I've long counted headphones as wearables. Sure, they are simple electronic devices that we wear, but even within their single-use functionality—or multi-use functionality if you count volume controls, a microphone for voice calls, microphones for noice canceling—they can be quite complex. Think of it as an early step toward a rich and complex wearable the way anti-lock breaks, and automatic transmission, on-baord computers, and cruise control are all necessary first steps in an intelligent automobile before we could ever get to a truly self-driving/autopilot or driver-less automobile.
Apple's AirPods with the W1 chip has a lot of potential. Personally, I'd like to see headphones begin to use biometrics to help the Watch and iPhone gather data more effectively. Right now, it's as simple as an IR sensor to know when it's in or out of your ear (or likely being placed against an object), but in the future it could take your temperature as you exercise (we've had IR ear thermometers for decades), use the accelerometers in each ear piece plus your Watch and/or iPhone to get a better idea of how you run and when you're most exhausted based on balance and stride, and countless other things I can't possibly imagine.
Or, over the next 20 years: Could ear buds become the next Apple Watch where: the Apple Watch effectively replaces the IPhone and then AirPods replace the Apple Watch? Eventually, they will be able to fit all the wireless modems, GPS, gyroscopes, heart rate sensors (and more) in the ear buds...
Over time, the biggest distinction between the Apple Watch and the IPhone will be the screen size. Likewise, eventually, the biggest distinction between the Apple Watch and AirPods will be the lack of a screen.
Just for the stats, as a boomer this Christmas I'll be buying the first Apple Watch as a present, it's the first Apple product I didn't get right away.
brucemc sai ... ... A long way to go, as the market is just getting started, but good potential. Very interested to see where Apple takes this over the next 3-5 years.
I would look beyond 3-5 years. That will be the growth and maturing window.
But the smart watch opens up the same window for miniaturization that the PC world experienced through the 80's & 90's. At some point, the capabilities of the smart watch will begin to rival those of the smart phone and be limited only by screen size... That is: you won't be able to do FaceBook or email on a smart watch (not easily or effectively). But, will you want to lug around smart phone just for those?
We started with room sized mainframes which progressed to 40 pound desktops which progressed to 5 pound laptops which progressed to pocket sized smart phones which is progressing to wrist sized smart watches....
Good insights.
This is exactly what those clowns who say Apple's iPhone will be a commodity and that's why they will eventually be doomed. BS.
Computing Devices will not be a commodity for another 100 years at least. Specific form factors may be commodity, but not computing devices as a whole. There will always be a new form factor that will command premium prices.
It really is ridiculous how short sighted the tech media and investment media is about the future of the Apple Watch. In a decade it will probably replace the phone as the preferred platform of personal computing.
1. Apple Watch with projection technology that can display a 4-5 inch holographic display 2. Wireless earpiece to use Siri, makes calls, ect
That is the future
If you think about those last two bullets, and I don't disagree, at some point a signet ring could replace the watch!.
The Series 2 of the Watch will probably sell at least the same number if not more units. The reasons are obvious I believe:
1. Those who aren't early adopters, and this was a pure Gen 1 device.
2. The bugs have been worked out.
3. The CPU is faster.
4. Longer battery life.
etc,
etc...
The Series 2 of the Watch will probably sell at least the same number if not more units. The reasons are obvious I believe:
1. Those who aren't early adopters, and this was a pure Gen 1 device.
2. The bugs have been worked out.
3. The CPU is faster.
4. Longer battery life.
etc,
etc…
Even if it gets replaced as the flagship n 12 months, as opposed to Series 1 which has had about 1.5 years, I think Series 2 will easily outsell Series 1. By the time they show us the next Keynote slide of how Apple Watch stacks up to the rest of the watch market I think we'll see Apple Watch in the number one spot. Everything is pointing to Apple owning this market in terms of profitability the way they've owned the PC, PMP, phone, and tablet markets.
What are Gen X and Millennials? I don't know the difference. I'm an almost 70 Baby Boomer born at the beginning of 1947. Had original Space Gray WATCH since April 2015. Now going Gold Coffee Series 2. Love being the first to die with an WATCH on my wrist.
I'm sure someone may take it off your wrist at your death 'cept you gave it to the grandkids or great grandkids. Lol.
Since Apple has decided health and fitness might be the proper focus of the the newest Apple Watch models I found this study interesting: Counter to what we would logically expect it instead shows that those using their wearables to assist with weight loss/fitness are in general wasting their time. Keeping track the old-fashioned way got better results.
Study hints wearable fitness trackers do more harm than good
Since Apple has decided health and fitness might be the proper focus of the the newest Apple Watch models I found this study interesting: Counter to what we would logically expect it instead shows that those using their wearables to assist with weight loss/fitness are in general wasting their time. Keeping track the old-fashioned way got better results.
Study hints wearable fitness trackers do more harm than good
Talk about clickbait. The article title, as noted above, and the article's conclusion are at odds with each other.
People are losing weight with fitness trackers. […] Both of the parties in this study lost weight. […] While one group lost a little bit more, the study ultimately found that, “Both groups had significant improvements in body composition, fitness, physical activity, and diet, with no significant difference between groups.”
Comments
Over time, the biggest distinction between the Apple Watch and the IPhone will be the screen size. Likewise, eventually, the biggest distinction between the Apple Watch and AirPods will be the lack of a screen.
Study hints wearable fitness trackers do more harm than good
http://readwrite.com/2016/09/24/new-study-hints-wearable-fitness-trackers-harm-good-hl4/