MY APPLE WATCH ULTRA REVIEW

"It's too BIG", "It's Ugly", etc... I am sure many of you have seen these type of reviews already.  The main thing I am hearing is that this watch is not for everyone.  Anyway, here is my take on the watch and my viewpoint on some of the other reviews I have seen.

The Design

With any design, the engineer has to first determine the purpose for the thing they are building.  In this case, Apple made the decision from the outset that this would be their rugged watch that could get you through more than a day of battery life.  However, part of that decision making also gave them cues about how it would look.  

First off, the size will mean this watch may not work for some people.  Apple makes a small watch that wouldn't work for me, so this isn't just some issue that they created with the Ultra.   The fact is they make watches for everyone, even if one of the particular watches in their lineup may not work for you.   

This watch is definitely bigger.  I personally see this as a benefit.  Bigger screen equals a watch that is easier to see.  This is especially helpful with watch faces that have numerous complications. 

Of course, the more rugged design meant a sapphire crystal flat screen.  The edges on the titanium casing protrude past the screen, to save it from bumping the screen directly.  I have an Apple Watch 4 and have banged something against that screen more times that I can remember.  The extra protection is good.   

The one thing that most of the tech reviewers that handled the Ultra in Apple Park complained about was the extra layer of titanium to protect the larger crown.  Some thought it was ugly, but Apple isn't the first to implement such a design.  Panerai (and probably others) have had that as a feature for a long time.  It is practical for a rugged watch, so it goes along with the rest of the design choices.

It isn't round

Somehow, this complaint is still out there.  Personally, I would like to see a round design, but it doesn't make ergonomic sense with a "watch" that is also meant to show text.  This is essentially a small computer on your wrist and no one uses round computer displays because they aren't ideal for text.  Sure, Apple could still do it and use the square inside the circle for text, but it isn't like this is the first non-round watch.  Many people approve of the classic Cartier Tank design.  Like the Cartier, the Apple Watch is easy to recognize because they went with this non-round display.  It is a practical design that also makes the watch instantly recognizable.  

Functions

Like the prior Apple Watches, the integration with the iPhone is unparalleled.  This gives the watch the ability to do all kinds of things.  Below are just a few ways I use it in no particular order:

1. Siri - I know she has seen some bashing over the years, but the implementation is the watch makes it easy to do just about anything.  Launching apps, setting reminders, sending texts, turning on and off Hue lights, etc.. 
2.  Music control - iPhone, HomePod, Airplay 2 devices, etc. 
3. Remote app for controlling the Apple TV 
4. Activity rings and stand up reminder
5. Seeing weather
6. Reading email
7.  Listening to podcasts on the AW speaker
8.  Controlling the shutter on the iPhone camera
9.  Reading headlines on apps like Flipboard 
10.  Using voice to record memos for Drafts


Even beyond that is getting notifications.  I have security cameras and it will send me a snapshot when it sees motion. Getting messages from my credit card company which can give me instant feedback if my credit card is getting unauthorized use.  It is no different from your phone in the fact that it makes it easier to just see when things happen.  You can then decide wether it needs to be acted on immediately or not.  Of course, I only allow certain apps to send me notifications, so I am mainly seeing the most important stuff on my wrist.

Safety and Cellular

The safety features on the Apple Watch can save lives.  Sure, I fast forward through the fist hand accounts in most of their keynotes, but it is just a fact.  Things like fall detention can be so important.  It could mean the difference between life and death and I am sure those still breathing due to these features would not be without the Apple Watch again.  They have added Crash detection and SOS features to the new watch, so even more lives will be saved.  

The Ultra adds a new alarm/siren that can be heard from 600 feet away.   There is also backtracking, waypoints, etc. so you don't get lost.  The screen is bright enough to be used as a flashlight in a pinch. 

Of course, having cellular is not only a safety feature, but means you can also get emergency calls if you are out on a run and something happens back at the house.  I personally have not turned on that feature, though I have had it as an option on my Apple Watch 4 and now the Ultra.  However, it is there if my lifestyle changes.

My own likes

First off, the biggest upgrade to the watch is the battery.  No it doesn't get 4 years of battery life like my Timex or charge via motion like my automatic Omega.   Instead, it is computer on the wrist that now gets 2 days of battery life.  

I also like the Always on Display combined with this bigger, brighter watch face.   I can run different clock faces depending on what I am doing.  For example, I was at a Symphony over the weekend and chose night mode, which illuminated the red, low power face.  When I have music playing, I keep it on a modular face that will show the song name.  When I am at work, I use one of my many Clockology faces.  I have been messing around with a few of them with orange and orange accents, but even with my orange watch band, other face colors still look fine with it.   As far as the band, I like it, but I am looking to get a silver metal band for more dressy moments.  It also works fine with my Apple Watch 4 bands.  However, this isn't my first watch with an orange band, so I just like the look of it. 

My own dislikes

There is one feature I have wanted since Apple Watch 1 and it still hasn't been implemented by Apple.  The feature is playing media audio over the speakers.   Yes, the AW speakers have been horrendous over the years, but this watch improves that dramatically (at least compared with my Apple Watch 4 on phone calls).  It is good enough for when I am out by the grill or taking pups out to the yard.   I did find a Podcast app that will do this, but I want the watch speakers as an output option.  Yeah, I know I can send this to bluetooth and airplay devices or play it over the phone, but when I just want my watch on, like when I am pulling weeds or something, I would rather have the AW speakers as the output.  No reason not to allow it.  There is at least one app already doing it!!

To Wrap Up

This watch is more expensive than the normal Apple Watch.  However, the bigger battery, at least for me, makes that price easier to swallow.  Bigger batteries mean longer life and I am one to hold onto an Apple Watch for a while.  My Apple Watch 4 was already having battery life issues, so I have no doubt this watch could give me a year or two longer than my last watch.   On top of that, it just looks better to my eye.  Of course, keep in mind that I am a Jeep guy, so a more rugged look and design speak to me. (woof, woof).   Of course, I didn't mention the action button, but it comes in handy and is easy to change from one thing to another.  Currently, I have it launching a shortcut for my Home app, so I can control lighting around the house. 

All in all, for me, it has been one of the more exiting tech products I have used in a while, so I am going to keep it.

Upsides
All of the Appley stuff
Bigger brighter screen
improved Bluetooth
better speakers 
more rugged design 
action button

Downsides
Price (though, I was expecting it to cost more)
should work without the need of an iPhone
too big for some 
needs option to send "now playing" audio to watch speakers