chasm said: I was avowed watch-hater before I got the Apple Watch, and I still snigger silently when I see someone with a conventional watch on their wrist -- why not carry a telegraph in your pocket for messages, GRANDDAD -- but I love what digital watches (and in particular the Apple Watch) can do beyond traditional "watch" functions. It boggles my mind that most people don't have a smartwatch -- I do see a fair number of "running bands" as I call them, but ... why? They're not much less than a Series 1, and they do SO VERY LITTLE and most of that not very well (they seem to wear out a lot faster as well, based on anecdotal evidence).
Yeah, I've worn a watch on and off over the years, but also in terms of utility (i.e.: tell the time). I've never really enjoyed wearing one. But, the utility, at least sometimes, might eventually win me over. I'm primarily concerned with how it behaves with no phone around, though (as opposed to a phone concierge.)
I'm guessing the 'smart'-band thing is primarily a cost issue. Maybe they want certain info, but it's just way easier to buy something that is $20-$100 instead of several hundred.
cornchip said: FWIW I turned off raise to wake. Cuts battery usage almost in half for me.
I'm not sure about the Watch, but on an iPhone, that's one of the first things that gets turned off. And, not even for battery-life, but to cut annoyance! (I suppose at some point, Apple will decide it is better if they determine when my phone is on/off, and remove my control over it... but until they do...)
GeorgeBMac said: And, for me, aside from the obvious, I expect the LTE to add subtle usability -- like not worrying about having to have my phone on me everytime I step out the front door.
I don't mind having to remember the phone when I go out... it's more that there are certain situations where I'd rather not have the phone (i.e.: kayaking, on the beach... basically around water. ).
I've had the Apple Watch 4 for several months and have decided to ditch it in favor of my old trusty Timex Ironman watch...that actually works like it's supposed to. Siri absolutely sucks on my Apple watch but works flawlessly on my iPhone. My biggest use of the watch was telling Siri to set various timers and Reminders to keep my day on track and to add things to my shopping list. But Siri has become so inconsistent that I literally feel like smashing the watch with a damn hammer. I tell Siri to add bananas to my shopping list, and she tells me that I don't have a shopping list. I speak the same command into my phone, and it's done without any hassle. I tell Siri (watch) to set a timer for 8 minutes, and she says she doesn't understand what I'm saying...or tells me to hold...forever. Do the same thing with my phone, and it works perfectly. Another issue is that I have to go into the watch app on my iPhone frequently to hit "Reset Sync Data" because it decides to no longer sync anything I input in Reminders to my other devices. So the watch has become extremely frustrating. My phone does everything better and is reliable. I've decided the Apple watch is garbage that I'm happier without. Absolutely regret ever having bought it, but the process has made me realize that it's basically just an extension of the iPhone that doesn't offer me anything of additional value. I don't need a heart monitor, and all of my basic needs can be easily filled by the iPhone. Yes, I have to actually reach down to retrieve it from my belt case (God forbid!).
I've had the Apple Watch 4 for several months and have decided to ditch it in favor of my old trusty Timex Ironman watch...that actually works like it's supposed to. Siri absolutely sucks on my Apple watch but works flawlessly on my iPhone. My biggest use of the watch was telling Siri to set various timers and Reminders to keep my day on track and to add things to my shopping list. But Siri has become so inconsistent that I literally feel like smashing the watch with a damn hammer. I tell Siri to add bananas to my shopping list, and she tells me that I don't have a shopping list. I speak the same command into my phone, and it's done without any hassle. I tell Siri (watch) to set a timer for 8 minutes, and she says she doesn't understand what I'm saying...or tells me to hold...forever. Do the same thing with my phone, and it works perfectly. Another issue is that I have to go into the watch app on my iPhone frequently to hit "Reset Sync Data" because it decides to no longer sync anything I input in Reminders to my other devices. So the watch has become extremely frustrating. My phone does everything better and is reliable. I've decided the Apple watch is garbage that I'm happier without. Absolutely regret ever having bought it, but the process has made me realize that it's basically just an extension of the iPhone that doesn't offer me anything of additional value. I don't need a heart monitor, and all of my basic needs can be easily filled by the iPhone. Yes, I have to actually reach down to retrieve it from my belt case (God forbid!).
Heh, as I was reading this, I was thinking... hmm, that's kind of my experience with my phone and computer. I don't even have a Watch. Every time I try to use Siri, it would have been easier to just do it manually. And while stuff usually syncs up, I've spent WAY too much time over the last few years mucking about trying to get it to, when it hasn't.
This stuff is all great if and when it works. When it doesn't, it kind of becomes a little hell. I'm not sure I could go back anymore, but I just wish Apple did a better job of it all.
Comments
I'm guessing the 'smart'-band thing is primarily a cost issue. Maybe they want certain info, but it's just way easier to buy something that is $20-$100 instead of several hundred.
I'm not sure about the Watch, but on an iPhone, that's one of the first things that gets turned off. And, not even for battery-life, but to cut annoyance! (I suppose at some point, Apple will decide it is better if they determine when my phone is on/off, and remove my control over it... but until they do...)
I don't mind having to remember the phone when I go out... it's more that there are certain situations where I'd rather not have the phone (i.e.: kayaking, on the beach... basically around water.
Every time I try to use Siri, it would have been easier to just do it manually. And while stuff usually syncs up, I've spent WAY too much time over the last few years mucking about trying to get it to, when it hasn't.
This stuff is all great if and when it works. When it doesn't, it kind of becomes a little hell.
I'm not sure I could go back anymore, but I just wish Apple did a better job of it all.