It’s no debate that smartwatches haven’t exactly hit the mainstream market yet. Sure, the guys here at SmarterWatching and AndroidGuys love them, but the average consumer isn’t quite interested yet or doesn’t know much about them or which ones even exist. While I adore the technology of the Moto 360 and other popular Android Wear watches, I can’t blame the average consumer for not knowing about them. Why should they? They’re only compatible with Android.
The rise of smartwatches is different than the rise of smartphones. A lot of people are on the edge as to whether they need or even want one. Having to charge your watch every day is bothersome to a lot of people, and maybe they just aren’t sure if they will even need to use it. But like any “unnecessary product”, it takes a push by something bigger to make it fashionable and trendy.
That’s where Apple comes in. The mastermind of creating trends is planning on doing so with smartwatches. This time is a little bit different than when they introduced the iPhone back in 2006, because that was arguably the first true smartphone. Blackberry was smart, but not at the level of what the iPhone introduced. Apple then later brought tablets to the mainstream market. Microsoft tried to do this years ago with a Windows tablet computer, but the clunky and barely usable device never really hit markets. What’s different now with smartwatches?
Well, other companies already have smartwatches on the market. Good ones too. These aren’t just prototype alpha builds either, these are well-reviewed products like the Moto 360, G Watch R, and Gear Live that some Android owners have grown to love. Apple is late to this party, but it doesn’t really affect them since iPhone users can’t use other high-end smartwatches (except for Pebble Steel and a couple others). Apple is going to do what it thinks it does best, and that is taking something and making it better or more “premium”.
The Apple Watch has already been shown off, and while it’s a pretty nice device, it doesn’t offer much that’s not already here. But if there’s one thing Apple does a spectacular job at, it’s marketing; and boy have let their customers know about their upcoming watch. People are excited too! My brother doesn’t know jack about technology, but knows he wants an Apple Watch when it comes out. So instead of thinking that the Apple Watch will hurt Android Wear, think the opposite. Apple will sell a lot of watches, smartwatches will start to become mainstream, and then people with Android will feel more comfortable with the thought of having a computer on their wrist. From the wise words of Herbert Hoover, “Competition is not only the basis of protection to the consumer, but is the incentive to progress.” Android Wear, as well as other smartwatches, will only become better with the arrival of the Apple Watch
Are you looking forward to Apple’s watch? Are there any smartwatches that make you want to switch platforms? Let us know in the comments