What if it's not a watch, but a watch band? What if Apple is doing is MARRYING the old and the new? They probably will offer a "watch" to go with the band, but what if you can also just get the band and put your own watch on it?
Yeah, see that falls a little to much on the gadgetry side for me and something that I wouldn't wear personally, I guess maybe a little too young for my taste. I know my kids will go gaga over something like that though, which will probably be Apples target group anyway, young teens to mid twenties. With of course the exceptions, like wearing one during exercise but to be honest Timex and Garmin sell some pretty great workout watches with all the bells and whistles like heart monitor and GPS trackings for less then 150 bucks with batteries that pretty much last forever. So it might be a hard sell for Apple if their going to charge 300 for theirs and require an iPhone to get a GPS signal.
We don't know how much Apple will charge. Also, IMHO, it will have various types of bands, as I said to SolipsismX above, from the expensive (silver, gold, platinum) to the inexpensive (colorful plastic).
We don't know how much Apple will charge. Also, IMHO, it will have various types of bands, as I said to SolipsismX above, from the expensive (silver, gold, platinum) to the inexpensive (colorful plastic).
Yeppers your right, shall reserve judgment till a later day.
Likely, this is a result of problems with internal marketing and sales teams; likely also understanding demographics.
I imagine the continual binge hiring of staff to fill jobs from people in luxury in a country where the wealth is controlled by 1% of the population. Apple won't be a mass-market company.
Within a decade's time, (according to durable Swatch), I imagine Apple will be bought by Sears or K-Mart.
Let's face it. Eddie Lampert could probably do wonders selling Apple's real estate leases.
Surely if the release is this fall then the launch plans/details must be already in place? Seems a bit late to hire an expert unless the release date is further away than expected?
Seems like a bit late to me as well. Maybe Apple's marketing will be different than in the past and more restrained in how they make the product available. I think the iWatch (or whatever it turns out to be) may be a luxury item and out of the price range of all but the very wealthy... initially or long term. I suspect that Apple is going to be far different about their iWatch then Microsoft or Samsung is thinking, and a lot of people will be shocked.
I've been saying it, and I'll say it again: It will not be one iWatch but a whole line of wearables. It will be high tech and haute fashion with some models leaning more towards function others towards form. They will be sold in retail settings of commensurate prestige and snob appeal and apple just might roll out a sub-brand to highlight the fashion-forward nature if this major new branch in Apple's product tree.
Seems like a bit late to me as well. Maybe Apple's marketing will be different than in the past and more restrained in how they make the product available. I think the iWatch (or whatever it turns out to be) may be a luxury item and out of the price range of all but the very wealthy... initially or long term. I suspect that Apple is going to be far different about their iWatch then Microsoft or Samsung is thinking, and a lot of people will be shocked.
I highly doubt Apple will release a product that would be out of reach of most iPhone users. Though it's fun to speculate we have to be realistic with our speculations, it's Apple so we know the interface will be fun and intuitive, it will most likely offer the same functionality of every other smart watch out there, with of course a few more surprises but they won't be something we haven't seen before. Samsung, Google, Microsoft, Qualcomm, LG might seem like inferior companies to you and in no way capable of making a product that could ever be considered as equal to Apple. However their smart watches albeit different in the way they approach the problem will still more or less have the same capabilities as Apples offering. Yes Apple is a very talented company but doesn't have anymore resources, access to new technologies or talented engineers that these other companies don't have as well. Apple's iWatch will be a consumer level product that yes will be very intuitive, very cool looking, will most likely sell more because their efforts will outshine the competition and probably be a lot more enjoyable to use. That being said though, I also wouldn't get my hopes up if your expecting something that will revolutionize the watch industry with features that the others haven't thought up already or even manage to put a dent into the luxury watch world. Unless of course Apple will allow high end watch makers to use their UI with their products, which we all know won't happen. Like with the Kairos watch, high end watch makers will most likely be using Google's interface as it's unobtrusive, intuitive UI that is actually pretty decent regardless of your bias thoughts to the contrary, as with the Kairos it especially looks good when paired with a mechanical watch.
These are just thoughts and who knows you might be right, Apple may release a luxury item but I personally believe that not to be the case, Apple doesn't produce anything unless it can sell them by the millions and make a hefty profit from high margins in the process. Oh and the 20th Anniversary Mac doesn't count, different era in Apple's history.
I haven't worn a watch for a good while now since I've had my iPhone with me all the time. But it's admittedly a little awkward to have to haul my iPhone out of my pocket and press the button to see the time.
Cool video, yes Breitling, Rolex, Tag, Omega, etc. make very attractive watches that are intended for fashion, their largest sellers though are still the practical models. I think I mentioned before that my sister is married to a very lovely man who works for Omega, anyway their largest selling line is the Speedmaster Series, a watch that I've even seen on bus drivers. Though for me personally and God forbid my brother in law finds out, I still think the Monaco line of watches from Tag are still the most attractive men's watches around. If it had a transparent LCD overlay with Googles Watch UI on top, oh my gosh, there probably wouldn't be a price that would prevent me from buying one.
Could you imagine this
With an unobtrusive and elegant computer UI that only shows itself when you need it or a from a notification
Cool video, yes Breitling, Rolex, Tag, Omega, etc. make very attractive watches that are intended for fashion, their largest sellers though are still the practical models. I think I mentioned before that my sister is married to a very lovely man who works for Omega, anyway their largest selling line is the Speedmaster Series, a watch that I've even seen on bus drivers. Though for me personally and God forbid my brother in law finds out, I still think the Monaco line of watches from Tag are still the most attractive men's watches around. If it had a transparent LCD overlay with Googles Watch UI on top, oh my gosh, there probably wouldn't be a price that would prevent me from buying one.
Could you imagine this
With an unobtrusive and elegant computer UI that only shows itself when you need it or a from a notification
Oh baby, makes me hot just thinking about it.
Don't worry, they will eventually arrive. It's just not very practical yet, the watches will be pretty thick to start. I for one would pick one up in jiff as a 'daily driver'. But f.e. Breitling already went digital for some watch functions in some models (f.e. the Emergency line) so they might less easily object to something like this. And definitely the lower end brands will jump on this eventually, brands that are highly fashion focused. Just don't expect Jaeger-LeCoultre, Ulysse Nardin, Patek Philippe,.. and the likes to adopt this. They have a completely different target audience.
P.S. There are a lot of Speedmaster knock offs, so it is always possible that you saw one of those on the bus driver
Oh, and the Kairos is not a transparent LCD but TOLED or transparent OLED (most likely Samsung, LG or Futaba manufactured/designed)
Btw: look at the Kairos website, it runs Android Wear. With Kairos OS now being optional.
Hmmm yes. I flew military aircraft for a living. Didn't meet a single guy wearing a Breitling. I think i'd prefer my jam resistant, ftequency hopping, long range radio in my seat pack.
Good on Breitling for that marketing that makes people think their buying kit that fighter pilots have.
They have an optional display type but I can't seem to find any info on it.
You are right, they also offer you the choice of an ICON Type Transparent Display (Static icons, Numbers & English text only). But I imagine that option will probably only support Kairos OS and not Android Wear. It's indeed hard to find any info about it, but since it only supports static icons it looks like it would be a more primitive type display (but probably more power efficient though). Maybe something like transparent e-ink.
Aren't high smart phones (real ones anyway) starting to saturate in the more affluent markets? Seems like it would make sense for Apple to create a product 1) that existing phone owners would want to buy because it adds value to their phone and 2) that would entice new customers to buy a phone to fully enjoy the new experience. Not to mention a product that might even encourage customers to buy a Mac as well.
Seems to me that this new device might be sort of a hardware plug-in. Costs less than a phone, but you get more value if you use it with a phone.
Comments
We don't know how much Apple will charge. Also, IMHO, it will have various types of bands, as I said to SolipsismX above, from the expensive (silver, gold, platinum) to the inexpensive (colorful plastic).
We don't know how much Apple will charge. Also, IMHO, it will have various types of bands, as I said to SolipsismX above, from the expensive (silver, gold, platinum) to the inexpensive (colorful plastic).
Yeppers your right, shall reserve judgment till a later day.
Hadn't seen this but it's along the lines of what I envision Apple releasing... High concept design.
A concept that's shipping in December, I can't wait to actually see one up close.
I imagine the continual binge hiring of staff to fill jobs from people in luxury in a country where the wealth is controlled by 1% of the population. Apple won't be a mass-market company.
Within a decade's time, (according to durable Swatch), I imagine Apple will be bought by Sears or K-Mart.
Let's face it. Eddie Lampert could probably do wonders selling Apple's real estate leases.
Seems like a bit late to me as well. Maybe Apple's marketing will be different than in the past and more restrained in how they make the product available. I think the iWatch (or whatever it turns out to be) may be a luxury item and out of the price range of all but the very wealthy... initially or long term. I suspect that Apple is going to be far different about their iWatch then Microsoft or Samsung is thinking, and a lot of people will be shocked.
Akin to putting a Bentley in an article about Kia.
NSFW language warning...
[VIDEO]
Seems like a bit late to me as well. Maybe Apple's marketing will be different than in the past and more restrained in how they make the product available. I think the iWatch (or whatever it turns out to be) may be a luxury item and out of the price range of all but the very wealthy... initially or long term. I suspect that Apple is going to be far different about their iWatch then Microsoft or Samsung is thinking, and a lot of people will be shocked.
I highly doubt Apple will release a product that would be out of reach of most iPhone users. Though it's fun to speculate we have to be realistic with our speculations, it's Apple so we know the interface will be fun and intuitive, it will most likely offer the same functionality of every other smart watch out there, with of course a few more surprises but they won't be something we haven't seen before. Samsung, Google, Microsoft, Qualcomm, LG might seem like inferior companies to you and in no way capable of making a product that could ever be considered as equal to Apple. However their smart watches albeit different in the way they approach the problem will still more or less have the same capabilities as Apples offering. Yes Apple is a very talented company but doesn't have anymore resources, access to new technologies or talented engineers that these other companies don't have as well. Apple's iWatch will be a consumer level product that yes will be very intuitive, very cool looking, will most likely sell more because their efforts will outshine the competition and probably be a lot more enjoyable to use. That being said though, I also wouldn't get my hopes up if your expecting something that will revolutionize the watch industry with features that the others haven't thought up already or even manage to put a dent into the luxury watch world. Unless of course Apple will allow high end watch makers to use their UI with their products, which we all know won't happen. Like with the Kairos watch, high end watch makers will most likely be using Google's interface as it's unobtrusive, intuitive UI that is actually pretty decent regardless of your bias thoughts to the contrary, as with the Kairos it especially looks good when paired with a mechanical watch.
These are just thoughts and who knows you might be right, Apple may release a luxury item but I personally believe that not to be the case, Apple doesn't produce anything unless it can sell them by the millions and make a hefty profit from high margins in the process. Oh and the 20th Anniversary Mac doesn't count, different era in Apple's history.
Kind of like an LED pocket watch:)
http://www.ledwatches.net/photo-pages/quasar.htm
I don't see the point of the Swiss watchmakers getting in bed with Apple. Different target markets.
Swiss watches are renowned for their mechanical movements, for one, and you won't see LED displays. Let alone, a screen.
A Swiss watch is a fashion statement.
/ahem, fashion statement???
/ahem, fashion statement???
Cool video, yes Breitling, Rolex, Tag, Omega, etc. make very attractive watches that are intended for fashion, their largest sellers though are still the practical models. I think I mentioned before that my sister is married to a very lovely man who works for Omega, anyway their largest selling line is the Speedmaster Series, a watch that I've even seen on bus drivers. Though for me personally and God forbid my brother in law finds out, I still think the Monaco line of watches from Tag are still the most attractive men's watches around. If it had a transparent LCD overlay with Googles Watch UI on top, oh my gosh, there probably wouldn't be a price that would prevent me from buying one.
Could you imagine this
With an unobtrusive and elegant computer UI that only shows itself when you need it or a from a notification
Oh baby, makes me hot just thinking about it.
Cool video, yes Breitling, Rolex, Tag, Omega, etc. make very attractive watches that are intended for fashion, their largest sellers though are still the practical models. I think I mentioned before that my sister is married to a very lovely man who works for Omega, anyway their largest selling line is the Speedmaster Series, a watch that I've even seen on bus drivers. Though for me personally and God forbid my brother in law finds out, I still think the Monaco line of watches from Tag are still the most attractive men's watches around. If it had a transparent LCD overlay with Googles Watch UI on top, oh my gosh, there probably wouldn't be a price that would prevent me from buying one.
Could you imagine this
With an unobtrusive and elegant computer UI that only shows itself when you need it or a from a notification
Oh baby, makes me hot just thinking about it.
Don't worry, they will eventually arrive. It's just not very practical yet, the watches will be pretty thick to start. I for one would pick one up in jiff as a 'daily driver'. But f.e. Breitling already went digital for some watch functions in some models (f.e. the Emergency line) so they might less easily object to something like this. And definitely the lower end brands will jump on this eventually, brands that are highly fashion focused. Just don't expect Jaeger-LeCoultre, Ulysse Nardin, Patek Philippe,.. and the likes to adopt this. They have a completely different target audience.
P.S. There are a lot of Speedmaster knock offs, so it is always possible that you saw one of those on the bus driver
Oh, and the Kairos is not a transparent LCD but TOLED or transparent OLED
(most likely Samsung, LG or Futaba manufactured/designed)
Btw: look at the Kairos website, it runs Android Wear. With Kairos OS now being optional.
Hmmm yes. I flew military aircraft for a living. Didn't meet a single guy wearing a Breitling. I think i'd prefer my jam resistant, ftequency hopping, long range radio in my seat pack.
Good on Breitling for that marketing that makes people think their buying kit that fighter pilots have.
They have an optional display type but I can't seem to find any info on it.
They have an optional display type but I can't seem to find any info on it.
You are right, they also offer you the choice of an ICON Type Transparent Display (Static icons, Numbers & English text only). But I imagine that option will probably only support Kairos OS and not Android Wear. It's indeed hard to find any info about it, but since it only supports static icons it looks like it would be a more primitive type display (but probably more power efficient though). Maybe something like transparent e-ink.
edit: typo
Aaaawwwwhhh, I hate cats!
Aren't high smart phones (real ones anyway) starting to saturate in the more affluent markets? Seems like it would make sense for Apple to create a product 1) that existing phone owners would want to buy because it adds value to their phone and 2) that would entice new customers to buy a phone to fully enjoy the new experience. Not to mention a product that might even encourage customers to buy a Mac as well.
Seems to me that this new device might be sort of a hardware plug-in. Costs less than a phone, but you get more value if you use it with a phone.
I thought fat-cats had nicer watches
" src="http://forums-files.appleinsider.com/images/smilies//lol.gif" />