Apple jumps into wearable fray with Apple Watch smartwatch

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

http://www.cnet.com/news/apple-dials-up-apple-watch-smartwatch/

CEO Tim Cook called the smartwatch a "breakthrough" product, describing it as a "comprehensive" health and fitness device, walkie-talkie, remote control for the Apple TV streaming-box, among many other capabilities.

The device is "the most personal device we've ever created," he said. "Because you wear it, we invented new intimate ways to connect and communicate directly from your wrist."

The smartwatch will go on sale starting at $349 beginning early next year. The company is offering three designs: the stainless-steel-cased Apple Watch, aluminum-cased Apple Watch Sport and 18-karat-gold-cased Apple Watch Edition. The devices must be paired with an iPhone, and is compatible with the iPhone 5, 5C, 5S, 6 and 6 Plus.

In the run-up to Apple's product launch event Tuesday, perhaps the most anticipated new product category for Apple had been wearables. The company revolutionized the phone and computing industries with its iPhone and iPad, but people have been waiting for it to do the same thing to another sector. Apple also needs a big new market to help balance out its operations -- nearly three-quarters of Apple's sales come from the iPhone and iPad. Analysts and investors largely don't believe wearables will be as big for Apple as smartphones, but it could open up new ancillary software and services that boost results.

http://www.cnet.com/news/apple-dials-up-apple-watch-smartwatch/

[Electric Monk]

1. I think I'll wait until they have a stand-alone model that doesn't need to be paired with an iPhone

[jberryhill]

2. yep

I like gadgets, but running three two-way radios for the cellphone, wifi and bluetooth out of one device gets to be a bit much for the available battery capacity.

[derby378]

7. Still waiting for the Dick Tracy phone here, too

Until then, I'm happy with a basic 4G smartphone.

[surrealAmerican]

9. As it stands ...

... you'd be better off with an iPod nano in a watchband case. It won't do the "walkie-talkie" thing, but would have most of the other functionality - and without needing the phone.

[JustAnotherGen]

3. They priced it too high

I bought a stainless steel one for my husband that pairs with his iThing for about $50 less in May. I don't think he would toss the one he has now for an Apple compatible one - especially since he wants a Samsung for his next phone.

[Prophet 451]

4. I'll wait for the Android version

that does it better and cheaper.

[DesMoinesDem]

5. The Moto 360 is $100 less and looks much better.

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

6. I don't know if I'd even do that. As for now I don't see a need for me. nt

[Prophet 451]

11. Oh, I don't *need* one

I just *want* one because I'm a techie and it's a new toy.

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

12. I guess I should've said "not having much use for it". Then again I thought the same way before

getting an iPhone then switching to Samsung.

[Glassunion]

8. Welcome to the future...

[KittyWampus]

10. Note to all electronic Devs>>> some of us would prefer round shapes and to wear around our

necks.

I dislike anything around my wrists but do wear timepieces and pendants around my neck