According to Apple’s website, there’s a new piece of tech to spend your money on starting April 24. Apple is releasing an iPhone-compatible Smartwatch that doesn’t just display the time.

The product has a price range between $350.00 – $17,000.00, and they come in 3 different models:

• Watch Sport – It has a more athletic look and has sport band wrist straps. These are the least expensive.
• Watch – It has a more classic, old-school look with the familiar link bracelet. More expensive than the Watch Sport model.
• Watch Edition – This model has the same sport band wrist straps as the Watch Sport model, but has a more simplistic and professional interface. The most expensive of the three, starting at $10,000.

Like they say on their website, “There’s an Apple Watch for everyone.”

The watches are advertised to have an 18-hour battery life (depending on usage), which you will need because you can use apps on the high-tech accessory. There will be an Apple Watch store that users can use to download apps from their iPhone, according to CNET. You can also send texts, receive phone calls, and get notifications.

The big question is:

Who will buy it?

Secondary Instruction Technology Specialist for the Madison City School District, Mr. Daniel Whitt, had a lot to say about Apple’s latest idea, “The Apple Watch is an exciting new product, but it isn’t going to blow anyone’s mind at first. I anticipate the 2nd and 3rd generation models being much closer to the “dream” of wearable technology benefits, especially because those models are likely to have more and better biotechnology sensors that the 1st generation simply doesn’t have. With Apple hiring tens of major biotech innovators, it is quite obvious that they intend to take that particular category of innovation to much higher levels in the coming decade, and I think that is both smart financially for them and admirable because of how important health innovation is. I WILL BUY the 1st generation Apple Watch, because I am an early adopter of all cool technology, and I – as part of my job description – need to know the ins and outs of all technology as quickly as possible. I am extremely excited about what this first batch can do…but more excited about what the future holds for the wearable category. At $350 base price, I think it’s worth the money. But for it to truly take off, Apple needs to offer significant enhancements in the future to solidify this category in their arsenal of products.”

Bob Jones student and Apple user, Jack Judy, however, will not be in the Apple Store on April 24. “I think they will be incredibly popular, but I would never buy one.”

It appears the Apple Watches are not getting much attention from the younger demographic, or people who have already been exposed to some of these same features when Samsung released their Smartwatch.

Next big question:

Apple or Samsung?

Bob Jones senior Alex Barrow sided with Samsung on the debate. “I would have to go with Samsung. In my opinion, it seems like each time they come out with a new product they genuinely try to make it better and more innovative than the last. Apple just releases the exact same thing with a slightly larger screen. Also with Samsung you get an Android OS, which allows a lot more user options than iOS. Samsung also allows for expandable storage through Micro SD and replaceable batteries. Which means you don’t have to buy an entire new phone if you need just a little bit more storage or if the battery loses charge.” 

Casey Marley, News and Science Editor for UAB’s Kaleidoscope, says, “I prefer Apple products because I find that they are more user friendly and intuitive. Apple tries to replicate how we react to objects in nature when designing their user interfaces, so I think that is an underlying reason why their products gain so much popularity. On a more superficial note, I think they have better design, and I prefer how they look.” 

Who's on top of the technology world as of now?

• Apple (78%, 39 Votes)
• Samsung (22%, 11 Votes)

Total Voters: 50

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