Apple Watch Release Set for April
The Apple Watch will start shipping to customers in April, according to Apple CEO Tim Cook. Though Apple Watch has always been said to launch sometime in “early 2015”, this is the first mention of a specific release month when the device will become available.
The release timeline was announced by Tim Cook during the Apple Q1 2015 earnings call, who specified that development for the Apple Watch was “on schedule” and that Apple would expect to begin shipping the device “in April.” Cook also commented that their expectations for Apple Watch are high, as is customer interest.
The Apple Watch comes in two screen sizes in three different editions, with a myriad of custom watch bands to choose from. The device has a touchscreen with a new unique interface for interaction and communication, and the device ties with a users iPhone to relay data to and from the two pieces of hardware. It will serve as a communication device and as a fitness and activity tracker, alongside other unique and interesting uses as well. At this point it’s somewhat hard to describe due to the fact that few people have had their hands on a physical WATCH yet, but Apple has a very informative product page on Apple Watch here which currently is the best source of information on the upcoming product.
Viewing the official Apple videos on the WATCH is also recommended, embedded below for convenience:
Apple Watch will start at $349 for the base model and prices will escalate from there, depending on the Watch model itself, as well which specific custom watch band is chosen. There is speculation that upper-end gold Apple Watch Edition models complete with gold metal bands will cost several thousand dollars, putting the Edition models well into the luxury category, while the standard and Sport models aimed at functioning as fitness trackers will cost much less and be quite affordable.
I love Apple products, but I feel that the iwatch is a total waste of money. If the iwatch causes Apple stock to surge to $150 per share, I’ll be very happy. But I won’t wear one. Here are my reasons:
1. Battery life – This is the big question mark. Most of the reports I’ve read suggest the battery would need to be charged daily and is probably not replaceable. This means built in obsolescence. If this is true, it’s a deal breaker.
2. Ugly, Cheap Looks – At an entry price point of $349, there are an abundance of much nicer looking watches on the market.
3. Reliability and durability are unknown.
4. Square shape – Perhaps I’m a too much of a watch geek/watch snob, but I wouldn’t wear a square watch unless it was something unique or something vintage.
5. Made in China – Absolute deal breaker. Swiss watches are the quality standard. The iwatch will be made in China. Again, absolute deal breaker.
6. Resale value – Quality watches can usually fetch decent prices on the second hand (pun intended) market. What sort of resale value would there be for a second hand iwatch?
7. Ugly – Sorry, Mr. Ives, but that thing on your wrist is ugly.
8. Do I really need another piece of smart technology to tell me I have an email? No.
A Microsoft ad on a Apple site ?
The lack of GPS means it can’t be used as a premier fitness sensor. Must have a big old iphone with your in your pocket.
Anyone know how well it will work as an actual watch? Or is telling the time on it a secondary function? Not a huge amount of info on its function as a timepiece.
Personally I hope the dam thing bombs!!!! IMHO Apple need to be taken down a peg or two.
They gave up on the standards they created which made our use of technology seamless. I think they need to go back to the drawing board on both iOS and MacOS and bring back the standards. OR come up with something so new and so natural to use it is a real game changer. Not this crap they call the “modern OS” (bovine scatolgy)
They are:
too ugly
too many holes
too confusing to use
these are no longer the “computers” for the rest of us!
just my $0.02
I’ll sit on the sidelines for now, very happy with iPhone Plus and it tracks my steps and mileage.
Maybe on Apple Watch version 2 or version 3 I will jump in.
I second the Ted says, same here, no Apple Tracker on my arm….
No watch for me. Good luck to the brain washed people!
I need to see and use one of these in person, because at the moment I honestly can’t understand the Apple Watch. Why would I use it? How would I use it? What does it really do for me? The videos and product website does not describe this, it just shows it off, so I am puzzled by it. I have my Mac and know exactly what it’s for, and the same with my iPhone, but why a watch?
Also, is Apple Watch going to have to be upgraded every 2 years like the iPhone because the battery poops out and the software slows down? I think this will be an item of conspicuous consumption, but I am uncertain of it’s value at the moment. If someone has a compelling case for Apple Watch, do share with me.
I think the case for Apple Watch is a fitness tracker and quicker glance access to things like alerts and notifications, from email, messages, Siri, Apple Pay, etc without having to pull out your iPhone. It basically requires an iPhone in it’s first release, so it’s an accessory to some extent.
Probably similar to the iPhone in that it’s use case will define itself over time as they get out there and people see what it’s good at and what they can do with it.
“…Why would I use it? How would I use it? What does it really do for me? The videos and product website does not describe this, it just shows it off, so I am puzzled by it…”
My Dear Eduardo, that is EXACTLY the point. You don’t ask questions. You don’t need to know anything. No description needed. JUST BUY IT! BUY IT! BUY IT!
That’s what Apple wants everyone to do. Look, it’s shiny and it has a battery and an Apple logo. That’s all the info you need. Now go and reach for you wallet!
:-)