Please tell me why anyone would go with a smartwatch??

[Wrathwitch]

I truly am curious as to the reasons.

The reasons I will never use one (should be careful throwing that N-word out there):

Can't work independent of the phone that I ALREADY carry around and can look at quickly enough.

Can't wear it at work, so why bother?

Have to charge it.

Pretty expensive just to save me a few seconds to pull my phone out of my pocket.

Regardless of who designs it, my wrists are toooo small for most normal watches and smart watches, EVEN Apple's (which is a very nice design imo) are too bulky.

I am guessing they are not water resistant? So more restrictions on the device.

So why do you use one or want one?

 

[Oohara]

because tech <3

 

[MozMan68]

The one simple reason that would justify one for me (or MS Band for that matter) is the notifications.

I'm in a ton of meetings all day and it is simply "less" rude to see a notification on my wrist than constantly look at my phone. Same thing could be said when in a restaurant or anywhere else.

Haven't bought one yet though...

 

[bmac4]

Well it sounds like it's more of your preference, and the inability to wear at work for you. I have a Pebble, and as of two days ago got a Pebble steel. I love it. The design looks good, and at work when I don't want to pull my phone out all the time I can just look at my watch. In my car I can change the song really easy. It's certainly not a necessity, but it's sure nice to have.

 

[XmeX]

The one simple reason that would justify one for me (or MS Band for that matter) is the notifications.



I'm in a ton of meetings all day and it is simply "less" rude to see a notification on my wrist than constantly look at my phone. Same thing could be said when in a restaurant or anywhere else.



Haven't bought one yet though...

But looking to the phone better than looking to the watch during the meeting, at least they don't think that you are bored and counting time!

 

[Dave.UK]

Ive had a Pebble for about it year and its one of the most useful devices Ive ever purchased.

1) At work - Can see all notifications without taking the phone out of my pocket.

2) Running -Control music and see my speed/distance

3) My phones always on silent - With my pebble I can feel when ive got an incoming call and who it is.

Obviously a smartwatch isnt for you, however dosent mean their useless for everyone.

Im thinking of upgrading to a Sony Smartwatch 3 - With the built in GPS, I can go running and leave my phone at home.

 

[spriter]

Notifications are the killer app for me. All I need to know is if I need to take my phone from my pocket or not.

Watches are too bulky for my liking and they try to do too much, so I use a Vivosmart.

It's very slim, discreet, waterproof, fitness orientated, works with all my bike sensors, handles notifications really well, and lasts for a week per charge.

Perfect for my needs, not everybody's.

 

[p3ntyne]

It's for browsing the internet and playing games without anyone noticing.

 

[spinedoc77]

I truly am curious as to the reasons.

The reasons I will never use one (should be careful throwing that N-word out there):

Can't work independent of the phone that I ALREADY carry around and can look at quickly enough.

Can't wear it at work, so why bother?

Have to charge it.

Pretty expensive just to save me a few seconds to pull my phone out of my pocket.

Regardless of who designs it, my wrists are toooo small for most normal watches and smart watches, EVEN Apple's (which is a very nice design imo) are too bulky.

I am guessing they are not water resistant? So more restrictions on the device.

So why do you use one or want one?

Driving down the highway at 80mph, I get an alert. I can try to take my huge Note 4 out of my pocket, or I can simply slightly turn my wrist with my hand remaining on the steering wheel to see my alert.

 

[maflynn]

I don't know if its considered a smart watch, but I took the plunge on the MS Band. In all likelihood when it comes out, I'll be buying the Fitbit Surge.

because it appears to have more features for my needs.

All in all, the MS Band (and soon to be released Surge), have features that fit very well in my active lifestyle. I want something that easily tracks my runs, and other cardio workouts. This isn't really easily done with an iPhone. Sure I can run with my IP6+ but its awkward given its large size and hte only way to run with it at the moment is a belt. Where as I get the same tracking on a small watch. I cannot track my cardio works outs with the my iPhone, its just not feasible.

Are these smart watches, technically yes, but maybe not what the OP had in mind, but for me they're helpful

 

[mattopotamus]

Ive had a Pebble for about it year and its one of the most useful devices Ive ever purchased.

1) At work - Can see all notifications without taking the phone out of my pocket.

2) Running -Control music and see my speed/distance

3) My phones always on silent - With my pebble I can feel when ive got an incoming call and who it is.

Obviously a smartwatch isnt for you, however dosent mean their useless for everyone.

Im thinking of upgrading to a Sony Smartwatch 3 - With the built in GPS, I can go running and leave my phone at home.

Exactly how I feel about my pebble. I actually tried the moto 360 and quickly went back to the pebble. Waterproof and 5 days battery is hard to get away from. The range on the pebble is a lot better than the 360 was. With the moto I had to be about 10-15 feet away from my phone. With the pebble you can be about 30-40 feet away.

 

[Sensamic]

Because people like tech.

 

[Dave.UK]

Exactly how I feel about my pebble. I actually tried the moto 360 and quickly went back to the pebble. Waterproof and 5 days battery is hard to get away from. The range on the pebble is a lot better than the 360 was. With the moto I had to be about 10-15 feet away from my phone. With the pebble you can be about 30-40 feet away.

I always said I would upgrade to one of the newer smartwatches as soon as they came out.

First I was holding out for the Samsung, then the LG, then the Motorola, then the LG R but for some reason, nothing ever swayed me in the end to upgrade.

Im seriously considering the Sony Smartwatch 3 though. Battery life is apparently better then its rivals, its fully dust and waterproof, but most importantly of all, it has GPS. I think its the GPS alone which is swaying me - very handy to go out running without having to have my phone in an armband. I also quite like the design of it as well. Dosent look overly cumbersome.

 

[pdqgp]

I'm seroiusly considering and will likely buy the new Samsung Gear S. It's a little big but have not seen it in person yet to say for sure.

What I've been waiting for is what this offers in that it's a stand alone device that partners with my Note 3.

There are many instances where I don't want to bring/carry my Note with me, such as when shopping, in meetings, jogging, etc. and really just need to make sure I have access to a phone should a call come in. It also offers me a GPS, Music and text messaging, etc.

Overall, I just have zero interest in having to lug a phone with me at times if I can simply wear one on my wrist and get pretty much the main core apps I'm looking to have. I also see zero need for one that requires it be within 30ft of my phone. At that point I might as well just carry my phone.

Those are my reasons. Hope they makes sense and help.

----------

Because people like tech.

^^ this too

 

[GoCubsGo]

I don't know where you work, but I can wear a smart watch to work if I wish. I'm not 100% on board with it though because I'd like to leave my phone at home when I am out jogging or walking. The FitBit lineup due out next year looks like the watch I'll be buying.

 

[spinedoc77]

I'm seroiusly considering and will likely buy the new Samsung Gear S. It's a little big but have not seen it in person yet to say for sure.

What I've been waiting for is what this offers in that it's a stand alone device that partners with my Note 3.

There are many instances where I don't want to bring/carry my Note with me, such as when shopping, in meetings, jogging, etc. and really just need to make sure I have access to a phone should a call come in. It also offers me a GPS, Music and text messaging, etc.

Overall, I just have zero interest in having to lug a phone with me at times if I can simply wear one on my wrist and get pretty much the main core apps I'm looking to have. I also see zero need for one that requires it be within 30ft of my phone. At that point I might as well just carry my phone.

Those are my reasons. Hope they makes sense and help.

----------



^^ this too

I'll probably grab one of these too, I'm really not sure why though other than I've been waiting for a wrist phone for a long time. The only thing deterring me so far is Tizen, man I wish they just put Android on there. But I really don't see anyone else making a wrist phone out there so the S may be our only choice for a while.

----------

I don't know if its considered a smart watch, but I took the plunge on the MS Band. In all likelihood when it comes out, I'll be buying the Fitbit Surge.

because it appears to have more features for my needs.

All in all, the MS Band (and soon to be released Surge), have features that fit very well in my active lifestyle. I want something that easily tracks my runs, and other cardio workouts. This isn't really easily done with an iPhone. Sure I can run with my IP6+ but its awkward given its large size and hte only way to run with it at the moment is a belt. Where as I get the same tracking on a small watch. I cannot track my cardio works outs with the my iPhone, its just not feasible.

Are these smart watches, technically yes, but maybe not what the OP had in mind, but for me they're helpful

The fitbit looks very nice. For me the deciding factor will be if it has a good HR monitor, so far every single watch/phone has had crappy HR monitors. I need continuous on demand HR reads that can keep up with large frequent spikes.

 

[Surface2Owner]

Notifications are the killer app for me. All I need to know is if I need to take my phone from my pocket or not.

That's one of the primary reasons why I would never get a smart watch (that and the fact that smart watches generally look chintzy (yes, Apple Watch included)). I prefer my mechanical, perpetual Rolex.

Why would I want to check every email away from my desk literally the second it arrives? It's the reason why I still appreciate the day I got rid of my Blackberry (the red blinking light drove me crazy). If there is an email or text that I absolutely need to check right away, I will know ahead of time to expect such email or text.

Having instant notifications about social media posts or what not also strikes me as being a bit narcissistic. I think using a smart watch/band for health and exercise purposes is good, but needing a smart watch because you absolutely need to know the instant a post or email hits your account is not my cup of tea.

I love technology, but there is definitely a need for me to remove myself from total immersion.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I'm a watch guy so wouldn't consider a smart watch. I prefer a nice Sub or mechanical watch on my wrist. I can see the market for these though and I am sure they will be popular. I doubt the watch industry has anything to fear though towards the mid to high end.

 

[gotluck]

If there is an email or text that I absolutely need to check right away, I will know ahead of time to expect such email or text.

I wish that was true for me

As for smart watches, I'm in the market for a standalone waterproof watch. Essentially im looking for a throwback beeper.

Something to cut down on the response time should my phone not be on me.

 

[Phil A.]

4 Reasons I'll definitely be getting an Apple Watch
1 - Notifications: Far less intrusive than constantly looking at your phone
2 - Navigation: Walking round a strange city it's far safer to get notifications to turn via a tap on your wrist than having to constantly get your phone out of your pocket
3 - Calls: I don't think I'll do much talking through the phone but being able to reject a call without having to get my phone out of my pocket will be useful
4 - Pedometer and other health features: no need to use a separate fitness band

 

[mattopotamus]

That's one of the primary reasons why I would never get a smart watch (that and the fact that smart watches generally look chintzy (yes, Apple Watch included)). I prefer my mechanical, perpetual Rolex.

Why would I want to check every email away from my desk literally the second it arrives? It's the reason why I still appreciate the day I got rid of my Blackberry (the red blinking light drove me crazy). If there is an email or text that I absolutely need to check right away, I will know ahead of time to expect such email or text.

Having instant notifications about social media posts or what not also strikes me as being a bit narcissistic. I think using a smart watch/band for health and exercise purposes is good, but needing a smart watch because you absolutely need to know the instant a post or email hits your account is not my cup of tea.

I love technology, but there is definitely a need for me to remove myself from total immersion.

I understand that. The good thing is you can control what notifications you receive on the watch. It also allows me to leave my phone on silent 24/7. I have never liked vibrate and I hate when someone has a phone dinging every 5 seconds.

 

[mrex]

when snowing and raining, wouldnt you just want to check messages, emails etc from your wrist rather than taking your phone out from a pocket? at first i bought my smartwatch (sony sw2) because i was using my Note10.1 as my phone. I saw who was calling, sms, mails.. without taking the phone out from my bag. Then i just couple months ago bought a normal size phone, Oneplus One, and im still using the smartwatch. it is very handy and i dont need to take my phone all the time.. for example just to check my daily calender events. There is a widget on the watchface and im able to see the next event easily. I can easily control a music player without a phone again etc...

 

[nafizur]

cause i got money to blow.. oh oh ohh

 

[Tinmania]

That's one of the primary reasons why I would never get a smart watch (that and the fact that smart watches generally look chintzy (yes, Apple Watch included)). I prefer my mechanical, perpetual Rolex.

Why would I want to check every email away from my desk literally the second it arrives? It's the reason why I still appreciate the day I got rid of my Blackberry (the red blinking light drove me crazy). If there is an email or text that I absolutely need to check right away, I will know ahead of time to expect such email or text.

Having instant notifications about social media posts or what not also strikes me as being a bit narcissistic. I think using a smart watch/band for health and exercise purposes is good, but needing a smart watch because you absolutely need to know the instant a post or email hits your account is not my cup of tea.

With all due respect, you complain about narcissism yet your post is dripping with it.

But, more importantly, the Blackberry's LED was able to be turned off. I find it baffling to be disturbed by something that can be configured to your own liking, or turned off completely. It is like being glad to get rid of a TV because it had closed-captioning on by default. Perhaps if you were in more control of the technology you use it wouldn't be so intimidating.



Michael

 

[mi7chy]

People used to say the same silly things about the early mobile phones (Motorola brick) but they evolved over time to be smaller, smarter and last longer on battery. If you can't figure out a use for it then move on or if it's too big for your wrist then go to the gym. Otherwise it'll continue to sell as long as people continue to buy them. I have my eyes on the Gear S since it's stand-alone with built-in cellular and the bigger more usable curved OLED display.