Abstract
Nowadays more and more digital gadgets appear. Their number and diversity amuse and shock at the same time. Leading technological brands release lots of smart devises that make user`s life easier and faster therefore leading people into digital future. Apple Inc. is among these prophets of digital world. It dictated and establishes rules on technological market. As a consequence, in the best science fiction traditions Apple launched unique assistant that now can be seen not only in movies but also on wrist of an ordinary passer-by. The Apple Watch appeared not so long ago but managed to gain popularity and its place on market as well as on user`s wrists. It was created by Apple and for Apple iOS only therefore making pleasant and useful addition to iPhone. Kevin Lynch one of its creators claimed that nowadays smartphones devoured us as a result making us less human and communicative and while creating the Apple Watch Lynch was trying to solve problem of living in smartphones and this question arose “How do we provide it in a way that’s a little more human, a little more in the moment when you’re with somebody?” Further investigation will reveal not only historical background and features but also future of the Apple Watch.
All inventions and developments are aimed at making people`s life easier and more comfortable. Often inspired by science fiction stories and films inventors and implementers try to bring the boldest ideas into life. The evidence of it can be seen in smart gadgets with numerous functions like smart phones, tablets, smart TVs, smart cars and even in watches nowadays there are smart notes. Leading technology companies compete in creating the most revolutionary and unique device possible. One of those technological leading fighters is Apple Inc. that is famous for its contribution into software, technological development, as well as, into pop culture. Each year it is harder and harder to create and bring to life new ideas because of high competitiveness even for such technological monster as Apple Inc. However, they know how to hold their position in this changeable and raging sea of digital revolution. As a result, wave of smart watches covered market of electronic devices offering interesting functions and promising even more advanced ones in future. Apple Inc. launched series of smart watches that amuse, struck and bewilder by their functions. In order to understand why there is much agitation about the Apple Watch and what this new gadget can offer one should take a look at history of the Apple Watch along with its possibilities and future.
In order to give evaluation of this new Apple product one should define it. So, the Apple Watch is a new technical device – smart watch – developed but not invented by Apple Inc. (Beavis, 2016) It possesses a lot of functions and apps besides informing time, date and day of the week. The Apple Watch works in symbiosis with iOS and integrates with other products and services only of Apple Inc. (Beavis, 2016) This new product is available in four models that have no significant difference between them except price and material it was made of. Starting from the most expensive one these models are: Apple Watch Edition, Apple Watch Hermès, Apple Watch and Apple Watch Sport. (Beavis, 2016) It should be mentioned that all these variants have health-oriented features that may serve well if one has health problems or goes in for sport.
Thing often overlooked is that the Apple Watch is not the first smart watch that was launched; however, it is the first smart watch that gained popularity and took its earned place in the modern technological market. There were lots of attempts to create truly smart watches like in si-fi movies that not only look advanced but also are. For instance, the first unsuccessful try to make and what is more important to sell smart watch begins in 2001 by IBM Research and Citizen Watch who came up with WatchPad which was based on Linux. (Ranger, 2015) Later in 2006 Microsoft tried their hand in modeling Smart Personal Objects Technology (Spot) watch. Unfortunately, they did not have success just like their predecessors. (Ranger, 2015) Further attempts of Sony Ericsson were reported in 2007. They managed to make smart watch Sony Ericsson MBW-150 that was paired to the phone via Bluetooth and could show on small line incoming calls and message notifications. It was a revolutionary achievement that made a huge impact on development smart watches. It should be mentioned that there were a lot more smart watch prototypes but these were three the most significant but failing attempts to create new device that formed basis for modern smart watches.
As the other companies were trying to create something really interesting, helpful and one of a kind Apple Inc. was carrying similar plan too which was destined to be put into execution only after Jobs`s death. (Williams, 2015) Consequently there were a lot of rumors about Apples projects and products. For example, in 2002 - 2004Jonathan Ive design chief of Apple and others ordered boxes of sports watches from Nike that were sport-oriented and technologically advanced at that time. (Williams, 2015) At first nobody paid attention to it but later this action rose rumors that Apple is up to something new. In August 2011 Apple proved the rumors and filed the first one and then the other patent for their new ambitious product an iTime which would be alike in its design to iPod nano. (Williams, 2015)
Sudden death of Steve Jobs only escalated production and creation of the Apple Watch because Apple Inc. had to prove that they are capable to dictate new technological trends and to produce new devices and software even without Jobs. (Williams, 2015) So, Kevin Lynch was hired to complete the project of the Apple Watch. With almost expired deadline and only ideas and suggestions he, Alan Dye and their team managed to create revolutionary device that was aimed at freeing people from their smartphones. (Pierce, 2016) The explanation of reason to create smart watch but not smart glasses, for example, is given by Alan Dye, so he states “There was a sense that technology was going to move onto the body,” and “We felt like the natural place, the place that had historical relevance and significance, was the wrist.” (Pierce, 2016) However, it is quite vague way of explaining thing and the reason for it because Watch team were discovering other purposes of The Apple Watch, besides telling time, step-by-step in the process of creation and development. (Pierce, 2016) So when everything became clear with software and technical issues Lynch revealed the true purpose of the Apple Watch – to bring human engagement into conversation and get rid of buzz paranoia. Author of article iPhone Killer: The Secret History of the Apple Watch David Pierce very well pointed out and sums up the real motif of creation the Apple Watch he states that
“Our phones have become invasive. But what if you could engineer a reverse state of being? What if you could make a device that you wouldn’t—couldn’t—use for hours at a time? What if you could create a device that could filter out all the bullshit and instead only serve you truly important information? You could change modern life. And so after three-plus decades of building devices that grab and hold our attention—the longer the better—Apple has decided that the way forward is to fight back.
Apple, in large part, created our problem. And it thinks it can fix it with a square slab of metal and a Milanese loop strap.” (Pierce, 2016)
Moreover, Apple does not even think to stop creating new and new technological breakthroughs. The question is does one really need this the Apple Watch and if, yes, so why is it so popular and is it really flawless?
As everything in this world the Apple Watch has its advantages and disadvantages. As a result, good and positive things come first. Among advantages of the Apple Watch one may point out the following characteristics: various apps, sport and health oriented functions of this gadget, easy to operate the menu due to Digital Crown. For instance, various apps like Messages, Weather, Music, GPS and Maps, Calendar and Passbook etc. All these things one may get through connecting and synchronizing with one`s iPhone only. It is easy to answer a call especially while driving because the Apple Watch has built-in microphone and a speaker which makes communication and planning via Siri easy. Also, all these apps update in time so it means that this watch becomes smarter and smarter. The other pleasant feature of this device is sport and health orientated features and apps. Accordingly from the back of the Apple Watch there are sensors that measure heart rate and number of miles walked. It is a very useful thing for those who have heart problems or for sportsmen. And the final positive side of it is Digital Crown which is a dial that helps user to scroll through the menu without any difficulty which helps to operate touch screen better.
However, the Apple Watch has drawbacks like: small battery possibilities, great dependence on iPhone, rather slow functioning not mentioning the price. Users point out that battery possibilities are not as great as one wants, as a consequence battery in this smart watch can last only eighteen hours. One has to charge this device every day in order to be able to have a fully functioning watch not mentioning about other functions. It charges through special charger that fits only the Apple Watch. Also, as it was mentioned before the Apple Watch can only connect and work with iOS. It is not available to Android or Windows which means if one has smartphone with Android or other OS and wants to buy the Apple Watch it will not work at all because it was not designed to cooperate with alien OS. In addition, the price of this gadget is very high compared with possibilities.
However, price and features may level in 2016, on this account there are partially confirmed rumors about release of the Apple Watch 2 in this year which will be deprived from major drawbacks. (Painter, 2016) So, battery, design, new apps and less dependence on iPhone will be brought to a new level. However, no one can say with certainty what the Apple Watch be like and what it will and will not have because this project is kept in total secrecy like the previous one. Even the exact date of its announcement is unclear. There is information that “according to reports, Apple will hold its next event in March 2016, at which it will unveil the Apple Watch 2, alongside the rumoured iPhone 6c and the iPad Air 3” but it is unconfirmed information because “one analyst claimed prior to the March event rumours that we may be seeing an Apple Watch a bit later on in the year – possibly not until May, June or even later in 2016.” (Painter, 2016) As can be seen Apple`s new product is hidden under the veil of mystery and rumors. Only after Apple`s final event one may say and see what has changed and what not but now it is too early to dream about a perfect smart watch.
All things considered, the unique watch that knows how to send messages, perfect organizer and navigator just to name few will lead its user not only into the searched place but also into completely new digital era. Technological aspects of si-fi films and books rapidly step into our lives making living easier for once and difficult for others. With the Apple Watch user will feel more freedom from his/her phone. It is a brilliant addition to iPhone that may serve as a perfect assistant due to various apps.
References
Beavis, M. (2016). Apple Watch review. TechRadar. Retrieved 19 February 2016, from http://www.techradar.com/reviews/wearables/apple-watch-1264567/review/3
Painter, L. (2016). Apple to host event on March 15 but it might not showcase the Apple Watch 2.Macworld UK. Retrieved 19 February 2016, from http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/apple/apple-watch-2-features-design-straps-rumours-release-date-march-15-2016-3606039/
Pierce, D. (2016). iPhone Killer: The Secret History of the Apple Watch. WIRED. Retrieved 18 February 2016, from http://www.wired.com/2015/04/the-apple-watch/
Ranger, S. (2015). Before the Apple Watch: A history of smartwatches, in pictures | ZDNet. ZDNet. Retrieved 18 February 2016, from http://www.zdnet.com/pictures/before-the-iwatch-a-history-of-smartwatches-in-pictures/
Williams, R. (2015). How the Apple Watch was created. Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 19 February 2016, from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/watch/11452455/History-of-the-Apple-Watch.html
