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The "Not Quite Amiga but still computer related category" => Alternative Operating Systems => Topic started by: Matt_H on March 10, 2015, 02:30:11 AM

Title: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Matt_H on March 10, 2015, 02:30:11 AM
Thoughts on today's announcement: One of Apple's traditional strengths has been to take existing technologies and refine and integrate them into a very attractive package. See; iPod, iPhone, iPad.

I think this is what they're trying to do with their new watch. Problem is, as I see it, the smart-watch market isn't mature enough for Apple to have iterated something unique. I think they've come in as just another player alongside Android and Pebble instead of something new and disruptive (which seems to be a popular buzzword for technology companies these days).

That being said, I can see how this product would appeal to some users and I won't fault them for their interest.

But anyone who plunks down $10K-$17K for the gold version is a complete f*****g idiot. :)
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: NovaCoder on March 10, 2015, 03:15:57 AM
Quote from: Matt_H;786091
Thoughts on today's announcement: One of Apple's traditional strengths has been to take existing technologies and refine and integrate them into a very attractive package. See; iPod, iPhone, iPad.

I think this is what they're trying to do with their new watch. Problem is, as I see it, the smart-watch market isn't mature enough for Apple to have iterated something unique. I think they've come in as just another player alongside Android and Pebble instead of something new and disruptive (which seems to be a popular buzzword for technology companies these days).

That being said, I can see how this product would appeal to some users and I won't fault them for their interest.

First 'new' product line since Mr Jobs departed the mortal realm (speaks volumes)

It's a niche product at best..I predict a bigger flop than the plastic iPhone.   Hardly anybody even uses a watch these days and who wants to do 'stuff' on a tiny low-resolution display when you already have a massive HD device in your pocket (or your hand!).

Quote from: Matt_H;786091
But anyone who plunks down $10K-$17K for the gold version is a complete f*****g idiot. :)

My thoughts exactly, it should be like an intelligence test...if you buy one then you qualify for life long government assistance.


Next they'll be bringing out special glasses that allow you to view your TV in 3D
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: agami on March 10, 2015, 03:46:19 AM
Right up there with you guys.
I am a fan of any company or individual that displays attention to detail, favours innovation, challenges the status quo, etc. And it's for those reasons I have a nice assortment of Apple products.
But this smart-watch play Apple are making is all over the place and not in line with their core philosophy. It appears they didn't want to come late to this party and decided to release a watch that does just about everything and if you happen to do a lot of those in a day, chances are you'll run out of juice. So not Apple.

As a user of the Pebble Steel smart-watch I have incorporated the use of wrist vibration and quick glance notifications into my professional and personal life. I didn't know just how practical it would be until I actually got it. 5-7 days of battery is not ideal but charging once a week is pretty good compared to once a day.

I have already preordered via Kickstarter the Pebble Time Steel as it uses colour e-ink and still provides the 5-7 days battery life.

That's one thing that I don't understand; If colour e-ink is available, why did Apple go for a power-hungry LCD display? Because it's higher res? So I can see my photos on a 42mm screen? We went from: "No one wants to watch video on a little screen" (Steve Jobs voicing his disinterest in bringing video to the iPod) to: "People are going to love being able to have their photos on their wrist" (Tim Cook trying to justify the poor choice of components for the Apple Watch).

Best case of a 'Solution in search of a Problem' thus far.

On a separate note, I would love me some of that 12" MacBook Retina, but since it does;t have a 16GB and i& option I will be going for the 13" Pro.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: klx300r on March 10, 2015, 04:49:08 AM
I was the first kid in grade school to wear a 'digital' watch...ya cool in a nerdy kind of way back then but then I grew up and cool was (and still is) a vintage Omega my grandfather used to wear! Now do you think this Apple watch is for me :uzi:
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Lurch on March 10, 2015, 06:08:58 AM
Apple schanpple....  

Pebble Time FTW :-)
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: yssing on March 10, 2015, 07:39:48 AM
I am sure there are millions of fanboys, who will spend a lot on this, heck, they would spend hundreds of dollars on an Apple branded tea kettle, Claiming Apple did something innovative and new.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Duce on March 10, 2015, 08:25:43 AM
Plenty of people will buy the high end one, and as with any other high end products, the vast majority of people will consider them fools.  No different than a person buying a Bugatti Veyron to drive his kid to school when really, a Honda is more practical.

I think the common thing not being noted by people is that while, yes - you can buy a $17,000 Apple Watch, the entry level one offers the same functionality for $349.  Others are also (foolishly, imho) defending the $17k version with "Well, it's a limited edition and the gold value alone in that watch is worth $12k - $15k itself).  There's a simple fact here that there are traditional watches on the market now for half a million dollars.  You can spend $30,000 on a Rolex and not even be buying their high end.  $17,000 is a mere drop in the bucket compared to something like a Greubel Forsey watch, which is $750,000.

As for the watch as a whole, it's a Rev. 1 device.  While is does have some unique features compared to the other smart watches, it's also a pretty widely known in joke that anyone buying Rev. 1 Apple devices is in effect a paying beta tester.  There's also been rumors that on the higher end ones, a trade-in program might be offered for the next versions, so that may make a bit more sense, but I'll believe that rumor when I see it.  A trade in program directly via Apple is very un-Apple like.

All this being said, I do think the Apple Watch will be wildly successful.  I have no doubts we will see the $17,000 ones on the wrists of A List celebs and the like.  That being said, I've often joked that Apple could bronze a pile of dog turds, add an Apple logo, and people would be lining up to buy them as some sort of status/geek chic symbol.  Until battery life on smart watches as a whole gets into the 7+ days zone, they are just impractical for most people at any price.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Matt_H on March 10, 2015, 12:06:47 PM
Quote from: agami;786096
That's one thing that I don't understand; If colour e-ink is available, why did Apple go for a power-hungry LCD display? Because it's higher res? So I can see my photos on a 42mm screen? We went from: "No one wants to watch video on a little screen" (Steve Jobs voicing his disinterest in bringing video to the iPod) to: "People are going to love being able to have their photos on their wrist" (Tim Cook trying to justify the poor choice of components for the Apple Watch).

I think e-ink has the potential to be absolutely incredible, but it's not there yet. The new Pebble is the first color application of it I've seen, and that's a tremendous advance. But in terms of image quality/refresh speed it seems like it's currently on par with late 80s/early 90s LCD screens. If they can improve it just a little more I think it will be the next big thing.

Quote
Best case of a 'Solution in search of a Problem' thus far.

I think that's a good way to put it. If they'd waited another year - for a potential problem to surface - I think they'd do better right out of the gate. Of course, there's always Apple Watch 2. And as Duce here says, first-generation Apple customers are paying betatesters. :)

Quote
On a separate note, I would love me some of that 12" MacBook Retina, but since it does;t have a 16GB and i& option I will be going for the 13" Pro.

The design of the new Macbook is intriguing, but it is criminally underpowered for the price they're asking. They need to either cut the price by 40-50% or slap in a Core i7 (and a second USB port) for me to be interested.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: jj on March 10, 2015, 01:23:11 PM
Quote from: Matt_H;786117
The design of the new Macbook is intriguing, but it is criminally underpowered for the price they're asking. They need to either cut the price by 40-50% or slap in a Core i7 (and a second USB port) for me to be interested.

People probably get bored of hearing this but MacOS really does more with less power.  Bought the wife a 11inch Air the other day.  The thing is so fast and responsive.  Makes a joke of my quad core i7 alienware laptop with ssd.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: bloodline on March 10, 2015, 02:04:35 PM
Quote from: yssing;786112
I am sure there are millions of fanboys, who will spend a lot on this, heck, they would spend hundreds of dollars on an Apple branded tea kettle, Claiming Apple did something innovative and new.
I'm not convinced, Apple often enter a market with something simple but effective. Then you can accept the hype. But with the Apple watch I have yet to see anyone want one... I'm a contented apple user, but I would recommend a pebble.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Duce on March 10, 2015, 02:45:38 PM
The Pebble watches are not even comparable in functionality to even the older Android Wear watches, and dependent on which phone you have the Pebble linked to, it's a wildly different experience.

I am a supporter of Pebble in the past and present, but as an owner of both a Moto 360 and a Pebble Steel, the Pebble resembles a 1990's calculator watch in comparison to the functionality of the Moto 360.  It's not even close, and both devices are far from perfect.

As a bought and paid owner of both devices, I don't consider either a valuable enough experience that if I was to head to work without putting one of them on my wrist, that my productivity would be in the least bit affected within my work day.  I consider no smart watch a must have device, but I'm sure the "nerd chic" status of the Apple Watch will get them a lot of sales no matter how gimped the thing is at launch.

That may change once battery life, functionality improves.  Pebble offers great battery life, but what the thing can actually do compared to the Moto isn't even comparable.  The Moto has terrible battery life, but can do a lot more than my Pebble does, but Pebble are rapidly improving the apps.

Until either, or any other contenders can offer a true standalone experience, we're still in early days.  As far as the Apple Watch goes, I got out of the Apple ecosystem a year or so ago for good and couldn't be happier, despite being a big fan of the iPhone, I just can't stand being tied to their store ecosystem and more importantly, iTunes.  ITunes for Windows is a plague.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: goldfish on March 10, 2015, 03:31:56 PM
All these smart watches are crap. Battery tech is not good enough for these devices to be useful. Charging my phone up every few days is bad enough let charging my watch up every day. My current watch is smarter then any of the current smart watches. It requires no batteries and changes the time and date by its self. Even if I go to to another country it will change the time its self to suit.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Rob on March 10, 2015, 03:43:01 PM
Quote from: goldfish;786130
All these smart watches are crap. Battery tech is not good enough for these devices to be useful. Charging my phone up every few days is bad enough let charging my watch up every day. My current watch is smarter then any of the current smart watches. It requires no batteries and changes the time and date by its self. Even if I go to to another country it will change the time its self to suit.


I always had a Casio F-91W as sometime sported by Osama Bin Laden.  I never had a battery die on it, it always tended to get lost after 4 or 5 years so I've no idea how long the battery lasts.  The last watch fell apart a few weeks after an adventure in the washer/dryer, although it did still function up until it came apart.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Andre.Siegel on March 10, 2015, 06:18:13 PM
Quote from: agami;786096
As a user of the Pebble Steel smart-watch I have incorporated the use of wrist vibration and quick glance notifications into my professional and personal life. I didn't know just how practical it would be until I actually got it. 5-7 days of battery is not ideal but charging once a week is pretty good compared to once a day.

Many people have to remember to charge their smartphones daily anyway. For most of them, charging one more device at the same time should be a non-issue.

In practice, keeping track of devices with vastly different battery charging schedules is actually a much bigger mental challenge.

Quote
That's one thing that I don't understand; If colour e-ink is available, why did Apple go for a power-hungry LCD display? Because it's higher res? So I can see my photos on a 42mm screen?

The Apple Watch uses an OLED screen which uses less power than LCD displays but provides (arguably) even better picture quality.

I am very familiar with e-ink displays and have been following the related developments closely. However, even a colored e-ink display would be a complete deal breaker on a 10.000 USD smart-watch designed to compete with existing high-end watches.

Quote
Best case of a 'Solution in search of a Problem' thus far.

For the time being, the Apple Watch is primarily a replacement for Apple´s (small) iPod series of products.

Consumers have strongly preferred bigger smartphones for a while now and Apple finally released bigger iPhones last autumn but this also meant that the form factors had now become a little too big for a number of common uses. If you are an active person, an Apple Watch is a much better device for listening to music (and monitoring your health) than a comparably bulky iPhone would be.

With regard to the future, surveys have shown very strong consumer demand for devices that monitor people´s health. A smart/watch is a natural fit for these type of tasks. Reports indicate that the current generation of sensors used by Apple is just not good enough yet to provide reliable health statistics but this may very well change in the future.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Oldsmobile_Mike on March 10, 2015, 06:29:02 PM
I'm shocked not a single comment yet from anyone asking to port OS4 or MorphOS or AROS to it.  :lol:
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: itix on March 10, 2015, 07:34:38 PM
Is someone still using a wrist watch? In 2015? Seriously?
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: DutchinUSA on March 10, 2015, 07:35:57 PM
Please Mike? ... Can ya work on those ports please? :roflmao:
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Oldsmobile_Mike on March 10, 2015, 07:39:20 PM
Quote from: DutchinUSA;786138
Please Mike? ... Can ya work on those ports please? :roflmao:

(http://aspiringmind.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/quot+Yeahhhh...I+m+gonna+need+you+to+come+in+on+Saturday...finish+up+_7fad687ad3da645e335fcb0db5f0b230.jpg)
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Bugala on March 10, 2015, 08:32:15 PM
Actually, one guy just showed me one of those smart watches (not apples, just some generic smart watch), and I warmed to them a little bit. Before I would have thought who cares, but when he introduced me that, I actually saw the point and started almost wanting one for myself. And the thing is, He never showed me how it shows the time. As far as i know, maybe it doesnt even show time. Traditional watch option of showing time was not the point for smart watches despite their name, but what excited the guy who showed me that, as well as me, was the other stuff in that smart watch.

This friend of mine had just got bit owerweighed and had started running. What this smart watch did, first of all, it did those simple things, like telling how many steps you took etc. that you can use other devices as well, but then it got bit better. It had GPS, so it was able to measure your speed, location etc. stuff (nothing here that cellphone couldnt yet), but then we got to the things that started to impress me in sense that hadnt came to my mind that could be so useful.

One of the things is, if you start running, it is very easy, especially at beginning to get this painful aching on your stomach, because you are running too hard. Well, this watch keeps checking your pulse among other things, and it warns you before that aching comes, this way you can run hard, without getting that stomach pain from overdoing it, since that watch warns you.

In addition, it also keeps checking your rhythm otherwise too, that if watch notices you are doing too easy, maybe resting for bit too long or something, based upon your pulse and stuff, it will tell you to speed up again, bit like a coach.

It also keeps telling if you are improving. That while you are running, and watch notices you just ran first kilometre much faster than before, it will congratulate you and tell you just broke your own record, and if you did it very slow, it will start to tell you to hurry up and run faster.

It also recognises the hands movement, being able to figure out what exactly you are doing. And it wasnt too easy to fool it. just putting hand up and down didnt make it think you were running, and similarly if you drive a car and car keeps bumping a bit, it doesnt think you are running.

When i saw this all and realised that is just a beginning. I wouldnt be amazed if those things would actually become quite popular at some point. Didnt feel like we were that far away from tricorders anymore.

edit: almost forgot to mention one great thing too. This friend of mine actually owns a computer store, and hence he keeps sitting in front of computers a lot. Well, one of the things this smart watch of his does is to tell him he have been sitting too long in front of his computer and he should get up for a moment.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: save2600 on March 10, 2015, 08:39:45 PM
Quote from: itix;786137
Is someone still using a wrist watch? In 2015? Seriously?

Dating myself here, but this is one of the last watches I ever wore.  :lol:

On a serious note, I do know someone that supposedly has a "smart" watch. Haven't seen it on him personally, but am told he uses one because he can respond to texts more readily than he can if he were to rely solely on his smart phone. In the obnoxiously loud environment we work in, I can kinda/sorta see that. Especially for those of us that aren't glued to a phone or check incessantly.

That said, I sure as hell wouldn't want to be wearing such a fancy watch (or any watch) as we're often sticking our hands/arms down some extremely dangerous and sketchy places.   :laughing:
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: itix on March 10, 2015, 09:09:53 PM
@bugala

Yeah but then it is not a watch at all. I bought one for my girlfriend because she is/was a runner.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: trekiej on March 10, 2015, 09:28:58 PM
Pacman watch, I want one. :(
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: danbeaver on March 10, 2015, 09:31:36 PM
Quote from: Oldsmobile_Mike;786136
I'm shocked not a single comment yet from anyone asking to port OS4 or MorphOS or AROS to it.  :lol:

You would firstly have to replace all the capacitors, try another power supply, install SFS, and modify your Startup-Sequence.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: danbeaver on March 10, 2015, 09:35:03 PM
I'm waiting on a solar powered watch that doesn't require a battery replacement, sets itself automatically to the atomic clock in Ft. Collins, CO daily, and is water proof to 100 meters.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Matt_H on March 10, 2015, 10:19:10 PM
Quote from: itix;786137
Is someone still using a wrist watch? In 2015? Seriously?


http://xkcd.com/1420/

:)
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Vlabguy1 on March 10, 2015, 10:29:17 PM
Quote from: Matt_H;786091
Thoughts on today's announcement: One of Apple's traditional strengths has been to take existing technologies and refine and integrate them into a very attractive package. See; iPod, iPhone, iPad.

I think this is what they're trying to do with their new watch. Problem is, as I see it, the smart-watch market isn't mature enough for Apple to have iterated something unique. I think they've come in as just another player alongside Android and Pebble instead of something new and disruptive (which seems to be a popular buzzword for technology companies these days).

That being said, I can see how this product would appeal to some users and I won't fault them for their interest.

But anyone who plunks down $10K-$17K for the gold version is a complete f*****g idiot. :)


Well one thing is for sure..the  iWatch will be hugely successful..that is a guarantee!! All other smart watches will strive to be "Apple" like.  Just like Samsung has done with their phones.  Every other smart watch maker will now have to step up their game, but I seriously doubt any company will EVER top Apple on any level.  They dont have the money nor the time.  Seems others were sleeping and banking on the fact that oh "Apple products are too expensive..yada..yada".. yet look who is on top..!!!

And your judgement on whom ever buys a gold version is just a bit harsh.  Who are you to judge someone with that amount of liquid cash to spend?  There are watches that go well beyond Apples asking price for their smart watch.  Those aren't smart watches and at the end of the day those high end watches just tell you the time of day some with multiple times zones, track elapsed time ete..etc..  No one really NEEDS to spend that kind of dough on a watch.  #itsastatusthing.  

Rich
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: danbeaver on March 10, 2015, 11:14:10 PM
Quote from: Matt_H;786149
http://xkcd.com/1420/

:)

Yeah, I've given up on the concept of time; it is so passe' since Einstein publish his theory of relativity.  I mean Quantum Mechanics, That is where the past, present and future are going!  

Look at doctors; they have no need of "time pieces;" have you ever seen one show up on time for anything.  And if you are 50% of the population, piddling around with your makeup and hair fits No One's anal retentive schedule.  

Emerson, referring to being "on time" wrote, "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines."

So watches, especially those readily available on the wrist, have lost their significance; after Benito Mussolini made the trains run on time, they hung him.  That is what the world thinks of punctuality!
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Matt_H on March 11, 2015, 01:40:58 AM
Quote from: Vlabguy1;786152
Well one thing is for sure..the  iWatch will be hugely successful..that is a guarantee!! All other smart watches will strive to be "Apple" like.  Just like Samsung has done with their phones.  Every other smart watch maker will now have to step up their game, but I seriously doubt any company will EVER top Apple on any level.  They dont have the money nor the time.  Seems others were sleeping and banking on the fact that oh "Apple products are too expensive..yada..yada".. yet look who is on top..!!!
I just don't know in this case. Apple cleaned up with previous iThings, but right now there doesn't seem to be much of a justification for smart-watches in general, and I don't see enough of a justification for picking an Apple watch over a competitor's. The previous iThings offered something clearly unique over the competition; I can't find that here. I'm sure it will sell well enough, but I don't know if it's going to get far beyond the usual crowd of Apple buyers.

Quote
And your judgement on whom ever buys a gold version is just a bit harsh.  Who are you to judge someone with that amount of liquid cash to spend?  There are watches that go well beyond Apples asking price for their smart watch.  Those aren't smart watches and at the end of the day those high end watches just tell you the time of day some with multiple times zones, track elapsed time ete..etc..  No one really NEEDS to spend that kind of dough on a watch.  #itsastatusthing.
There is a difference here, though: The only thing that sets apart the more-money-than-sense version and the version that we proletariat will have available to us is the color of the metal. While I do think someone spending $75K on any kind of watch is insane, they somehow strike me as less insane than someone buying a gold Apple watch because at least they don't have an otherwise 100% identical product available to them at a lower price point.

Ultimately, the market will decide. But I kinda hope the market tells the gold Apple watch to go jump off a bridge :)
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Lurch on March 11, 2015, 06:37:55 AM
Quote from: Duce;786127
The Pebble watches are not even comparable in functionality to even the older Android Wear watches, and dependent on which phone you have the Pebble linked to, it's a wildly different experience.

I am a supporter of Pebble in the past and present, but as an owner of both a Moto 360 and a Pebble Steel, the Pebble resembles a 1990's calculator watch in comparison to the functionality of the Moto 360.  It's not even close, and both devices are far from perfect.


Maybe for the old Pebble watches, but the Pebble Time and Pebble Time Steel are a step up. Android wear is terrible, and the Moto 360 is nothing special. If I had to choose an Android wear phone it would be one of the LG G Watch R with a real circle screen unlike the Moto and more battery time too.

But still prefer what the new Pebble Time is offering, everything I need and more. Colour screen and 7 days battery for the Time and 10 days for the Pebble Time Steel.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Lurch on March 11, 2015, 06:45:11 AM
Also enjoying my Nokia Lumia 1320, bought mine and then a work mate bought the 1520. Both phones are amazing compared to what we've experienced with Android. Also getting 7 days battery life, thats with wifi, web surfing, bluetooth/GPS in the car and txting with a bit of gaming thrown in.

Currently playing Modern Combat 5: Blackout amazing :-)
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Manu on March 11, 2015, 06:45:58 AM
I can see the headlines, even if Apple came late to the wrist watch market they will in the future be referred to as reinventing the market with their uber-uber technology that every one will want to copy. ROFLOL ! Now have you heard that one before ? And WHO needs a watch standby time of lousy 18 hours it's amazing. A watch that doesn't last one day. Laughable to say the least.

Yet another reason to avoid Apple like the plauge.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Lurch on March 11, 2015, 06:53:04 AM
Time to idle back on over to the Amiga discussion, that's enough about Apple :-)
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: som99 on March 11, 2015, 08:11:37 AM
[youtube]oL1xf_X0W2s[/youtube]
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Bodie on March 11, 2015, 11:28:52 AM
Meh, agree with the general sentiments here.

But then again, you have some women walking around with $20,000 Hermes handbags...

I'll stick with the good old $10 Casio from the 80s ;-)

Personally, the real disappointment with Apple has been the price increases here in Oz that were announced today...
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Duce on March 11, 2015, 12:24:11 PM
I am curious if we'll see a "d-bag factor" in the high end Apple watches.  A part of me certainly hopes so, lol.

I have no doubt when they first launch, you'll see every rapper, pinhead Kardashian-esque reality TV "star" and professional sports player with them (the $17k ones) on their wrists at all the major slog celeb events in some vain attempt at status clinging, making their esteemed Apple Watches "bling" for the cameras.  Heck, you've even seen this to some extent in regards to how celebs have bought iPhones and had god awful things like getting them studded with diamonds and such.  When the social elite all have something, everything loses value.

I wonder if we'll ever see the "Bentley d-bag effect".  I recall reading a few years ago that amongst the rich, famous and "always wanting to be spotted in public" celebs stars, rock stars and sports heroes were buying up Bentley GT's.  This didn't sit well with the long time GT owners, who bought their rides years ago because they were just great cars.  A few years later every rapper with a hit on YouTube was buying up a Bentley GT and getting it chrome plated with a zebra print interior, completely blowing the Bentley "prestige" factor out out of the water.  It was akin to buying a '78 Firebird, a shirt with no top buttons, and big thick gold chains, lol - considered utterly tasteless.  When Andy Dick is sporting one, the prestige factor goes out the window :)

Every man and his dog that was a B list celeb that could swing the financing for a GT had one.  They were so common amongst the pink GT, Paris Hilton crowd, the Cristal and Caviar people, that even the true gearhead aficionados steered clear of them so they wouldn't be viewed as a "GT d-bag".

The prospect amuses me, and I hope for all the common folk saving their pennies to buy the base model Apple Watch right now, I hope they get a good experience out of it.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Matt_H on March 11, 2015, 12:33:17 PM
@ som99

Perfect! Thanks for sharing

@ Bodie

Oh, yes, the Casio. That's my kind of watch!

@ Duce

Great analogy. Google Glass also comes to mind :)
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: ChuckT on March 11, 2015, 01:45:10 PM
Quote from: Matt_H;786091
Thoughts on today's announcement: One of Apple's traditional strengths has been to take existing technologies and refine and integrate them into a very attractive package. See; iPod, iPhone, iPad.

I think this is what they're trying to do with their new watch. Problem is, as I see it, the smart-watch market isn't mature enough for Apple to have iterated something unique. I think they've come in as just another player alongside Android and Pebble instead of something new and disruptive (which seems to be a popular buzzword for technology companies these days).

That being said, I can see how this product would appeal to some users and I won't fault them for their interest.

But anyone who plunks down $10K-$17K for the gold version is a complete f*****g idiot. :)


Who would pay $10-$17K for a gold version?  Business owners have employees that do work for their employers and it is the employers who have over $200K in their retirement plan, drive new leased Cadillacs every two years, go on as many vacations every year that they want, etc.

I saw the display for the Apple iWatch and it was fast and you could magnify or scroll the display very fast.  Something that responsive will be popular.  If you program a device to function and it does what it is supposed to do then it will be popular.

Quote
Average-grossing Apple Stores can garner $6,000 in sales a square foot, while higher grossing Apple Stores net $10,000 in sales a square foot, sources tell the WSJ. At 45 enclosed malls, Apple's share of gross sales averaged 14% in 2013, up just over 10% from 2002.


http://www.macrumors.com/2015/03/10/apple-store-traffic-rent/

The fact is that Apple sales are lifting Mall sales and distorting Mall rent.

The fact is that you can't argue with success.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Duce on March 11, 2015, 02:50:59 PM
Quote from: Lurch;786178
Also enjoying my Nokia Lumia 1320, bought mine and then a work mate bought the 1520. Both phones are amazing compared to what we've experienced with Android. Also getting 7 days battery life, thats with wifi, web surfing, bluetooth/GPS in the car and txting with a bit of gaming thrown in.

Currently playing Modern Combat 5: Blackout amazing :-)

While I'm far too reliant on Android/iOS only apps that aren't offered on Windows Phone atm to use a Windows Phone daily myself, I sure wish more people would give the Win phone devices a shot.  They are actually wonderful little handsets, and in the case of the Nokia devices, the cameras are absolutely mindblowing with the Denim update.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: ChuckT on March 11, 2015, 03:09:04 PM
Quote from: Manu;786179
I can see the headlines, even if Apple came late to the wrist watch market they will in the future be referred to as reinventing the market with their uber-uber technology that every one will want to copy. ROFLOL ! Now have you heard that one before ? And WHO needs a watch standby time of lousy 18 hours it's amazing. A watch that doesn't last one day. Laughable to say the least.

Yet another reason to avoid Apple like the plauge.


Not everybody sleeps with their watch on so you will have time to charge it.

I would rather have a watch with Bluetooth so that I could see who is calling my phone and answer it.  A watch with a speakerphone would be convenient so I wouldn't have to take my phone out of my pocket.  It would also be an advantage for older people.  What do older people do when they fall and can't get up?  The watch would be able to use their phone and call an ambulance.

I use to have a calculator watch which was very convenient and I don't want to take my phone out of my pocket every day to see the time.

The Commodore 64 was a game computer and a programmer's computer.  Pretty much with Amiga.  In order to gain market share, you have to convert people into being geeks so if your audience is only math students, programmers and gamers then you can only sell it to those audiences that frequent Toys R Us and Kmart..  If you appeal to a wider audience then you can sell it in the mall.  The only time Commodore was in the mall was when they showcased the Amiga in a kiosk or Sears and then a security guard watched it all of the time.  They never had a mall store where thousands of people came in daily like Apple which means Commodore was doing something wrong.

Apple did something different and made their products consumer oriented because not everyone is going to program or play games.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: ChuckT on March 11, 2015, 03:37:39 PM
Quote from: Matt_H;786160
I just don't know in this case. Apple cleaned up with previous iThings, but right now there doesn't seem to be much of a justification for smart-watches in general, and I don't see enough of a justification for picking an Apple watch over a competitor's. The previous iThings offered something clearly unique over the competition; I can't find that here. I'm sure it will sell well enough, but I don't know if it's going to get far beyond the usual crowd of Apple buyers.


You get a new audience by being successful in having a successful product launch and having a product that delivers.

You get a new audience by being first.

By making a new and different product, you enter different markets.


By being cheap, Commodore couldn't speed up the 6502.  I remember when AMD was probably first to hit the 33MHZ barrier.  IBM compatibles had a bus which had speed to allow for more devices which means they let the engineers have a say.  They kept improving speed, getting a smaller nanometer for their chips and they improved video on a separate video card and they went to VGA.

How much would Amiga cost if they made their own microprocessor instead of going to Motorola?  How much would Amiga cost if they had scientists speeding up their chips?  How much would Amiga cost if they had an engineering department working on a separate graphics card?  Now you are talking about a Computer about the price of Apple or more.

But you can't do that unless you expand your markets and Amiga was interested in the business market instead of other consumer markets.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: danbeaver on March 11, 2015, 05:17:14 PM
It might work for me if you could wirelessly recharge it while on your wrist, until then I will keep my solar recharged Casio with the atomic clock time syncing
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Lurch on March 11, 2015, 06:19:49 PM
Quote from: Duce;786193
While I'm far too reliant on Android/iOS only apps that aren't offered on Windows Phone atm to use a Windows Phone daily myself, I sure wish more people would give the Win phone devices a shot.  They are actually wonderful little handsets, and in the case of the Nokia devices, the cameras are absolutely mindblowing with the Denim update.


The app issue is becoming less a problem, the store has exploded over the last year. There are couple of missing apps but I've found alternatives.

The annoying part is some local mainstream stores ignoring WP and not making apps and having to hope that a 3rd party will make one.

The Lumia phones are some of the best built phones I've used, no lag or slow down. Even the 8MP camera on some models can take some amazing photos.

Will be upgrading when the next wave come through, I dont miss having to charge everyday  :-)
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: som99 on March 11, 2015, 07:55:21 PM
Quote from: Lurch;786203
The app issue is becoming less a problem, the store has exploded over the last year. There are couple of missing apps but I've found alternatives.

The annoying part is some local mainstream stores ignoring WP and not making apps and having to hope that a 3rd party will make one.

The Lumia phones are some of the best built phones I've used, no lag or slow down. Even the 8MP camera on some models can take some amazing photos.

Will be upgrading when the next wave come through, I dont miss having to charge everyday  :-)

I wanted to try something new so last time I bought I phone I got the Lumia 1020 and the camera is really something else compared to other smart phones, specs of it:
Quote
41 MP (38 MP effective, 7152 x 5368 pixels), Carl Zeiss optics, optical image stabilization, auto/manual focus, Xenon & LED flash

The lens is quite larger then most phones so much better in low light environments so it takes great pictures for when I do not have my camera with me. Really like the phone, it has some WP quirks I do not like but overall it's great, responsive and solid as a brick and with a great camera on top of that.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: danbeaver on March 11, 2015, 08:50:15 PM
Quote from: som99;786207
The lence is quite larger then most phones.
Lens?
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: agami on March 12, 2015, 04:33:36 AM
This is the nature of the game; It's a land rush and the real estate is the wrist. If you don't get in now chances are you'll never get in at all. It doesn't matter that smart watches are bulky and have poor battery life, there hasn't been this much interest in the wrist-space since the fob watch first migrated there.

Heads-up space is the final frontier, and Google tried to get there too early. In 10 years we'll be back to only having sensors on our wrists, if anything. Of course the laggards will still have a regular (non-smart) watch on their wrists.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Lurch on March 12, 2015, 05:24:25 AM
Quote from: som99;786207
I wanted to try something new so last time I bought I phone I got the Lumia 1020 and the camera is really something else compared to other smart phones, specs of it:


Yep it's a great camera phone, you can purchase a camera holder for that phone which is really good.

I went with the 1320, good price, camera is good for the occasional photo and I was after a 6" screen. The 1520 is also a 6" screen but the price after doing some pros and cons was too much.

Will most likely upgrade when MS release the 1525.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Thorham on March 12, 2015, 08:07:16 AM
Smart watches, how useless. Just a toy for the wrist, nothing more. I'll stick to my regular watch.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: som99 on March 12, 2015, 08:10:47 AM
Quote from: danbeaver;786210
Lens?


Yepp Lens :)

Quote from: Lurch;786231
Yep it's a great camera phone, you can purchase a camera holder for that phone which is really good.

I went with the 1320, good price, camera is good for the occasional photo and I was after a 6" screen. The 1520 is also a 6" screen but the price after doing some pros and cons was too much.

Will most likely upgrade when MS release the 1525.


Got the camera grip/holder, nice with the extra battery built in also :)

the 1320 is a nice phone also :) I will probably buy a WP phone the next time also.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: yssing on March 12, 2015, 08:12:27 AM
Did Apple remember to copyright the wrist watch?
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: gertsy on March 12, 2015, 10:28:40 AM
If the device did pulse, BP, Ox levels, other than the same old same old pulse rate / pedometer, then that would be something.

Clearly battery life is a real challenge with these smaller devices even when they only turn on when they need to be on.

Are we there yet?
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Duce on March 12, 2015, 02:02:06 PM
Quote from: gertsy;786235
If the device did pulse, BP, Ox levels, other than the same old same old pulse rate / pedometer, then that would be something.


It does a lot more than what the competition offers..  The Apple Watch is just about the last watch in the world I'd purchase, but the focus on health on it is head and shoulders above what any of the competition is offering, and it will only get better.  Some people have even argued that the Apple Watch is just a health device masquerading as a watch, and one only has to watch 2 minutes of the Apple press event to see the deep focus they are putting on health.

The upcoming version is still lacking some sensors, but it's best in breed in the smart watch market in regards to health.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: jj on March 12, 2015, 02:17:46 PM
They are even talking about the ability to share you data with health organisations to help research etc and Apple wont be able to see the data
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: amiman99 on March 12, 2015, 07:58:29 PM
My current watches, can Apple Watch withstand my abuse? I don't think so.
It never leaves my wrist.
Does anyone know water resist Databank model?

Oh, Commodore came out with their own watch like 30 years ago...
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: gertsy on March 12, 2015, 09:28:03 PM
Quote from: Duce;786240
It does a lot more than what the competition offers..  The Apple Watch is just about the last watch in the world I'd purchase, but the focus on health on it is head and shoulders above what any of the competition is offering, and it will only get better.  Some people have even argued that the Apple Watch is just a health device masquerading as a watch, and one only has to watch 2 minutes of the Apple press event to see the deep focus they are putting on health.

The upcoming version is still lacking some sensors, but it's best in breed in the smart watch market in regards to health.


It does? Please educate me on the health monitoring features and analytical health insight capabilities of the device and its supporting microcosm?

Press release = 90% BS 10% product.

Don't get me wrong I think its a great piece of trendy tech fitness jewelry. It looks great.

It's not a health device. The specifications and requirements of a certified health device are very different to that of a fitness device.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Duce on March 12, 2015, 09:53:58 PM
If you are unwilling to read a features list or otherwise do not believe it, there's not much I can do to convince you otherwise.  I'm sure the already released iOS 8.2 update with these said additions in the build logs wouldn't either.

I hate to be blunt here, but things in features lists and press releases/videos, you know - the things that a company like Apple is telling you "this is why our product is better than the others" isn't just water cooler talk.  People would sort of get uppity about such things if they weren't there when the product ships and they plunked down $400 on it, and hands on tests show everything they are advertising in the device as being there.

How well it will work in regards to health will be a personal judgement to make, I imagine, but what they have shown thus far is a big step over what the competition is offering.  It's (nor is any other smart watch) by no means
a replacement for a good MD, and none of them are billing these devices as such.  That being said, the tech minded medical community is showing a lot of interest in things like HealthKit.

I've got no personal interest in any of them for my own health tracking, but as a person with a severe amount of diabetes (among other things) in my family, I am very eager to see these devices and how they might improve health tracking.

Apple Watch is by no means an "MD replacement", but it's got a lot of health aware people very interested.  How smoothly it'll all go with the FDA remains to be seen, I suppose, and I'm curious how smoothly app approval for the Apple Watch will go.  I admittedly don't have terribly high expectations for the first Apple Watch, simply because first gen Apple devices tend to be weak.  Until any of these devices get better battery life and actually become stand alone devices that don't still require a cel phone to get things done, I suspect they will remain wholly niche devices.

http://www.macworld.com/article/2881299/apple-watch-might-be-the-ultimate-health-tracker-with-medical-apps-on-board.html
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Matt_H on March 13, 2015, 01:46:43 AM
Quote
Orbiting this [sun] at a distance of roughly ninety-eight million miles is an utterly insignificant little blue-green planet whose ape-descended life forms are so amazingly primitive that they still think digital watches are a pretty neat idea.


I know Douglas Adams wrote that in the 70s referring to the electronic watches that were just becoming popular, but it seems particularly apt now :)
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: gertsy on March 13, 2015, 06:57:38 AM
Quote from: Duce;786256
If you are unwilling to read a features list or otherwise do not believe it, there's not much I can do to convince you otherwise.  I'm sure the already released iOS 8.2 update with these said additions in the build logs wouldn't either.

I hate to be blunt here, but things in features lists and press releases/videos, you know - the things that a company like Apple is telling you .....]


I'm not interested in flaming but can I suggest you listen and read what apple are saying again. In all the official articles and videos I have read and seen, which are limited in number. Apple never mention the watch is a medical or even a health device that I have heard/seen. They cleverly only ever mention health in the phrase "Health and Fitness". And they repeat it many times precisely the same way.  Its others who use the term health in isolation.
I don't for a minute suggest that fitness is not an important aspect of hearth or the opposing sedentary lifestyle doesn't have a negative impact on health. Also heartbeat rate can be used in medical determinations especially in the context of activity in the case of the device. All very important aspects.

But diet, genetics/family history and medical conditions all have a major part to play in heath and the health context of an individual; Blood pressure, heart beat pattern graphing(ECG), blood sugar, BMI and weight are also important aspects, all of which are revolutionary features and none of which are natively present.
Of course software can fill some of the gap there but the point I am making is that the watch does not do that natively and offers nothing more as a device than the competitions device at this stage.

That is a missed opportunity dont you think?

Even though its a pretty neat idea. If you have two arms at least.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: danbeaver on March 13, 2015, 10:29:02 AM
Quote from: gertsy;786280
...
I don't for a minute suggest that fitness is not an important aspect of hearth [health] or the opposing sedentary lifestyle doesn't have a negative impact on health. Also heartbeat rate can be used in medical determinations especially in the context of activity in the case of the device. All very important aspects.

But diet, genetics/family history and medical conditions all have a major part to play in heath and the health context of an individual; Blood pressure, heart beat pattern graphing(ECG), blood sugar, BMI and weight are also important aspects, all of which are revolutionary features and none of which are natively present. ... Even though its a pretty neat idea. If you have two arms at least.

Well Gertsy, you are dead-on!   A family history (genetics) of death and disease tells way more than any silly device or simple test. One's BMI tells of cardiovascular (plus some cancer) and diabetes risk (the BMI accounts for weight and height).  Diet, access to medical care (actually accessing it), and life-style all have a huge effect on quality of life and longevity.

Determining your pulse, unless you are passing out from bradycardia or dying of SVT (either end of the spectrum) means nothing -- you can teach any fool to take a pulse even in the midst of heavy exercise.  And only a fool would pay $17,000 for a Gen 1 Apple watch.

Pulse oximetery is important if you are on some other concentration of oxygen than 21% or have COPD, pulmonary hypertension, or pulmonary fibrosis from years of smoking, heart disease or autoimmune disease (respectively), and you still need to bring a piece of skin between the sensor to pass blood through it.

Even if the watch took micro samples of the blood glucose from the sweat, who needs this other than diabetics and binge drinkers.

No watch that runs 18 hours between charges will have any impact on your health unless you are using it to call paramedics to do CPR, something most children above the age of 4 can learn.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: AmigaNG on March 13, 2015, 11:03:52 AM
Although I agree with most of your comments, I wouldn't bet ageist Apple, they dont really target the tech guys any more, there market is the mass consumers who just want something that's pretty and simple to use and are not really that interested in the tech sheet. As for the price thats not that surprising consider already there is quite a third party market of jewellers that offer Gold plated iphones etc for up $10,000. I expect Apple to move into this market.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: danbeaver on March 13, 2015, 12:50:45 PM
"ageist?"

Against?
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Duce on March 13, 2015, 01:08:04 PM
You're failing to look at the devkits, read the docs, and just get past your own, well - nonsense, lol.  Failing to even look at what the devices offer, be it Apple, Moto, Fitbit, Garmin - to people that may otherwise not have a bit of care for their wellness.

The least you could do is educate yourself on what these devices, be it Apple, Garmin, Fitbit, etc can do.  Really.  A lot of people that may otherwise be neglecting their health entirely may "connect" better with one of these newfangled devices and it might actually improve their health.  

I can tell you what I've seen first hand.  My father had a very mild stroke late last year.  He did the usual doctors visits, the tests, bought the $150 digital BP tester which only annoyed the hell out of him, etc.  Nothing made sense to him.  He couldn't be bothered to even check his BP the 3 times daily the doctors were asking him to.  He literally couldn't be buggered to open that box, take the monitor out, strap on the cuff, wait, write down his stats on a crusty old piece of paper.  He simply quit doing it, citing "I've got enough paperwork to do at work" or "I'm too busy".  I got him a Fitbit, and despite not being at all a tech gearhead, he took to it like stink on a monkey once I got the app on his phone.  He makes an effort to try and out-do the goals he had yesterday on the damned thing, to walk more than he did last week this week.  He is also back monitoring his BP, and more importantly, is more engaged in his own health.  It's a bit more "fun" for him with the Fitbit, and if that gets his ass into the doctors with solid BP reports as the doctor wants them, which my father was not doing before the Fitbit, well - my father might just live a few years longer, and that's all good to me.  He wears it as much as his 20 year old Casio watch, except the little Fitbit band has instilled a bit of accountability and pride in his own health.  You see no merit in that?  I do.  I see a man that's bothered to monitor his own health, which has improved, simply because I gave him a $100 shiny bracelet that makes the process a bit more fun and engaging.

You're failing to see the basics.  If these devices, any of them, be it Apple or otherwise - assist people in becoming more healthy and accountable, help doctors maintain relationships with patients to better patient care, all good by me.  Had most of you chiming in about how it's a $17,000 pulse monitor had bothered to look at what these things will actually do in regards to health and wellness actually do, you might even see some rev. 1 value in it.  Maybe not.  I'm not buying one, so it's moot to me.  No one is billing it as a Device of Eternal Life, but anyone not seeing positive effects of the focus on health with *any* of these wearables is a fool.

If you are looking for the Apple Watch to keep your heart beating, it won't do it.  It's an expansion of Healthkit, ResearchKit and similar that's been in the i devices for some time.  The healthcare aspects of the Apple Watch are far beyond what the other devices offer.  None of these are a replacement for doctors care, and they aren't being billed as such.

Best quote I think I've ever read here, or anywhere, really - "who needs this other than diabetics and binge drinkers".  Yeah, curse those pesky diabetics...  God forbid they be overwhelmed by "old medicine" twice weekly doctors visits and they find one of these devices as a motivator to be more careful of their diets, exercise regimes, and actually see their conditions improve.  God forbid such a device makes them feel more accountable for their illness and actually make them consciously try and improve their health, lol.  Maybe such a device will chide Mr. or Mrs. Type II into putting down that slice of cake or a cookie, or maybe go for a walk.  If it does, it's worth its weight in gold, puns about the gold Apple Watch aside :)

Welp, if such devices help even one diabetic, in a world where there's 382 diabetics worldwide, if it assists them in managing their illness better than they were doing (which many sufferers neglect the illness/treatment outright) without such a high priced electronic nick nack, I do consider that gold.  If a goofy little wrist strap gets people with illnesses a little more interested in their own health, Godspeed...

I'll say what I said to begin with.  If you don't see the health and wellness focus that all of these wearable devices offer as a bigger picture, you must have your eyelids sewn shut.

Or you're in the health care industry yourselves and have job security concerns :)

None of them are replacements for solid, professional medical care - but if they provide motivation, reminders or even remotely accurate/regular monitoring of health issues in people that may otherwise have just said "to hell with it" in regards to ignoring their health concerns under the traditional paper and pencil scheme of things, I see tremendous value in that.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: danbeaver on March 13, 2015, 02:01:40 PM
So you are saying that a pedometer will cure what exactly, a lack of motivation to walk?  

Would not a change of life-style, regular routine check ups, and a more sincere effort to eat healthy prior to the hemorrhagic, or was it embolic, stroke have prevented this in the first place?  A gram of prevention is woth a kilo of cure.

Type II diabetics take their family genetics and then for laughs, outstrip their insulin production by overeating, under exercising and being flipping lazy at changing their life-style, checking their blood glucose levels and taking their insulin on time. A watch that monitored their blood sugar will not change either their genetics or poor choices in life.  All the insulin micro pumps using QID regular insulin will not change a style of over eating and under caring.  As oppose to the OCD of people with autoimmune disorders (as in Type I diabetics), who can manage their HbA1C to a decimal point, the Type II diabetic just doesn't care.  Beside the sweat analysis used in my prior example hasn't reached Level 1 trials.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Duce on March 13, 2015, 03:08:49 PM
Please look into what else these devices do, Dan.  Please, even something like the rather rudimentary Fitbit or Garmins.  It's really as easy as a Google search, and while these devices are by no means "Doctors in a Wristband", they have merit as a whole and a lot more functionality than being a $250 pedometer.  They do work for a large number of people - 3.3 million of them were sold in one year, Q1 2013 - Q1 2014.  Some of the more basic devices require add on apps or modules to really run the gamut, but the concept that the Apple Watch is a $17,000 pedometer is a laugh riot.  Good Lord, just look into functionality of some of these things.  Claiming that people are paying $17,000 for a gold pedometer has people reading this literally slapping their knees in laughter.

They do a lot more than just act as a pedometer.  These aren't promises, rumors, or whispers in the wind.  All of the major wearables offer far more function than just a pedometer.

I get the drift, though,  People just griping that we shouldn't even consider new technology to help people, to perhaps give a new aspect into how people monitor their health in detail, because all diabetics are cupcake eating lost causes, eh?  That's how it's coming off, anyways.

Or that my father, a guy in otherwise good shape for being 64 years old, who suffered a mild stroke and could never wrap his head around the whole traditional medical care aspect afterwards regarding treatment; that there's no merit in a simple wristband that would keep tabs on his BP and other stats, software and hardware combined, making goals for a patient and a challenge in regards to improving his health goals.  I'm sure it's easy to say "well, if a guy like that can't get his head around some clunky BP monitor that takes up his entire glovebox in his truck", it's easier to say "well, maybe he wasn't all that serious about his health to begin with" and write them off.  If that's the case, I'm glad you folks aren't my health care provider.  I'm also overjoyed that the devices he's been trying have got him more interested in tracking all aspects of his health, and his cholesterol is now half of what it was 6 months ago when the Doctors sent him home with some clunky BP monitor and a bag full of pills that gave him side effects so badly he couldn't take them.  I consider the whole deal a bit of a win for what the little wristband cost us, and his Doctor was overjoyed that my Dad found something that worked for him.  There were no warning signs with my Dad.  None.  He has full routine medicals every 6 months.  No warning signs at all - NONE. Not overweight, doesn't smoke, rarely drinks, gets more exercise than most 25 year olds.

All I know, man - some people that don't "click" with traditional health monitoring and treatment really do click with something as simple as a mildly smart wristband/watch device like a Fitbit, MS Band, Android Wear or iOS device.

I'm not trying to "sell" anyone on any of these, much less the Apple Watch.  In fact, if I had to recommend one, the Apple Watch, at least in V.1 form would be the absolute last one I'd recommend.  But the concept that such devices garbage, and are nothing more than pedometers and universally useless to people just flummoxes me.  A very high number of people find the devices helpful, regardless of brand or maker, to have had very significant effects in their health.

Bu I guess we could just "cull" the infirm and ill and we'd never have a need for anything like this to begin with :)  But then there's that job security angle, eh..
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: danbeaver on March 13, 2015, 03:36:48 PM
Well, I am sorry you used a loved one as an example because you struck a nerve that Smart Watches "can monitor one's health."  To me this is a just silly.  If an electronic device helps your dad, that is great, but he still represents in statistics, an "N of 1" or one data point that has no bearing on measured outcomes.

As an augmented Smart Watch-Phone (accessory at this point), they will someday have value when they can be worn 24/7, are water proof, usable by a generation that requires bifocals, and not just a novelty.  They will not measure blood pressure without an inflatable wristband, measure pulse ox without a skin fold, determine an ECG without at least 3 limb leads, or check blood chemistry without years more in research.

A GPS enabled pedometer has a motivational value in exercise, but just doesn't quite make it to the panacea level of living a healthy life-style.

The technology will get there in 7 to 10 years as will the advertising hyperbole of the Super Smart Watch.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Lurch on March 13, 2015, 07:47:04 PM
Quote from: som99;786233
Yepp Lens :)



Got the camera grip/holder, nice with the extra battery built in also :)

the 1320 is a nice phone also :) I will probably buy a WP phone the next time also.


They're great, but as we've said a shame more people don't try them. Just lending my phone to a couple of people was enough for them to change :-)

So the product is great.
Title: Re: Apple Watch, lol
Post by: Duce on March 14, 2015, 12:35:59 AM
You know, the sad thing about Windows Phone is the sheer lack of promotion they get.  Go into get a new cel phone, you'll never have carrier staff pushing a WP device on you.  Was so bad with Verizon, Microsoft even offered in store employees incentive programs to suggest them more often to the consumer, and it didn't get them very far, sadly.

Looking forward to the next high end WP phone - currently have an Alcatel Idol X+ that I'm not terrifically happy with and hoping by the time it keels over there will be a high end Nokia WP out.

The lack of a good Audible books app for WP has kept me away from WP thus far, so I hope Amazon get a decent version churned out for WP soon.

The new "Denim" software update for the Nokia phones makes the camera just absolutely mindblowing - there's literally no delay when taking pics.