I
have a penchant for the latest technology so I was ecstatic when the Apple Watch was announced last year. Although
I did wait several months after the release to adopt the product, I was
instantly impressed by the potential capabilities. Like any technology acquisition, I wanted to
know as much as I possibly could about the product. For quite some time, I had planned to get
back into a regular workout routine and I knew the Apple Watch was designed to
do just that plus more. The fitness
component was by far the biggest driver for my purchase.
The
original operating system, watchOS 1.0, did not offer but the basics such as
shorthand responses to text messages only, thumbs up for Facebook Messenger notifications,
and basic watch faces. When watchOS 2.0
was released, there were more features such as shorthand responses to email,
Photostream watch faces, and enhanced support for more watch compatible app complications. There were several new tech terms to learn
with the Apple Watch release. Without
knowing one would assume complications means a glitch however in Apple’s world
it means controlling app features right on the watch face.
Another
new term is glances, which are quick views for various watch features and
apps. My personal favorite is Shazam Encore. If you love music this app is a
must have. It’s worth the $6.99 to
continuously add new favorites to your music collection. The convenience of the Shazam Apple Watch
feature is being able to dine out, hear a song, slide up from the bottom of the
watch face then over to the app, tap and instantly tag the song to later
download. I have found this invaluable
at the gym since I am always looking for good workout songs.
My
device has sparked many conversations including what do I love the most about
it. One of the best features is being
able to operate somewhat remotely without carrying around my phone from room to
room, leaving it in my purse, and plugging into my car stereo all while still
being able to answer calls, text, and email either by shorthand or
dictation. When traveling, the watch
does a great job of making you appear as a local while discretely using Apple
Maps since it will tap your wrist rapidly for a right turn and intermittently
for a left turn. I love that I can set
one particular mailbox for notifications for priority emails and either respond
or flag for later in depth responses.
There
are a plethora of accessories that can be purchased for the Apple Watch
including bands, face covers, bumper guards, charging stations, and charging
bands. I picked the basic Apple Watch
Sport and proceeded to find accessories on Amazon including a Spigen bumper guard and link bracelet band. The watch
comes in a variety of styles from the basic Apple Watch Sport at $349 to the
Apple Watch at $549 to the Apple Watch Edition at $10,000. There is an increase in price for each level
depending on what type of watch casing, size, and band is chosen. Bands can be purchased separately to upgrade
each type of watch. Size options are the
smaller 38mm and larger 42mm screens. I
personally selected the 38mm and can see the screen perfectly.
Several
people I know have the Fitbit in one variation or another and others have
brands by Samsung and Garmin. I am
partial to the Apple Watch, which does require one to have an iPhone. Later in
the blog, I will review great apps and accessories for the Apple Watch. Overall
it is functional for fitness, communication, and makes a great conversation
piece.
Cheers!
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