Simply put it this way.
After Steve Jobs died, I lost my faith in Apple for the future.
I won't rant particularly about Apple currently, will save that for another time.
Just what I am kind of, ticking over at the moment about is, as the above image would tell you.
The Apple Smart Watch.
Over the past view months I have seen bits and pieces here and there claiming that this is the most revolutionary device and will change the way wristwatches are used and looked at so and so forth.
With demonstrations on media (Mostly news programs), showcasing how the watch can do this and do that, there's that one ultimate question, and an answer to go with that for you about all this.
It's already been fucking done.
Among the most obvious being Samsung and their series of "Gear" watches which have received mostly positive praise for their innovation and etc. And with multiple versions to pick from - from a standard fitness only one, to a multimedia capable solution. Samsungs offerings are not only far more superior than what Apple have offered, but are also more affordable.
Fair enough we have to also give out fair share of welcomes to LG, Sony and other companies who have followed in the steps of Samsung and revolutionized Smart Watches.
Samsung never invented the Smart Watch. You remember those shows and movies where the main character talks to their watch and can issue commands for high tech equipment and communications? Well, that's practically what we wanted on our wrists and we got that.
Watches have been around for ages. They have evolved from just to show the time, to show date, to show your heart rate, backlight, etc. And with the way technology is moving forward at this rapid pace, it was only a matter of time before what we only thought was fiction in fiction, became a reality.
So, back on track. Why are we ranting again?
Because the media is publicizing and Apple is making it seem like they are the only company in the planet that has a Smart Watch.
I remember seeing a "demonstration" for the device a month or so ago with the claim that "You just raise it up and the screen comes on allowing you to view the time!".
That's funny, cause, you know, the Galaxy Gear does EXACTLY the same thing! And it's been around for 2 years with multiple versions that improve over their counterpart!
This exact moment prompted me to really think about it and consider why I was actually watching it in the first place.
Everything the Apple Watch does, the Galaxy Gear does better.
Don't call me out for a fanboy here. You may remember something.
Let me bring that memory back for you.
iPod! Yes, that revolutionary invention by Apple that defined how Media is taken around with us in today's society. Yes, that Apple we used to know.
So, iPod.
There was a model that was a small square and had a touch screen. It was able to be fitted in a little resting place and become an actual watch!
It was meant as just a music player, but it had the capability of showing the time on the main screen and including functional hardware buttons (Volume, home etc).
So Apple may have had that for them at that point. But they never marketed the device as a Smart Watch. Reason being, it isn't exactly a Smart Watch as it can not communicate with a compatible Smart Phone (ie; iPhone).
Having said that, I owned that exact device. And it was pretty good for what it was.
I am a bit nitpicky when it comes to hardware when going out and about.
So I have my main phone on me, a media player and headphones.
When I am listening to music on my media player (Which is an iPod Touch 5th Gen which I NEVER updated TYVM), I often missed phone calls and texts while on transport as I didn't hear the sound of vibration from my main phone.
I didn't want to have to resort to holding my phone out in my hand and waiting for a call, I wanted something that could alert me when I had an incoming call or something while I had EDM blasting through my ear canals.
I started to investigate into just Notification Watches. Just generic ones on eBay. They either had a Monochrome display or just a very CSTN like display. But it would show when I had a message or a call instantly. And on top of that, they were cheap.
I went to my local tech stores and had a play around with some of the offerings (They were also fitness based as well) and I found that I didn't quite like any of them. I wanted that certain something with style and character. So I continued my search.
Eventually it led me to looking at the Galaxy Gear range. And reading up on each model, I only needed a standard one. Which I could choose the Gear Fit, Gear 1, Gear 2, Gear S etc. But I found a Gear 1 cheap enough and bought it in an instant.
7 months after purchasing it, it has been on my wrist almost every day.
Everything on it that I wanted, plus more is served to me directly on this device.
With a camera equipped for a quick snap, communication to your phone that syncs perfect (Galaxy Smartphones mostly here, but other Android devices could work with it too), exercise tools, customization, a great look. I instantly fell in love with what it had to offer.
Soon after I was trying to hunt down a Gear 2 at a cheap rate but to no avail. I have actually come across them recently but my Gear 1 works with no problems, so why upgrade?
I have one criticism about it though. It requires a dock like attachment that is connected to the underside of the watch and thus can then be charged. It is a little gimmicky but to imagine all that they have packed inside that tiny little watch face is amazing, so I can understand to a point why a USB port wasn't made directly available on the device without the need for an attachment.
I like how I can just connect to my computer, put music, images etc on it. Sync instantly with my phone, customize it via my phone. All this and it was available practically 2 years ago. And now, we have Apple running around with their arms in the air going "WE HAVE THIS DEVICE THAT DOES EVERYTHING OTHER DEVICES DON'T DO!".
So there in lies the topic debate.
After seeing a news report saying how the biggest Apple store near me had nearly no customers waiting for the Australian launch of the device, it made me wonder. Why the Apple bandwagon followers didn't turn up to it? Those silly consumers that think because it has Apple on it, it's good. Or those people who have brains and use a regular watch or a Gear or something (I use a Smart Watch yes but, I have reasons).
The report then showed later in the day that it became busier in the store with people purchasing the device. The media asked customers how much they were spending. One kid says "$1600".e hardware.
But let me guess, in a year, there will be the Apple Smart Watch 2 which will make the first discontinued and no longer supported by Apple
...wut...
HERE APPLE HAVE ALL THIS MONEY FOR SOME USELESS HUNK OF JUNK!
It's sad to know that people are actually going to spend a decent amount of money on a device that is just a rip off of the very decent Samsung range of watches. Buy a Gear 2 or S for just under $350. But, Apple being Apple, raises their prices and watch all the losers walk in like zombies to purchase the obsolet. Because that's what they do with everything else correct? As a friend told me, it's "Planned Obsolescence". Simply in order to make more money. By making something that has already been done, and likely using inferior hardware, the device is like a Nexus/Replicant from Blade Runner. It has a lifespan and it will die on this date. Not a conspiracy theorist or anything it just is quite obvious that Apple are trying to do this.
Anyways, back on track again.
They demonstrated the device in store on the news once again showing the features of what it does. But, it's one of those moment that can only described like this -
Which is, so true. (Must respect to Heath).
Samsung are innovating the innovators to put it like that. People could be saving money and walking around with a device that does so much more but instead, because it's Apple, IT HAS TO BE ON THEM!
I guess personal preference comes down to it also. But if the price is high, the device is not up to par with current technology, it's not justifiable to have something on you that's considered new and be happy with it.
Like how the iPhone 6 plus is practically a Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Yeah, I know. They are almost identical Hardware wise. But on the software side of things, people are lazy and want a simplistic GUI. But there are so many things that an Android device does better than an iPhone.
It's all brainwashing and marketing to make money in the end. It's as simple as that.
So Apple decide to release a watch that - OH LOOK, IT SHOWS YOUR TEXT MESSAGES.....ON THE SCREEN OF THE WATCH!
AND LOOK! WE CAN ALSO SEE WATCH FACES ON THE WATCH!
Samsung isn't shoving the device in your face left right and centre. But Apple does.
It's just people who are sucked in to buying anything Apple shits out and expects it to be good and feel respected cause of it.
An example would be like Beats By Dre for example.
So many people complain "THEY SUCK, ETC ETC ETC".
Yes, they made be pricey, but they are decent headphones. Pick up a pair second hand or on eBay, or grab a fake pair, they are practically identical.
And now that Apple owns Beats, you know what will happen to that little market there.
So as I said, as a personal preference, if you want to spend so much money on obsolete hardware that are planned to go out of style in a week, feel free to go with Apple.
But for functionality, quality and compatibility. Gear series, or LG's offerings. Even Sony's smart watch is incredible at that.
Bottom line is, do YOU really need one. Or do you want to dig out that old Casio Calculator Watch out from your parents drawer instead?
That's entirely up to you. At the end of the day, no one cares what some insignificant person thinks about a Multi-Billion Dollar company that can get away with so much crap but just to vent this out on my own accord is something I have felt very calm doing so.
So, fuck the Apple Watch. Kids, don't ask your parents for one. You probably own several iPads and iPhones that have been broken several times, so go ahead, I don't mind.
(I'll clarify also, I do not work for any of the above said companies, just from a consumers stand point, this is my view).
Hey Apple. can your Smart Watch communicate with Zordon?
NOOOOOOOO.
TRG - SH
