Aple released iPod nano with watch face.. in 2010. :eek:
Apple even hired a wearable expert in 2011, I believe. Showing Apple has full interest in wearable and with iPod nano with watch face just released last year it convinced many people then that Apple has worked on a watch type computer. (He worked there for a couple of years then resigned to work with Google.)

What matrix said. The apple watch was rumored a few years ago and then android wear hit the market. While it obviously has been out much longer than the apple watch, people consider it a reaction to the rumor of the apple watch.

look what happened in 2007 when google sat back and watched the iphone release. They were flat on their heels.
 

jamesapp

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Mar 7, 2008
544
0
what about having a stand-alone wearable turns you off?



What specifically about it's functionality?

Well like I said. The Samsung gear s, seemed like a smart phone strapped to your wrist. Like it has a web browser and a full keyboard. And I think those tasks are better suited for my phone.

And another thing that turned me off. And I'm going from the review so don't quote me. But you have to pay your carrier separate charges for the 3G on the watch. I would hate let's say to have to worry about another bill from my carrier.

Again to be fair, I think the review said. You can by the watch outright and then cancel this service. But I think it is mandatory during the time of purchase. And I think with some carrier don't remember which one but you can have an extra $5 or $10 added to your bill.

Anyway, with the Apple watch. And I am speculating cause I haven't used one. And maybe I'm wrong, but I think they are making good use of its features.

One thing I thought about, is tactic feedback on your wrist. There are certain situations were it might not be socially acceptable to let's say respond or read an email. Like let's say a business meeting, or even a family dinner#. But to receive a tap that only you know about, and to glance at your wrist isn't as rude.

I did want to say I have heard people complain the Apple watch ui is too complicated on some reviews of the watch. And I think it is hard to tell at this point. I mean a lot of the hands on videos go through most of the features in 10 minutes. So I'm not completely sure how the Apple watch is gonna work.

But I think atleast for me how I envision using it. First as a watch. I haven't owned a watch in years. But I am really excited to use the Apple watch to tell time, rather than using my iPhone which is how I currently tell time. And I think I will really like the notifications. Don't know how they will work but I like the convenience of glancing at my Apple watch, let's say if I get an email. I can then decide if it's important or not.

And I think lastly some of the added features could be fun, like the ability to answer a phone call etc.

Another thing I wanted to write. I like the app layout. Like I said I primarily want my Apple watch as a time piece. So I'm hoping I can configure it were if I hold it up my watch face comes up. But I was going to say about the app layout. It's kinda how I feel about the apps on my iPhone. I really only use about lets say 10 apps frequently. But I have about 4 or 5 pages of apps. And I like that there on my iPhone. But it's kinda how I look at the app layout. I don't envision myself searching through them a lot. But at the same time I'm really glad there on my Apple watch.

Anyway just my thoughts
 

bmac4

Suspended
Feb 14, 2013
4,885
1,877
Atlanta Ga
I hate to tell you but the rumor of iWatch started long before that. The rumor of iWatch with many fitness sensors reached intensity when Aple released iPod nano with watch face.. in 2010. :eek:
Apple even hired a wearable expert in 2011, I believe. Showing Apple has full interest in wearable and with iPod nano with watch face just released last year it convinced many people then that Apple has worked on a watch type computer. (He worked there for a couple of years then resigned to work with Google.)


You really think a rumor back in 2010 with an iPod nano started the whole wearable industry? Sure Apple was thinking ahead, but Pebble and android were the first to make things happen. I don't understand this logic of just because Apple might have been thinking of making a wearable, and they hired someone for that department. It means all the other companies decided to make a smartwatch because of a reactions to Apple.

Apple has never been a industry starter. They prefect what other have already tried. The iPhone was a reaction the smartphone industry, and they made it better than anyone before. The iPad reaction to the tablets that tried and failed before. Apple again hit gold and started up tablets to the masses. Neither of these industry's started because there was a rumor that Apple was going to make either. The smartphone has been around a long time before Apple even said anything about an iPhone.

I am not saying they may have not been thinking about wearables, but the AW was not even close to being made back in 2010. For that matter when Samsung released the Gear back in 2013, there were no rumors of a AW.

I am just don't understand the notion that Apple is the industry forerunner that starts everything. They never release first, and most of the time the market has been filled with gadgets well before they enter. I give them credit for making great products, but inventing new industries is not one of there things.
 

VFC

macrumors 6502a
Feb 6, 2012
514
10
SE PA.
What matrix said. The apple watch was rumored a few years ago and then android wear hit the market. While it obviously has been out much longer than the apple watch, people consider it a reaction to the rumor of the apple watch.

look what happened in 2007 when google sat back and watched the iphone release. They were flat on their heels.

It would be impossible for an Android watch to suddenly appear on the market after they heard of the Apple watch rumor. Android watches were designed and prototyped before the Apple watch rumors. Like Apple, any Android watch takes a year or more of R&D before they can be brought to market.
 

mattopotamus

macrumors G5
Jun 12, 2012
14,738
6,109
It would be impossible for an Android watch to suddenly appear on the market after they heard of the Apple watch rumor. Android watches were designed and prototyped before the Apple watch rumors. Like Apple, any Android watch takes a year or more of R&D before they can be brought to market.

Right, and with rumors back in 2010 of an apple watch, that would give them plenty of time for a late 2013 early 2014 launch.
 

ditzy

macrumors 68000
Sep 28, 2007
1,719
180
You really think a rumor back in 2010 with an iPod nano started the whole wearable industry? Sure Apple was thinking ahead, but Pebble and android were the first to make things happen. I don't understand this logic of just because Apple might have been thinking of making a wearable, and they hired someone for that department. It means all the other companies decided to make a smartwatch because of a reactions to Apple.

Apple has never been a industry starter. They prefect what other have already tried. The iPhone was a reaction the smartphone industry, and they made it better than anyone before. The iPad reaction to the tablets that tried and failed before. Apple again hit gold and started up tablets to the masses. Neither of these industry's started because there was a rumor that Apple was going to make either. The smartphone has been around a long time before Apple even said anything about an iPhone.

I am not saying they may have not been thinking about wearables, but the AW was not even close to being made back in 2010. For that matter when Samsung released the Gear back in 2013, there were no rumors of a AW.

I am just don't understand the notion that Apple is the industry forerunner that starts everything. They never release first, and most of the time the market has been filled with gadgets well before they enter. I give them credit for making great products, but inventing new industries is not one of there things.

They have been working, not thinking about, working on, the apple watch for two years.
 

matrix07

macrumors G3
Jun 24, 2010
8,226
4,895
Apple has never been a industry starter.

False. The iPhone started a new kind of smartphone.. a mini computer that you can control effortlessly with multitouch. And I don't even want to go way back to Mac GUI. Of course your all other points about iWatch rumors are false as well but I concede that people will believe what they want to believe, so goes ahead..
 
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Patriot24

macrumors 68030
Dec 29, 2010
2,813
805
California
You really think a rumor back in 2010 with an iPod nano started the whole wearable industry? Sure Apple was thinking ahead, but Pebble and android were the first to make things happen. I don't understand this logic of just because Apple might have been thinking of making a wearable, and they hired someone for that department. It means all the other companies decided to make a smartwatch because of a reactions to Apple.

Apple has never been a industry starter. They prefect what other have already tried. The iPhone was a reaction the smartphone industry, and they made it better than anyone before. The iPad reaction to the tablets that tried and failed before. Apple again hit gold and started up tablets to the masses. Neither of these industry's started because there was a rumor that Apple was going to make either. The smartphone has been around a long time before Apple even said anything about an iPhone.

I am not saying they may have not been thinking about wearables, but the AW was not even close to being made back in 2010. For that matter when Samsung released the Gear back in 2013, there were no rumors of a AW.

I am just don't understand the notion that Apple is the industry forerunner that starts everything. They never release first, and most of the time the market has been filled with gadgets well before they enter. I give them credit for making great products, but inventing new industries is not one of there things.

Doesn't it feel all itchy having your head that far in the sand?
 

bmac4

Suspended
Feb 14, 2013
4,885
1,877
Atlanta Ga
Has anyone consider another smart watch?

They have been working, not thinking about, working on, the apple watch for two years.


Oh ok, and android knew all about them so they made android wear. That makes no sense at all. Apple would have never released their plans 2 years ago, so saying Android made wear in reactions to Apple making a watch 2 years ago is garbage.

----------

False. The iPhone started a new kind of smartphone.. a mini computer that you can control effortlessly with multitouch. And I don't even want to go way back to Mac GUI. Of course your all other points about iWatch rumors are also false but I concede that people will believe what they want to believe, so goes ahead..


Oh really. So what were the Blackberries that were released right before that? Other than touchscreen what did the iPhone offer that the blackberries could not do as well? Yes they protected the smartphone, but they did not create it.

As for the watch. How are you going to tell me they created the smartwatch? What did Apple create that has changed smartwatches forever?
 

bmac4

Suspended
Feb 14, 2013
4,885
1,877
Atlanta Ga
Shark = jumped


So because they added a touchscreen (which has already been a technology before they used it), they get created for creating the smartphone? Again because you guys say Apple started working on a smartwatch 2 years ago that means they created the whole industry? What does the AW do that is going to change the smartwatch industry forever?
 

Patriot24

macrumors 68030
Dec 29, 2010
2,813
805
California
So because they added a touchscreen (which has already been a technology before they used it), they get created for creating the smartphone? Again because you guys say Apple started working on a smartwatch 2 years ago that means they created the whole industry? What does the AW do that is going to change the smartwatch industry forever?

It is well documented that on the day of the iPhone unveil that BlackBerry employees literally didn't believe anything they were seeing. They went as far as saying that what Jobs was demoing on stage was not technically possible. It also was the catalyst for the BlackBerry Storm's creation as a reaction.

No one said that they created the industry, but rumors of their entry into any market spurs other companies to attempt to get into the game and be first to market so that they can claim Apple ripped them off and gobble up as much marketshare as possible. When Apple does enter an industry, history shows us that they typically dominate it and leave the competition in the dust for decent amount of time. Eventually they catch up, but by then Apple has gained the upper hand.

Apple's very entry into the smartwatch market will change the industry forever, even if Apple isn't the clear leader years from now. When they get in the game, others do to, and industries are born. If you can't concede that point, then you haven't been paying attention for the last 8 years.

The problem is that people are too caught up in who had the idea first, who was first to market, blah, blah, blah. It isn't about being first, it is about being the best. When you do something better than everyone else and are copied widely, you can receive credit for setting the tone and creating industries.

History is written by the victors.

Back to the topic at hand, I do believe that the Apple Watch is a more complete product than anything else out there today. That doesn't mean it won't be without its issues and eventually the competition will catch up. I'm just telling you what I've seen with some first-hand usage and research of what is out there.
 

bmac4

Suspended
Feb 14, 2013
4,885
1,877
Atlanta Ga
It is well documented that on the day of the iPhone unveil that BlackBerry employees literally didn't believe anything they were seeing. They went as far as saying that what Jobs was demoing on stage was not technically possible. It also was the catalyst for the BlackBerry Storm's creation as a reaction.

No one said that they created the industry, but rumors of their entry into any market spurs other companies to attempt to get into the game and be first to market so that they can claim Apple ripped them off and gobble up as much marketshare as possible. When Apple does enter an industry, history shows us that they typically dominate it and leave the competition in the dust for decent amount of time. Eventually they catch up, but by then Apple has gained the upper hand.

Apple's very entry into the smartwatch market will change the industry forever, even if Apple isn't the clear leader years from now. When they get in the game, others do to, and industries are born. If you can't concede that point, then you haven't been paying attention for the last 8 years.

The problem is that people are too caught up in who had the idea first, who was first to market, blah, blah, blah. It isn't about being first, it is about being the best. When you do something better than everyone else and are copied widely, you can receive credit for setting the tone and creating industries.

History is written by the victors.

Back to the topic at hand, I do believe that the Apple Watch is a more complete product than anything else out there today. That doesn't mean it won't be without its issues and eventually the competition will catch up. I'm just telling you what I've seen with some first-hand usage and research of what is out there.


I will agree the iPhone changed the industry of smartphones. There isn't any question about that, but in no way did they create the smartphone. They did for sure make into what we have today. They changed the industry.

What I do disagree on is the watch. The one only reason I am getting the AW is because I have an iPhone 6+. The competition on iOS for smartwatches is a joke. AW is going to be really the only option there is that gets full integration into iOS. That is the sole reason I want the AW. It's overpriced, and does not have a killer feature that instantly puts in front of android wear. Honestly what makes it so much better than competition? How will it lead the way in smartwatches other than sales (we all know it will sale well like anything that Apple logo on it)? I honestly am asking these questions. I saw nothing in the keynote that sets it apart. Sure it has the digital crown, but let's be real. That will not change the smartwatch industry. It's cool, but it's not something like what the touchscreen was for the iPhone.
 

Patriot24

macrumors 68030
Dec 29, 2010
2,813
805
California
Honestly what makes it so much better than competition?

Apps.

It has only been a couple of months and look at what developers have accomplished. We take it for granted because we're accustomed to having awesome, useful apps from great developers on all of our other devices. Over the course of time, they are going to create amazing experiences that we haven't even thought of yet. It took at least a year for the iPad to have a critical mass of great apps before the utility was immediately obvious, the same will be true here.

Android Wear will no doubt have great apps as well, but if history is any guide, Apple will likely attract most developers to think "Apple Watch first" in their development. All it takes is a few key apps to convince people that they need the Apple product over the competitor (Instagram's exclusivity on iPhone for a decent period of time is one example).
 

pdqgp

macrumors 68020
Mar 23, 2010
2,131
5,460
Well like I said. The Samsung gear s, seemed like a smart phone strapped to your wrist. Like it has a web browser and a full keyboard. And I think those tasks are better suited for my phone.

To some degree I agree. Won't be surfing the web on it myself, but I do love the phone capability. Especially for when I'm doing things that don't make sense to lug a phone along with me on. Washing the car, working in the yard, riding bikes, fishing, even running errands. I don't need to carry a smart phone with me on those things but I do like having the capabilities a stand alone device allows.

And another thing that turned me off. And I'm going from the review so don't quote me. But you have to pay your carrier separate charges for the 3G on the watch. I would hate let's say to have to worry about another bill from my carrier.

AT&T is $10 mo. as an added device and in some cases some carriers wave that fee. To me, meh....I see complete value in it. $10mo to me is nothing.

One thing I thought about, is tactic feedback on your wrist. There are certain situations were it might not be socially acceptable to let's say respond or read an email. Like let's say a business meeting, or even a family dinner#. But to receive a tap that only you know about, and to glance at your wrist isn't as rude.

The Gear S doesn't allow for customized tactic feedback but I don't miss it. Even with my phone, where I do have it, I tend to read or look anyway. I do love being able to keep my phone on vibrate and when anything happens I simply feel it on my wrist. In meetings I tend to either just pull up my sleeve or yes, I do even take my watch off and set it on the table as I relax and interact at the meeting.

Actually knowing I can't just pick up my phone because it's not with me helps me focus but yet I can stay in touch and excuse myself should an urgent call or email come up.

I did want to say I have heard people complain the Apple watch ui is too complicated on some reviews of the watch. And I think it is hard to tell at this point. I mean a lot of the hands on videos go through most of the features in 10 minutes. So I'm not completely sure how the Apple watch is gonna work.

Like you I can't speak to being complicated. I will say as expect, the interface looks fantastic and very nice. Yes, better than the Gear S which IMO gets the job done but not in as nice of a manner.

I am really excited to use the Apple watch to tell time
I think I will really like the notifications.
And I think lastly some of the added features could be fun, like the ability to answer a phone call etc.

Gotcha. I do use it as a clock. Not as much as I used to but I'm also now in my career more in control of my time vs figuring out where I need to be and when.

Notifications are nice. This capability is definitely under appreciated when you haven't had a wearable. Even now, I'm on a web ex at work, surfing the web and still getting all my notifications via my watch.

Lastly, the phone piece is great, but honestly, I can't imaging having a wearable that requires my phone to be connected via a BT or WiFi network in order to use it as a phone or to get text messages.
Like I said I primarily want my Apple watch as a time piece. So I'm hoping I can configure it were if I hold it up my watch face comes up.

No doubt it will have that. The current ones have gesture based features like this.
But I was going to say about the app layout. It's kinda how I feel about the apps on my iPhone. I really only use about lets say 10 apps frequently. But I have about 4 or 5 pages of apps. And I like that there on my iPhone. But it's kinda how I look at the app layout. I don't envision myself searching through them a lot. But at the same time I'm really glad there on my Apple watch.

No doubt the layout and app access is important. I am the same and even with the Gear S and it's limited avail. of apps it has more than enough and I'm enjoying the layout and ease of access to the apps too. Lots of configurations available.[/QUOTE]
 

bmac4

Suspended
Feb 14, 2013
4,885
1,877
Atlanta Ga
Apps.



It has only been a couple of months and look at what developers have accomplished. We take it for granted because we're accustomed to having awesome, useful apps from great developers on all of our other devices. Over the course of time, they are going to create amazing experiences that we haven't even thought of yet. It took at least a year for the iPad to have a critical mass of great apps before the utility was immediately obvious, the same will be true here.



Android Wear will no doubt have great apps as well, but if history is any guide, Apple will likely attract most developers to think "Apple Watch first" in their development. All it takes is a few key apps to convince people that they need the Apple product over the competitor (Instagram's exclusivity on iPhone for a decent period of time is one example).


I agree that apps have been better on iOS. I guess my thought is core features. The original iPhone did not change the smartphone industry because of the apps, it was because of the features the phone had. It did things in a way other smartphones had not done them before. The touchscreen was a game changer. I am thinking of the AW in that way. There is not some game changing feature on the AW that will change the way smartwatches function forever. It will most likely be the most popular to date because of the apps. I guess we see things a bit different.
 

Lloydbm41

Suspended
Oct 17, 2013
4,019
1,456
Central California
A lot of people are going to be very disappointed with their Apple Watch and I predict a lot of those people will be creating a lot of threads about how the Apple Watch doesn't work, the apps are failing, the watch interface and crown aren't working properly, the display isn't functioning/screen tearing...

I'm going to mark this thread. should be interesting to see if the diehard fans posting about a product they have never touched, also complain in a couple of months about the things they are currently claiming this watch will do so much better than the competition. The hypocrisy quotient will likely be off the charts.
 

Patriot24

macrumors 68030
Dec 29, 2010
2,813
805
California
A lot of people are going to be very disappointed with their Apple Watch and I predict a lot of those people will be creating a lot of threads about how the Apple Watch doesn't work, the apps are failing, the watch interface and crown aren't working properly, the display isn't functioning/screen tearing...

I'm going to mark this thread. should be interesting to see if the diehard fans posting about a product they have never touched, also complain in a couple of months about the things they are currently claiming this watch will do so much better than the competition. The hypocrisy quotient will likely be off the charts.

Lets be honest - you're going to find what you're looking for. This community in particular is always full of complaints and FUD. Yet, the products they are slamming continue to gain the highest satisfaction scores of any product in the market.

I'm not saying it is going to be all unicorns and rainbows, but if you take a couple of complaints here as a sure sign that the product is a failure, then the iPhone and the iPad are also unmitigated disasters.
 

LIVEFRMNYC

macrumors G3
Oct 27, 2009
8,878
10,987
I wear the Gear 2 Neo since Oct and don't regret it one bit. It's the perfect form and size for me. I don't like chunky watches. Screen is also excellent and more than enough features for my needs. Battery life lasts around 4-6 days. For $200, I'm very satisfied.

The only thing I like about the Apple Watch is, the OS looks beautiful. Not a fan of the actually watch though.
 

Shanghaichica

macrumors G5
Apr 8, 2013
14,725
13,245
UK
I spent a lot of time researching all of the Android smartwatches currently on the market. My friend let me wear his Moto 360 for a few hours at a party. Overall, they all feel like what they are - reactions to the rumors of Apple's participation in the market rather than fully formed products. I sensed that they all share a general lack of focus or vision.

To be fair, I haven't worn an Apple Watch for a few hours at a party yet, so the jury is still out. But, I do feel that Apple's product is more complete out of the gate than the others. Software and apps will likely be the deciding factor.

It's more complete because Apple spent two years watching what others were doing with their watches and set about polishing things up. I'll most likely be getting an Apple watch myself but Apple were late to the game on this.
 
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