Meh. Can't help but think an "apple fuelband" would fit the "job to be done" a bit better based on the positive feedback regarding the health/fitness benefits.
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Surprised apple isn't selling the iPhone6+watch for a package discount, they want to drive adoption of both. The watch is Apple advertising that is never hidden in your pocket.
I feel the urge to buy one, but know it's an uphill battle for Apple. Ever since I switched from Android to iOS, I've been missing Google Now and direct Google Maps integration like crazy. I can't lock myself further into Apple's sub-par services just for the sake of hardware. I think the services around Android Wear are going to make it better in the long-term, but Apple definitely just set the standard when it comes to physical build quality.
@zachtratar I haven't used Android extensively. Can you elaborate on what you like(d) better about Google Now vs Siri, and the android gMaps app vs iOS gMaps?
@staringispolite The differences in quality are very glaring. Apple Maps directions are completely off 10% of the time, whereas I've only had Google send me a strange way one or twice, ever. Siri is a complete mess compared to Google Now. Google Now is like asking a real assistant for information, whereas Siri feels like talking to a robot that only gets it right 30% of the time. The types of searches you can do on Google Now are much more extensive.
@zachtratar I'm not talking about Apple maps, I'm talking about iOS's gMaps. I haven't noticed any big difference. Interesting to hear your XP with Siri vs GN. (I've never seen either look/feel natural). What are some queries GN can do that Siri can't?
@staringispolite Integrates directly into Google Now === way better. "Ok Google, Navigate to this restaurant". You may not even know where the restaurant is, but Google does. Apple screws that command up *a lot*. In addition, gMaps isn't going to be directly integrated into the Apple Watch. Apple prioritizes their own apps and ecosystem.
@zachtratar I vastly prefer typing to those voice-style commands, but if that weren't the case, I can totally see that being important. Just tried using Siri and it (a) understood what I said (b) plugged in something completely different into the map, and (c) used Apple Maps.
Oooooh good point about Apple Watch using Apple Maps. I assume (hope) Google Maps' team releases an app of their own for directions. (Also hoping Strava does this for their Routes feature)
I think this is truly a first wearable. This is my hunch. The other devices are tracables, nor wearables, because we didn't want to wear them. Same with the phone, remember? We didn't not love our phones, not even Razr, but we loved the iPhone.
Hart to conclude just based on the keynote, but all indicators point in the direction of a transformative device. The challenge is Phones were must have, and watches are definitely not, but if I had to bet, I'd say this is going to take off.
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Benedict Evans, Frank Chen, and I share our thoughts on the Apple Watch, Apple Pay, and the new iPhones in an a16z podcast. Take a listen. http://a16z.com/2014/09/09/a16z-...
I think a lot of the existing smartwatches on the market are still pretty competent if not better in terms of their price and value, although I do think that if smartwatches do end up going mainstream, it'll be because of Apple.
Also, I think the countdown and the hype they created preceding the keynote was so much because they realized that without enough hype, a smartwatch would be a hard sell to the majority of their demographic.
I've been waiting for this watch for about a decade now.
Unfortunately, it looks like even the smaller 38 mm version might be too big for my wrist.
And what about people who wear their watch on their right wrist?
What do we actually know about that array of sensors on the bottom?
It measures the heart rate, but how? Is it "yet another" optical measurement, like the Basis Health Tracker (http://bit.ly/1nK764K) or the Samsung Gear Fit does?
What about about other sensors, besides basic gyroscopic movement detection? Will it be able to recognize specific exercises and count repetition, such as the Atlas Fitness Tracker (http://bit.ly/1rVKDtj) aims to do?
@boettges They covered HR sensors in the keynote. IR + visible spectrum measurement of HR.
According to this behind-the-scenes report from the event the final systems aren't decided yet. But it at least includes the pulse sensor & accelerometer (plus access to all the iPhone's sensors).
Given that they announced heart rate and step counter functionality, plus the ability to discern vigorous exercise vs walking vs standing, I'd say the answer to your question is "yes".
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