Damien Remington
Freshman, Computer Engineering Major
Apple has, for a long time now, been the top innovator when it comes to technology. Yes, one can argue that other companies produce “better” products by certain standards, but when it comes to popularizing a technology, Apple reigns supreme. With the help of Apple’s breakthrough technology, we have smartphones, iPods, tablets, and incredibly portable laptops—electronic essentials in our everyday lives. And now they’re once again expanding their market to something they feel is a little more intimate: the Apple Watch. Apple has decided to take a stab at wearable technology, taking further steps to personalize the user-device experience. While wearable technology like watches and glasses has been growing more and more popular as of late, Apple foray into wearables can mean big things.
As a company, Apple has been known to make things big. Just looking at the iPod, which is still the most used MP3 player to date, shows you just how popular Apple can make things. This can be attributed to two common factors: elegant design, and usefulness. These are why the iPod was such a success, and also happened to be Apple’s saving grace during financial straits and the reason the company still exists today. And when you look at other attempts at portable players, none have ended up as successful as the iPod. Looking at further portable devices as well, both iPhones and iPads are examples how Apple is able to make something and make it widely used. Apple makes the products, and makes them be used by everyone. This goal is no different for the Apple Watch.
What is a smartwatch? It’s similar to a smartphone, in how it allows for touchscreen interactions, but it goes further than just being an interactive watch. Being able to check your notifications without your phone, as well as interact with your phone without having it in your hand, such as being able to control your music, has been the general goal of smartwatches thus far. And now Apple is making their version of the device. Not too much information has been released for the device yet, such as battery life and connectivity, but what has been shown is what makes it Apple’s most connected device. Precision time keeping, health and vital tracking, and video connectivity are just a few of the things Apple has planned for their version of the watch. It is becoming a new platform for app developers to build off of, as well as for Apple to expand upon in the coming future. Although it is decently expensive starting at $345, it has good value for its connectivity, especially when one considers the potential the technology has.
Yes, smartwatches are already in existence, and Apple is not trying to say it is the originator of the concept. But what Apple is doing is improving upon the current form of the technology and hoping to make it more popular. Their Apple Watch is quite sleek, more like high-end watches, and in my opinion, simply better designed than much of the current stuff on the market, which is expected of Apple. Additionally, it’s not just looks that Apple has improved upon. From the demonstrations and advertisements, they’ve made the technology inside the watch much more ‘fluid’ than current smartwatches, and quite similar to an iPhone. It also has a deeper connectivity to the user than any other device, even being able to provide health readings and other such information thanks to the sensors connected to the watch. This all makes the watch more accessible, and with greater accessibility come more use and popularity. This is always the goal with new devices: Make them work and make them liked.
Why should you care about this watch, though? It’s just a watch. Well, it’s much more than just a watch. But it’s not just the watch that you should care about. It’s all of the developments going into personalized technology that matters. And there are many companies along with Apple that are beginning to show interest in connected technology. Google Glass, for example, is Google’s attempt at making a device which is even more connected to us and easier to use. They’re trying to do this through special glasses, allowing for visual developments and also audio usage. Android, the competitor to the mobile side of Apple, has also been delving into watches and wearable devices to go along with your phone. All of these aim towards one goal, which is making us even more connected to our technology. If the developments continue, we soon won’t even need computers and phones. No, those things will be on our wrists and on (or even in) our heads. And, in the end, we can have a world where we are all connected 24/7 everywhere we go.
UF PRISM 