Watch Out!
The new Apple Watch is set to propel Apple to the next level.
October 1, 2014
Apple’s most recent announcement of its “Apple Watch” line has reignited the conversation surrounding a new category of mobile technology, often referred to as “wearables.” While some competitors already offer these wearables or “smart watches,” among the most prominent being Samsung’s ‘Galaxy Gear’ line, the sector as a whole as yet to gain real momentum; however, most tech analysts agree that the question is not whether or not they will take off, but when. As a result, there is a lot of pressure on the silicon giants to crack open the market and begin the next mobile revolution (while making mountains of cash in the process). This leaves us asking ourselves: has Apple created the product we never knew we needed? Let’s find out.
Design
There’s little value in a killer piece of mobile tech if it doesn’t look appealing, so Apple of course, made sure to point out the careful consideration that went into the aesthetics of its watch. Their design guru Jony Ive (the bald gentleman with the accent in the commercials) details everything from its seamless, rounded design to its ability to easily remove and insert straps of different styles. While critical response has varied, for reasons ranging from over-simplicity to challenging the traditional ’round face design’, public response (the one that ultimately matters) has been largely positive. Its minimalistic approach allows it to match with many different styles and outfits, which is vital when creating a fashion accessory. Apple is certainly onto something in this department, and with legendary watch designer Marc Newman, now named an official Apple employee (having worked on the Apple Watch design only as a partner), the future bodes well for the inevitable ‘Apple Watch 2″.
Functionality
As with every Apple product, there is a direct connection between the design and functionality of the Apple Watch. Everything is purposefully developed with the user in mind, ensuring a unique and accessible experience. The incorporation of the ‘Digital Crown’ serves as a perfect example. On a standard watch, the crown is the rounded knob that is turned in order to set the time, but because the Apple Watch is digital, there is no need for this, and instead of removing it entirely, it is given an entirely new purpose. Turning the knob will now zoom in and out of the content that is on the screen, providing an easy to use and easy to access mode of navigation that can’t be found on any other smart watches. These kinds of innovations are found within every part of the Apple Watch, from the touch and pressure sensitive screen to the impressive array of sensors that can accurately monitor personal health data. It’s all an exceedingly brilliant combination of hardware and software within a very small package, arguably more than is offered by any other competitor. it’s this fusion of functionality and usability that places the Apple Watch in prime position to be the first wearable to crack open the market that every mobile computing firm so desperately wants a piece of.
Tradition
Whether you hate Apple or love Apple, it is impossible to deny its strength as a brand name product. Countless consumers purchase the latest iPhone or Mac simply because of the classic half-eaten fruit logo that always finds itself emblazoned on all of its products. Naturally, the Apple Watch will be no different. And before you Android users (if there are any left reading) roll your eyes and go back to your world’s dominated by kitkat and jellybean, there is a hard truth to be swallowed. It was Apple who first created the touch screen smart phones we all know and love to this day. They
were not the first with the idea mind you, but they were the first to do it well. The same is true for modern tablets, launched by the immensely successful debut of the iPad. This time-honored tradition of putting focus on making the product right, as opposed to first, is what allows Apple to set the benchmark for all future iterations, including those of its competitors. The upcoming Apple Watch follows this trend, and with history on its side it would be surprising if it did not meet the same long-term success as the other members of its family.
Bottom Line
The Apple Watch is a capable piece of tech housed in a sleek aluminum casing. It’s purposefully made for anybody to pick up and use with ease, yet still hosts a suite of meaningful features. It may not have the vintage logo on it, but it doesn’t need to because it has “Apple” written all over it, right down to the details of its release. Many are waiting to pre-order and more are keeping their eye on it when it releases. It has close to everything going well for it, and may very well be the Next Big Thing (sue me Samsung). Yet despite all that, nothing can be ever be certain. Will the Apple Watch be a hit? Probably. Will it definitely be a hit? Well, in proper watch fashion, only time will tell.
