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'Do Not Buy a Smartwatch Right Now' (droid-life.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the be-patient dept.

Since Qualcomm is set to launch a new wearable chipset on September 10, Kellen from DoidLife argues against buying a new Google Wear OS-powered smartwatch in the meantime. The new chipset will be able to execute commands quicker, and provide for substantially longer battery life. From the report: This new chipset is said to be built from the ground up, will allow watches to look pretty when you aren't using them (like a normal watch sitting idly by your side), and extend battery life. More importantly, Qualcomm is betting that this Snapdragon Wear chip will "significantly change the Wear OS ecosystem, what you expect from a smartwatch." If you buy a smartwatch today, before Qualcomm announces this chip, you will be stuck with a 2+ year old Snapdragon Wear 2100 chip. All of the new Wear OS watches that have been announced recently, use that chip. It's old. It's never been great. And it's about to be replaced by something potentially game-changing for smartwatches. A report from WinFuture says that this new Snapdragon chip will be called the Wear 3100 and will allow for "Ok Google" detection even when the display is off. It is rumored to come with Google's Pixel-branded smartwatch, although DroidLife thinks that LG will be one of the first to launch a watch with this new processor. "This LG watch is said to have physical watch hands, as well as the smarts of Wear OS and a touch display," reports DroidLife. It is expected to make its debut on September 10.

113 comments

  1. I'll do you one better than that. by AbRASiON · · Score: 5, Insightful

    How about I never buy a smartwatch instead?

    1. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by murdocj · · Score: 4, Informative

      Yep. The title could have just been "Do not buy a smartwatch"

    2. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Why not? Genuinely curious.

    3. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by AbRASiON · · Score: 4, Insightful

      I'm very old, to me a watch is a fasion and timepiece. I rarely wear one, but if I do, it sure won't be as guady as a smart watch.

      I also already pull my phone out of my pocket FAR too much as it is. I need not, even more contact with the internet.

      AND they need charging.

      Nope, never.

    4. Re: I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I have thirty odd mechanical watches. One is a heirloom from my grandfather. Still ticking after 80 years.

      And I can sell them in an emergency for a lot more than I paid. The right watch has a higher saving value than some piece of plastic from Apple.

      I also hate batteries.

    5. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by ChunderDownunder · · Score: 2

      Battery life. A piece of jewellery that you have to charge once a day using a non-standard cradle with fragile pins because it can't fit a standard USB connector is a turn off.

    6. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Because they're for faggot hipsters.

    7. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Hadlock · · Score: 1

      I'm trying to remember the last time someone I know talked about a smartwatch, let alone admitting out loud that they wanted one.

      --
      moox. for a new generation.
    8. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Most of the new ones are wireless. I work in a job where I get TONS of email and I had the same problem as you. E-mails constantly buzzing, forcing me to take my phone out of my pocket. My smartwatch allows me to see my notifications without taking out my phone saving me time and battery life. I can use watch navigation to get directions while I'm riding on 2 wheels.

    9. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I give him 6 months.

    10. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "will allow watches to look pretty when you aren't using them (like a normal watch sitting idly by your side)"

      Thats not what I want the display on the smart watch to be on all the time for. I want the display to be on all the time so I can glance at it at anytime to see the time without touching it when my hands might be dirty or Im looking at the watch from a weird angle. If I wanted my watch to look 'pretty' smartwatches have already failed because there is nothing more good looking on a watch than a thick slab of metal with mechanical moving parts.

    11. Re: I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Holy shit, NONE of the friends of some old guy in Texas who works at a catalog company talk about smart watches? They are doomed!

    12. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by bkmoore · · Score: 4, Funny

      How about I never buy a smartwatch instead?

      I'm perfectly happy with my "dumb watch". It runs on an analogue CPU which requires winding, but main-spring battery life is about three days. It has an automatic winding pendulum that recharges the spring-battery when you wear it. The analogue OS on my watch comes with three built-in applications. One app, tells date and time. The second app is a timer applet. The third is a slide rule flight computer that allows you to compute time-speed-distance problems. The watch plays a cool "tick" sound when you listen closely. The only draw back to my analog watch is I couldn't find any App Store where I might download newer functions or change the "tick" sound. oh well....

    13. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      HA HA

    14. Re: I'll do you one better than that. by DeBaas · · Score: 1

      Iâ(TM)ll get one as soon as they can also double as a key fob for my car.

      --
      ---
    15. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by chispito · · Score: 1

      They aren't really that good for telling time.

      --
      The Daddy casts sleep on the Baby. The Baby resists!
    16. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by AuMatar · · Score: 2

      Because they provide 0 value that you don't already get from the expensive phone in my pocket, require constant charging, and cost way too much.

      --
      I still have more fans than freaks. WTF is wrong with you people?
    17. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by hawguy · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Most of the new ones are wireless. I work in a job where I get TONS of email and I had the same problem as you. E-mails constantly buzzing, forcing me to take my phone out of my pocket. My smartwatch allows me to see my notifications without taking out my phone saving me time and battery life. I can use watch navigation to get directions while I'm riding on 2 wheels.

      I had the same problem, but I found a better solution.

      Settings -> Apps and Notifications -> Email -> App Info -> Notifications Off

    18. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      A $15 Casio watch has 7 years more of uptime, is more durable, weights less and looks better than any smartwatch.

    19. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by skam240 · · Score: 1

      You had me nodding along in approval until you refered to smart watches as "gaudy". Smart watches are the exact opposite of gaudy which is why they fail miserably as a fashion accessory (one of your two usss for a watch). For your reference:

      gaudy1
      ôd/Submit
      adjective
      extravagantly bright or showy, typically so as to be tasteless.

      Modern smart watches are anything but "bright and showy". "Cheap and crapy" are more the adjectives I'd use for what one looks like.

      --
      I ignore Anonymous Coward posts. If you want to discuss something, that's awesome. Log in.
    20. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by skam240 · · Score: 2

      Don't forget that the "jewelry" looks like cheap plastic crap!

      --
      I ignore Anonymous Coward posts. If you want to discuss something, that's awesome. Log in.
    21. Re: I'll do you one better than that. by ChunderDownunder · · Score: 2

      One of the supposed niches of smartwatches was in workplaces where looking at one's smarthone during business hours was banned.

      e.g. waiters and shop assistants where managers didn't want them browsing facebook or calling their friends - with a watch they could get around the rule by still getting notifications.

    22. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Agree that watches are more fashion than function, but I actually quite like them. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) the sort of watches I like went out of fashion decades ago - 80s style, small, functional, digital, LCD screen, time/stopwatch/alarm/countdown, moderately water-resistant with battery life measured in years.

      But wait... my 80s digital still works just fine after 30+ years and countless attempted drownings in my youth, so I'm happy.

    23. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This, noting that 7 years is more like the battery life. Watch itself will last decades.

    24. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) the sort of watches I like went out of fashion decades ago - 80s style, small, functional, digital, LCD screen, time/stopwatch/alarm/countdown, moderately water-resistant with battery life measured in years.

      I have one very similar, bought it five years ago for the equivalent of $7. I wear it every day, not as a fashion accessory but because it's handier to find out what time it is by looking at your wrist than by digging your phone out of your pocket.

      So no, watches are function > fashion, but a smartwatch doesn't have enough function for the price. With that tiny screen and the need to use your phone anyway if you want to do anything but read mails and switch currently playing song (which you usually can do with your headphones anyway), the main function seems to be to let Google listen to you even when you think the watch is dormant.

      Now would they do that? Well, would they check your location even when you turn location services off? Apparently.

    25. Re: I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The one from your grandfather you can sell for a LOT more than you paid.

    26. Re: I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I will get one when it can serve as a key fob for your car, too.

    27. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by K.+S.+Kyosuke · · Score: 1

      Just hang it above your bed and you'll never forget it. You can even keep the "now" since it will never be wrong!

      --
      Ezekiel 23:20
    28. Re: I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Used smart watch before it became the thing

      It is not adding value, rather adds many many problems

    29. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Who needs a smartwatch? I have the "smarts" I want on my phone - where there is sufficient screen area.

      On my arm I have a soldertime watch - fun to assemble, tells the time, the battery lasts for years. Also a conversation starter with the right kind of people.

    30. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by AmiMoJo · · Score: 1

      People said the same thing about smart phones that needed charging daily instead of once a week like a Nokia 3310.

      I'd get a smart watch if they provided useful functions that made it worth charging (wirelessly of course, Qi standard).

      Something like an accurate, always on heart rate monitor and step counter. Bluetooth so it can vibrate on things like calendar event reminders or priority communications.

      The problem with smartwatches at the moment is lack of a killer app.

      --
      const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
      SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
    31. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by dcw3 · · Score: 1

      I don't know how "very old" AbRASION is, but I'm nearly 60. I wear a Fitbit Ionic that allows me to pick from a huge variety of faces...extremely basic to information overload. The screen is normally dark unless I turn my wrist up to view it, then it automatically lights up...nothing "gaudy" about it, and yet it looks nice enough to have on with formal wear. My primary reason for having it is tracking exercise, and sleep...I typically only get 4 hrs, and am an apnea sufferer. As far as charging is concerned, I have a cradle on my desk at the office, and one at home that it can charge on in about 15-20 mins once ever 4-5 days. While some don't want the interruptions, I have mine notify me with texts and calls (since my cell is often out of reach at home, and always on vibrate).

      --
      Just another day in Paradise
    32. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by dcw3 · · Score: 1

      My Ionic charges once every 4-5 days in under 20 mins. I bought a cradle for it on Amazon for about $8 that works perfectly. It's much more than a piece of jewelry. I have jewelry watches...this is not one of them.

      --
      Just another day in Paradise
    33. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by dcw3 · · Score: 1

      Your cell doesn't track your heart rate, and I haven't seen an app that does anything like my fitbit for tracking my sleep, but maybe there is. Many of us with sleep issues can make use of that. I don't have to carry my cell around the house to get my calls or messages either. And, by just turning my wrist, I can see my daily steps, stairs, calories, active minutes, heart rate, date, and time, w/o turning to an app.

      --
      Just another day in Paradise
    34. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by thegarbz · · Score: 2

      I also already pull my phone out of my pocket FAR too much as it is.

      Sounds like you need a smartwatch :-)

    35. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Every audiophile knows the analog CPU creates the warmest tick sound. Digital watches use compression algorithms and don't give you the cleanest time like an analog watch.

    36. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by AuMatar · · Score: 1

      If you have sleep issues, see a medical professional and have a sleep study done. Its going to be FAR more useful than the pseudoscience you get out of an app on your smartwatch.

      --
      I still have more fans than freaks. WTF is wrong with you people?
    37. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yes, and one can change the battery without any special tools or just have it replaced on any watch store for $5. A smartwatch will not last more than two years thanks to planned obsolescence.

    38. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      For me, the sleep tracking and activity tracking features of a smartwatch constitute the killer app.
      It's applying 'nudge' psychology to encourage you to sleep more, exercise more. I don't care if the instrument isn't as accurate as a medical instrument - it's plenty accurate enough to help me track changes I make to my lifestyle. My bathroom scales might be out by 15% but they still let me know when I'm losing/gaining weight. It's useful information that enables a positive feedback cycle.

    39. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by dcw3 · · Score: 1

      Um, I have had a a sleep study done. There's nothing about the app on my watch that is pseudoscience in spite of your claim.

      I get that you have some kind of hatred for smart watches, which you seem to feel the need to push on everyone else that finds them actually useful. Don't buy one, and we'll all just get along.

      --
      Just another day in Paradise
    40. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Internet hi5!

      I can't believe the number of people that believe email and text need to be instant response systems. Teach people around you that if they actually need you right this second, they can call. Anything else goes in the, "I'll check when I take my next moment to catch my breath," queue. Usually, once an hour. On busy days, once every two. Stop letting the technology control every waking moment.

    41. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by HideyoshiJP · · Score: 1

      It depends on where you're looking at along the smart-watch-fitness-band spectrum. I have a Garmin watch. I use mine to track my rides with GPS and heart rate. It also has ANT+ so I can connect it to speed and cadence sensors (or a power meter, if I had one). The battery lasts a week or so with the amount of time I ride. I bought it last year as a refurb for about ~$130.

    42. Re: I'll do you one better than that. by reanjr · · Score: 1

      I see smart watches used for exactly two things: submission to digital exercise overlords and messaging addiction. I don't think most healthy people are interested in either of those "features".

    43. Re: I'll do you one better than that. by reanjr · · Score: 1

      So, it's for addicts? Maybe we should start regulating smart watches if they only serve to feed addiction.

    44. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Quirkz · · Score: 1

      So, unlike a stopped clock, which is only right twice per day, this invective against clocks is good for all time?

      Might as well get the tattoo, then.

      --
      The Quirkz Handbook of Self-Improvement for People Who Are Already Pretty Okay
    45. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Dusanyu · · Score: 1

      wish i still had mod points +1

    46. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The Gear S3 runs for multiple days, and the charger is contact-less. No pins to break.

    47. Re: I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      But Tizen has 4 apps

    48. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Smart watches are great for workouts (GPS tracking, splits, music, etc when on a run - and I don't have to bring my phone) - But the rest is worthless... I have no need to make phone calls or read emails on my watch.

    49. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by tlhIngan · · Score: 1

      Your cell doesn't track your heart rate, and I haven't seen an app that does anything like my fitbit for tracking my sleep, but maybe there is.

      Apple Watches have apparently saved a few lives because they warned of dangerous heart rates that caused the person to actually visit a doctor and discover they had a serious heart condition.

      Short of a massive heart attack, a lot of heart conditions aren't found unless a doctor looks for them. The watch merely pointed out something was seriously wrong and to actually seek medical attention.

      Google "apple watch saves lives" and it'll bring up dozens of articles on dozens of people who were alerted that something was wrong.

    50. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The Gear S3 looks like a normal watch. Yeah, the Apple watch looks like a cheap piece of crap. I routinely swim with mine as well. It only goes on the charging cradle while I'm in the shower. It's wireless charging so no pins to break.

      There are plenty of smart watches that actually look nice. Fossil makes some nice looking ones as well.

    51. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The Gear S3 does all of that today.

      While I agree there is no killer app. If you look at a smart watch like it is the next big thing then you will be disappointed. As a device that assists you with hundreds of little things to make your life easier. Adjusting music while I'm in the pool is a good example. I can change the song, adjust the volume, just about anything I would want. Then there's voice dictation which is still a little lacking. Remote control of the camera is handy.

      Mine can also act as a Kodi remote. Then of course there is the usual other features such as stop watch, setting reminders.

    52. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by dcw3 · · Score: 1

      After my own surgery last year (after a serious fall that required ~$50k of plastic surgery), I was able to share data on my resting heart rate change in my resting heart rate with my primary care doc. I was surprised to notice it jump from ~60bpm to just over 80 for about a week before slowly recovering.

      At nearly 60 yrs old, I always monitor my own heart rate during exercise to make sure I'm not overexerting.

      --
      Just another day in Paradise
    53. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by doconnor · · Score: 1

      One of the main benefits of a smartwatch is that you reduce the number of times you pull the phone out of your pocket to check notifications or the time.

    54. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Twice per day? Don't you have a 24 hours a day clock? Or counting beyond 12 to hard?

    55. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Quirkz · · Score: 1

      to hard?

      Look, I'll bother counting to 24 when you can count out the proper number of O's in "too". :P

      --
      The Quirkz Handbook of Self-Improvement for People Who Are Already Pretty Okay
    56. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by lsatenstein · · Score: 1

      How about I never buy a smartwatch instead?

      I'm not wearing the one I never bought. My smart watch is thin, waterproof, lightweight and sweatproof. It tells me the time exactly twice per day, runs independently of battery chargers and at othertimes is less than 10 seconds out in a month.

      The stuff that separates the men from the boys is the cost of their toys. I will take a Rolex.

      --
      Leslie Satenstein Montreal Quebec Canada
  2. Ok Google by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    will allow for "Ok Google" detection even when the display is off

    So it's _always_ listening to what you say, even when the display is off. Don't need a tinfoil hat to wonder if that could be abused.

    1. Re:Ok Google by MachineShedFred · · Score: 1, Informative

      Spoiler alert - your phone already does this.

      --
      Slashdot still doesnâ(TM)t support Unicode after it was added to the HTML standard in 1997.
    2. Re:Ok Google by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No, it doesn't.

  3. Good headline for once by TimMD909 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Don't buy a smart watch has been good advice for years. Glad to see the editors are finally catching on...

    1. Re: Good headline for once by backslashdot · · Score: 0

      You luddites were saying the same thing about smartphones. âoeJust make a phone that works properly insteadâ i remember that (and before smartphones the hate was on cell phones as being unnecessary when a pager would suffice). Why the hell do you guys swarm gadget blogs and technology sites if you hate technology?

    2. Re: Good headline for once by AuMatar · · Score: 1, Insightful

      There's a difference between technology and gadgets.

      Technology allows you to do things you couldn't otherwise do, or do things better than previously possible.

      Gadgets are (usually) expensive doodads that provide no unique functionality and are pushed on marketing.

      Smartwatches are gadgets, not technology.

      --
      I still have more fans than freaks. WTF is wrong with you people?
    3. Re: Good headline for once by Mordaximus · · Score: 1

      Gadgets are (usually) expensive doodads that provide no unique functionality and are pushed on marketing.

      Smartwatches are gadgets, not technology.

      That depends entirely on use case. There are things a smartwatch can do, that a traditional smartphone cannot do nearly as well. Biometrics for one (sure a smartphone can, but there are times when you don't want or can't have your smartphone with you.) If biometrics are important to the user, then everything other function provided is simply a bonus.

    4. Re: Good headline for once by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Biometrics are actually not at all useful but only dangerous

      But you rotate your biometrics every day, dont you?

    5. Re: Good headline for once by AuMatar · · Score: 1

      Actually they do these extremely poorly, to the point of uselessness. They don't provide medical grade data.

      --
      I still have more fans than freaks. WTF is wrong with you people?
    6. Re: Good headline for once by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It doesn't need to be medical grade to be useful. Knowing your heart rate while working out is very useful. It doesn't matter if its off by 5 BPM. If you are trying to keep yourself in the 100-120 range it will maximize your workout. If you want to know how far you ran and how much you had to walk it will keep track of that as well.

      There are a hundred little uses that add up quite a bit.

  4. I thought it said "Do not buy a sandwich..." by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I was almost outraged for a second there.

  5. its about the screen... by johnjones · · Score: 1

    The Snapdragon Wear 3100 will still share many of the traits of its predecessor, like four Cortex-A7 cores and a large 28 nm process.

    IF you buy a smartwatch THEN worry about the screen that sucks more power and is your primary interface...

  6. Do not buy a smartwatch, forever by Snotnose · · Score: 2

    Why? Let the dust settle, then you have a 10/90 chance of seeing who benefits from your data, and you can make an (un)informed opinion.

  7. OK ... by PPH · · Score: 1

    ... I'll wait.

    How will I know when I've waited long enough?

    --
    Have gnu, will travel.
    1. Re:OK ... by 93+Escort+Wagon · · Score: 1

      How will I know when I've waited long enough?

      When your breathing finally stops.

      --
      #DeleteChrome
  8. I want a samsung survallence watch by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Literally dreamed about something like Samsung gear s3 watch for years. In my dream it had a round display and UI controlled by turning bezels. Only difference dream included a flip cover??? and some crazy bezel lighting reminiscent of stargate chevrons.

    Would probably buy one myself if not for the software situation. If it ever is sufficiently hacked and opened up without all the malware and vendor specific madness might get one just for kicks. In current state no chance in hell.

    Seemingly impossible for vendors to produce hardware that isn't married with software openly hostile to the end user. EVERYTHING "wearable" is like this to a criminal degree. Consumer tech is becoming too hostile to be fun anymore. Too many sociopaths running the show.

  9. FUCK a smartwatch, it's a waste of money. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    When a smartwatch can REPLACE a cell phone and it can drive a display which is incorporated into eyeglasses and include augmented reality,
    MAYBE I will consider spending my money on it.

    But right now, a "smart" watch is just a silly overpriced gadget that is of such limited use I cannot believe people buy this stuff. Well yeah, actually
    I can believe it, because there are over 4 BILLION idiots in the world and some of them have money.

  10. Or ever by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Or ever.

  11. Timex T50041 has 1.5 year battery life by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If you think about it, a watch is really just a mini display, not a full device. As long as they consider them like that, its trivial to make a long life watch.

    e.g. Timex T50041 is one of those black and white LCD display watches, this one also receives radio signals and syncs to the time signal from that.

    So you have all the elements there for the mini display, an ultra low power display, a radio receiver, a small processor needed to receive an process those signals and drive that display, and it already lasts 1.5 year on a tiny cell battery.

    BUT... replace the tiny cell with a capacitor, and the radio receiver with a WIFI receiver, and use WIFI to charge up the capacitor via induction. Can you make it low enough power, that you don't need to charge the watch at all, it just leeches the power from the WIFI signals around it.

    Once you get ultra low power all things become possible.

    IMHO, Qualcomm shaving a few mAmps off their power consumption means nothing, the display is the problem with smartwatches. They cannot fix anything.

    1. Re:Timex T50041 has 1.5 year battery life by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      IMHO, Qualcomm shaving a few mAmps off their power consumption means nothing, the display is the problem with smartwatches. They cannot fix anything.

      Just ditch the luminous display, and you can have months of battery time. Good old unlit LCD technology can work with smart devices too. Might have to ditch color though. Then there is e-paper, with no energy use at all except when changing the image. Watch can wake up every 60s to change the minutes, and sleep otherwise.E-paper looks better than unlit lcd, and have some limited color support too.

  12. Waiting... by markdavis · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I know there is a lot of hate on Slashdot about smart watches, and I certainly understand a lot of it, but I actually like them. Sure, they have issues, but they can be extremely useful. I have had the Moto 360 and Moto 360.2. The 360.2 version is oh so much better, and the always-on screen is a must (and it can go all day with the always on). In the first year, it could go 2 days with the always-on screen (although as the battery grew old, it became 1 day, then less than a full day, and now I have to turn off the always-on feature I love).

    Every WearOS watch I have seen since the 360.2 has been LED (not LCD) and has to be "activated" to use it every time... so it looks like an ugly black puck the rest of the time. Some support a limited "super dim/boring" always-on, which can't even be seen, and still barely gets through the day. I want a watch I can glance at any time, even stealthily, not one that has to be twisted or shaken or touched and then wait a second for it to finally show something. I am hoping the new breeds are all ALWAYS ON, like a real watch should be.

    Fingers crossed...

    Also, I don't care if I have to charge it every day, just like I do with my phone. But when it costs so much, I *DO* want the option to replace the battery myself in 2 years when it croaks!

    1. Re:Waiting... by avandesande · · Score: 4, Insightful

      You seem to have no problem discussing the problems of the smart watch, how about explaining the 'extremely useful' part :)

      --
      love is just extroverted narcissism
    2. Re:Waiting... by GuB-42 · · Score: 3, Interesting

      There are two "extremely useful" things that I found in smartwatches, but they are present in $15 fitness trackers too as they just involve the vibrator.

      Silent alarm and notifications. Vibrations are much easier to feel on your wrist, and can even wake you up, so no need for a loud alarm that wake up everybody around you. And same thing for notifications. In loud environments where you can't hear your phone ring and you are too active to feel the vibrations, this is one of the only thing you can feel. Nice in music festival when you need to get in touch with your group.

      That's my use case. But I suppose there are others. For example, when you can pick up your phone because both your hands are taken or dirty, like when you are cooking. Which would call for an always-on screen, building on GP's idea.

    3. Re:Waiting... by Daralantan · · Score: 1

      I've got a Garmin that I use for tracking running, swimming, and various workouts. The notifications are useful for when my phone is across the room or I can't grab my phone out at work. Also the fact that it can alarm by a vibration is useful for stuff like when I'm going camping or don't want to wake others with my alarm. Mine is just a "fitness watch" though, and I can't imagine wanting to pay more for less battery life just to do something like.... look at facebook or respond to text messages with "OK :)".

      I can definitely see why people would enjoy them... but it's definitely not a "for everyone" product.

    4. Re:Waiting... by markdavis · · Score: 1

      >"You seem to have no problem discussing the problems of the smart watch, how about explaining the 'extremely useful' part :)"

      LOL! 'Tis true, I seem to be focused on the negative. Here are some:

      1) Love controlling music remotely
      2) Love notifications
      3) Love being able to read and voice reply to text messages
      4) Like seeing radar, temp, forecast quickly
      5) Like being able to do quick web searches (although they made that WORSE in WearOS 2.0)
      6) Like glancing for directions while driving/navigating, especially if I didn't hear what the phone said or can't remember
      7) Like being able to shut up the phone from ringing quickly

      Keep in mind, I typically keep my phone considerably out of reach- in a briefcase or belt case or fanny pack. The smart watch allows me have light, small, convenient remote control over it.

    5. Re:Waiting... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Since a wristwatch platform will favor maximizing potential & minimizing footprint - as a general purpose, self-contained computing module, they can be repurposed for drones or cubesats, etc. when people get tired of them..

    6. Re:Waiting... by Gilgaron · · Score: 1

      A watch with regular hands but that could also display some useful extra information could be useful. There are some 'hybrid' watches that still use a regular watch battery, although I've not tried one.

    7. Re:Waiting... by nine-times · · Score: 1

      Not the guy you asked, but here's my 2 cents:

      I wouldn't go as far as "extremely useful", but at the very least, I'd say there are some nice-to-have conveniences.

      First, there's the whole fitness tracking thing. I'm sure the number of calories my watch said I expended isn't the actual number of calories I expended, but I'm also sure it does correlate with how active I've been, and has therefore been helpful in encouraging me to be more active.

      Second, it offers a better way of handling notifications. I get too many notifications on my phone, but I don't want to turn them all off. Having a smart watch lets me have a 2-tier notification system. I set it so only important things go to my watch. When one goes off, it feels like someone gently tapping my wrist, and I can glance casually at my watch to see what it is. I don't have to do anything as overt as reaching into my pocket, pulling out my phone, unlocking it, and scrolling through the notifications every time I get one. It's only important notifications, and it doesn't disrupt whatever I'm in the middle of doing.

      Similarly, it gives me quick, easy access to a small amount of information. A glance at my watch not only tells me the time and date, but the weather and my next calendar appointment. I've heard people comment, "Yeah, but why bother putting it on your wrist when you can just reach into your pocket and look on your phone?" Ok, but why bother having a wrist watch at all when you can have a pocket watch? Because for something you want to check quickly and easily throughout the day, having it on your wrist is easier. You don't have to go digging through your pockets, and even if you have your hands full, you can usually sneak a quick glimpse without breaking your stride or having anyone notice.

      And part of it it, it keeps me from screwing around with my phone. Once I open up my phone, there's a web browser and email and games-- just too many things that contribute to the always-online distraction that's a plague to modern society. Though the watch technically allows some input, it's impractical. There's nothing really to do with it. Though I can install apps, I don't. The phone with all my apps stays in my pocket for most of the day, and the watch only gives me a small set of pre-determined information.

    8. Re:Waiting... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Timex expedition watches (and some others) have vibration alarms too.
      I have this one https://amzn.to/2KR2fB8 but it is currently unavailable. This one https://amzn.to/2KQAMQf looks pretty much the same and is 36 bucks. They are good quality and the vibration is strong and it has a bunch of alarm options.

    9. Re:Waiting... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I have a Mi Band 2 for this and use a third party app to get messages and alerts displayed on it, vibration as well... Excellent device and I don't have to charge it for months

    10. Re:Waiting... by lexman098 · · Score: 1

      YES. The OLED displays actually can be always-on these days because they move the whole face around every minute but you still can't have any thick features showing or they won't move enough to prevent burn-in. Most of the face has to be black. Why everyone is obsessed with OLED for everything I do not know. Especially on a watch where you're going to want it on all the time, a screen technology that can burn in is obviously the wrong choice. I had a moto 360 v2 and my experience with the battery was the same as yours. I eventually got rid of it due to not lasting a whole day at the end and now of course I have a OLED watch. It looks nice but I miss watch faces with a full color background.

    11. Re:Waiting... by TomGreenhaw · · Score: 1

      I like be able to glance quickly at my watch when I get a text message, instead of taking my phone out of my pocket. Same goes for time and date. I know you can do all these things with a phone, but its very convenient and efficient to have it on your wrist.

      I use the timer app all the time; it helps remind me when stuff is done - e.g. cooking, laundry, etc...

      I like having my activity level and heart rate measured. It encourages me to be less sedentary.

      I like having my Weber Bluetooth grilling thermometer on my watch. Its super handy when I'm entertaining guests and grilling.

      I'm very into technology, but I really don't obsesce the watch technology much. I wore an Apple Watch for more than three years and now I'm wearing a Samsung Gear watch. I like them both, but mostly prefer the gear because it looks like a nice watch. Charging has never been an issue; it easily lasts an entire day and I charge it on my nightstand while sleeping.

      I think a lot of people criticize smartwatches when they have never tried one. It's not for everybody, but don't knock it until you've tried it.

      --
      Greed is the root of all evil.
  13. I havent worn a watch in over 30 years by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I decided after leaving school that I don't need a little machine strapped to my wrist to tell me what to do when.

    1. Re:I havent worn a watch in over 30 years by thesupraman · · Score: 0

      Wow, you are SO anti-tech! awesome!
      And yet you are using a computer where I bet the time is displayed on the corner of your screen ;)
      Not to mention pissing away your life posting on a slashvertisement..

    2. Re:I havent worn a watch in over 30 years by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Why did you wait for school to end?

  14. You are doing it wrong. by thesupraman · · Score: 2

    Get with the times! Its not 1910 any more!
    These days through the wonders of mechanical science you can get self-winding mechanical watches ;)
    Yes, they are a bit bleeding edge - only been around since the mid 1920s, but hey, live life on the edge!
    But yes, energy storage is only about 2-3 days, BUT they use amazing bio-engineering technology to self-charge!

    Only problem is they tend to last a bit long, I have several from the 60s still going strong - make corp profitability
    less good - and I am supposed to feel GOOD about how much of a profit center I am for my logo supplier I think?

    1. Re:You are doing it wrong. by bkmoore · · Score: 3, Insightful

      .... I have several from the 60s still going strong - make corp profitability less good...

      that's the whole point behind smart watches. Planned obsolescence.

    2. Re:You are doing it wrong. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Mod parent up! Also spying. Although spy watches are not a new thing per se, spy watches that spy on their owners, now that's quite new.

    3. Re:You are doing it wrong. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Get with the times! Its not 1910 any more!

      And yet watches from 1910 still work today. Get back to me in 100 years and we'll compare with smartwatch durability :)

    4. Re:You are doing it wrong. by 93+Escort+Wagon · · Score: 1

      that's the whole point behind pretty much all “smart” devices. Planned obsolescence.

      FTFY

      --
      #DeleteChrome
  15. Fixing headline by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    "Do Not Buy a Smartwatch"
    There.

  16. Don't buy one even then by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    because they are working on the next chip that will be even better.

  17. Hell, no! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If there's something I definitely don't want my watch to do, it is "executing commands". Let alone "executing commands quicker".

  18. Meh. by antdude · · Score: 1

    Current smartwatches aren't impressive. I will stick with my Casio Data Bank 150 calculator watch. ;)

    --
    Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
  19. Or alternatively.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Stop paying a fortune for a watch with a few days battery life and a crappy screen you cant see in the daylight, and perhaps look at a sane alternative:

    https://www.amazon.com/Amazfit-Smartwatch-Monitoring-Ultra-Long-A1608/dp/B07CRSK5DM/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=wearable-tech&ie=UTF8&qid=1534237567&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=amazfit+bip&psc=1

    45 day battery life
    Always on, e-paper color screen
    IP68 waterproof
    Heartrate sensor, GPS, step counter, compass built in
    Custom watch faces
    Great Android app (can't speak for iOS, but it is supported)
    Small, light and thin (doesn't look like a hockey puck stuck to your wrist)

    1. Re:Or alternatively.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      But it is sold by Amazon. Who wants to deal with the Devil?

  20. Missed your chance by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    So that was a Pebble watch you wanted, then. Always on watchface, and over 2 weeks battery time in airplane mode. Because noticications on your can be cool when needed, but annoying all the time, so that shit is toggled off mostly.
    My classic 2 is still getting 2+ weeks battery time after 18 months.

  21. ...Right now? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Why not "... ever?"

  22. No thanks never by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Smart watch = tracking bracelet. No thanks

  23. Heart rate monitors by spinitch · · Score: 1

    HRMs in a watch form factor are good investments for your health. An inexpensive device can suffice. Pairing with a chest strap BT or ANT for exercise can provide better monitoring. A HRM can help improve efficiency of health lifestyle especially for avoiding over training. Don't need to be a fitness fanatic even casual folks can benefit.

  24. It has its use cases by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I use my Apple Watch to stream music to my headphones and track my weight training workouts. This avoids having to carry a smartphone around while in the gym. I also find that having a smart watch motivates me to move a bit when Iâ(TM)m having a lazy day.

  25. Apple Watch and heart conditions by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Because they provide 0 value that you don't already get from the expensive phone in my pocket, require constant charging, and cost way too much.

    The "0 value" part may depend on your age and your heart condition:

    * https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/03/21/apple-watch-more-effective-at-detecting-heart-condition-than-kardiaband-accessory-study-finds
    * https://abcnews.go.com/International/apple-watch-alerts-man-heart-condition-lease-life/story?id=55116530
    * https://www.miamiherald.com/living/health-fitness/article202032039.html

    A couple of hundred dollars may end up saving a life.

  26. How about 'never'? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    As with so called "smart phones", a "smart watch" seems to me to be wholly insecure and something akin to a dog collar, something that is meant to be tagged onto you.

    And fuck Microsoft Windows, yet again, making me think I don't even own my own damn computer anymore.

  27. Now couple that with an e-Ink display by unrealmp3 · · Score: 1

    And NFC payment and I'm sold. Until then, I'm crossing my fingers that my Pebble Time Steel live on.

  28. Can we talk about this? by mrwireless · · Score: 1

    So people walking around with always on microphones is normal now?

    People were disgusted with Google Glass. But this is heading in that same direction again.

  29. FUD by Mats+Svensson · · Score: 1

    No don't listen to the haters.
    I have a whole warehouse full of these watches, and trust me they are great!
    You don't want to be the only kid in school not wearing one of these babies, do you?
    Look!
    Shiny!
    New!
    *dangely* *dangely* *dangely* *dangely*