Originally, I loved the idea of the Apple Watch. I wanted it for the health and
fitness tracking aspect. Then I saw it and I hesitated because I felt that it might
be too gadget-y. Now that I've owned it for a few months, I love it and here are
my reasons why (in case you are considering one for yourself):
I really like not having to look at my phone for every text message or calendar
adjustment. When I have a new notification of a text or email, a subtle red dot
appears at the top of the watch interface that I can swipe down to view what
new information I've received. This is a lot less distracting in a meeting than
looking at my phone. That one feature actually helps keep me focused on what
I'm doing, because once I pick up my phone to check a text message - next I'm
looking at my email, then I might shift over to my calendar ... and into the black
hole of distraction. I'm just saying the quick glance for a text allows me to get
whatever information is being shared, and even respond with a quick "Ok"
message back. It is less distracting, and more efficient for quick communication.
I really like the microphone feature. I can record something really quick into my
Evernote app (yes - it's even on my watch!) and it is automatically TRANSCRIBED
and added to my Evernote notes! If I want to quickly remind myself of my car
mileage or a quick to-do item - this comes in handy!
Also, there is less status with an Apple Watch - which in a work environment is
kinda appropriate. Not that I'm saying the Apple Watch is easily affordable for
everyone, but the models aren't incredibly different so the few hundred dollar
option is very similar to the few thousand dollar option. Now executives can
reserve their "nice" (read: super expensive) watches for charity galas or other
networking events. It makes complete sense that the watch I wear to the office
does more than simply tell the time and maybe the date.
I can customize the various watch faces to include the information I want to
see when I glance at it. I even swap watch faces depending on what I am
doing during the day. For instance, the Mickey Mouse face is fun for a brainstorm meeting. It reminds me of the value of play. I also like the extra large numbers
face for certain meetings that I know tend to run long. With this face, even the
person in charge of the meeting can be more aware of the time.
I opted for the least expensive option and the sport band (which I thought might
yellow and be gross within a month of daily usage) has held up nicely. Like the
watch faces, the bands are interchangeable, so I can wear a sport band for
working out and a leather band to work. The watch can take a good beating in
boot camp workouts (yes, I've accidentally knocked it around) without the screen
cracking or breaking. And I really have to earn the calories in the workout and
activity apps in order for the watch to count them. This makes those progress
circles in that app all the sweeter to see.
Other uses:
Send a "tap" to a teammate or partner on their Apple Watch if they seem
to have forgotten about a meeting.
Use the Uber app to summon a ride and get directions on my watch with
the map app.
Quickly catch up on my social media feeds.
Check the stock market.
Find the closest Starbucks.
I can PAY for things using the wallet on my Apple Watch.
My watch vibrates and rings (unless on silent mode) when I'm getting a call. I can
quickly answer that call on my watch and then switch it over to my phone.
I leave my phone on silent a lot - so this feature helps me to not miss calls.
I can check my heart rate on the watch any time I want. It is constantly being
measured and syncing this information to the Health app on my phone.
It is very wearable; it's not heavy, and the battery lasts. It is worth the investment
for health reasons, but also for focus and productivity. Ultimately, it's a terrific
piece of arm candy that makes a great workstyle statement.