One week in with the Apple Watch and I’m a believer

There’s something about jumping into a first edition product. In 2007, it was iPhone and 2010 was iPad. I’ve now added Apple Watch to the mix of devices. As with all first generation products, there’s a lot of kinks to be worked out and features and functionality to be developed. Lets talk about the ecosystem of devices from desktop to wearable. First off, the MacBook Air is my working laptop (Surface Pro 3 for work). The iPad fits in between my iPhone as an in between product. Finally, the Watch is now an always on be device. That’s just a lot of devices. Is it really necessary and do we really need (an iPad and a Watch)?

Will there be a day when all these devices become one? My prediction for hardware is no, but yes for software. The spectrum of devices is useful so that we can customize our personal work styles. If you typically work at your own desk, then the laptop becomes your go to device. If you’re mobile a lot, perhaps a tablet will be sufficient for the work on the go.

Since there’s no shortage of reviews for Apple Watch, I’m not going to add yet one more review. Instead, I’m going to highlight my learnings since putting my Apple Watch Sport on.

Notifications – This is where things can go overboard. Instead, I have my notifications setup to only ping me for VIPs. It’s a great way to get a light “tap tap.” The fitness tracker features is also a good reminder via the tap to get up and move. It’s also great at letting me know that I get next to zero exercise each day.

Phone and Messaging – With the Watch, I’m finding myself not holding on to the phone all the time. I get pinged when a message or call comes in. I rarely take calls on the Watch unless I’m scrambling to find the phone.

Home Automation – At this early stage, I’m able to flip my lights on and off to different scenes via Phillips Hue. It’s seems overboard until you’re on the couch holding a baby and your phone is in the other room. I’m also able to control my Apple TV via the remote app. In my car, I have an Automattic dongle installed and Apple Watch shows me the last location I parked (super useful when you’re forgetful).

The Watch is like having someone tap you on the shoulder, giving you a wink, and letting you go on with your business. It’s a very subtle and gentle reminder. Most importantly, it’s not all up in your face. It’s been a bit more than a week and I am completely sold. It’s not just another unnecessary device. It’s a partner with your phone, humanizing the crackberry-mentality.

Published by Daniel Hoang

Daniel Hoang is a visual leader, storyteller, and creative thinker. As an experienced management consultant, he believes in a big picture approach that includes strong project leadership, creative methods, change management, and strategic visioning. He uses a range of visual tools to communicate business challenges, solutions, and goals. His change strategy is to build "tribes" of supporters and evangelists to drive change in culture and organization. Daniel is an avid technologist and futurist and early adopter.