Why People Are Giving Up On The Apple Watch

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Funny the article didn't mention the fact that using your phone for everything only requires one hand and the Apple Watch ties up both hands. Ever watch someone try to use the Apple Watch and hold a drink at the same time? It's comedy gold.

When it came to shelving the Apple Watch, 55% of participants who stopped wearing it reported they wore the watch for at least two weeks before giving it up. 28% of those who no longer wear the watch said they stopped wearing it within two weeks, while 17% said they made the decision within days. The majority of Apple Watch deserters keep the device "in a drawer."
 
My wife finds hers useful. She gets notifications and what not without having the phone on her, but it's definitely of limited use.
 
At this point once you get past phones, ever more smaller and mobile devices have diminishing returns. Great for specific things like fitness and health tracking but not lots else. Most people are looking for even more notifications.

I think the future of wearables will be niche for some time to come, with VR and AR tech probably becoming more of the focus of it in the near future.
 
It's fine for things like notifications and quick texts, but it's unbelievably expensive for something so limited. It might be worthwhile if were something like $100 (like some Android competitors) instead of costing as much or more than a phone.
 
Because most people realize wearable tech like smart watches and smart glasses are pointless. Your phone already does everything, why do i need a separate screen on my wrist to tell me the time or who texted me. And its near impossible to text fast and accurately on a smart watch, so most people just pull out their phone.
 
heatlesssun said:
At this point once you get past phones, ever more smaller and mobile devices have diminishing returns.
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Even to the point that people are opting for large phone screens.

When a 4" phone screen is considered too small, why would people think a 1.5" watch screen would be usable.
 
heatlesssun said:
At this point once you get past phones, ever more smaller and mobile devices have diminishing returns. Great for specific things like fitness and health tracking but not lots else. Most people are looking for even more notifications.

I think the future of wearables will be niche for some time to come, with VR and AR tech probably becoming more of the focus of it in the near future.
Click to expand...


Meh not really. Do you really want you 500 dollar watch getting soaked in sweat? Yuk.


The gym I go to, there are 0 apple watches, and 2 or 3 fit it's that fat people wear. Fitness nerds have no use for these things, listen to your body.
 
Can't speak for the Apple watch, but the Microsoft Band has been amazing for me. It keeps me aware of how much I walk (if I'm close to my goal at the end of the day, I'll go for a walk just to meet my goal), gives notifications, tracks jogs, sleep tracking... One of the better purchases I've made. It's mostly for notifications. I can type on it to reply to stuff (and Cortana makes it easier than the keyboard), but it's easier to grab my phone and do it.

I paid $125 for it. I didn't get the Band 2 because I can't see the value in a $250 device. $125, yes. That's about my upper limit. Apple watch looks good, but too expensive for what it does. If I am paying <$200 for a watch, I'm going big and good - a classic watch, not a smart watch.
 
nutzo said:
Even to the point that people are opting for large phone screens.

When a 4" phone screen is considered too small, why would people think a 1.5" watch screen would be usable.
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I briefly played with one in an Apple store and it's more usable than I thought it'd be. I managed to hit the icon I was interested in every time (again, not what I expected). Nevertheless, I don't get why I'd want one. However, I think when they get to version 3 or 4 they may have a winner. These things always take several iterations to get right.

Until then, I'll continue to go watchless 90% of the time.
 
pgwalsh said:
My wife finds hers useful. She gets notifications and what not without having the phone on her, but it's definitely of limited use.
Click to expand...
I'm trying to think how often it would be the case for someone to have a smartwatch on them but not a smartphone. More and more, people are literally tied to the hip with their smartphones. So a smartwatch just seems like a waste of money for redundant notification/alerts.
 
beowulf7 said:
I'm trying to think how often it would be the case for someone to have a smartwatch on them but not a smartphone. More and more, people are literally tied to the hip with their smartphones. So a smartwatch just seems like a waste of money for redundant notification/alerts.
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Do smartwatches work without a phone (or wifi)? It might be useful if you have a Note or a 6+ phone. You're phone is too big to handle, so you get a watch :p
 
I have a Pebble Steel and I really like it. I don't if I would buy one new, but used for $100 or less is a fair price to me. I only use it for a few things, but for those few things I really enjoy having it.

The other BIG stipulation is, do you normally wear a watch to begin with? I have always worn a watch, every day. So for me, adding more capability to it was a no brainer. But if you buy a smart watch as something new to your daily experience, it can be hard making a new habit.
 
beowulf7 said:
I'm trying to think how often it would be the case for someone to have a smartwatch on them but not a smartphone. More and more, people are literally tied to the hip with their smartphones. So a smartwatch just seems like a waste of money for redundant notification/alerts.
Click to expand...

It's more about the ease of getting those notifications.

When I'm driving, I just have to rotate my wrist to see a message...also don't have to worry about phantom phone vibrations.

If I'm working in the garage I can set my phone in a safe place, but still get messages.

If I'm charging the phone, the watch will pick up messages from just about anywhere in the house (which surprised me).

I can change songs while in the shower :D

I can change songs while mowing the yard without having to get out my phone.

If I get a text during a meeting, I can very discretely look at my watch rather then pull out my cell phone.

It's just lots of little stuff like that.

I'm not looking for Maps or games or the Internet...I'm not even looking for Dick Tracey calls. But just having some amount of utility is handy.
 
Domingo said:
It's fine for things like notifications and quick texts, but it's unbelievably expensive for something so limited. It might be worthwhile if were something like $100 (like some Android competitors) instead of costing as much or more than a phone.
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Vivosmart does notifications and texts for $70. So yeah, if that's the usefulness one gets out of it, there's way better options.
 
Quite honestly? My Garmin Vivofit 2 watch battery lasts 1 year, I can swim and shower with it on. It never comes off. Time is ALWAYS displayed. Why the hell anyone would want any less.
 
ive been wearing a fitbit hr for the last 4 months and for 140 bucks it does all i need. only have to charge it every 3-4 days. if i want to check my emails i look at my phone.
 
Smart watches are "cool" but other than that, that's it. I'm sure the novelty wears off (literally) after the first couple days, especially considering it does not do much stand alone.
 
nvgrim said:
Because most people realize wearable tech like smart watches and smart glasses are pointless. Your phone already does everything, why do i need a separate screen on my wrist to tell me the time or who texted me. And its near impossible to text fast and accurately on a smart watch, so most people just pull out their phone.
Click to expand...

I find my Pebble Time useful for several reasons:

1) I feel the notification buzz on my wrist much better than I feel the vibration in my pants pocket when my phone goes off. Especially helpful when you're in a situation where you're not allowed to have the phone off silent mode. (TV Studio during a live show)

2) I can glance at my wrist to see if it's an emergency notification while I'm doing something with both hands instead of having to stop, fish phone out of pocket, unlock phone and check notifications. Especially handy when I'm doing something where I can know if it's safe to ignore something and keep filming.

3) Quick replies without having to do most of #2

4) Riding the train home late at night? Can check notifications without having to pull my phone out of my pocket in case there's some sketchy characters waiting to snatch it.

I don't even bother with the activity or weather apps. Got mine for $120 and that's about as much as I could justify the toy for. Beyond that? I wouldn't bother. The Pebble Time can go several days with its always on LCD so that was a major factor in my picking that as a smartwatch. The daily recharging needs for Apple and Android watches and the need to activate it to see what's on the screen both significantly diminish the usability of them.
 
I've been using an Apple Watch since it was released. It is for work (mobile app development). I would not spend the money for personal use. It just doesn't offer me enough value.
I do like the fitness options. It works well. Too bad I don't excercise enough.
The emails and texts - I'd rather just use my phone. Way more useful.
Apps? Nah. I only have a few. I don't even use the apps we have developed as they seem pointless to me :D
 
I bought one for my wife. She like it, but it's really more of a fashion accessory than anything else.
 
i'm not surprised that the majority of owners have given up on it: watches (that cost more than $40) are jewelry first: functionality comes second. Phones on the other hand are first and foremost functional devices: people will haul around a chunk of plastic and metal because it's usefulness outweighs the inconvenience. If they're going to wear a watch, however, it better be damn good looking.

Until there's a "smartwatch" that can replace a Panerai Luminor Marina in the looks & craftsmanship department, even the mighty Apple won't be able to make a costly device that people will actually keep and use.
 
Because it was a stupid idea that had no chance at being more than a fad. This isn't hard to figure out. Same thing applies to basically all "smart watches". Dick Tracy looked cool, You look like a moron.
 
That's so true! I keep being asked if I use a fit bit or other devices. I consider myself in shape and work out twice a day 5 days a week. (Cardio mostly since I sit in a chair all friggen day.) There is no need for a device if you see results and stick to a correct dietary plan and exercise. It kills me that some obese people who walk around work gloat that they've walked 15K steps a day according to their smart device and expect to get in shape... There are a few Apple watch users as well! Sorry, I did not mean to get on a soap box!

Verge said:
Meh not really. Do you really want you 500 dollar watch getting soaked in sweat? Yuk.


The gym I go to, there are 0 apple watches, and 2 or 3 fit it's that fat people wear. Fitness nerds have no use for these things, listen to your body.
Click to expand...
 
tmillszero1 said:
That's so true! I keep being asked if I use a fit bit or other devices. I consider myself in shape and work out twice a day 5 days a week. (Cardio mostly since I sit in a chair all friggen day.) There is no need for a device if you see results and stick to a correct dietary plan and exercise. It kills me that some obese people who walk around work gloat that they've walked 15K steps a day according to their smart device and expect to get in shape... There are a few Apple watch users as well! Sorry, I did not mean to get on a soap box!
Click to expand...

Assuming 5000 steps equals a mile, then I'd expect them to lose weight (slowly) if they walk 3 miles/day, as long as they also have a normal diet.
 
nelsonHAHA.jpg

Apple jumped on the bandwagon saying "me too" but they did it apple style and like to say theirs is magical and special.

Had a fitbit charge for a while - loved it, got the MS Band2 and that's even better. It's weird I went without it for a few days, and it sucks having to take my phone out of my pocket now to see who's texting me. Only thing that pisses me off is the battery life, 1 day only if you go for a run or bike ride and use GPS, maybe 2 days if you just use the heart rate features and other non-gps stuff.
 
nilepez said:
Assuming 5000 steps equals a mile, then I'd expect them to lose weight (slowly) if they walk 3 miles/day, as long as they also have a normal diet.
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Yeah, but the problem is they're probably walking to a pizzaria, Mcdonalds, Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts. Or just the office break room to grab the last piece of cake.
 
Its sure ugly. Apple gets away with some things like that (laptops that look like toilet seats, desktops that look like lamps etc). They've designed some mice things so the ugly ones get points for being a "nice try"
 
When smartwatches first appeared I was intrigued. I figured that a great device would be worth about $150 Canadian, an okay device maybe $100.

I picked up an all steel Moto 360 with steel link band on ebay for $135 in September and I really do like it. It looks good on my (large) wrist. The step tracking is helping me lose weight (though cutting all snacks helps a lot more). I like being able to glance at my notifications without fishing for my phone. Google Keep is great for grocery shopping. I like being able to set alarms and reminders quickly.

Is it worth the $135 I spent on it? Yeah, it is to me. Would similar functionality be worth the C$1230 -C$1300 that Apple is asking for a it's watch with a metal link bracelet? Not a chance in France.
 
I sat with a guy who bought one a few months ago. He gave me a full tour of it so to speak.

It was an amazing device...for giving him masses of useless data about his daily routine.

I was less than enthralled. He ended up just sounding desperate to justify his purchase.

I'll stick with my Seiko Chronograph.
 
Cannot give up on something I do not have. I personally own a Microsoft Band because of the running GPS and that I have a Windows Phone device. I like the fact that if I would choose to go Android or Apple, I can still use my Microsoft Band without issue. However, I could not do that with any Android or Apple watch, go figure.
 
tmillszero1 said:
There is no need for a device if you see results and stick to a correct dietary plan and exercise. It kills me that some obese people who walk around work gloat that they've walked 15K steps a day according to their smart device and expect to get in shape... There are a few Apple watch users as well! Sorry, I did not mean to get on a soap box!
Click to expand...

Is it better than them sitting at a desk? Even adding a few thousand steps a day because they are more aware of it is better. I don't think they are expecting to get into shape, but they are getting more active.... Some fat people just can't win... They finally get some exercise, and it's still not enough.
 
Verge said:
Meh not really. Do you really want you 500 dollar watch getting soaked in sweat? Yuk.


The gym I go to, there are 0 apple watches, and 2 or 3 fit it's that fat people wear. Fitness nerds have no use for these things, listen to your body.
Click to expand...

Don't hate on the fitbit, that thing is great for lazy people as it motivates you to do something when you see actual numbers.
 
NickJames said:
Don't hate on the fitbit, that thing is great for lazy people as it motivates you to do something when you see actual numbers.
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Verge is totally right though. It's a gimmicky fad and in the vast majority of cases, people will just stop using them after a little while just like all the exercise equipment they buy and never use, but say is a motivational thing. People who are in shape go out to exercise regularly so they don't turn into moo-moo piggy butts or spare tire tummy football fans. Getting and staying fit isn't stuff that happens because you bought a stupid looking wrist toy. It takes getting a icky and sweaty and doing exercising stuff even if you don't feel like it.
 
I just want to say, if you need a little device to tell you that you have walked enough then you are a simpleton.
 
Why do I have a feeling a lot of folks in this thread do not know the first thing about customer service. That and they do not know the first thing about respect. Well, enjoy your small mindedness I guess.
 
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