jmpTT
732
Tethered to the iPhone
Sep 15, 2014,12:39 PM
I don't see the Watch as the product that will crowd out Swatch and Tissot, but it will eat into their market share. It isn't a set-and-forget accessory like a typical $500 wristwatch. For high end watch enthusiasts, the Watch doesn't have the same appeal or brand cache. Still, I would expect to see some collectors strap this type of device on the other wrist, if the apps are good enough.
First, I think Apple got the design right. It looks like a premium product and I'm sure it feels that way too. Second, Apple can sell luxury goods, so I'm sure they can convince consumers that this watch is a practical symbol of status.
To me, however, the great thing about the Watch is that it is a fitness watch that works as an expression of good taste too. Except I need to carry an iPhone with me if I want to use it as a fitness watch. Of course I am an Android user, so I'm out of the game. Eventually, these devices won't need to be tethered to a phone, but until the technology can be stuffed into a real standalone, this watch will only appeal to techies and Apple fanatics. That's a huge market, the amount of overlap it shares with the watch enthusiast crowd is unknown (to me).
As for the rest of great features...well...the PR team doesn't think much of them:
Walkie-Talkie. For a fun alternative to a phone call, use the built-in speaker and microphone to trade spur-of-the-moment sound bites with friends.
A multi-channel walkie-talkie with a digital interface - that would be a great feature in a high end smart watch (for a subset of users). But that's not what you're really getting with the Watch. The tech demos help differentiate it from inferior smart watches, but they don't answer a need or even create a need and answer it.