It wasn't even smartphones that took watches out for good. It was flip phones.
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What happened to smartwatches?
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It wasn't even smartphones that took watches out for good. It was flip phones.
Personally, I already have a phone, and I already have a watch. Combining the two sounds really cool in practice, but what's the point if I have to charge it every day? The whole point of a watch is it will always tell the time. Always.
I guess fitness trackers are a little different. Cheaper, and the charge lasts longer (1 week iirc). So I wouldn't consider those "smartwatches" but they do fit the mold of "tells time + more".
EDIT: If watches are "gone for good" then I'm living in the past.
I guess fitness trackers are a little different. Cheaper, and the charge lasts longer (1 week iirc). So I wouldn't consider those "smartwatches" but they do fit the mold of "tells time + more".
EDIT: If watches are "gone for good" then I'm living in the past.
Delicious Waffles
Member
I'm a teacher so I cant have my phone out and, nine times out of time, the clocks in the classrooms don't work. I got a Pebble. If I get messages, I can quickly check them through that. Does the job.
radios shipping overview
Member
They didn't. It's been around.
For me, personally, I had a Pebble Steel for awhile that I used with my iPhone 4s. Notifications on my wrist were a game-changer for me. Unfortunately, Apple fixed bugs in their BT stack, and Pebble was never able to make their watch stay connected after that. So I sold it to an Android-using coworker who has been very happy with it.
In the intervening time, I've missed the crap out of that thing, particularly when I was volunteering at CodeMash this year and had to pull out my phone (now a 6s+) to time things and read notifications. It's just so much better to be able to glance quickly instead of pulling out the phone.
I'm getting an Apple Watch 2 when they finally come out later this year.
In the intervening time, I've missed the crap out of that thing, particularly when I was volunteering at CodeMash this year and had to pull out my phone (now a 6s+) to time things and read notifications. It's just so much better to be able to glance quickly instead of pulling out the phone.
I'm getting an Apple Watch 2 when they finally come out later this year.
breakYODAy
Member
I never understood the appeal, but I'm not really a fan of wearing objects on my arms or face.
I was a classic watch dude and then on Black Friday I got the 42mm space grey iWatch for $50 using various deals on Target. Honestly it's really really good. I mean the simple music controller was a massive help in the winter. Also at the airport where I just scan my iWatch was epic.
People were like omg he must be first class.
I might sell off my iWatch right before the reveal of gen2 though. Watch is excellent but small improvements on it can make it worth it for me
People were like omg he must be first class.
Jk, I wish
I might sell off my iWatch right before the reveal of gen2 though. Watch is excellent but small improvements on it can make it worth it for me
killer rin
Member
Smartwatches were an interesting idea with a lot of chances to actually go somewhere, killed by lack of battery life and in most circumstances required a smartphone to utilize the little functionality they actually have. Plus in some cases they were locked down to a single Smartphone OS. Nobody knew what they wanted them to be as they attempted to be everything all at once while having massive limitations, so for now, they will continue to operate in the fitness arena.
Honestly, if I was going to make a smart watch; I would make it a standalone device that is essentially your Android Phone on your Wrist. Basically, 4 fingers wide, has a sim slot for cellular/data connectivity, contains all the fitness sensors located within fitness bands, is fully waterproof has qI Wireless charging (for on the go charging) and most importantly NFC for mobile payments. Also instead of being in a watch form factor, it would be more like Leela's band from Futurama
Honestly, if I was going to make a smart watch; I would make it a standalone device that is essentially your Android Phone on your Wrist. Basically, 4 fingers wide, has a sim slot for cellular/data connectivity, contains all the fitness sensors located within fitness bands, is fully waterproof has qI Wireless charging (for on the go charging) and most importantly NFC for mobile payments. Also instead of being in a watch form factor, it would be more like Leela's band from Futurama
Some folks here seem obsessed with the Apple Watch failing. Its a first gen product, it's ok it if doesn't light the world on fire immediately. It's doing just fine. So are Samsung watches and probably the Moto 360 (although likely to a lesser extent). The market is projected to grow a ton and a new revision comes out in the Fall. Maybe in 2-3 years we can say if the product "failed" or not.
Motivated reasoning can make people ignore real life market trends and declare premature deaths of products all the time.
I don't think a "watch" is what people want. You see tons more people wearing small fitbit devices because it has almost all of the utility and far fewer smartwatch problems. With the fitbit lasting a week on a charge it makes things like sleep tracking possible (which is one of the best features) and if you have to charge it every night you don't get that with a smartwatch.
Hands free messaging/tweeting is a godsend for skating or driving. Exercise is much easier to keep track of with a variety of apps. Also just having Siri on your wrist is insanely convenient. It's actually a pretty fantastic device. Looks eloquent in Edition: Space Black too.
TimeEffect
Member
Too expensive. And useless if you cant read it in the sunlight. And if the battery dies
Id get behind an e-ink watch though. Readable in sunlight. Long battery.
Besides telling time, the only thing Id like is seeing if I received a message. And sending confirmations to messages like "ok"
A phone is not a good substitute for telling time
Id get behind an e-ink watch though. Readable in sunlight. Long battery.
Besides telling time, the only thing Id like is seeing if I received a message. And sending confirmations to messages like "ok"
A phone is not a good substitute for telling time
jts
...hate me...
I honestly never felt this to be a problem at all. Its 9PM and my Watch sits at 59% battery. Ive had it in workout mode for about an hour today as well.
At night I charge it (and it becomes my nightstand clock) and the next day Im golden again.
And in the off-chance that the battery ever dies on me due to an exceptionally long day, its not a big deal because its a redundant device, and it will still tell me the time.
Although, Ive felt that my phone got a battery hit ever since I got my Watch. Now that concerns me a bit more.
Never ever ran into this with my Apple Watch.
When you buy a watch its gonna last you a decade if not more, Whereas a smartwatch will last like 2-3 before becoming out of date and require upgrading. I just dont think people are interested in upgrade cycles for their watches, especially when they just duplicate their phones functionality
AngmarsKing701
Member
They took a beating. People wearing them were called Glassholes and signs started going up in some places indicating that you weren't allowed to wear them in their shop. Too much invasion of privacy when everyone around you is self-conscious about whether you're recording everything they say and do.
Smart watches are cheap compared to a good watch though. I've noticed move people in my office wearing smart watches in their right wrist and a traditional watch on the left. I hope the trend doesn't catch on.
We are still waiting for Apple to release their version which will be better than anything we've ever seen. Not sure why they haven't released it yet though. Surely it's time they did.
You should know better than to talk sense in these kinds of threads by now.
Chezzymann
Member
Watches are just a social statement these days to say how much disposable money you have. And most smart watches are ugly compared to the ones on the ultra expensive watch market. So why pick the ugly one?
Dylan Sexbang
Banned
I want an apple watch, but as of now I just don't see the value to usefulness ratio there yet. Maybe in a couple iterations and when I have a better job.
Kurt Angle
Member
i use one, but doubt ill get the apple watch 2
its adds benefits....but not things you cant live without
the apple watch screen is better than my iphones, what are you talking about
its adds benefits....but not things you cant live without
the apple watch screen is better than my iphones, what are you talking about
I have an Apple Watch. Cellular connectivity is not a concern for me.
But yeah, if anything is screaming for carved screen it's the Smart watch.
What happened to smart watches? I bought one and use it everyday.
I love it, but it's not necessary - but that itself doesn't mean anything other than you will never capture the entire user base.
Personally I LIKE that it's not necessary. It's a useful convenience, but I like not being tied to it and feeling I need it.
I am surprised at the amount of dumb-watch hate in this thread (I mean the watches are dumb, as opposed to smart, not that the haters are dumb). I get that you can check the time on your phone easily, but what's wrong with wearing a simple watch?
- regardless of how quick it is to whip your phone out, a watch is always gonna be faster
- I don't have to orient my watch and then hit a button to see the time
- I can't drop my watch and shatter the screen, costing me hundreds of dollars
- I can hold things in both hands and STILL know what time it is anytime I want (with the possible exceptions of hot drinks)
- I can read a watch while walking, running, moseying, etc
I gave up watches for years around the time I got my first smartphone. Bought a decent Timex for under $40 a couple years ago and can't believe I got along without it.
Watches are A-OK
- regardless of how quick it is to whip your phone out, a watch is always gonna be faster
- I don't have to orient my watch and then hit a button to see the time
- I can't drop my watch and shatter the screen, costing me hundreds of dollars
- I can hold things in both hands and STILL know what time it is anytime I want (with the possible exceptions of hot drinks)
- I can read a watch while walking, running, moseying, etc
I gave up watches for years around the time I got my first smartphone. Bought a decent Timex for under $40 a couple years ago and can't believe I got along without it.
Watches are A-OK
The Real Abed
Perma-Junior
Yeah, I stopped wearing a watch when my last one finally died in late 2006 a month after I got my first cell phone, which was a candybar, and realized it had a clock on it anyway so why bother?
I can't see how this would work sufficiently enough. It'd need to be a pretty powerful projector to make it bright enough to see outside. And the shape of the arm would be a weird problem. They might as well just make Leela's Wrist LoJack-a-mater instead. Or, just an empty shell casing that you put your phone in. Maybe with a microphone and speaker and some software that puts it in wrist landscape-only mode when attached.I've been waiting and waiting for a release of the Cicret bracelet that projects your android phone onto your fore-arm and is fully interactive.
Extremely neat concept, but I don't think it will ever get off the ground. It unfortunately seems that if it were possible, someone would have done it already.
For those interested:
At that point you might as well just get a smartwatch, or continue putting up with having to hold your phone in your hand.
Seeing a lot of people say this in the thread but I've never had any issues with battery. I do charge it every night though (using this great iPad/iPhone/Apple Watch dock) but I usually wear it for around 10 hours during a weekday.
QuantumZebra
Member
Watches are like hats - they represent your style, and some nicer ones have other cool features (diver watches showing pressure/temps etc)
Phones are utilitarian devices that do everything a "smart watch" does
Phones are utilitarian devices that do everything a "smart watch" does
A "real life" projected growth of 40% this year for a relatively new and highly hyped product isn't exactly a good sign.
jts
...hate me...
People definitely love to play around with the different bands, band types, colors, materials, different cases and sizes when it comes to the Apple Watch, especially with that quick way of swapping bands it has. Kinda captures the Swatch playful spirit, even if they are not jewelry.
Well, although, the Edition ones, made out of gold, are technically jewelry. Don't care much for those though.
Jazzy Network
Member
My Gear S2 lasts 2 days with regular use with always on display. Probably 4 if that was turned off. Battery is pretty good. Of course it pales in comparison to your standard analog watch or fashion watch, but it does so much more than tell time. I'm happy with how they function even if they never end up taking off.
I thought they were useless, but then I got a Moto 360 from an "as-is, no power" auction on eBay for $8. An overnight charge brought it back to life. I think it's nice. I like not having to take out my phone to check notifications when I'm outside, and the voice controls are really useful. I definitely wouldn't pay upwards of $200 for one, but I think smartwatches are accessories and they have their place. I can see them taking off when prices come down and the tech matures. Battery life is not great, for one. Much like VR, I don't think the tech was ready for consumers yet.
Smartphones felt like an actual solution to a problem - people didn't want to carry around separate devices to make calls, take pictures, play games, and listen to music. Smartwatches on the other hand felt like they were the solution to a problem I was being told I had, but really didn't. I think smartwatches have their place, but they're ultimately accessories.
SapientWolf
Trucker Sexologist
The market is the watch market. Eventually, battery life will be better, the screens will be so good that you won't be able to tell them apart from a regular wrist watch until you use it, and the entry level prices won't be any higher than conventional watches.
But they're obviously not there yet.
Totally agree with this.
"Tired of taking your phone out of your pocket to check the time, or to read a text message?!?"
Nah, I'm good. It's pretty fucking easy actually.
jts
...hate me...
Smartwatches are like Nest thermostats, Philips Hue lightbulbs, connected scales, connected fitness bands, and all these connected devices that flourished in the post-iPhone world.
They exist because they can now exist. They are not essencial but they are neat and allow you to do neat things with them. For some they are not worth the entry ticket, for others they are.
Again, I dont understand the need of justifying their existence by trying to compare them against the smartphone, which is arguably the most life-changing device in the information society since the personal computer. The smartwatch is not the next big thing. The smartwatch is merely a thing. Let it be.
They exist because they can now exist. They are not essencial but they are neat and allow you to do neat things with them. For some they are not worth the entry ticket, for others they are.
Again, I dont understand the need of justifying their existence by trying to compare them against the smartphone, which is arguably the most life-changing device in the information society since the personal computer. The smartwatch is not the next big thing. The smartwatch is merely a thing. Let it be.
Admiral Woofington
Member
Biggest issue was battery life and build quality. I owned the Motorola 360 watch and it looked great but the hinges broke and the only way to fix it is to send it to moto? Fuck that. And yeah the battery life with regular use would last me maybe day or day and a half. Having to remember to charge something else everyday was a pain
davepoobond
you can't put a price on sparks
smartwatches end up being pretty dumb
rokkerkory
Member
I love watches like breitlings and such. Not a smart phone watch as thats what phones are for.
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