iWatch, Definitely Not

iWatch, Definitely Not

     The iWatch is set to come out April 24th, 2015, is meeting mixed reviews and I have one simple question...Is keeping your phone in your pocket worth the $350 you will spend on and iWatch? If that doesn't help realize it's weakness maybe this will. 

     Smart watches have been in existence for almost 45 years, been compatible with computers for about 30 years, have been making phone calls for 16 years, and running apps for about 12 years. The most popular (current) smartwatchs are the Pebble versions which has basic applications. Some of the applications allow you to receive updates about who has called or texted you, track fitness, turn on and off GoPro style cameras, and receive weather updates among other applications, for a low price of $99. Has the pebble really made a impact in the wearable tech industry? No, specifically because I do not know one person that has one, and in total it has sold about 400,000 watches. 

     The basic things that iWatch can do are send and receive calls, receive social media updates, track fitness, read emails, talk to siri, and basically do all the cool things you need it to do to prevent you from taking your phone out of your pocket. The unfortunate part of the iWatch is that it isn't waterproof, has less than a days worth of battery power, and requires an iPhone in close proximity (like a pants pocket). The Samsung Gear is extremely similar to the iWatch and only sold 800,000 units at $199. If the iWatch does the same things and costs $150 more will consumers buy it? 

     My prediction is that the iWatch will be released and met with consumers that don't want to buy it. It does not simplify the consumers life enough to the point where it is worth $350 especially since it requires you to still have the iPhone in close proximity to fully make use of it's features. If the iPhone is that close you might as well take it out and use it instead of fumble with a tiny screen on your iWatch. Wearable tech will be a market in the future but definitely not in the close future. I see this market advancing like PC's and Laptops, steadily as available technology makes it more practical for the consumers. Unfortunately we are not there yet.