This watch has been rumored about for probably the last two years. Smart watches have been on the rise and companies have been coming out with Android compatible watches left and right and other iOS compatible watches here and there. But, the watches that work with iPhone never really allowed to use your watch instead of your phone. It was just more of a timepiece with generic notifications. But now, finally, iOS users will be able to have a full featured smart watch.
While watching the keynote address I got pretty excited about the Apple watch. I do agree that it could easily become integral to my everyday life. Many times I take my phone out of my pocket to just check the time or check my latest notification. If I don't wanna respond right then, I just put the phone back. It would be nice if I could just see who texted or emailed me on my wrist, without taking my phone out, and then decide if it's worth taking my phone out, or if it can wait. The watch will receive any notification that you would receive on your iPhone. You will be able to send and receive texts, emails, phone calls, and use Siri by pressing a button or just saying "Hey Siri", and even paying with Apple Pay by just holding your wrist close to the scanner. Pretty neat.
The Apple watch also uses something called "glances" to take a quick look at things you care about. Things like what's trending on Twitter or how your favorite sports team is doing. And you don't even have to have your phone on your person to use the watch.
One thing they really pushed at the event was how the watch helps you exercise. It has a heart rate monitor, and tells you when you've been sitting too long, and keeps track of your steps and all that good stuff. This is already accomplished by many other fitness bands for far cheaper, but it would be nice to have everything in one device. Except that if I have a metal band (to look professional at work) do I really wanna go running with that band clanging around on my wrist? Something to think about.
There's a few things I think will be great on the Apple watch. The charger is magnetic, which seems like it will be so simple and quick, and the battery should last as long as I'm awake (Apple states 18 hours). Some other smart watches out on the market can go several dayson a charge, so Apple is a little lacking in that category; just another thing to charge overnight :) Something else that I look forward to is the ability to tweak so many things on the watch face. You can add the date, outside temperature, next meeting, reminders, and there's lots of different watch faces to choose from, including Mickey Mouse!!
One thing I don't look forward to is the pricing. Apple has designed three different types of watches for consumers. Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch, and Apple Watch Edition.
The Sport comes in an aluminum casing in either space grey or silver and the rubber wrist bands come in 5 different colors (much like the colors of the iPhone 5c). It comes in two sizes and two prices. The 38mm model will cost $350 dollars and for an extra $50 you get another 4mm.
Sport:
The Apple Watch has many more options. They come in a stainless steel case and have 4 different style bands including Sport, leather, Milanese loop, or a link bracelet. These are definitely fancier looking but also cost fancier. They start at $550 and go up to $1100 depending on size, finish, and the band you choose. "Wow!" You might say.
Watch:
But don't say it too soon, because lastly we have the Apple Watch Edition. Sporting an 18 karat gold casing and clasp, this watch will drain you of $10,000!! But they're only available in limited selection so make sure you get your preorder in!
Edition:
So, with all that to think about here's my overall thought: yes, I do think this would be an awesome addition to my daily life, but is it worth, at the very least, $350? That will depend on how much you feel like you have to stay connected to your phone at all times. One thing to think about is that it is technology, and it won't be long til it could be out of date. As far as usefulness, I think that it has some very gimmicky things that I will never use, but it has many traits that I would easily use on a daily basis. I, personally, do think the price is a little high, but it is Apple, and they can do that because they will still sell millions of them.
So, check out the keynote and go to your local Apple Store on April 10th to preorder and try on an Apple Watch and decide for yourself. The watch goes for sale on April 24, 2015.
Keynote Video link: https://youtu.be/_5osYMY5n3Q
Thanks for taking the time to read this
Be safe. Be courteous.
Ryan
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