Thoughts on the Apple Watch

As some of you might know, this past Monday Apple held a "Spring Forward" event. This event covered a few things, one of which was the Apple Watch. 

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

What to (binge)watch on Netflix Instant: 30 Rock

One truly great thing about Netflix is that it allows for/encourages binge watching TV shows. It makes my heart palpitate when I log in and see a show where 5 or more seasons were added. It gives me the certainty I need to know that I won't have to spend hours browsing Netflix for something that I'll regret watching anyways.

One quality I look for when I'm searching for a show to visually devour, is that it needs to be light. I can't engage myself in a deep drama hour after hour; it just gets too heavy. I find myself mentally drained from all the stress, miscommunication, sneakiness, plotting, and just overall DRAMA! I need something that I can feel good when watching it. Something that makes me laugh, but still has good relationships between the characters. And, unlike many dramas, I need a show where all the main characters don't just take turns sleeping with each other!

One show that I have found fits my binge watching wish list is 30 Rock. A show featuring Tina Fey as a head writer for a sketch comedy show called "TGS with Tracy Jordan". I had seen this show on TV many times before and caught random episodes here and there, but never really appreciated anything about it. But, now i know why. You HAVE to watch this show straight through from the beginning. Every episode there are new jokes, based on the jokes from the episode prior, based on the jokes the episode before that, etc. So, if you just jump in the middle, it's kind of funny, but you can tell you're missing something.

There is a very diverse group of characters in this show that make it so great. Most importantly, there's Liz Lemmon(Tina Fey), who is the MOST relatable nerd in the world. You have Alec Baldwin playing Jack Donaghy, the boss man. He's kind of the big shot, rich guy who is just awesome all the time at everything, for no real reason. Then theres Tracey Jordan and Jenna Maroney who are the main actors in the TV show. They put a new meaning to the word ridiculous. They are incredibly self involved, needy, and ignorant, but the cast needs to cater to their every need, since they are they stars. One of main caterers is Kenneth Parcell, who is the Page for the show, and basically does whatever Jenna or Tracey needs. Of course there are many more characters worth mentioning but I think you get the gist.

30 Rock is definitely hilarious, beginning to end, and I highly recommend it. Plus, Tina Fey is a comedic genius. Thanks to Netflix, I've actually had the privilege to watch all 7 Seasons, and I don't regret spending roughly 54 hours of my life watching this show :)

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Be safe. Be courteous.

Ryan