Should I or Shouldn't I Get an Apple Watch?

Hi Mary,

Based on reading your post...unless you're really wanting an Apple Watch right now, I'd wait for the next model and go from there.

While TimeBuzz is a great solution, I honestly can't say I'd recommend an Apple Watch for you if you really don't like talking watches. My understanding is that while you can use TimeBuzz in certain situations, it isn't going to be able to provide the time non-audibly in all circumstances. For an idea of what the app can do, this podcast by David Woodbridge may help. The developer also posted a forum topic introducing TimeBuzz to the AppleVis community, and there is some discussion about the app's strengths and limitations there as well.

The other thing worth considering is that Apple is rumored to be launching the Apple Watch 2 sometime in early 2016. The Watch was announced on March 9 this year and shipped on April 24th, so I think it's reasonable to assume that Watch 2 will follow a similar release schedule.

If Apple holds off on releasing Watch 2 until later in 2016...or, better yet, does a two-year upgrade schedule...the current Watch would definitely become a more attractive purchase. But there again, if you really hate talking watches, I'm not sure the Apple Watch...especially the current generation...would change your mind. Are there other things about the Apple Watch you think you might like? If so, those are also factors to consider.

Hi. Ok first off, I hated them as much as you did, especially the oh so loud, boing!! everyone's going off, you heard form your room down the hall a friend's boyfriend was calling at seven PM. Oh and what's with the rooster crow? are we all farmers now? Anyway... I always thought of it as a waste of money, though I know now a woman who has very lomitted hearing and some vision, just got one. I did hear the watch is released sometime next year, I still wonder what happens to the first gen. In a drawer? In your little six year old's hand because you want the latest one? No not accusing anyone, just saying until they really give me a deal braker to get one, not for me. Let me also say I still have an iPhone five and with some exception, am happy with it.

Thanks, guys. I decided that for now, I won't get the watch. I might go for the next generation, though, especially if there are big improvements. Like better, quieter time-telling and a little more independence from the phone. I don't really like hauling the phone around with me all the time, I don't have it on my person at all times like some of my dearest friends in the Apple world. It's an awkward shape to tell the truth. But for me at least, the watch needs to improve a bit more before I go for it and have to give up my beloved Braille watches. Thanks guys for saving me from myself!

Hi Mary,
Just to throw a spanner in the works...
The Apple Watch does have a easily customisable volume control. A simple two finger double tap and slide will adjust your volume so that you always have the sound at the appropriate level for your surroundings.
The Apple Watch has untethered me from my iPhone in the best possible way.
HTH

@SeaNoEvil00

Hi Mary. Here's something else: you said you don't have your phone all the time, Iadmit to having it more often then not. However if you are looking for an apple watch, no phone needed, I don't think that's going to become a reality. I might be wrong, hope I am. However, you need to phone to in a sense, drive the watch. It's a watch, so you can keep the phone in your purse, while you text your man about meeting up for that hot date. Or maybe you are crossing a street, and you have the gps running to make you get where you need to go without using headphones. I admit to hating the arbuds myself. anyway here's to whatever comes.

Hi Siobhan,
You're right, the Apple Watch still requires an iPhone ...but less than one imagines.
For example, I have been home now since Christmas and for the past five days my iPhone has sat undisturbed on my desk, tethered to my Apple Watch via my WiFi Network..
In that time, however, I have used the Apple Watch to make and answer phone calls, checked Twitter, read FB Messenger posts, checked the Weather, sent and received SMS and iMessages, looked up addresses on Apple Maps, called businesses from the Apple Maps app, tracked my fitness, used the Remote App on my Apple Tv, set timers for cooking, set alarms and checked the time.
I never once had to wonder where my device was, or think to check for notifications because it was always there on my wrist. Similarly, I never needed to worry whether my iPhone had signal or charge because it was always plugged in. (Btw, Apple Watch battery never dropped below 50%).
Of course you are right to point out that you still need an iPhone. In exactly the same way that a MacBook Pro needs a Modem Router.
Wishing you a Happy New Year.
@SeaNoEvil00