Apple Watch Series 4

Oct 8, 2018

There were more things to read than to write following Apple's Gather Round event.
I myself watched the keynote over the course of the following days while commuting, just to enjoy the show and keep traditions alive. I said I hoped the first 20 minutes would pass by quickly, and indeed they did, what took forever was the second part of the presentation… but let's go with order.
I am to split my impressions in different articles, here's part 1/2.

Watch 4 > 3

I agree with most, the new watch was the star of the show. I'd even say this was the only non "S" product of the year, not a refinement over the previous year's model, but rather a major incremental step.
Is it the Watch Apple wanted to build all along, like the iPhone 4 was? I don't know, I surely hope not. I hope that watch still is down the line, with a sleeker body, longer battery, more health sensors (glucose level!) and some other features I can't even think of. Is it the best watch version to date? It surely is.
I won't go over specs here, you've been reading them for almost a month now. If you haven't already, read Jason Snell's initial notes: they are succinct enough and the piece I initially enjoyed the most. If you want more detail, Hodinkee gives a well respected watch enthusiast perspective. Then watch how Apple did those new faces, to get the attention they put in every detail and the fun they had making them. Finally, read the first criticisms that are surfacing in wishing for improvements.
On my side, seeing the thickness reduction was the most appealing aspect, the one that made me say: "I might want one this time!". All the other features just kept on adding to that feeling: improved hearth monitoring, fall detection, better speakers, and so on.
In reality, having tried one on at the nearest electronic store, I didn't feel that much of a thickness difference, but maybe it just takes time to be appreciated.

Few days after the keynote, I was at my parent's when my dad came by my old room to talk about what had been introduced. We shared impressions, reasons we were excited and reasons why we weren't, and then I shared my perplexity regarding the Watch fall detection: as impressive as it is, I can't really see many elderly wearing (or even affording) an Apple Watch, and I'm not the only one having had that thought.
As true as this is, he pointed out at one other use I hadn't thought of: work related accidents.
The company my father works for is evaluating the idea of buying fall detectors for men who often work alone in a plant, being able to monitor if something happens and acting fast to save lives. Those sensors cost roughly as much as an Apple Watch and need to be worn as a belt around the waist.
I can see many workers not willing to wear those sensors for many legitimate and illegitimate reasons ranging from bother to actual discomfort, but I can see many more saying they are going to wear them and ultimately won't.
Now, imagine the company invests in Apple Watches in place of fall sensors and you'll see where I am going with this. Apple Watches are cool, a premium product, something they would want to wear and rejoice if my company gives it to them. We go from a work related sensor that might stay in the closet, to a product they will wear even at home and in weekends. A product that is even able to call emergency without a data plan.
The biggest shortcoming here? Every watch needs to be set up using an iPhone, something not everyone has.

Apple Watch Series 4 has succeeded in making the older model feel - indeed - old. The three areas Apple chose to highlight during the keynote - Connection, Fitness, Health - are indeed what I feel the most intrigued by the watch. I don't think to be a notification addict, but being able not to check at the phone every time could be a relaxing move. What I would really value is a device that tracks my health, stimulates me on being more active (something I know I must, but avoid) and can save me when I'm alone monitoring accidental falls. I don't fall often, I can't indeed remember the last time I fell, but the one time I will and remain unconscious, that's when having spent a little more on the Watch will prove to be invaluable.

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