We live in an amazing age, a digital age where even the smallest innovation in technology can mean great things. Time and time again we’ve seen some wondrous gadgets come about because of a few changes, like the iPhone that changed the mobile market completely in an incredibly short time frame.
It seems silly then that tech reporters, journalists and many tech lovers would act like old curmudgeons at the thought of something new on the horizon. Yet, that is exactly what is happening now in regards to the state of the smartwatch market. The funny thing is, when smartphones first start cropping up everywhere we saw the same kind of behaviour. No one thought they would ever need the excess functionality afforded by a smartphone, but now look at everyone. The same will soon be true of wearable devices, or smartwatches in general. Does that mean we already have a market changer on retail shelves? Maybe, but probably not.
The point here is that it seems a bit counter-intuitive to have quite a few self-proclaimed “tech experts” who spend their time lobbying attacks at the smartwatch market. Smartwatches do have their share of problems, but eventually the kinks will be ironed out and they will become even more useful. Hell, there are already lots of things smartwatches do that are useful. Although, admittedly the market and the products that are currently available have a ways to go before they become necessary – or at least in the sense that most of the population will desire to own a smartwatch.
Why the Smartwatch Curmudgeon Complex?
To be honest, we’re not entirely sure why people feel the need to lambast the smartwatch market. Perhaps, because it’s filled with lots of ambition yet somehow most manufacturers have failed to deliver? Perhaps, because they are against merging the old with the new (smartphone and watch in one)? Perhaps, because smartwatches are a fairly popular topic at the moment and they just want to make some money, sell some issues, or boost traffic? Perhaps… well, we could go on for a long time with these theories. The true response is we don’t really know, and they probably don’t either.
For every reason why smartwatches do exist, they’ll offer a reason why they shouldn’t. For every reason smartwatches are currently garnering attention, they’ll offer a negative view on why that is. It’s called the curmudgeon complex, and for some reason a lot of tech reporters have it.
We Need a Market Changer
Some believe that Google is going to change the game with Android Wear, and the platform is certainly promising to say the least. Others believe that Apple is going to change the game with whatever device they decide to launch – fitness oriented or otherwise. The fact of the matter is that a market changer has not yet arrived. We need one in the smartwatch market, yet we don’t have it – so that gives naysayers ammunition.
Smartwatches Compliment Smartphones
Some of the greatest smartwatches already available – and many even soon to come – are designed to merely compliment the functionality of a smartphone. In other words, you’re not meant to use the smartwatch as the sole device. Instead, it will pair directly with a phone to deliver notifications and piggyback in terms of functionality. There’s nothing wrong with it, but many claim this usage scenario negates the need for a smartwatch. To some people smartwatches may seem unnecessary, but we will argue that smartwatches can actually help you get back into the real world and break your addiction to your smartphone.
While wearing a watch that delivers notifications, you no longer feel the need to pick up your phone to check it, or to answer messages right away. Instead, you can weed out the ones that are not important and focus on what you’re doing.
At dinner or in social situations, instead of whipping out your phone to check it every few minutes you can glance down at your watch. Obviously, if all you’re doing is staring at your watch you’re still going to be considered rude, but stealing a quick glance here and there will be much more viable than fiddling with your phone in front of everyone.
Smartwatches are the Next Big Thing
According to a report from the analyst firm ON World, an estimated 330 million smartwatches will have shipped by 2018. If that doesn’t indicate the growing potential of the smartwatch market then we have no clue what does!
The firm also estimates that more than 700 million wearable devices – of any type – will be shipped over the next five years, and revenue from those shipments will total in excess of $47.4 billion. They are popular, and they are selling like hotcakes.
The numbers will only continue to grow with more Android Wear devices on the way, and Apple soon to enter the market with whatever device they produce. Of course, there are dozens – if not hundreds – of other manufacturers rumored to be producing a smartwatch or wearable device of some kind.
Why All the Hate Then?
We’re not really sure. It could be attributed to the idea that smartwatches are not a necessity when compared to smartphones. Most people ask the question – and it’s a valid one – why purchase a device that doesn’t do much more than a smartphone, especially when I already have one?
The truth is that smartwatches offer convenience first and foremost, similar to how smartphones offered convenience over feature phones. Today, people have access to the internet no matter where they go and that’s an incredible convenience. Smartwatches are a little different, but the convenience they offer is in regards to usability. It’s only a matter of time before people realize that smartwatches can really offer them something unique, a chance to interact with their smartphones and the tech world in a different way.
Doesn’t it make you a bit upset when you see everyone out in public just staring down at their smartphones instead of being social or communicating? Smartwatches can actually help break that behaviour, and as they advance in terms of functionality with each generation it will become more and more so.
Does That Mean I Should Buy One Now?
We’re not advocating spending your money on something that you don’t think you’ll use. If you genuinely feel that you won’t get much out of the deal, or that you won’t be using your smartwatch often then don’t buy one.
You have to look at what’s on the market and what kind of functionality each model offers. There are standalone watches that operate just like a smartphone – and are meant to replace them – and there are watches that are designed to be companions to a phone. Then, there are fitness trackers which are designed to help users track health related data. There are plenty of other options on the market too when it comes to wearables.
You have to take some time and decide what’s right for you, and what fits your needs. If you’re in the market for a smartwatch, take a look at our buyer’s guide which should help answer a few questions you have about smartwatches. Don’t listen to a lot of the articles out there claiming smartwatches are a waste. Most of the people who write them are suffering from curmudgeon complex, but who the hell knows why? Sure, smartwatches are not for everyone but it should be you who decides that – not someone else in an editorial.