Eddie Turner's Blog

Source: Apple.com

“Own One and You’ll Understand!” was the advertising quote used by Infinity in the 1990’s. The words were simple and clear.  There are some things words just don’t fully capture. Some things just have to be experienced. Those words eventually led me to purchase an Infinity automobile. As I drove the Infinity I began to understand those words more clearly.

The phrase “Own One and You’ll Understand!” comes back to mind now regarding another product—The Apple Watch. Many people question the value of the Apple Watch and wonder if it is worth their financial investment.

Many individuals understandably do not think $17,000 for an Apple Watch Edition is a good purchasing decision. But what about the entry level Apple Watch Sport ($349-$399) or the mid-range Apple Watch ($549-$599)? Why would anyone purchase an Apple Watch?

Source: Apple.com

Source: Apple.com

I believe there are several reasons to purchase an Apple Watch (See images for examples). Let’s briefly look at three.

1. Notifications
2. Health and Fitness
3. Apple Pay

Notifications

No immediate action is needed for many notifications users receive on their iPhone. Many times information transmitted is something an owner can read and respond to when convenient. The Apple Watch makes reviewing notifications very easy. There is something to be said for not having to reach for the phone every time a notification comes in. The notifications received on the Apple Watch can be read and responded to depending on the notification type.

Notification of a phone call, for example, provides the opportunity to answer or decline the call right on the Watch—without having to reach for the phone. Anyone who has ever been in one part of their home while their iPhone was in another part will appreciate being able to respond to a phone call notification and begin the conversation immediately rather than scramble to get to the iPhone. The same is true of messages (SMS and iMessage).

Health and Fitness

Health and Fitness will never be the same. For years, I wore a Polar heart rate monitor, Polar watch and a NIKE Fuelband while working out. The Apple Watch allows me to simplify and go down to one device that has far more features. Additionally, the Apple Watch provides data points that will integrate with the ever-expanding options in the Health Kit and integrates with other apps as well. More captured health data and more application of health data across multiple sources is very compelling.

Being reminded you have been sitting too long is a nice feature. It’s also nice to have an accurate count of your steps that is differentiated from actual stairs you climb!

Apple Pay

Apple Pay is a truly revolutionary way to make purchases. I have been very pleased with my experience using Apple Pay with my iPhone 6 Plus. Quick, seamless, payment transactions at vending machines and stores is addictive. Making purchases actually becomes fun! Moving this experience to the Watch takes the experience to another level.

As Apple Pay becomes more widely accepted, the ability to pay for purchases with a device you already have with you rather than carry wallets and credit cards will be great for those who workout. That’s one less thing to carry and one less thing to lose—especially on those weekend runs or race events.

My Personal Experience

In the short time I have owned my Apple Watch there are very few things on my dissatisfied list. I tried other wearables and there is simply no comparison. The Apple Watch integrates very nicely into the existing Apple ecosystem of products I own. Unlike other devices I tried, it looks good with a suit or casual clothing and yet is a great device to use while sweating through a workout (for which I purchased the interchangeable sport band).

The Apple Watch is not just a consumer device. I believe the Apple Watch will rightly take its place in the world of business. Personally, I discovered immediate use cases for my work in knowledge management, facilitation, professional speaking and executive coaching.

The ability to easily access data in Evernote, one of my favorite apps, and key slides I use for talking points and speeches is one example. Using timing applications on the Watch rather than my phone, a stopwatch or my computer when facilitating is not only convenient but also natural!

Summary

In my opinion, the Apple Watch is another innovative product from Apple. When you enter your Bluetooth equipped vehicle, your car becomes an extension of your iPhone (especially as Apple CarPlay adoption grows). In a similar yet more personal way that is what happens with the Watch. It is a complementary device that is designed to extend the experience of the iPhone—not replace it.

Much like the original iPhone, I believe the application and utility is just beginning to be realized. Once App developers begin to exploit the potential of the Apple Watch the use cases will continue to expand and the purchasing decision will become even clearer.

The Apple Watch is amazing! Yet, it is not for everyone.

Should YOU purchase an Apple Watch? The answer is deeply personal—only you can decide. Why would someone else purchase an Apple Watch? “Own One and You’ll Understand!”