Do you think smart watches are going to survive???

[datum9]

No. They are not all that popular now, compared to phones. You have to keep them charged, just another device to worry about. If I want smart phone functions, I just use a smart phone with a much larger screen.
GPS type watches are a flawed concept, I use a full size GPS.

I have a Casio with a 5 year runtime off a 2032 battery..

 

[dov1978]

GPS type watches are a flawed concept, I use a full size GPS

That's a ridiculous thing to say. Do you realise how many runners, cyclists, walkers, fitness enthusiasts there are out there that depend on GPS watches??? How do you suppose a runner carries a full size GPS to glance down at every few mins?

 

[datum9]

A gps watch does not have the reception of a full size unit, nor runtime, not screen capabilities. Why would a runner use a GPS anyway? It's a hiking off-the-trail type device. Most runners run on predetermined trails that don't really require gps.

There are very compact Garmin models that run on 2AA for 24 hours, have about 3" screens and aren't all that hard to clip to belt or something.

There is a market for watch type devices but I see runners/bikers all the time with compact smart phones in a arm type pouch.

I hardly ever see smart watches. They are a niche thing and not all that popular. Not even mainstream.

 

[dov1978]

A gps watch does not have the reception of a full size unit, nor runtime, not screen capabilities. Why would a runner use a GPS anyway? It's a hiking off-the-trail type device. Most runners run on predetermined trails that don't really require gps.

There are very compact Garmin models that run on 2AA for 24 hours, have about 3" screens and aren't all that hard to clip to belt or something.

There is a market for watch type devices but I see runners/bikers all the time with compact smart phones in a arm type pouch.

I hardly ever see smart watches. They are a niche thing and not all that popular. Not even mainstream.

You're very very wrong unless we're just thinking of 2 different things? You're maybe thinking of GPS mapping devices for orienteering etc?

GPS watches are massive in the running/fitness world. Not for mapping functionality (although they can) but for distance/route/speed tracking. Most of us only do a handful of organised races/events per year but still train 5,6 even 7 days a week using a GPS watch as our trusted tracker. Garmin have the market pretty much to themselves in all GPS devices. The Garmin Fenix 5X in GPS mode battery will last up to 24hrs and is extremely accurate.