I'd really like to get back in the habit of updating the blog every day, even if what I write is small, or not terribly groundbreaking. So today, I'm going to talk about my new Apple Watch. I don't really have anything to say that others haven't already, but having had some realistic time to spend with it, I have a few conclusions:
1) I really like being able to respond to basic text messages and phone calls from the watch. This is the one killer app so far, for me. Being able to see messages, write a quick response (usually using voice), and even answer phone calls is a godsend, especially when I'm driving my car, or riding my bike (or even on the elliptical machine). This is well implemented, and worth using.
2) Apps suck. Basically they all stink. I blame Apple; if one app stinks, that's the fault of the app dev. If they all stink, Apple did a bad job. And they did; the WatchKit is trash. Rumor has it it's going to get a lot better soon, though.
3) Notifications are often a waste of time. Nobody seems to have gotten this quite right yet. My solitaire app, for example, tells me once a day that a new daily game is ready. I don't care. Meanwhile, Facebook Messenger doesn't seem to notify the watch, which is the one thing I would like.
4) I really want Google Maps. If I want turn-by-turn directions to show up on the watch, I have to use Apple Maps. Well, I don't like Apple Maps. I like Google. I want Google Maps on my Apple Watch. And I'm the consumer, so give me what I want. :)
5) The battery life is actually pretty darn good. This is the one thing Apple did right, and I suspect it underlies a lot of their other choices, including things that they did "wrong". For example, I know the main reason apps stink right now is that Apple is being super careful not to let you drain your battery playing Tetris. Which is the right call. Now it's time to carefully find the balance.
6) There's so much wasted potential. This thing is gold. The hardware design is fantastic; spot on. It's the software that has to get better; way better.