[gomezz]

The problem with smart watches from my research into getting one is that they fail at the first hurdle of not being as reliable at doing that most basic thing of accurately telling the time compared to my current radio-controlled watch.

[moox]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gomezz

The problem with smart watches from my research into getting one is that they fail at the first hurdle of not being as reliable at doing that most basic thing of accurately telling the time compared to my current radio-controlled watch.

Sounds similar to smartphones with whizz bang processors, screens and cameras but crap call quality

[jonmorris]

Quote:

Originally Posted by psionic

For now all they really offer is another way of accessing your smartphone without getting it out of your pocket. Notifications and messages mainly. Extra sensors for fitness activities etc. and mic so you can interact with it with voice are an added bonus.

And that suits me just fine!

[jonmorris]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gomezz

The problem with smart watches from my research into getting one is that they fail at the first hurdle of not being as reliable at doing that most basic thing of accurately telling the time compared to my current radio-controlled watch.

Mine keeps time okay, and syncs via the phone which is always up to date.

When the link to the phone is severed (e.g. flight mode) then you can adjust it manually. I'm never in flight mode long enough to expect the time to slip by more than a fraction of a second.

[Mark in Essex]

I've been looking for an excuse to buy one, but cannot make up an excuse as they would not really benefit me.

My wife has one, but that's only because she is not supposed to use a mobile phone on the 2 jobs she has so just keeps the phone in her pocket and then just checks her "watch" if there is a phone call or message just in case it's from the school about our children.

[simon69c]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gomezz

The problem with smart watches from my research into getting one is that they fail at the first hurdle of not being as reliable at doing that most basic thing of accurately telling the time compared to my current radio-controlled watch.

Not a problem I've experienced with my Pebble(s) - they sync time with my phone (which in turn is set from the network time), so they are always spot on. I'm not entirely sure of the sync period, but for example when I go abroad and my phone updates the time when it connects to a local network, my watch isn't far behind.

[psionic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonmorris

And that suits me just fine!

Me too, and I guess many enthusiasts of everything technology related as many of us are here. Personally I find it handy and less distracting just glancing at my wrist when there's a notification for example. Saves fishing my phone out of my pocket every time, especially when I busy working on other things.

However the masses need to convinced that there is a tangible benefit to that rather that just using their phones. They'll sell fairly well I'm sure but just nowhere near the levels of smartphone sales - at least for a while.

Apple may well make a difference though. They are late in this game. But tend to concentrate more on aesthetics and usability, and that may well kick start much wider adoption in general.

[David (2)]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonmorris

Payments or accessing doors etc is likely to be a feature of smartwatches in the future. But let's get people used to the basics first!

Hyundia are currently developing a smart phone app which allows the owner to lock, unlock, their hyundia car as well as a few other minor functions. I think the key option will still be offered.

Apple have said they want to push this idea further so in the future no cars will ship with keys, only an app which you load onto your smart phone or watch.

In either case, I would be a tad concerned about the codes going over IP. Apps could be hacked into etc. There is also a concern what might happen insurance wise if your car is stolen via hacking. Would be tricky to prove the app had been hacked into. There's all sorts of issues leading from this such as what if the maker of the car you want only provides an app for android but you have a apple or windows phone. App stability will need to be rock solid too, otherwise you may find yourself locked out your car. Lastly, be it smart watch or phone, you better make sure it's fully charged before setting off in the car...dead battery means you won't get home. Could lead to a number new "breakdowns".

[Rodney McKay]

I think it depends on how you see the smart watch.

Is it a replacement for a phone, in which case I think it would be a failure or is it simply a watch that has some additional functions that can enhance your phone use.

I like my Pebble, it is the latter, you can wear it as a normal watch and it works fine, it can have some additional functionality or watch faces and allows me to see messages without dragging my phone out, especially if it's buried in a shirt pocket underneath a coat etc or in a meeting without the need to appear rude to the person talking or presenting.

[gomezz]

Sorry, but looking at your watch while talking to someone has always been seen as the height of rudeness.

[neo_wales]

I'll stick with my 1970 Rolex Submariner.

[Faust]

I think that as with 3D TV this is one technology that I'll be giving a miss. Yet one more product to keep charging up, err! I don't think so.

Perhaps if battery life was similar to my regular wristwatch i.e. around 2 years then it might stand a chance though even then it would be struggling to compete for my cash.

[gomezz]

I would like to wear a nice looking expensive watch but spend most of my hours either banging around doing manual tasks or sweating away while exercising neither of which is good news for jewellery items. I do have a dress watch for the odd occasion I go out somewhere posh but mostly wear an inexpensive (but deadly accurate) sports watch.

Did you know Fitbit have yet to produce a waterproof model and that they are prone to causing severe skin rashes and even burns?

These people really need to get some experienced watchmakers on board.

[jabbamk1]

I think one thing that Apple are doing is for the first time in a long time (excluding 6+) is that they're creating the Apple Watch the APAC market in mind first. Sure the Apple Watch will have worldwide appeal and will see sales in it's home and other Western markets but the premium model of these watches will be heavily marketed to the APAC market who will gobble it up for a few reasons.

Firstly Apple are seen as one of the popular Western brands in China among the rising middle and high class, demonstrating wealth is accepted and so people buy Apple products for this reason, the Gold version will be popular among Chinese buyers capturing the 24-35 market.

It's why Gfk are estimating that Smart Watch sell through will increase from 1.5m units in 2014 to over 10 million units in 2015 and accounting for more than 1/3rd of the total market.

However, that being said, in the short term I don't see the total market exceeding 100 million units a year until 2020 and after. In the long term it'll be fun to see what happens. But right now it'll remain a niche device that compliments Apple's other products (450 million iOS users) and not a competitor.

[TheCloakroom99]

Of course I will. I would look like a loser without one.

[jonmorris]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gomezz

Sorry, but looking at your watch while talking to someone has always been seen as the height of rudeness.

That's a very good point and one I made when reviewing the Sony Ericsson/Fossil watch many years ago.

You're in a meeting and the watch vibrates to show a message and you look to read it only to have people thinking 'Are we holding you up?'.

But, I do think people are gradually coming around to things like this and also accepting people glancing at their phone to see who is calling (but obviously diverting to voicemail unless it's life threatening or you're just rude).

Who still thinks someone walking down the street talking without holding a phone is crazy, rather than talking on a hands free headset?

Perceptions change.

[jchamier]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gomezz

Did you know Fitbit have yet to produce a waterproof model and that they are prone to causing severe skin rashes and even burns?

I have a Fitbit one which clips to your clothes, around £80. The one that caused skin rashes I believe was recalled and refunded in the US, the Fitbit Force. I think it was replaced by the Flex that you can now buy in Argos etc, also around £80. Fairly basic functionality. Then they have the Charge, Charge HR and Surge, which are £100, £110, and £200 respectively. The Surge is the only one that could be compared to a smartwatch and its "splashproof" I believe???
I assume a smartwatch is going to be £250+, and probably an Apple one could be £500+ (!)

http://help.fitbit.com/articles/en_U...rritation-FAQs

[gomezz]

The Surge and the Charge both also have user reports of rashes and burns. There seems to be several theories what is the cause: strap material; unprotected USB charging contacts; Bluetooth RF, take your pick. All Fitbit do in response to complaints is parrot the cleaning regime mantra which I take to mean they haven't a scooby. I am surprised there has not been a mass recall of these models too to pre-empt a mass-action law suit in the USA.

[Mikdyer252]

I have a Martian Passport Smartwatch. It's metal & glass with a leather strap.
The watch battery lasts two years between replacements & is totally independent of any phone, the smart side of things needs charging only once a week.

It vibrates my wrist for discreet notifications, texts, emails, and calendar appointments are easy to read on the oled display.

I like it, it's a nice mix of old & new technology & it keeps good time as well !.

[ih8mondays]

I've got a moto 360. I like tech, so whilst I know it is not perfect, I'm giving it a go out of interest in tech.

It is a little weird talking to it - e.g. Asking a question for a Google search, but quite handy sometimes.

It keeps an eye on how many steps I do. I can check my bank balance via it, look at the train station boards (using UK trains app), plus quickly read texts and what's apps without reaching for my phone - handy if it is on charge downstairs.

Also I often didn't hear my phone ringing so it is quite handy to have a vibration from the watch plus I can decide wether to reject or answer the call from the watch.

[Faust]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheCloakroom99

Of course I will. I would look like a loser without one.

Do you care?

[Faust]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ih8mondays

I've got a moto 360. I like tech, so whilst I know it is not perfect, I'm giving it a go out of interest in tech.

It is a little weird talking to it - e.g. Asking a question for a Google search, but quite handy sometimes.

It keeps an eye on how many steps I do. I can check my bank balance via it, look at the train station boards (using UK trains app), plus quickly read texts and what's apps without reaching for my phone - handy if it is on charge downstairs.

Also I often didn't hear my phone ringing so it is quite handy to have a vibration from the watch plus I can decide wether to reject or answer the call from the watch.

So basically it's just replicating what your smartphone already does/can do. Reminds me of buying both the hard back and paperback version of the same book?

[ASIFZED]

Took a punt and ordered the first gen Samsung Galaxy Gear (£80, new via eBay). Didn't want to spend a fortune on a new watch and mate at the gym has the Galaxy Gear, which seems adequate for my immediate needs when I had a play of it. He also said since the OS has gone to Tizen, with moderate use, he can get 4-5 days use out of it.

Hoping to receive it tomorrow. Anyone got one of these?

[alanwarwic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jchamier

I have a Fitbit one which clips to your clothes, around £80. The one that caused skin rashes I believe...

That £10 Mi Band sounds like a far more up to date version. It looks the same cept it has a wrist strap container that no doubt can also cause a skin rashe.

Just like this Apple watch I bet too.

The thing about the wrist bands is that you can get a month or more of battery life.

[alanwarwic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ih8mondays

I've got a moto 360. ...

It goes Moto Maker style next month so expect more (expensive) accessories.

Will it get even more good looks ?