Apple Watch - Great watch but…as a fitness watch

[@vinceiopez3657]

Finally my favorite watch channel uploads! Welcome back to the land of the living!

[@WondersofWatchdom]

Thank you! This video took far too long, I know. Partly due to a stolen mobile phone and lost footage. In any case I’ll be making videos more frequently and consistently from now on. Thanks for sticking with me and the channel, and your encouragement!

[@cameronmeyn763]

This vid essentially reinforced my view on the Apple Watch. While it is competent at doing some functions, it's just an extension of a device that, like the watch, will be essentially useless landfill in less than a decade. It's absent-mindedly minimalist design, reliance on subscriptions for otherwise relatively basic functions, hit or miss functionality and no outstanding features beyond the iPhone makes it merely another device you dispose of in a few years, instead of something special you can truly rely on for many, many years. My Seiko SNJ025 does most of the things an average person could reasonably need out of a timepiece and it thrashes the Apple watch in terms of what it's capable of and it's longevity; it can survive being submerged and it will keep on ticking for decades because of its solar movement, while most Apple watches will probably end up like those brick-sized mobile phones from the 80s and 90s

[@WondersofWatchdom]

Since it's basically a computer it certainly isn't built to work for 20 years no doubt about that. Having said that, I have come to appreciate some features I didn't expect, like taking calls while driving, checking texts subtly during meetings, controlling video recording remotely, and controlling podcasts (esp the 10 second rewind) while walking.

[@TheSimoc]

@@WondersofWatchdom Actually, it has nothing to do with not having built to last because of being a computer. We have a plethora of computers, embedded and not, working perfectly decade after decade. There are of course different quality builds, like with everything. But the problem, seemingly intentional, is the planned obsolecensce made by software. Software, both OS and other platform-related, and individual apps, are growing more and more bloated after every version upgrade, usually without equally added functionality nor any other warranted reason, and these updates are often forced, eventually ending up as inoperable in "too-low-resourced" (=a few yesrs old) device, and before that everything gets gradually painfully slower. If the bloat didn't happen to overwhelm the hardware resources or user's patience, then they change APIs for new OS for sake of change and stop to support the now plannedly obsolete OS versions, and encourage all third-party app and service providers to also drop the support for old OS versions. With standalone offline apps, you can usually(!) keep on using old working versions as a solution, but with anything you need to be in contact with outside world, e.g. proprietary cloud services like streaming services and even loyalty bonus apps of grocery stores and fast food restaurants, or a productivity app you need to have compatibility with modern version of file type which has been changed for sake of change, or generically web browsing where all major websites keep adopting all the new bloated frameworks and stupid scripting technologies for sake of adopting even though they have no added functionality besides the simple text and pictures, but they make "obsolete" browsers incompatible, and browser developers having stopped supporting "obsolete" OS versions or made them too bloated for "obsolete" hardware, with all these the devices turn useless after a very short lifespan. Ironically, a good contrary example is, actually, the good ol' dumbphone. Well, maybe not those literally brick-sized ones using now-decommissioned analogue cell networks (even though even those used to be in use a honorsble long time!), but those a little later 90s dumbphones which are still perfectly operable and functional! And btw, even they are computers, just not intended to be user-reprogrammable. Sure you could say you can use almost any smartphone as a dumbphone even as obsolete, but actually even it is made clumsier by all those popups pushing updates and reminding to buy a new phone compatible with it, priorly installed updates having made it slow and unresponsive and battery-hogging and often-crashing. But the most important point is, that actually the app programming technology, at least for major part, is way, way simpler than a cell network technology overall, and especially if purposefulness is considered to be the goal of development, also all the apps and serviced should be maintained compatible with all the oldest versions of platform they are made for. And it wouldn't be technically any problem anyhow - support droppings are merely due to sake of dropping, we call it planned obsolecensce. Edit: Forgot to mention, that *all* those your appreciated "unexpected" features have long been accomplished by the cheapest cheapo AliExpress "smartwatches", at least with Android phones, not sure whether Apple requires the fancy OEM watch for those. And about the planned obsolecensce, I also have to add to my explanation, that practically *any* functionality we have in *any* smartwatch, by *any* app, preinstalled or not, could technically have been accomplished by 90's computer hardware, and actually was, not just fitted into a wristwatch nor even a phone. But with just a few *megabytes* of RAM, a few hundred megabytes of mass storage, and a few dozen of megahertzes, all that functionality was accomplished with good user experience. Nowadays, those fancy watches have *gigabytes* of RAM and mass storage and gigahertzes of CPU performance, yet they struggle to accomplish basic functions after a few years...

[@solomioist]

After 5 years I have replaced my Galaxy Gear S3 Classic with an automatic chronograph. So far I don't regret anything.

[@Troyboy23]

Can you do a video on a robust and practical moonphase watch? Cultures used to the phase of the moon to plan their work. It’s a little superstitious, but I think it’s a great complication.

[@justin_hanson5750]

it's great to have you back! great video!

[@wans5885]

I bought mi watch lately but only wear it two times, just not for me. Im more happy wearing quartz/automatic watch at all. But still, I'm just so happy that you're back watchdom ! Any Instagram or Facebook I can follow?

[@DIEXHARDXDAN]

Great to see you back with another upload! I’d say your videos over time have strongly influenced quite a few watches I’ve went on to purchase. I hope you don’t feel too pressurised by people to upload more frequently as I’m sure most of your subscribers don’t mind the wait for what end up being very well edited/well informed watch reviews

[@WondersofWatchdom]

Thank you! But I have to admit this one took longer than was comfortable even for me. More coming soon!

[@gopherproxy]

Great to have you back 😊👍⌚! Really dig your profound, unbiased, thoughtful and individually tailored reviews - a righteous rarity on KZbin! This one is no exception, thank you for taking us on the trip and sharing your observations. Those Apple watches (like the computers) are probably mostly for an urban hipster target group and that's where they make most sense. Garmin or Suunto are more like the real deal. Already looking forward to your next upload - and take your time 😊🤟👊

[@WondersofWatchdom]

Thank you I appreciate it!

[@harrickvharrick3957]

Great breakdown of all functionalities, comparison with other brands, all whilst specifying what you are talking about, really well done review (essentially) !

[@Radi0he4d1]

I was obsessed over an idea of pip-boy, and was watching wearables closely for years. Strapping a phone to a wrist was surprisingly awkward. Android wear was nice an circular. Apple Watch is a wearable computer done right

[@Leo-Crespi]

I love your videos and I understand it takes time to make meaningful videos like this, I mean it. Look forward to seeing the next one.

[@WondersofWatchdom]

Thanks for you kindness, but actually this one took too long! Partly because my cell phone got stolen and I had to remake some footage, but mostly just laziness. I'll be making videos more often!

[@harrickvharrick3957]

Maybe you could make a follow-up for those who are interested in which you go into what apps to install on it for what purposes (as to get to filling in all the functionality that is missing on the Apple Watch out of the box)..?

[@Kung_Fu_Kenny]

What size Apple Watch do you use?

[@StorminNorvin]

I like the Garmin Instinct. I have the Solar version as I didn't want the battery to die when hiking. Though it is somewhat of a wrist computer, it is more of a fitness watch and can be used without a phone if one desires. I like the Garmin Connect app for fitness, and the Garmin Explore app for hiking which is my biggest need for this watch. The GPS tracking on the Garmin is nice, and it does bread crumb back-tracking when using the Hiking Activity so hopefully I will never get lost in the woods, lol. After turning all notifications off with the Connect app, I really enjoy my watch. I think it also helps being solar when you are doing things on the watch that can be high-draining for the battery. If I need phone stuff, I use my phone. I don't need the watch to be my phone for text messages, phone calls, photography, etc. I would really like to see you do a video on the Garmin. Keep up with the great content! Your style is great!

[@UNSCPILOT]

Love my Instinct Solar too, simple efficient little device that can be read in *ANY* lighting conditions, even the fanciest oled screen will be nearly unreadable in direct sunlight. And yeah, having the option to switch it into "dumb" mode for functionally infinite battery life when the 12+ day battery isn't enough. And while I have yet to use the extensive navigation options available on it even just the detailed fitness tracking with not only position and altitude but also speed is handy for my frequent bike rides. Oh, and most importantly, it has 100 meters water resistance so you can *ACTUALLY SWIM* without the watch dieing from cheap low quality seals on a otherwise expensive watch, had a Galaxy watch "Active" that died in under a year from water, even though I didn't swim often and only in a fresh water lake, so to put it mildly proper water resistance was a big part of the purchase for me so I never have to worry about it again (unless I start diving or something)

[@white0pl]

A „watch” whose primary task is to remind you that you need to charge it. You have everything else on your phone. Better, on a bigger screen and with more functionality. I think I prefer my G-shock. I definitely prefer my G-shock.

[@harrickvharrick3957]

Jeez, Apple should WATCH this. BTW, essentially the whole colour setting for the compass is nonsense: it only gives you choice between the red and white that are already present, spreading that (non)setting out over twenty or so possible choices that all are identical. Well, if their initial error in this iteration of their compass accidentally can be corrected by one choice out of that whole slur of them, maybe it accidentally still was good for something, but still..

[@UNSCPILOT]

Apple knows full well the flaws of their devices, they don't care at all, as long as customers keep buying them, especially repeatedly since they'll make more money re-selling you a device every 12 or even 3 months when it fails from obvious issues

[@thatwhitecat]

Love this channel but I hate apple watches it just doesn't do it for me most of the features I have on my phone and time I have on one of my many watches

[@WondersofWatchdom]

I’ve actually come to appreciate things about the Apple Watch I didn’t expect. In particular, using it to stop or snooze my morning alarm, using it as a video/still photo remote, playing podcasts, and checking messages during meetings. As a fitness, hiking and daily wear watch - not so much.

[@thatwhitecat]

@@WondersofWatchdom aaaah oke yeah I for that kind of stuff it's useful but I had the Samsung gear S3 and it is not something I iam going back too I own many vintage watches and enjoy them way more because of the complex movements and decorations these have

[@connorkenway3978]

I don't know why, but I don't like SmartWatches

[@brianmsahin]

I use a Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, but only for work outs and on the rowing machine. I won't bother upgrading and will get a cheap fit bit when it dies. Use one of my good quality automatic watches for everyday use or my G-Shock Mudmaster trekking and mountaineering. Smartwatches are without character. Just another electronic device that is obsolete in a couple of years. Disposable tech, and a waste of money. No batteries on automatic watches, everlasting solar batteries powered by sunlight on the G-Shock. One sunny day charge.....2 years usage. Tough as nails, 200m water resistance, compass, temperature, altimeter, barometer, world time with 31 time zones, 46 cities, atomic timekeeping, stopwatch, timer, perpetual calendar, 5 alarms, never obsolete, and for the same price as a disposable Apple or Samsung Watch.

[@WondersofWatchdom]

At some point I’ll be doing a video of the G-shock using my solar Casio Rangeman - an excellent watch. I will say though that no tech-based watch is perfect. The solar-charged battery doesn’t last forever, and it has its share of inconveniences with regard to the altimeter, thermometer, and atomic timekeeping. Still a great watch though.

[@brianmsahin]

@@WondersofWatchdom True, but my point is smartwatch stops getting update and becomes obsolete after a few years, you'll still be using a G-Shock 10 years later and you can change a solar battery and get another 10 years! 😉, Plus there are plenty of long life non solar models available.

[@Rene6633]

I always wondered what the deal with Apple watch was with most of my family and reviews online constantly praising it yet never really cared enough to research it on my own. Your video was very helpful and answered most, if not all, of the question that lingered in my mind. Thank you for such an informative take on the topic. :)

[@WondersofWatchdom]

Thank you, I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@JogieGlenMait16]

if you're soft, you need an Apple Watch to reaffirm that you did enough "workout" just by standing.

[@thramkammarat]

Instant like!