I have a watch and for a second I don't think it's really cool idea, we will once be driving iCars, wearing iGear and living in iHouses(probably they will be build with no windows).
I think the opportunities are limitless, but in terms of what we can execute today, it's a growl like solution. I think we can do it quite well too. Voice responses, etc. could come next, but I don't see it as a gen 1 device feature.
As for your second paragraph, you can set specific alert tones on an app-to-app basis no? Like my Gmail can give me a certain ringtone, while my Gtalk gives me another. Exchange mail gives me yet another ringtone. I guess it would be up to the watch to be able to process alerts, meaning it needs to be able to tie into apps. LightFlow is an example of an app that has tied into dozens of Android apps and can intercept their notifications and convert them into a standard notification.
I think it's pretty limited in what it can do. It's very similar to Glass in the information presenting scenario, but Glass goes the next step with the camera. That can be expanded to augmented reality with things like looking at a restaurant and seeing reviews of the place pop up around it. Or look at a product and get prices/reviews both local and online. A watch can't really go to this next level.
Yes you can set per app customization, but I'm talking per contact. Like if you were a contact in my phone, anything you send me, be it a call, text, email, etc. would have a custom alert/ring specifically for you. That would go a ways towards eliminating the "who is it?" wondering when your phone's alert goes off.
Why not look at the time on your computer?You have to pull your phone out of your pocket. How many times do you see people pull a phone out, unlock the phone look at it for a few seconds, maybe swipe the notification center, and put their phone back in their pocket? Dozens of times a day. Or even if you have the luxury of an LED, you put your phone on the table and look over after it buzzes to see if it's a green or blue or red LED or whatever.
Then when you leave your desk you gotta remember to pick that phone up and stuff it back in your pocket. Why not have a watch that does it for you? It's always on your wrist. You can glance at it while you type away. No need to pull anything out of your pocket.
I can see that it has a purpose, but I don't really like wearing watches as I always feel constrained when typing. I only wear one as a fashion accessory.
... But my point remains that comparing an iWatch to Glass is just ridiculous. You're comparing a watch which has existed for centuries, and is part of modern attire with something that's completely experimental. While I'd love for Glass to succeed, we don't know whether it will or not, or whether it will even take off. It could remain a niche market like bluetooth headsets.
.. .
Why not look at the time on your computer?
Almost everywhere I've been to has a clock...The gym. My TV. My cable box. My oven. My microwave. My house telephone. My alarm clock. My car. My desktop. My work computer. Several clocks in the office. The airport terminal...and many more.
In all of these instances, I have absolutely no reason to either turn my wrist to glance at a watch, or to pull out my phone from my pocket whatsoever to look at the time.
Why not look at the time on your computer?
Almost everywhere I've been to has a clock...The gym. My TV. My cable box. My oven. My microwave. My house telephone. My alarm clock. My car. My desktop. My work computer. Several clocks in the office. The airport terminal...and many more.
In all of these instances, I have absolutely no reason to either turn my wrist to glance at a watch, or to pull out my phone from my pocket whatsoever to look at the time.
You're assuming that an iWatch is just a watch.
Everyone talks about Glass like it's the way to go, but do you really want to wear glasses? And not to mention add something idiotic to your glasses? People still think bluetooth wearers look like douchebags, and it isn't exactly a mainstream device either. Sure a number of people do use them, but mostly business purposes. The watch is something that's been around for ages, and we're just updating the watch to be more relevant in today's world. Even if Glass is perfected in terms of use, it's a whole step forward to get people to wear something like that everywhere they go.
Another thing about Glass, is are you even allowed to wear it most of the time since it could be recording.
Most employees aren't allowed to video record their workplace. So you can't wear Glass at work. Even stores don't like you recording, so I can see it being banned at most stores. You'll be banned from wearing it into locker rooms and bathrooms obviously. I imagine most people will want privacy at restaurants and bars, so they'll ban it. Can't videotape in courtrooms either. No wearing it into strip clubs.
What about when you are just on the streets? Police may arrest you for recording them.
What about at home? Most of your guests probably don't want to be videotaped either, except on special occasions.
So, the only time you are sure you can use glass is when you are home alone. Then you might as well just use your desktop.
Everyone talks about Glass like it's the way to go, but do you really want to wear glasses? And not to mention add something idiotic to your glasses? People still think bluetooth wearers look like douchebags, and it isn't exactly a mainstream device either. Sure a number of people do use them, but mostly business purposes. The watch is something that's been around for ages, and we're just updating the watch to be more relevant in today's world. Even if Glass is perfected in terms of use, it's a whole step forward to get people to wear something like that everywhere they go.
WTF?
I dunno, do they ban you from using phones in those areas? Because you can do all that with a smartphone.
What about when you are just on the streets? Police may arrest you for recording them.
Exactly this. I get lots of emails everyday, some important, most not. Checking the importance of an email without having to pull out my phone would basically be enough for me. Add in more features piggybacking off your phones capabilities, and I could very easily seeing a smart watch being awesome.Everyday when I'm working, my phone is in my pocket. Whenever I hear my phone beep or chime indicating a new email or text message, I pull it out to see if it's important. If the phone could display it where I can see the sender or the short text message, that would be great. I wouldn't have to drop the tool or equipment in my hand to reach for my phone. It's not a huge deal but would be convenient for me. My wife already told me she wants the iWatch.
People without Facebook are creepy and people who use bluetooth headsets are douchebags. You sure do love to judge people..
... Maybe we should all wear jetpacks too because technology is too cool.
They have a life and good social life, but they are interacting with intelligent people, not those who judge because of no FB account. It does not rise any flags, in fact it shows that those people are more free and enough smart that they don't need to put everything on the web, especially to the circles of FB friends (e.g. people you least care about in your life)It's a stereotype doofus:
https://www.google.com/search?q=blu...hrome.0.57j62l3.2757&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
As for the Facebook thing, sure. I'm referring to the twenties crowd here. Back in grad school I remember one of my friends searching for a roommate, and he got contacted by someone. When interviewing the other guy over the phone, he asked about if the potential candidate had a Facebook, and the guy said no. Yeah it would raise some flags. Does this guy have a social life? Does he have any friends? Is he some weird guy? Or is he just a perfectly normal college kid without a Facebook? Out of all the people I know from my year in college, I can name one dude who doesn't have a Facebook. All he did in college was play WoW all day long. He never goes out, but is a smart kid. Never kissed a girl or had a gf either. He's a nice guy and owns a house now. Probably what he gets for working and never going out. He isn't really your average guy in the mid twenties though would you say?
It's kinda standard. If you're 40-something I don't care if you have one or not. You grew up in a different time.
Back on point, you want to be the guy having a weird gadget with your glasses? Go ahead. It's a cool gadget, but I don't like how it's worn, and nor do I want some HUD display sticking out the side of my head. Maybe 5 years later when something becomes mainstream I'll jump in. Maybe we should all wear jetpacks too because technology is too cool.
Are you saying that you wouldn't wear a jet pack?
If one was on the market that was cheap, had a decent range and was guaranteed not to slam me into a tree on launch, damn right we should wear them.