Apple Announces the Long Anticipated Watch

Apple is entering the “smartwatch” market. While the Watch has been rumored for years, we get our first official and detailed look.

The Watch features a slightly rectangular face and comes in a choice of finishes, with straps, in leather, stainless steel, and fluoroelastomer. A digital crown will serve as the main interface to the watch. The Watch has inductive charging via a magnetic connection on the back. In order for the watch to function as advertised, you will need to pair the watch with an iPhone 5 or later.

In addition to time functions, the Watch will be focused on delivering notifications. There will be dedicated apps created for the Watch, and novelty features such as animated emoji and a heartbeat sensor. More interesting is the “taptic engine” which will offer feedback to the wearer’s wrist without any sounds.

It is no accident that there was no mention of battery life in the Apple Announcement. Apple has made sure that it is easy to charge the watch every night with the magnetic charger which attaches to the back. Users will have one more device to connect to it’s charging station every night. We will have to see what the battery life is, when used to it’s fullest. If the battery life is not up to user expectations, this could be a real problem. As mentioned previously, the other limitation is that you have to have to pair the watch with an iPhone, and have the iPhone with you. This will not always be convenient.

Remember when digital watches were all the rage in the 70’s and 80’s. Eventually they failed to maintain market acceptance and all but disappeared. Part of the reason for this was fashion. Most people prefer the traditional analog watch look, and just work without any interaction. Why else would people spend huge amounts on a Tag or Rolex etc.

Perhaps this one is is different. Only time will tell how well how the Watch will be accepted by the general population. My guess is that only the die-hard Apple fans will give it a try. I doubt that it will any significant long term market acceptance. Apple is hoping it will boost the overall acceptance of Apple products. I doubt it.

The Watch will be available early in 2015, with prices starting at $349, so you have a plenty of time to begin saving your pennies.

I may just wait for the Apple Watch 2, which is sure to follow.

Will you buy one? Leave your comments and let us know what you think!