Slashdot Asks: Do You Want a Smart Watch?

Watches that do more than tell the time have been around for a long time. (And in fiction, James Bond, Dick Tracey, and Michael Knight all had notably high-tech watches.) The new smart watches from Samsung and LG, without a phone connected via Bluetooth as backhaul, can still serve to show the time and to serve as alarms (and Samsung's can measure your pulse, too), but all the magic features (like searching by voice via the watch) do require a connection. They can't play MP3s or take pictures on their own, and they don't have built-in GPS. Even so, compared to the polarizing Google Glass, the new breed of smart watches are wearables that probably are an easier sell, even if this far the trend has been to replace watches with smart phones. (Android Wear has gotten a lot of attention, but Microsoft has their own upcoming, and Apple almost certainly does, too.) Are you interested in a smart watch, and if so, what uses do you want it for? If they have no appeal to you now, are there functions that would make you change your mind on that front?

Comments

I already have one

[simplypeachy]

I'm on my fourth watch and this one even has a date window. I cannot comprehend how a watch can get even smarter!

Full disclosure: I am the son of a jeweller / watchsmith.

Re:I already have one

[AuMatar]

Two seconds in a year!?! That means in a mere 30 years you'll have to adjust it by a minute. In your life you'll have to adjust it 3 times! DO you know how much effort and time you'll save by buying a $10,000 high end mechanical watch? You'll only have to adjust it once- that's got to save you 2 minutes over the course of your lifetime. Isn't 10K a small price to pay for that?*

*Math void if anything heavier than a feather ever touches it, as it may break the delicate alignment of gears.

Re:smartwatch

[Intron]

I'd like a very *simple* smart watch...

* Simple caller-ID and memo display, programmable shortcut buttons, nothing else.

* Very long charge life comparatively (2 weeks would be okay) and/or very easy charging (put it on a charging pad).

I would like mine to also tell time.

Re:Sure don't!

[Noah Haders]

no because iPhones don't break, mofo.

Re:Yes

[kruach aum]

You are legit a crazy person or a smart watch salesman. I see no other possible explanation.

Re:Betteridge answers

[tehlinux]

My initial reaction is no, but maybe if it could fit in my pocket...

Re:Betteridge answers

[93 Escort Wagon]

all these android wear devices are not impressive. i'm holding out for an watch.

Good news! You can buy watches now - and they come in quite a range of prices and styles!

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