So, Apple came out with its rumored "extreme" sports watch. They showed it being used in mountain expeditions, scuba diving, etc... I don't blame them, there is a certain segment of society that fits into those categories or at least likes products that have the ruggedness to fit into those categories.
Below is the Apple Video I am referring to:
Below is the Apple Video I am referring to:
So is this watch also for slackers?
Personally, I don't do any of the activities in the video, but I ordered the Apple Watch Ultra. Why? There are a few reasons.....
1. The battery life - I have an Apple Watch 4 that is already having battery issues. My guess is that a longer battery (36 hours with normal use...double the amount of their new AW8) will not only help now, but also down the road as the battery power starts declining.
2. Bigger Brighter screen - A bigger brighter screen is also welcome. While the current screen (on my Apple Watch 4) is decent, a bigger, brighter screen is always welcome. For example, it makes it easier to read, especially in the sun. Additionally, this screen is so bright it can be used as a flashlight!
3. Action Button - Having an external button that can be programmed to start an activity is great. Not sure if they will let you program it to non-active apps, but I could use it in the pool or when I take dogs for a walk. Even a slacker has to move on occasion. LOL
1. The battery life - I have an Apple Watch 4 that is already having battery issues. My guess is that a longer battery (36 hours with normal use...double the amount of their new AW8) will not only help now, but also down the road as the battery power starts declining.
2. Bigger Brighter screen - A bigger brighter screen is also welcome. While the current screen (on my Apple Watch 4) is decent, a bigger, brighter screen is always welcome. For example, it makes it easier to read, especially in the sun. Additionally, this screen is so bright it can be used as a flashlight!
3. Action Button - Having an external button that can be programmed to start an activity is great. Not sure if they will let you program it to non-active apps, but I could use it in the pool or when I take dogs for a walk. Even a slacker has to move on occasion. LOL
4. Better Mics and Speakers - When I answer calls with my watch, it usually means I am outside or working on something away from my phone. Better mics and speakers will be welcomed! The mics use beam forming technology, which means wind noise and other noises should be kept to a minimum.
5. Bigger and more tactile Digital Crown - Better for big guys like me (6'5). I also look forward to using it with gloves on.
6. Night Mode - Sorry, this red and black face, just looks too cool. Looking forward to trying that out at the theater or in other dark arenas.
7. Will act as a dive computer up to 40 meters - While I don't dive, I expect this to be great for the pool and visits to the ocean. It is supposed to be able to give you the water temperature, which will come in handy.
8. Chunky design - I know many people will not like the thicker styling of this watch. As I mentioned, I am bigger than most people, so I expect it to look decent compared to my size. However, I still have the Apple Watch 4 if I need to have something slender for wearing with a suit or something like that. I also have a regular mechanical watch that I typically wear on special occasions, so I am covered in any event.
5. Bigger and more tactile Digital Crown - Better for big guys like me (6'5). I also look forward to using it with gloves on.
6. Night Mode - Sorry, this red and black face, just looks too cool. Looking forward to trying that out at the theater or in other dark arenas.
7. Will act as a dive computer up to 40 meters - While I don't dive, I expect this to be great for the pool and visits to the ocean. It is supposed to be able to give you the water temperature, which will come in handy.
8. Chunky design - I know many people will not like the thicker styling of this watch. As I mentioned, I am bigger than most people, so I expect it to look decent compared to my size. However, I still have the Apple Watch 4 if I need to have something slender for wearing with a suit or something like that. I also have a regular mechanical watch that I typically wear on special occasions, so I am covered in any event.
9. Watch Bands - Even though they changed the case size, the old bands will still work. I went with their Alpine Loop design. The reason is that I don't have anything like it and I expect it will be harder for 3rd parties to duplicate. Not sure I will want it for everyday use, but I have old bands that will work if it proves to be a pain to take on and off.
10. Improved GPS tracking with Backtrack - We do go to the Smokies on occasion. One time, I was still out on a trail when the sun was going down and I would have loved to have this backtrack feature. Will be great for visiting large cities, as well.
11. Bluetooth - They even have a better version of Bluetooth on this watch compared to the series 8. I will use Bluetooth headphones with this watch, so great to know they went with a higher standard ( 5.3 vs 5.0).
While the price on these is more than I paid for my Aluminum Watch with Cellular, it still seems like a bargain a $799 (for Apple anyway). Last year, I considered a watch upgrade and didn't like any of the colors, so I was seriously considering a stainless steel watch. If I remember correctly, those were $749. With this lightweight titanium design with all of these new features, this price is lower than just about anyone expected.
And for style, it should fit in nicely with my Jeep Wrangler. I could see the watch coming in handy when I take the Jeep on back trails as well as using it on an everyday basis. Of course, I don't have the watch yet, so maybe I will hate it when it is actually in hand. We will see, but I thought it was worth a trip to the Apple Store if I do end up returning it.
RSS Feed