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

[spriter]

I believe there are those situations where it comes in handy. Just saying for me....it doesnt really exist and i think those that have those times like yours are limited.
If only those who have those situations who REALLY need it, it would be a flop product because they wouldnt sell many. I think most here just think it is kinda cool while it really isnt doing anything different. And for ME, it isnt a feasible product to have.

Oh I agree on the cool factor buyers and long term mass market uncertainty. If I had a desk job, I'd just leave my phone in a dock or something and probably couldn't justify buying one.

Although I love tech and wanted to buy a full blown smartwatch, the 360 was overkill in both size and features. I soon realised all I needed was notifications so went with a more slim and discreet vivosmart that gives me a week between charges.

Could well be that in two years it's all been a fad or developed into a genuine standalone product category.

 

[Lloydbm41]

I believe there are those situations where it comes in handy. Just saying for me....it doesnt really exist and i think those that have those times like yours are limited.
If only those who have those situations who REALLY need it, it would be a flop product because they wouldnt sell many. I think most here just think it is kinda cool while it really isnt doing anything different. And for ME, it isnt a feasible product to have.

Let's see. I can think of a few use cases where a smartwatch SHOULD be used over a smartphone to check incoming notifications:

1. In meetings
2. In class at school
3. At a more formal function
4. Dinners/Restaurants
5. Dates
6. Hospitals

And of course for the millions that are deaf or hard of hearing (like myself) these are so useful, you have no idea.

 

[tbayrgs]

I believe there are those situations where it comes in handy. Just saying for me....it doesnt really exist and i think those that have those times like yours are limited.
If only those who have those situations who REALLY need it, it would be a flop product because they wouldnt sell many. I think most here just think it is kinda cool while it really isnt doing anything different. And for ME, it isnt a feasible product to have.

Well, first, I think you're underestimating the number of people who probably shouldn't/don't have easy or immediate access to their phone throughout the day while at work. And second, few people NEED a smartphone either--we were existing just fine a few years ago without them and could still get calls/messages on 'dumb' or feature phones. A great deal of the added functionality of a smartphone are 'nice to have features'. Yet, here we are just a few years later and nearly everyone has a smartphone.

Smart watches and wearables are still in their infancy--there are probably a great many things that they'll be able to do in a few year that we can't even imagine now. I for one love the fitness elements that are now available on watches/bands. Sure, I don't need them but they undoubtedly provide me added value. I'm genuinely intrigued by what already out now and even more so in what we'll see over the next few years.

 

[mattopotamus]

Many smart watches have BT 'leash' mode built in. Pebble is one of them.

I have searched on the watch and on the pebble app and do not see that as an option.

 

[ravipiero]

I'm not really interested in smart watch at the moment, but I like smartband a lot. I'm using jawbone up24 and I find it quite useful in tracking my sleep, steps and vibrate when I'm idle for certain amount of time.

 

[pdqgp]

I believe there are those situations where it comes in handy. Just saying for me....it doesnt really exist and i think those that have those times like yours are limited.
If only those who have those situations who REALLY need it, it would be a flop product because they wouldnt sell many. I think most here just think it is kinda cool while it really isnt doing anything different. And for ME, it isnt a feasible product to have.

There is more than just a limited market of people that would benefit from smart wearables. Many people would do and will as they become more common. Even you.

What they are doing different for everyone is taking the phone out of your pocket and putting it on your wrist....at least a good portion of it.

Think about just being out doors actually doing something.

• I can toss of football with my son, ride bikes, wash the car and not have to have my phone no matter how small it is with me.
  
• I can go to a party or a bar and not bring my phone in my pocket.
  
• Step into a meeting and not be concerned about leaving my phone in the car and missing a text from my kids or wife who might need me for something important.
  
• No more walking around like a geek with a phone in my hand in the middle of NYC trying to find my way around with a GPS app up in front of me.
  
• I can even board a plane with the boarding pass on my watch that I'm already wearing vs holding my phone up to the scanner.
  
• I can workout at the gym listening to music on BT Earbuds streaming it right from my watch while at the same time having it also record my heart rate and steps, etc.
  
• I can take a cat-nap in my chair and set an alarm without having to get up and get my phone to set it.
  
• One last stupid one is I can locate my watch or phone using the paired device even if BT is off. I can't tell you how many times I've set my phone down in vibrate mode and calling it is of little help. Just simply push a button/app on my watch and my phone lights up and rings loudly.
  

There are lots of great things coming from wearables and yes they are making a difference today.

 

[Vegastouch]

There is more than just a limited market of people that would benefit from smart wearables. Many people would do and will as they become more common. Even you.

What they are doing different for everyone is taking the phone out of your pocket and putting it on your wrist....at least a good portion of it.

Think about just being out doors actually doing something.

• I can toss of football with my son, ride bikes, wash the car and not have to have my phone no matter how small it is with me.
  
• I can go to a party or a bar and not bring my phone in my pocket.
  
• Step into a meeting and not be concerned about leaving my phone in the car and missing a text from my kids or wife who might need me for something important.
  
• No more walking around like a geek with a phone in my hand in the middle of NYC trying to find my way around with a GPS app up in front of me.
  
• I can even board a plane with the boarding pass on my watch that I'm already wearing vs holding my phone up to the scanner.
  
• I can workout at the gym listening to music on BT Earbuds streaming it right from my watch while at the same time having it also record my heart rate and steps, etc.
  
• I can take a cat-nap in my chair and set an alarm without having to get up and get my phone to set it.
  
• One last stupid one is I can locate my watch or phone using the paired device even if BT is off. I can't tell you how many times I've set my phone down in vibrate mode and calling it is of little help. Just simply push a button/app on my watch and my phone lights up and rings loudly.
  

There are lots of great things coming from wearables and yes they are making a difference today.

Some of those things are meh. I can see a few benefits, just not enough of them.
I really dont see a great benefit to having to use your watch to do your plane ticket instead of your phone. Also it still wont look any better glaring at your wrist at a GPS than glaring at your phone and it wont look any better looking at your wrist at notifications in a meeting rather than looking at your phone. To me there is no difference there.
Spending $300-$350 just to do things like that to me is ridiculous. IMO thats overpriced. My Nexus 5 was only a little more for the 32 GB. The Nexus 7 is less. A lot less.

Now, your last sentence in bold. I do believe there will be but right now for me, it isnt there yet. I do look forward to what will come for them and maybe it will peek my interest later but right now it doesnt.

And let me say this again in case some missed it. I dont care to wear a watch so that isn't appealing for me to have to wear one for these things but if there were something spectacular going on with them then sure id consider it. However, its the same things my phone is doing.

 

[2984839]

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 agree. That's one of many reasons why I will never get a smartwatch. I don't want to be nagged about emails, Facebook posts, text messages, missed calls, more emails, tweets, calendar reminders, and who knows what else.

 

[pdqgp]

Some of those things are meh. I can see a few benefits, just not enough of them.
I really dont see a great benefit to having to use your watch to do your plane ticket instead of your phone. Also it still wont look any better glaring at your wrist at a GPS than glaring at your phone and it wont look any better looking at your wrist at notifications in a meeting rather than looking at your phone. To me there is no difference there.

GPS Wise, there's no glaring/looking at the device necessary, as it can be set to vibrate when you need to just glance at it. Thus it's no different to those passing by as if you were just checking time. If you go to NYC, SanFran or Chicago you'll pick out the tourists easily as they are easy to spot holding a phone out on some type of invisible dashboard. Also, regardless, there's no need to HOLD anything. Thus you'll have both hands free. To me I don't want to be seen as easy prey or have my $700 phone in my hand all the time. Too many risks involved.

Ever board a plane with a bag in one hand and a lunch or coffee in the other? Not having to hold a phone that could fall and then put it in a pocket, etc. is priceless. I travel a lot and will love this.

Now, your last sentence in bold. I do believe there will be but right now for me, it isnt there yet. I do look forward to what will come for them and maybe it will peek my interest later but right now it doesnt.

How about you reply with what it is you're looking for that would peek your interest?

However, its the same things my phone is doing.

Doing many of the things your phone does except that you don't have to reach for, stow away or carry your phone in-hand. That may not be of a concern to you, but if you are involved in the things I listed above it would be.

Another great example today was my buddy down the street who was outside building his storage shed all day. He never got or replied to a text I sent him. He didn't have his phone because he didn't want to drop it or carry it as he was "working" and figured he wouldn't hear it or feel the vibrations anyway. Well, if he had a wearable, it would be out of the way under the sleeve of his sweatshirt (cold here in Ohio now) yet he would be completely able to get texts and even calls without any issue. Oh well, he missed an invite to get some sammiches.

----------

I agree. That's one of many reasons why I will never get a smartwatch. I don't want to be nagged about emails, Facebook posts, text messages, missed calls, more emails, tweets, calendar reminders, and who knows what else.

^^ you won't be nagged by anything unless you use the control panel and select those things. It's all user selectable. If you truly don't want or need any notifications, then perhaps simple flip phone is all you need.

 

[Vegastouch]

GPS Wise, there's no glaring/looking at the device necessary, as it can be set to vibrate when you need to just glance at it. Thus it's no different to those passing by as if you were just checking time. If you go to NYC, SanFran or Chicago you'll pick out the tourists easily as they are easy to spot holding a phone out on some type of invisible dashboard. Also, regardless, there's no need to HOLD anything. Thus you'll have both hands free. To me I don't want to be seen as easy prey or have my $700 phone in my hand all the time. Too many risks involved.

Thats something ive not thought about but i dont tend to stand out in the street wondering where im going. I guess its just circumstance.

Ever board a plane with a bag in one hand and a lunch or coffee in the other? Not having to hold a phone that could fall and then put it in a pocket, etc. is priceless. I travel a lot and will love this.

Nope. IF i have something to eat, i usually finish it well before i board a plane. I usually am very early and have plenty of time....which sometimes is boring.

How about you reply with what it is you're looking for that would peek your interest?

Thats the thing. Im not looking for anything in particular. It would have to be something that i think would be usefull for ME that i would think would be cool to not have to have my phone with me or not have to use my phone and so far, i dont see the benefit and spending $350 to do the same things.

I mean its cool to be able to talk into your watch phone like we have seen years ago on movies but really, i dont want everybody/anybody being able to hear my conversation either.

Another great example today was my buddy down the street who was outside building his storage shed all day. He never got or replied to a text I sent him. He didn't have his phone because he didn't want to drop it or carry it as he was "working" and figured he wouldn't hear it or feel the vibrations anyway. Well, if he had a wearable, it would be out of the way under the sleeve of his sweatshirt (cold here in Ohio now) yet he would be completely able to get texts and even calls without any issue. Oh well, he missed an invite to get some sammiches.

Its a good example to some but to me it isnt. What i mean by that is....im not a techie. I am an electrician and when i did wear watches for a time, they always get destroyed over time. And i dont mean years time, i mean months time. Im not going to buy a $350 watch and do that type of work just to get it all messed up. So id only be wearing it on weekends and such, and again, i dont really like wearing a watch. One of the first things id do when i got home from work was take the watch off and when i started carrying a phone on me at all times i stopped wearing them.

 

[McCool71]

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.

This is one of the top features for me as well - not having to be rude and use the phone in a meeting when a quick glance at the notification is enough.

 

[pdqgp]

Nope. IF i have something to eat, i usually finish it well before i board a plane. I usually am very early and have plenty of time....which sometimes is boring.

I'm on time too but the thing is layovers of only 45 minutes are common thus it is an often occurrence for many.

I mean its cool to be able to talk into your watch phone like we have seen years ago on movies but really, i dont want everybody/anybody being able to hear my conversation either.

Bluetooth earbuds are the way to go.

 

[Vegastouch]

I'm on time too but the thing is layovers of only 45 minutes are common thus it is an often occurrence for many.



Bluetooth earbuds are the way to go.

Do those sound good with music? Ive seen them just recently and i wouldnt mind getting some but not if they sound bad with music. I dont need the best like a pair of Shure but they have to sound pretty decent.

I hate the BT ear piece that have been out. They look dorky for one thing.

 

[pdqgp]

Do those sound good with music? Ive seen them just recently and i wouldnt mind getting some but not if they sound bad with music. I dont need the best like a pair of Shure but they have to sound pretty decent.

I hate the BT ear piece that have been out. They look dorky for one thing.

You'll have to go listen to them. Seriously. Music and sound is so subjective for everyone. I can't buy stuff like this without using them first hand even.

 

[Vegastouch]

You'll have to go listen to them. Seriously. Music and sound is so subjective for everyone. I can't buy stuff like this without using them first hand even.

I dont think they demo earbuds anyplace. Not that ive seen anyways. Id have to put them in my ear and......thats just nasty if they have those to demo, lol.

 

[pdqgp]

I dont think they demo earbuds anyplace. Not that ive seen anyways. Id have to put them in my ear and......thats just nasty if they have those to demo, lol.

Best Buy me does and they have sanitizer wipes to use before and after, etc.

 

[Surface2Owner]

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

Not sure why the bolded quote in particular offended, but have a nice day

 

[The Game 161]

Im not bagging on those who choose to have one. Some just cant resist new things but for me...all the reasons ive seen are weak...for me to use as a reason to get one.
Notifications on the go? Your phone dont give you all those above? Sure you have to take it out of your pocket or have a BT ear piece or whatever but spend $250 so you wont have to do that?

I saw one that said while going down the road at 80mph( which is over the speed limit btw,lol) he can turn his wrist and see a notification. Well, i dont have my phone in my pocket while in the car and you cant or shouldnt be reading a notification anyways. I hear the sounds of my notifications thru my Motorola roadster and the car BT system so i know i getting them. And in fact, it reads texts to me while linked to my phone and i reply with it as well. And i can change the music with the controls on the steering wheel.

The best reason ive seen is...."because we like tech". I like tech too but i dont like to buy things that do the same things as something i already have. But thats me.
If they make them do something extrordonary in the years to come then perhaps ill be interested but right now, imo they are a waste.

Depends on what you do each day.

In the gym for example it's great. You don't Want to be changing tracks when doing exercise. Same for reading texts when in the gym.its hassle free.

 

[pdqgp]

Depends on what you do each day.

In the gym for example it's great. You don't Want to be changing tracks when doing exercise. Same for reading texts when in the gym.its hassle free.

Exactly. Not everyone owns a weekend sports car either. I think where I see an opening for Samsung and all device manufacturers is to more clearly define examples of what the target audience is. Leaving it way too open for everyone to determine can lead to confusion.

I see a LOT of people complaining that it's a duplicate device or others that say it isn't FULLY functional to replace their phone. Thus both ends of the spectrum.

Personally, I see wearables much like a side-arm is to a soldier. It's a back up and one that you would use in specific situations. Again, I don't need a fully functional GPS to replace my phone, I need one when I'm in the city or walking around. I do want a phone on my wrist so I can go shopping and not lug any other device in my pockets.

It's not a full fledged replacement nor are they meant to be. They are a supplemental device and yes it comes with the territory that it won't likely meet everyone's needs perfectly. I equate it to my wife and her iPhone. She really only uses it's email and text and calling capabilities. She has no use for a calender, games, many other apps, etc. So in essence it's overkill for her.

 

[spinedoc77]

Im not bagging on those who choose to have one. Some just cant resist new things but for me...all the reasons ive seen are weak...for me to use as a reason to get one.
Notifications on the go? Your phone dont give you all those above? Sure you have to take it out of your pocket or have a BT ear piece or whatever but spend $250 so you wont have to do that?

I saw one that said while going down the road at 80mph( which is over the speed limit btw,lol) he can turn his wrist and see a notification. Well, i dont have my phone in my pocket while in the car and you cant or shouldnt be reading a notification anyways. I hear the sounds of my notifications thru my Motorola roadster and the car BT system so i know i getting them. And in fact, it reads texts to me while linked to my phone and i reply with it as well. And i can change the music with the controls on the steering wheel.

The best reason ive seen is...."because we like tech". I like tech too but i dont like to buy things that do the same things as something i already have. But thats me.
If they make them do something extrordonary in the years to come then perhaps ill be interested but right now, imo they are a waste.

You know I kind of put the 80mph in there to troll a little and see which granny nanny would jump out and admonish me, hehe. (BTW there ARE 80mph zones in the US so I may well be driving 100% legally) About reading notifications in the car I'd agree with you EXCEPT for the fact that we constantly take our eyes off the road for a second or two, looking at the Speedo, looking at a GPS turn, turning your head to look at a blind spot, glancing up at the rear view mirror, etc. Text being read out being safer is arguable. Much of the newer research on distracted driving puts the blame on fragmented attention, that's why many studies don't note a difference in accident rates for someone holding their phone up to their ear versus using a Bluetooth headset, in both cases your attention is fragmented. I'd argue that listening to a text takes much more time than just glancing at one and fragments your attention just a bit longer. No proof, just a gut feeling based on some of the research I've seen. I've testified in court occasionally as an accident reconstructionist and I'm familiar with some of the research out there.

I don't disagree with you though that most of the reason is just love of new technology. But I think that's true of most technology out there these days. Do you really need a smartphone? Do you really need an ipad? With that said my smartwatch CAN replace a phone so I think it's a different case scenario. I have a Gear S which is a standalone phone, but you can remotely connect it to your main phone if you like to integrate with text messaging, emails, phone calls, history, etc. In one scenario I NEVER had to take my phone out of my pocket, but an even more powerful scenario is completely leaving my phone at home.

----------

Exactly. Not everyone owns a weekend sports car either. I think where I see an opening for Samsung and all device manufacturers is to more clearly define examples of what the target audience is. Leaving it way too open for everyone to determine can lead to confusion.

I see a LOT of people complaining that it's a duplicate device or others that say it isn't FULLY functional to replace their phone. Thus both ends of the spectrum.

Personally, I see wearables much like a side-arm is to a soldier. It's a back up and one that you would use in specific situations. Again, I don't need a fully functional GPS to replace my phone, I need one when I'm in the city or walking around. I do want a phone on my wrist so I can go shopping and not lug any other device in my pockets.

It's not a full fledged replacement nor are they meant to be. They are a supplemental device and yes it comes with the territory that it won't likely meet everyone's needs perfectly. I equate it to my wife and her iPhone. She really only uses it's email and text and calling capabilities. She has no use for a calender, games, many other apps, etc. So in essence it's overkill for her.

But they CAN be a full replacement, well at least the Gear S can be. I know you own one as well so I'm preaching to the choir, but the functionality CAN be there if a company decides to make it. I suppose the Gear S is in its own category and kind of not the point of this thread, but it does exist and has some relevance IMO.

 

[Vegastouch]

You know I kind of put the 80mph in there to troll a little and see which granny nanny would jump out and admonish me, hehe. (BTW there ARE 80mph zones in the US so I may well be driving 100% legally) About reading notifications in the car I'd agree with you EXCEPT for the fact that we constantly take our eyes off the road for a second or two, looking at the Speedo, looking at a GPS turn, turning your head to look at a blind spot, glancing up at the rear view mirror, etc. Text being read out being safer is arguable. Much of the newer research on distracted driving puts the blame on fragmented attention, that's why many studies don't note a difference in accident rates for someone holding their phone up to their ear versus using a Bluetooth headset, in both cases your attention is fragmented. I'd argue that listening to a text takes much more time than just glancing at one and fragments your attention just a bit longer. No proof, just a gut feeling based on some of the research I've seen. I've testified in court occasionally as an accident reconstructionist and I'm familiar with some of the research out there.

I don't disagree with you though that most of the reason is just love of new technology. But I think that's true of most technology out there these days. Do you really need a smartphone? Do you really need an ipad? With that said my smartwatch CAN replace a phone so I think it's a different case scenario. I have a Gear S which is a standalone phone, but you can remotely connect it to your main phone if you like to integrate with text messaging, emails, phone calls, history, etc. In one scenario I NEVER had to take my phone out of my pocket, but an even more powerful scenario is completely leaving my phone at home.[

Good post. As i said before, those are MY views and my thoughts on it. I realise not everyone will agree. Some things you said will make me think harder about it and maybe even look deeper into it, but....they are still IMO overpriced. I would not lay down $350 for a watch that i dont care to be wearing anyways but, maybe next year if they improve and add function, it is something to consider but only if the price goes down. Even $250 to me is too much.
Its just not something im excited about having so they would have to be cheaper for serious consideration.

 

[spinedoc77]

Good post. As i said before, those are MY views and my thoughts on it. I realise not everyone will agree. Some things you said will make me think harder about it and maybe even look deeper into it, but....they are still IMO overpriced. I would not lay down $350 for a watch that i dont care to be wearing anyways but, maybe next year if they improve and add function, it is something to consider but only if the price goes down. Even $250 to me is too much.
Its just not something im excited about having so they would have to be cheaper for serious consideration.

No disagreement, just differing points of view and different ways we use our phones and such. I think the non-phone smartwatches are overpriced, but something like the Gear S at $300 out the door with standalone phone capabilities isn't IMO. But of course overpriced is highly subjective, I would never pay $1000 for a stainless steel apple watch but I've paid much more than that for a mechanical "dinosaur" watch that does nothing but tell time.

We are still in the infancy of smartwatches though, think about where smartphones were 10 years ago. It's going to be a fascinating and exciting ride from here on out though. Hey more stuff for us all to spend money on.

 

[pdqgp]

We are still in the infancy of smartwatches though, think about where smartphones were 10 years ago. It's going to be a fascinating and exciting ride from here on out though. Hey more stuff for us all to spend money on.

as I noted above, it's just a matter of time for that new stuff to come.
http://www.downloadtizenapps.com/20...0-0-with-support-for-gear-s.html#.VF_YhMnyg30

 

[Wrathwitch]

The problem with smart watches today is still that there are no successful ones that are independent of a smart phone.

The day they have their own sim card may change things but there is nothing on the market yet.

Small screen real estate renders any sort of GPS issues useless, and really other than basic notifications, the screen is way too small to do anything useful on anyways.

Since its still in it's infancy there will be tonnes of next year upgrades and the price will be prohibitive.

Something else to consider is craftsmanship. Big watch companies, ie Timex, Bulova, Whittnauer etc make quality that stand the test of time. There is no certainty that the new smart watches will even last a year without software issues etc.

 

[pdqgp]

The problem with smart watches today is still that there are no successful ones that are independent of a smart phone. The day they have their own sim card may change things but there is nothing on the market yet.

The Gear S is a stand alone device with its own sim card

Small screen real estate renders any sort of GPS issues useless, and really other than basic notifications, the screen is way too small to do anything useful on anyways.

I disagree. Graphics on the Gear S are very detailed and pinch-zoom works just like the Galaxy Phones. Also, the whole point of navigation on a watch is for when you're walking, not necessarily driving, thus the turn by turn vibrations on Here Now the Beta Navi app on the Gear S works great.

Something else to consider is craftsmanship. Big watch companies, ie Timex, Bulova, Whittnauer etc make quality that stand the test of time. There is no certainty that the new smart watches will even last a year without software issues etc.

The Gear S is very nice. Dust and water resistant too. In the end, these are great devices that honestly you'll likely replace far more often than a traditional time piece. My parents rotary and touch-tone phones lasted decades but today, we replace cell phones more often then shoes. Goes with the technology really.