In preparation for the launch of the Apple Watch later this month, Apple has committed to making videos that will teach potential users how to use it. The first four of the 11 Guided Tour videos were launched today and give a more detailed look at how Messages, Watch Faces, and the new Digital Touch features work. The first video introduces the watch much like we saw at the keynote and gives a lightning view of each piece of the puzzle. We also learn about the dedicated button (under the digital crown) that will bring up your recent contacts so you can quickly call, text, or even digitally touch them…
The Messages video shows how customizable the special new emoji are, and how to scroll through the different types of hearts, smileys, and gloved Mickey Mouse-style hands. We also see how you can dictate a response and send either a voice reply or a transcribed message based on your voice using the same icon. What I found most intriguing were what Apple calls Smart Replies. Instead of your garden-variety quick responses such as, “I’m in a meeting” or “Can I call you later?”, the Apple Watch allows for quick bits of text that are specific to each conversation. It seems that if someone asks you to choose between sushi, pizza, or hash browns, you may be able to quickly choose the one you want without typing it.
Written like a true friend
There needs to be a “whatever” option for teens
More ways to say pizza
This is appropriate if you just don’t care what you eat
The next video explains how to customize watch faces and drill down into the information that they may present. Apparently, you can tap on the temperature in a given watch face and it will take you to the application where that data originated. While this is definitely needed to show how it works, I doubt all watch faces will allow you to show the same exact information, for example weather, location, or calendar invites. Time will tell.
And finally, we see more of Digital Touch and how annoying it could be on the wrong wrist. Knowing Apple, I’m betting there will be a way to turn off the capability. Luckily, you can send little Timmy your visual and tactile heart beat so he knows you still love him, but would rather he stop with the friendly wrist-powered Denial of Service attacks while your in important business meetings.
Quit playin’ games with my heart
In a recent exposé detailing the development of the Apple Watch, Apple is shown to have gone to great lengths to quicken each interaction with the watch. I can vouch for how negative overly glancing at your smartwatch can look. There have been a few times where I’ve looked at a notification on my Pebble Steel only to be asked if I had somewhere else to be.
I must say that I’m coming around to the idea of the Apple Watch, but may wait a generation or two so that Apple can iron out all of the bugs. Will it replace my Pebble Steel, or seriously offer me more desirable functionality than the emerging Pebble Time I’m drooling over? The jury are still out… with their noses buried in their iPhones.
What do you think? Is the Apple Watch worth it at its current price point? Let us know in the comments. Below you’ll find each of the videos:
Additional Videos:
Apple Watch — Guided Tour: Messages
Apple Watch — Guided Tour: Faces
Apple Watch — Guided Tour: Digital Touch