Returning my 360

[scotth23]

Just got off the phone with Google to get my RMA.

I've had a Galaxy Gear and used the LG G and the Gear Live. I was hoping the design of the 360 was going to win me over where other watches failed.

Admittedly, the design helps A LOT. The 360 just feels better than the other watches. And I never had battery life issues as I only pushed SMS and emails to it. I would routinely end a day at 55% or so after 14 hours of use.

I just don't think Wear is doing enough to justify the early adopter cost. I like the easier notifications but I don't think it's enough of a benefit to pay that kind of money. I can limit my notifications on my phone and get the same basic results. The voice recognition is decent for text responses but often required me to follow up with a correction.

So.... Hopefully Wear gets better with time. I like the idea but its not there yet.

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[methods]

If the Moto360 was just a watch how much would you pay for it?

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[scotth23]

If the Moto360 was just a watch how much would you pay for it?

Good question. If it were just a watch I wouldn't buy it. If I had to put a price on it, I wouldn't say more than $75 and I wouldn't pay that. The profile is too large and the design is nice for a smartwatch but not what I would look for in a traditional watch.

So the extra value of Wear being added to a nicely designed timepiece isn't really a factor for me. That may be different for others. Even priced at $150, the 360 like all other Wear devices needs too much maintenance for a secondary device that essentially duplicates functionality. Yes, it puts that functionality on your wrist rather than your pocket. But it isn't providing anything new beyond the phone.

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[RicKaysen]

The 360 is a toy...don't try to pretend it's anything more. If you want a watch, set your sights higher. The cheapest (real) watch I own cost ten times more and is designed to last a lifetime. I'm having fun with this thing, but it will probably stay home after a few weeks.

 

[dcastillo]

Even priced at $150, the 360 like all other Wear devices needs too much maintenance for a secondary device that essentially duplicates functionality. Yes, it puts that functionality on your wrist rather than your pocket. But it isn't providing anything new beyond the phone.

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In the same aspect, your phone doesn't give you anything new over your computer, other then convenience, same applies to the watch over your phone... (kinda makes sense )

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[DanPLC]

In the same aspect, your phone doesn't give you anything new over your computer, other then convenience, same applies to the watch over your phone... (kinda makes sense )

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You're exactly correct. Smartphones made life more convenient by offering the internet in your pocket. Smartwatches are the next progression in convenience.

Sure you could survive with only a desktop computer. But now we have devices of all sizes optimized for specific functions: Smartwatches, smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, etc.

Smartwatches are optimized to provide instant actionable notifications, quick retrieval of small bits of data (time, weather, agenda, etc), health tracking (heart rate monitor, pedometer), and other small, quick functions (music player controls, Chromecast controls, tip calculator, shopping list, etc).

 

[TabGuy]

In the same aspect, your phone doesn't give you anything new over your computer, other then convenience, same applies to the watch over your phone... (kinda makes sense )

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People pay a LOT of money for convenience. For example, I pay about $11 per day to buy lunch because it's more convenient to go out to eat than to make my own lunch. The Moto 360 costs about the same as a month's worth of lunch. It's not something that will break the bank. And, believe me when I say I've spent a lot more for toys than the Moto 360.

 

[scotth23]

In the same aspect, your phone doesn't give you anything new over your computer, other then convenience, same applies to the watch over your phone... (kinda makes sense )

In a way. My computer didn't conveniently carry on my person or have the cellular capabilities that a phone has. And in many ways, the smartphone has subplanted computers for so many tasks that the phone itself is the dominant device.

I wholeheartedly believe in the future of smartwatches. They will likely replace phones as voice recognition improves and wireless tech makes headphones and ear pieces less conspicuous and last longer than a few hours. You can't get to that point without covering this ground first.

And the notifications are convenient. I just don't find them necessary for my life. That's certainly different for others.

I do think that people are getting stuck on the watch aspect a bit too much. They carry on your wrist and they tell time but these things are as much about being watches as television was to radio: they cover similar ground but the format is so different that comparison is pointless. It's a new category that can not be expected to function under the rules and expectations of its predecessor.

A smartphone is a billion things besides being a call maker. And how often is the "phone" aspect of most "smartphone" reviews actually considered and addressed? No one talks about the phone app on different devices. Should we really expect these smartwatches to be held to the same demands of analog watches?

It's a great direction that needs a few generations to flesh out the needs. As tech gets smaller, the watches will obviously improve.

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[scotth23]

People pay a LOT of money for convenience. For example, I pay about $11 per day to buy lunch because it's more convenient to go out to eat than to make my own lunch. The Moto 360 costs about the same as a month's worth of lunch. It's not something that will break the bank. And, believe me when I say I've spent a lot more for toys than the Moto 360.

Sure. It's up to the individual to decide what is convenient and what that convenience is worth. Some people enjoy making their lunches and think it's absurd to pay $11 a day. I don't but I've worked with those people.

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[eloderung]

In a way. My computer didn't conveniently carry on my person or have the cellular capabilities that a phone has. And in many ways, the smartphone has subplanted computers for so many tasks that the phone itself is the dominant device.

Still, even the most advanced smartphones can't match a half-decent computer nowadays. I can multi-task to no end on my current computer across multiple monitors, can use a much larger list of applications and games, can easily multitask for things like finance/stocks, and so on.

The watch is just the more convenient evolution of the smartphone. Like smartphones, it won't replace a good desktop or laptop for all individuals - though, with time, it's possible it can for some people. As you mention, it's not unrealistic that a smartwatch in 7-10 years will - just like smartphones nowadays - be able to link to a BT keyboard and/or mouse and act as a phone or computer replacement for some people without a smartphone in tow.

When smartphones first came out, there was no way that you could use one as a computer replacement. Some tasks were easier, but you couldn't run your digital life on one. That's since changed with how rapidly the tech improves, and the same will come to watches.

I also like to think of a smartwatch like I do a remote control for a TV. Remote controls give you no new functionality, but everyone has one. Sure, the Moto is like a $250 remote control, but given that it doubles as a fashion accessory and expedites a lot of small digital tasks, I think it's well worth the first adapter price. And personally, I prefer the Moto's flexibility over an expensive, fancy real watch. The Moto is one watch I won't get bored of wearing.

 

[anDAOroid]

I also like to think of a smartwatch like I do a remote control for a TV. Remote controls give you no new functionality, but everyone has one. Sure, the Moto is like a $250 remote control, but given that it doubles as a fashion accessory and expedites a lot of small digital tasks, I think it's well worth the first adapter price. And personally, I prefer the Moto's flexibility over an expensive, fancy real watch. The Moto is one watch I won't get bored of wearing.

That's a convincing comparison.

 

[scotth23]

Still, even the most advanced smartphones can't match a half-decent computer nowadays. I can multi-task to no end on my current computer across multiple monitors, can use a much larger list of applications and games, can easily multitask for things like finance/stocks, and so on.

I would agree with that. I do think, though, that smartphones have changed the way people are using their computers. Much like Apple has dumbed down people's need for high quality music, I think the smartphones have made simpler and cheaper applications more acceptable as the mass public has used their phones as a gateway to Macs.

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