I ask this as a serious question, I'm not trying to attack you. Promise.
But who the **** needs to know their pulse rate, respiration rate, hydration levels, etc.? I mean, sure, I can maybe think of a few situations, but they are EXTREMELY niche.
Look at the iPod: Everyone loves music, right?
The iPhone: Everyone has a phone and makes calls, right?
These weren't niche products with a very limited user base. I can't remember the last time in my 46 years that I cared what my hydration level was, what my pulse rate was, etc. Not to mention it takes about 10 seconds and ZERO tech to determine one's pulse rate. Why do I need a WATCH to tell me my respiration rate? I can sorta figure that out on my own pretty easily.
I just don't see these health things as being appealing to anyone other than geeks and the aforementioned very small niche uses. And who the heck wears a watch anymore, other than for fashion? The last time I was more than 5 feet from a clock was probably 10 years ago.
I just don't see this as a mass market (as in 10s of millions units shipped per quarter) device. It seems pointless and basically a fad.
I understand what you are thinking. Maybe not all the function of the iWatch that are rumored suits everybody. We should be more interested in Apple releasing an iWatch with more than these 'basic' biometrics function. Smart home integration, prediction of heart attack, sleep quality, non-intrusive blood glucose level detection (for diabetics)... these could be features that are more exciting than just connecting to your iPhone (although I still like this feature a lot). We will see when the product is released. Remember when people said iPad is just a blown up iPod touch? No one at that time realized that the iPad is so successful that it starts to eat away PC sales. Apple is a company that can surprise us. We will see.
An iWatch supplanting iPod Touches? I don't think so. Maybe iPod Shuffles and Nanos, maybe. Now, i could believe that the iWatch might take over iPod Shuffle business because they'd be about the same size product (roughly the same amount of storage), But the iWatch can't have a big screen like the iPod Touch which is also used for other things like games, video where a larger screen is required.
Another possibility that Apple might surprise us with........... I don't know anything other than SPECULATION, so take with a LARGE grain of salt.
What's came to mind are those pictures of the so-called iPhone 6. What came to me as a POSSIBILTY is maybe the iPhone 6 photos people think is the iPhone 6, which looks more like a freaking 4.7 inch version of the iPod Touch (which hasn't been refreshed in almost two years). I was just thinking that maybe Apple might be releasing a 4.7inch iPod Touch (with 64Bit processor for gaming and maybe 24 Bit DAC for high res music). The reliable rumors is Apple is going to start selling 24 Bit content this year and if that becomes reality, then they have to have 24 Bit DACs in new products at some point. I don't know if it's what Apple is going to release, but it wouldn't shock me if they did. So, I'm not 100% convinced that these leaked photos are ONLY for the iPhone 6. Don't think anything other than what Apple actually releases because ANYTHING is possible. Personally, I think they might have a decent selling product with a 4.7inch iPod Touch w/ 64 bit processor, etc.
Given the current climate of NSA snooping etc, I think many people will be quite reluctant to being monitored constantly when that info can be obtained by NSA etc. This may well impact the attractiveness of this device, if that is it's primary function.
That's because you're judging it from the perspective of today's market. Biometrics will become huge in a few years time. These biometric rumors in the iWatch is the first step.
Also, it's not simply the tracking devices that are important. The apps that analyze this data, pull down medical records, and offer you recommendations are also important. I would buy one of these in a heart beat.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LJC94512
I understand what you are thinking. Maybe not all the function of the iWatch that are rumored suits everybody. We should be more interested in Apple releasing an iWatch with more than these 'basic' biometrics function. Smart home integration, prediction of heart attack, sleep quality, non-intrusive blood glucose level detection (for diabetics)... these could be features that are more exciting than just connecting to your iPhone (although I still like this feature a lot). We will see when the product is released. Remember when people said iPad is just a blown up iPod touch? No one at that time realized that the iPad is so successful that it starts to eat away PC sales. Apple is a company that can surprise us. We will see.
Yes, Apple can -- and does -- surprise us. But ...
If you look at something like the iPod or the iPhone or even the iPad, they were BOTH evolutionary AND revolutionary. They were evolutionary in the fact that they filled a market space that already existed. For instance, personal music players go back at least 30+ years to the Walkman. Cell phones go without saying. The iPad is a bit different, but there are lots of people who don't need a full notebook, and would benefit more from something like iPad, with an app-based OS obviously.
They were revolutionary in that they completely changed the market space. iPod connected with iTunes made it amazingly easy for people to both listen to and buy music (and eventually more, obviously). iPhone took the static mobile phone space and exploded it into something completely different. You now had a phone that could do anything you were interested in, was app-based, and could serve as a personal music player in and of itself on top of it all. Etc.
The iWatch, OTOH, is ... a watch. It's a small market space to begin with. I hardly ever see anyone under 60 wearing a watch these days unless, as I said, it's a fashion element. So, sure, if they are going to make a watch that looks like an Omega or a Rolex, and somehow be able to do dozens of things -- maybe. But we already have other devices that accomplish most of these tasks. And the health stuff, I still don't understand at all. I can't possibly see that as being a big selling point. "iWatch will tell you your hydration level!" I mean, really?
This seems to be a solution in search of a problem. iPod, iPhone, and iPad really were solutions to inadequate technology. This? Not so much.
Opposite camp for me. I really don't see a use for a "fitness band" but an easily accessible display and interface for useful things is intriguing. Rather depends on many factors, not the least of which is price. $50 and I'm in for about any device. $100 it better be good. Hard to imagine value at $200+. Remember - no carrier subsidies. Right?
The fact that you believe it can be anything other than a piece of crap for $50-$100 is fascinating. We're talking about a shitload of custom internal technology, and probably extremely high build quality. I see no scenario where they can make a desirable product for less than $199 a the very LEAST. Also, you have no clue what it might do yet, so of course you cant imagine the value.
These weren't niche products with a very limited user base.
iPod sales are declining, specifically non-iPod touch sales. So music players are in fact becoming a niche market. Apple has known this for a long time now. The first answer to the declining media player market was the iPhone. Apple saw that these devices were converging so they made a proactive decision to jump into the smartphone market to make sure the iTunes platform could thrive.
Continued erosion of the media player has just about put it into a niche market. The release of a fitness band with music abilities will allow Apple to enter into the fitness market (which is currently extremely large) by moving their current iPod workout customers to a new device before they buy into some other platform. Furthermore, the market for fitness and health related tracking devices is expected to grow to hundreds of millions of units in the next several years. Apple releasing a device that taps into that market is not a ridiculous notion. In fact, it is inevitable, otherwise they completely lose one stream of revenue.
Regarding the iWatch...
?I personally don't believe there's a market for so-called smart watches (fitness bands, yes ... there's always a market for exercise equipment), they're just not practical and not necessarily needed, especially how everyone envisions them. For an "iWatch" to be successful it would have to make people want to wear a time piece on their wrist again or get people who already do, see some added benefit in switching to another product.
I want the Apple watch to look great, to be different than all of the other lame attempts at smart watches currently available, and I want it to have some amazing features that nobody else has thought of yet.
I also hope that it's not too cheaply priced. Apple needs to make a great watch, not a cheap watch.
Yes, Apple can -- and does -- surprise us. But ...
If you look at something like the iPod or the iPhone or even the iPad, they were BOTH evolutionary AND revolutionary. They were evolutionary in the fact that they filled a market space that already existed. For instance, personal music players go back at least 30+ years to the Walkman. Cell phones go without saying. The iPad is a bit different, but there are lots of people who don't need a full notebook, and would benefit more from something like iPad, with an app-based OS obviously.
They were revolutionary in that they completely changed the market space. iPod connected with iTunes made it amazingly easy for people to both listen to and buy music (and eventually more, obviously). iPhone took the static mobile phone space and exploded it into something completely different. You now had a phone that could do anything you were interested in, was app-based, and could serve as a personal music player in and of itself on top of it all. Etc.
The iWatch, OTOH, is ... a watch. It's a small market space to begin with. I hardly ever see anyone under 60 wearing a watch these days unless, as I said, it's a fashion element. So, sure, if they are going to make a watch that looks like an Omega or a Rolex, and somehow be able to do dozens of things -- maybe. But we already have other devices that accomplish most of these tasks. And the health stuff, I still don't understand at all. I can't possibly see that as being a big selling point. "iWatch will tell you your hydration level!" I mean, really?
This seems to be a solution in search of a problem. iPod, iPhone, and iPad really were solutions to inadequate technology. This? Not so much.
You could view the iWatch a bit like iPad. The tablet market before iPad is not really popular and ubiquitous as the phone or the mp3 player market. After iPad came out people start to take the tablet market more seriously. I would say the same for iWatch, making people taking the smart watch market more seriously.
I don't think if Apple is going to market the iWatch as something that will tell your hydration level, because I do think it sounds lame. What they could do though is putting this kind of 'basic' biometric function in 1 sentence in the description of, lets say, a healthbook app in the iWatch to describe its function. What they can then do more is to put more emphasis on more advanced and possibly ground breaking features like the ones I've stated in my previous post. I think that will work good. The iWatch could possibly redefine the smart watch market, just the iPad did with the very niche tablet market at its time.
I ask this as a serious question, I'm not trying to attack you. Promise.
But who the **** needs to know their pulse rate, respiration rate, hydration levels, etc.? I mean, sure, I can maybe think of a few situations, but they are EXTREMELY niche.
Look at the iPod: Everyone loves music, right?
The iPhone: Everyone has a phone and makes calls, right?
These weren't niche products with a very limited user base. I can't remember the last time in my 46 years that I cared what my hydration level was, what my pulse rate was, etc. Not to mention it takes about 10 seconds and ZERO tech to determine one's pulse rate. Why do I need a WATCH to tell me my respiration rate? I can sorta figure that out on my own pretty easily.
I just don't see these health things as being appealing to anyone other than geeks and the aforementioned very small niche uses. And who the heck wears a watch anymore, other than for fashion? The last time I was more than 5 feet from a clock was probably 10 years ago.
I just don't see this as a mass market (as in 10s of millions units shipped per quarter) device. It seems pointless and basically a fad.
Wow, you're really missing the big picture. No, not many people need to know these stats on a minute by minute basis. However, having them recorded (which will be optional of course) and saved, so that you have a history of these numbers supplanted by your medicable history, would be INVALUABLE to doctors and medical professionals.
I ask this as a serious question, I'm not trying to attack you. Promise.
But who the **** needs to know their pulse rate, respiration rate, hydration levels, etc.? I mean, sure, I can maybe think of a few situations, but they are EXTREMELY niche.
Look at the iPod: Everyone loves music, right?
The iPhone: Everyone has a phone and makes calls, right?
These weren't niche products with a very limited user base. I can't remember the last time in my 46 years that I cared what my hydration level was, what my pulse rate was, etc. Not to mention it takes about 10 seconds and ZERO tech to determine one's pulse rate. Why do I need a WATCH to tell me my respiration rate? I can sorta figure that out on my own pretty easily.
I just don't see these health things as being appealing to anyone other than geeks and the aforementioned very small niche uses. And who the heck wears a watch anymore, other than for fashion? The last time I was more than 5 feet from a clock was probably 10 years ago.
I just don't see this as a mass market (as in 10s of millions units shipped per quarter) device. It seems pointless and basically a fad.
Pretty much agree. this fitness monitor stuff is way overblown. There's apparently some data associated with it - purchasers of these devices lose interest quickly, and they go unused shortly after acquisition.
I have a wristwatch, and when I forget to put it on, am constantly looking at my wrist to see what time it is. It's just me though - I get why many people think smartwatch tech isn't for them.
I am rather curious about price and battery life. That Samesung thingy looks awfully bulky. And buttugly.
Wow, you're really missing the big picture. No, not many people need to know these stats on a minute by minute basis. However, having them recorded (which will be optional of course) and saved, so that you have a history of these numbers supplanted by your medicable history, would be INVALUABLE to doctors and medical professionals.
..and insurance companies and the NSA? <sorta joking...>
The fact that you believe it can be anything other than a piece of crap for $50-$100 is fascinating. We're talking about a shitload of custom internal technology, and probably extremely high build quality. I see no scenario where they can make a desirable product for less than $199 a the very LEAST. Also, you have no clue what it might do yet, so of course you cant imagine the value.
Value is a subjective thing. I do concur that they need to make a desirable product, or it won't sell. And they need to make a *profitable* product, or there really isn't a point. Apple doesn't make cheap shit, low end filler, or uncool stuff. The iPod nano that fit on a wrist was $79, IIRC. Tech has advanced a bit since then, costs have come down.
People don't mind having the same phone as others, but often die of embarrassment if another person is wearing exactly the same clothes. A watch is on the boundary of these two categories, so is it embarrassing or ok to have the same watch?
I agree. Same phone can have different cases. But I doubt the watch will have case as an accessory. It'll be really weird to run into friends wearing the same style of watch but maybe different colors. "hey, we're wearing the matching watch today! and tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow, and ..."
$50 and I'm in for about any device. $100 it better be good. Hard to imagine value at $200+. Remember - no carrier subsidies. Right?
I'm thinking that Apple will add a "10% above the competition we are a premium brand" pricing strategy (since I thought the iPad mini would be $289 - $299 to compete with Android tablets vs. the actual original price of $329). So, Samsung's wearable is $299.99 with "network" ($199.99 with only Bluetooth).
I'm expecting $319. Something with a low "3" in it.
Do you see any chance that Apple would make a "low end" config for say, $199?
Not knowing anything has never stopped analysts from writing these "reports" and "supplying a copy to AppleInsider". AI's article backlog are basically analysts' press releases sitting in their inbox. The cover note says "Hey, could you give my report a little publicity?"
I'm thinking that Apple will add a "10% above the competition we are a premium brand" pricing strategy (since I thought the iPad mini would be $289 - $299 to compete with Android tablets vs. the actual original price of $329). So, Samsung's wearable is $299.99 with "network" ($199.99 with only Bluetooth).
I'm expecting $319. Something with a low "3" in it.
Do you see any chance that Apple would make a "low end" config for say, $199?
Dunno. Really hard to predict. Tablet ideas floated about until Steve walked out with one in hand. I bought one on launch day, and it was value to me. But my iP5s was $199; albeit with a carrier subsidy - that I figured I was going to buy anyway - and I'm having a hard time picturing an iWatch having the utility and value as my iP5s. It better be spectacular starting with a 3 in it. Unless...you think it is a standalone phone too?
I hope this rumor turns out to be false. I think Motorola's round watch is hideous. Also, wouldn't manufacturing a round screen be far more expensive than a square or rectangular one, for no benefit other than an aesthetic difference?
Comments
I ask this as a serious question, I'm not trying to attack you. Promise.
But who the **** needs to know their pulse rate, respiration rate, hydration levels, etc.? I mean, sure, I can maybe think of a few situations, but they are EXTREMELY niche.
Look at the iPod: Everyone loves music, right?
The iPhone: Everyone has a phone and makes calls, right?
These weren't niche products with a very limited user base. I can't remember the last time in my 46 years that I cared what my hydration level was, what my pulse rate was, etc. Not to mention it takes about 10 seconds and ZERO tech to determine one's pulse rate. Why do I need a WATCH to tell me my respiration rate? I can sorta figure that out on my own pretty easily.
I just don't see these health things as being appealing to anyone other than geeks and the aforementioned very small niche uses. And who the heck wears a watch anymore, other than for fashion? The last time I was more than 5 feet from a clock was probably 10 years ago.
I just don't see this as a mass market (as in 10s of millions units shipped per quarter) device. It seems pointless and basically a fad.
I understand what you are thinking. Maybe not all the function of the iWatch that are rumored suits everybody. We should be more interested in Apple releasing an iWatch with more than these 'basic' biometrics function. Smart home integration, prediction of heart attack, sleep quality, non-intrusive blood glucose level detection (for diabetics)... these could be features that are more exciting than just connecting to your iPhone (although I still like this feature a lot). We will see when the product is released. Remember when people said iPad is just a blown up iPod touch? No one at that time realized that the iPad is so successful that it starts to eat away PC sales. Apple is a company that can surprise us. We will see.
That's because you're judging it from the perspective of today's market. Biometrics will become huge in a few years time. These biometric rumors in the iWatch is the first step.
Also, it's not simply the tracking devices that are important. The apps that analyze this data, pull down medical records, and offer you recommendations are also important. I would buy one of these in a heart beat.
I understand what you are thinking. Maybe not all the function of the iWatch that are rumored suits everybody. We should be more interested in Apple releasing an iWatch with more than these 'basic' biometrics function. Smart home integration, prediction of heart attack, sleep quality, non-intrusive blood glucose level detection (for diabetics)... these could be features that are more exciting than just connecting to your iPhone (although I still like this feature a lot). We will see when the product is released. Remember when people said iPad is just a blown up iPod touch? No one at that time realized that the iPad is so successful that it starts to eat away PC sales. Apple is a company that can surprise us. We will see.
Yes, Apple can -- and does -- surprise us. But ...
If you look at something like the iPod or the iPhone or even the iPad, they were BOTH evolutionary AND revolutionary. They were evolutionary in the fact that they filled a market space that already existed. For instance, personal music players go back at least 30+ years to the Walkman. Cell phones go without saying. The iPad is a bit different, but there are lots of people who don't need a full notebook, and would benefit more from something like iPad, with an app-based OS obviously.
They were revolutionary in that they completely changed the market space. iPod connected with iTunes made it amazingly easy for people to both listen to and buy music (and eventually more, obviously). iPhone took the static mobile phone space and exploded it into something completely different. You now had a phone that could do anything you were interested in, was app-based, and could serve as a personal music player in and of itself on top of it all. Etc.
The iWatch, OTOH, is ... a watch. It's a small market space to begin with. I hardly ever see anyone under 60 wearing a watch these days unless, as I said, it's a fashion element. So, sure, if they are going to make a watch that looks like an Omega or a Rolex, and somehow be able to do dozens of things -- maybe. But we already have other devices that accomplish most of these tasks. And the health stuff, I still don't understand at all. I can't possibly see that as being a big selling point. "iWatch will tell you your hydration level!" I mean, really?
This seems to be a solution in search of a problem. iPod, iPhone, and iPad really were solutions to inadequate technology. This? Not so much.
Opposite camp for me. I really don't see a use for a "fitness band" but an easily accessible display and interface for useful things is intriguing. Rather depends on many factors, not the least of which is price. $50 and I'm in for about any device. $100 it better be good. Hard to imagine value at $200+. Remember - no carrier subsidies. Right?
The fact that you believe it can be anything other than a piece of crap for $50-$100 is fascinating. We're talking about a shitload of custom internal technology, and probably extremely high build quality. I see no scenario where they can make a desirable product for less than $199 a the very LEAST. Also, you have no clue what it might do yet, so of course you cant imagine the value.
Look at the iPod: Everyone loves music, right?
These weren't niche products with a very limited user base.
iPod sales are declining, specifically non-iPod touch sales. So music players are in fact becoming a niche market. Apple has known this for a long time now. The first answer to the declining media player market was the iPhone. Apple saw that these devices were converging so they made a proactive decision to jump into the smartphone market to make sure the iTunes platform could thrive.
Continued erosion of the media player has just about put it into a niche market. The release of a fitness band with music abilities will allow Apple to enter into the fitness market (which is currently extremely large) by moving their current iPod workout customers to a new device before they buy into some other platform. Furthermore, the market for fitness and health related tracking devices is expected to grow to hundreds of millions of units in the next several years. Apple releasing a device that taps into that market is not a ridiculous notion. In fact, it is inevitable, otherwise they completely lose one stream of revenue.
Regarding the iWatch...
?I personally don't believe there's a market for so-called smart watches (fitness bands, yes ... there's always a market for exercise equipment), they're just not practical and not necessarily needed, especially how everyone envisions them. For an "iWatch" to be successful it would have to make people want to wear a time piece on their wrist again or get people who already do, see some added benefit in switching to another product.
I want the Apple watch to look great, to be different than all of the other lame attempts at smart watches currently available, and I want it to have some amazing features that nobody else has thought of yet.
I also hope that it's not too cheaply priced. Apple needs to make a great watch, not a cheap watch.
Yes, Apple can -- and does -- surprise us. But ...
If you look at something like the iPod or the iPhone or even the iPad, they were BOTH evolutionary AND revolutionary. They were evolutionary in the fact that they filled a market space that already existed. For instance, personal music players go back at least 30+ years to the Walkman. Cell phones go without saying. The iPad is a bit different, but there are lots of people who don't need a full notebook, and would benefit more from something like iPad, with an app-based OS obviously.
They were revolutionary in that they completely changed the market space. iPod connected with iTunes made it amazingly easy for people to both listen to and buy music (and eventually more, obviously). iPhone took the static mobile phone space and exploded it into something completely different. You now had a phone that could do anything you were interested in, was app-based, and could serve as a personal music player in and of itself on top of it all. Etc.
The iWatch, OTOH, is ... a watch. It's a small market space to begin with. I hardly ever see anyone under 60 wearing a watch these days unless, as I said, it's a fashion element. So, sure, if they are going to make a watch that looks like an Omega or a Rolex, and somehow be able to do dozens of things -- maybe. But we already have other devices that accomplish most of these tasks. And the health stuff, I still don't understand at all. I can't possibly see that as being a big selling point. "iWatch will tell you your hydration level!" I mean, really?
This seems to be a solution in search of a problem. iPod, iPhone, and iPad really were solutions to inadequate technology. This? Not so much.
You could view the iWatch a bit like iPad. The tablet market before iPad is not really popular and ubiquitous as the phone or the mp3 player market. After iPad came out people start to take the tablet market more seriously. I would say the same for iWatch, making people taking the smart watch market more seriously.
I don't think if Apple is going to market the iWatch as something that will tell your hydration level, because I do think it sounds lame. What they could do though is putting this kind of 'basic' biometric function in 1 sentence in the description of, lets say, a healthbook app in the iWatch to describe its function. What they can then do more is to put more emphasis on more advanced and possibly ground breaking features like the ones I've stated in my previous post. I think that will work good. The iWatch could possibly redefine the smart watch market, just the iPad did with the very niche tablet market at its time.
I ask this as a serious question, I'm not trying to attack you. Promise.
But who the **** needs to know their pulse rate, respiration rate, hydration levels, etc.? I mean, sure, I can maybe think of a few situations, but they are EXTREMELY niche.
Look at the iPod: Everyone loves music, right?
The iPhone: Everyone has a phone and makes calls, right?
These weren't niche products with a very limited user base. I can't remember the last time in my 46 years that I cared what my hydration level was, what my pulse rate was, etc. Not to mention it takes about 10 seconds and ZERO tech to determine one's pulse rate. Why do I need a WATCH to tell me my respiration rate? I can sorta figure that out on my own pretty easily.
I just don't see these health things as being appealing to anyone other than geeks and the aforementioned very small niche uses. And who the heck wears a watch anymore, other than for fashion? The last time I was more than 5 feet from a clock was probably 10 years ago.
I just don't see this as a mass market (as in 10s of millions units shipped per quarter) device. It seems pointless and basically a fad.
Wow, you're really missing the big picture. No, not many people need to know these stats on a minute by minute basis. However, having them recorded (which will be optional of course) and saved, so that you have a history of these numbers supplanted by your medicable history, would be INVALUABLE to doctors and medical professionals.
I ask this as a serious question, I'm not trying to attack you. Promise.
But who the **** needs to know their pulse rate, respiration rate, hydration levels, etc.? I mean, sure, I can maybe think of a few situations, but they are EXTREMELY niche.
Look at the iPod: Everyone loves music, right?
The iPhone: Everyone has a phone and makes calls, right?
These weren't niche products with a very limited user base. I can't remember the last time in my 46 years that I cared what my hydration level was, what my pulse rate was, etc. Not to mention it takes about 10 seconds and ZERO tech to determine one's pulse rate. Why do I need a WATCH to tell me my respiration rate? I can sorta figure that out on my own pretty easily.
I just don't see these health things as being appealing to anyone other than geeks and the aforementioned very small niche uses. And who the heck wears a watch anymore, other than for fashion? The last time I was more than 5 feet from a clock was probably 10 years ago.
I just don't see this as a mass market (as in 10s of millions units shipped per quarter) device. It seems pointless and basically a fad.
Pretty much agree. this fitness monitor stuff is way overblown. There's apparently some data associated with it - purchasers of these devices lose interest quickly, and they go unused shortly after acquisition.
I have a wristwatch, and when I forget to put it on, am constantly looking at my wrist to see what time it is. It's just me though - I get why many people think smartwatch tech isn't for them.
I am rather curious about price and battery life. That Samesung thingy looks awfully bulky. And buttugly.
Wow, you're really missing the big picture. No, not many people need to know these stats on a minute by minute basis. However, having them recorded (which will be optional of course) and saved, so that you have a history of these numbers supplanted by your medicable history, would be INVALUABLE to doctors and medical professionals.
..and insurance companies and the NSA? <sorta joking...>
The fact that you believe it can be anything other than a piece of crap for $50-$100 is fascinating. We're talking about a shitload of custom internal technology, and probably extremely high build quality. I see no scenario where they can make a desirable product for less than $199 a the very LEAST. Also, you have no clue what it might do yet, so of course you cant imagine the value.
Value is a subjective thing. I do concur that they need to make a desirable product, or it won't sell. And they need to make a *profitable* product, or there really isn't a point. Apple doesn't make cheap shit, low end filler, or uncool stuff. The iPod nano that fit on a wrist was $79, IIRC. Tech has advanced a bit since then, costs have come down.
It will be fun to see what they come up with.
People don't mind having the same phone as others, but often die of embarrassment if another person is wearing exactly the same clothes. A watch is on the boundary of these two categories, so is it embarrassing or ok to have the same watch?
I agree. Same phone can have different cases. But I doubt the watch will have case as an accessory. It'll be really weird to run into friends wearing the same style of watch but maybe different colors. "hey, we're wearing the matching watch today! and tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow, and ..."
$50 and I'm in for about any device. $100 it better be good. Hard to imagine value at $200+. Remember - no carrier subsidies. Right?
I'm thinking that Apple will add a "10% above the competition we are a premium brand" pricing strategy (since I thought the iPad mini would be $289 - $299 to compete with Android tablets vs. the actual original price of $329). So, Samsung's wearable is $299.99 with "network" ($199.99 with only Bluetooth).
I'm expecting $319. Something with a low "3" in it.
Do you see any chance that Apple would make a "low end" config for say, $199?
I'm thinking that Apple will add a "10% above the competition we are a premium brand" pricing strategy (since I thought the iPad mini would be $289 - $299 to compete with Android tablets vs. the actual original price of $329). So, Samsung's wearable is $299.99 with "network" ($199.99 with only Bluetooth).
I'm expecting $319. Something with a low "3" in it.
Do you see any chance that Apple would make a "low end" config for say, $199?
Dunno. Really hard to predict. Tablet ideas floated about until Steve walked out with one in hand. I bought one on launch day, and it was value to me. But my iP5s was $199; albeit with a carrier subsidy - that I figured I was going to buy anyway - and I'm having a hard time picturing an iWatch having the utility and value as my iP5s. It better be spectacular starting with a 3 in it. Unless...you think it is a standalone phone too?
I don't see Johnny Ives designing a boring round watch. Rumors and speculation all in the name of page hits.
I can see the promo video now.
Jony Ive with white background, head tilted to 3.1415926.. degrees
"At Apple, we agonised for 3 years 15 months 782 days 64 hours 95 minutes and 77 seconds over the design of this new icon.
We took everything that had come before and just threw it away.
We meditated on time.
We did not speak a word to each other for over 14 weeks.
Then, the design revealed itself.
The circle.
The simplest and yet most complex element in the universe, having neither beginning nor end.
If you look at all watches that have come before, and this one, this is the only one with the new infinite polish bevel surround.
We have developed new manufacturing processes to generate the subtle shape, polished at the molecular level with angels farts.
The ratio, of a circle's diameter to its circumference is an infinite non repeating sequence of digits.
It is infinite. it contains everything.
It includes the blueprints of all of our remaining products at Apple.
It contains a photograph of the queen shagging her corgis.
And even Steve…
Yes Steve is inside in this WATCH.. his entire DNA sequence, and mine, and yours, all of us.. is in this new infinity device.
So what did we call it? we call it infinitePi, or iPi for short.
We developed solar charging technology, so you never need to charge it. it will last to infinity and beyond!
MMM Pie!! it's so good, you could eat it. (we suggest you don't)
and BOY have we patented it!"
I can see the promo video now.
Jony Ive with white background, head tilted to 3.1415926.. degrees
"At Apple, we agonised for 3 years 15 months 782 days 64 hours 95 minutes and 77 seconds over the design of this new icon.
We took everything that had come before and just threw it away.
We meditated on time.
We did not speak a word to each other for over 14 weeks.
Then, the design revealed itself.
The circle.
The simplest and yet most complex element in the universe, having neither beginning nor end.
If you look at all watches that have come before, and this one, this is the only one with the new infinite polish bevel surround.
We have developed new manufacturing processes to generate the subtle shape, polished at the molecular level with angels farts.
The ratio, of a circle's diameter to its circumference is an infinite non repeating sequence of digits.
It is infinite. it contains everything.
It includes the blueprints of all of our remaining products at Apple.
It contains a photograph of the queen shagging her corgis.
And even Steve…
Yes Steve is inside in this WATCH.. his entire DNA sequence, and mine, and yours, all of us.. is in this new infinity device.
So what did we call it? we call it infinitePi, or iPi for short.
We developed solar charging technology, so you never need to charge it. it will last to infinity and beyond!
MMM Pie!! it's so good, you could eat it. (we suggest you don't)
and BOY have we patented it!"
You have a lot of time on your hands, don't you?