BlueLightning

I'm about 18 years older than the author.  If there are alternative universes, there are likely a few where Xerox went after the mass market, rather than allowing Apple and Microsoft to capitalize on the Xerox Alto graphical user interface.  There could be one or two alternative universes where H. P. did not rebuff Job's request to have H. P. build microcomputers for Apple.  There could even be an alternative universe where Intel manufactured chips for the iPhone.  

Still using a Sears analog watch from the 1980s that has never been repaired.  Battery is getting more expensive to replace.  Strangely, this unit has lasted a lot longer than a bunch of previous Timex units (they took a licking, but they are no longer ticking).  Unsure who manufactured this 40 year old watch.  

IF and when I buy an Apple Watch (likely in 4-8 years), when it needs out of warranty repairs, I'll work with someone like Mission Repair or UBreakIfix.  The former has kept my 2008 era 80 gb  iPod Classic alive and working with a new battery and micro disk replacement.  May talk with one of them about a 2nd gen. iPhone SE battery (in a few years).  Looks like Best Buy and a few others also offer service.  Have not checked flat rate repair prices.  Suspect life span of an Apple or Android watch is not even close to as long as an old-fashioned analog quartz watch (or older mechanical analog watch).  

Wonder what warranty says about reimbursement for third party repairs?  Sometimes auto manufacturers will pay for third party repairs that are made, if the car is later recalled by the manufacturer or no dealer within a large number of miles.  There may also be a clause concerning third party repairs if an Apple store is not reasonably available (stores are probably not present in all countries, or within a certain distance of many owners).  

Wonder if traveling to Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia:  Could you have the watch replaced/exchanged, given US residency?  I think it may be reasonably easy to travel into Mexico or Canada.  Do you need a passport?  Have not been out of the US since mid-1980s (only a valid US drivers license was required at that time to visit Canada or Mexico).  How about nearby British Colonies or other island states?  There are some countries that only require a US passport card, others that require a passport booklet, and some that are off limits.  I think there are additional fees that are applied by European and certain other countries to offset costs of customs and other inspectors (more common in last few years).  

I've always had so-so luck with finger tip oxygen sensors.  If Apple has been working on a new software method, maybe they can get better results than the patented method, which Masimo would have specifically defined in the decades old patent application.  There are almost always multiple ways to approach a problem.  Others state that there is only 5 years left on the patent.  Alternatively, Apple could sue Masimo if it is infringing patents Apple holds, opt to pay Masimo a license fee, or attempt a hostile take over of Masimo.  Maybe claim the patent is too broad or otherwise invalid, and claim damages (resulting in high legal expenses for Masimo, and possible bankruptcy for Masimo)?  If Masimo is infringing on Apple patents with any of Masimo's products, Apple could demand license payments or those products could be banned in the US, or other countries. Sometimes cross-licensing agreements for little or no cost are the ultimate agreement.   

Very few folks actually read license agreements.  Most long license agreements for operating systems and some other software state that user agrees not to use software for life critical uses and may specify it should not be used to control airplanes, nuclear reactors, medical equipment or any situation that could result in death if the software malfunctions.  Some also state that the maximum you can recover for a failure of the software is the amount you paid for the license (zero, if it was free).  Lawyers on both sides should make a mint on related legal action, if either or both firms want to seriously fight from all angles.  I suspect Masimo has a much smaller legal budget than Apple, Microsoft or IBM (and many others in the computer industry).  Microsoft, in the past, has fought infringement cases long enough to bankrupt the firms making the claim of infringement.  Apple, Microsoft and IBM all have huge numbers of patents.  So they often meet an infringement claim with multiple counter claims.  

Toward the end of the article, indicates thieves may not have wanted ANY cell phone.  Fencing a cell phone probably only nets 10-15% of street value; maybe a bit more for parts via China.  Cars and cash are much quicker and larger dollar amounts.  Thieves just wanted to keep victim from calling police. Why did they give it back, instead of throwing it into a river or dumpster?  Nobody said thieves were smart!  

Also was interesting to read of decrease in several types of crime in DC.  Maybe because of high-rollers (at expense of constituents) like Santos won't be ripping off their campaign contributors (and being easy marks)?  There are still MANY wealthy lobbyists to target.  😇

In addition to freight delivery folks, there could be issues with any temporary warehouse holding locations.  More detailed background checks may be required anywhere people could perform a switch.  Sometimes, these include interviews of neighbors of potential or current employees, as well as investigations of prior employers, checks for criminal records, eduction verification (and any recorded problems), driving records, debt owed by the current or potential employee, social media posts, background checks of relatives...  May not be as detailed as required to hire (or retain) those working with classified military information, but still should be examined carefully.