Here are my current thoughts on a rumored "iWatch" device.
- NAME. They may use the iPod name and brand. Apple currently sells the iPod touch, iPod nano, iPod classic, and iPod shuffle. Maybe this new device will be called the iPod wrist, iPod watch, etc. The iPod is iconic, familiar, and relatable. With so many customers having owned an iPod, buying another "iPod" would feel like an obvious and exciting next step. By using the iPod name, Apple may be able to avoid a lot of the negative sentiments surrounding wearables, with many describing devices like Google Glass and Samsung Gear as ridiculous, unnecessary, bulky, and creepy.
- SHAPE. I think a square or rectangle shaped watch makes more sense from a functional standpoint. However, I think a round faced device makes more sense from a fashion standpoint. The biggest issue I see is size. If you go too small, it becomes hard to see and use. You also face a battery issue. Obviously the bigger the device, the larger the battery can be. A large battery is crucial for a device like this, because you need it to last *AT LEAST* a day, ideally longer. However, if you go too big, you face a potentially bigger problem: alienating small wrists. Men and women alike can have small wrists but as a general rule, this is more of a female characteristic. I can assure you, Apple is not OK creating a device that is so big, bulky, and manly that they lose the female customer.
- MODELS. So this poses, what I believe, is the biggest question: Can Apple (or anyone) make a wearable device that appeals to both genders? They've done this with the iPhone but a smart watch that you slip into your pocket or purse is a completely different animal from something you wear. I'm not going to claim that it can't be done, this is, after all, Apple. But let's just say that it can't be done, at least not with technology (screen and battery limitations) that is currently available, does Apple make two models? Even though it makes sense to make a male/female version, it may not make sense in the first version. This could be something that makes more sense with time, just like Apple has done in the past with the iPad, MacBook Air, and iPod.
- APPEAL. Women + iPhone in Purse = Perfect target customer for a watch. Being able to receive and respond to texts, get quick information like weather, calendar events, etc. without having to dig through a purse for a phone would be really convenient. It may even allow people to reach their parents and grandparents, who still find a way to "leave their phone in the other room."
- COST. It is going to cost more than you think. It is very rare that Apple releases a new product and your thought is "wow, that's really cheap." So don't expect a $200 Apple wearable device. My bet is $299-$349.
- HEALTH. There has been a lot of speculation that a device of this kind would be a fitness tracker. And I have to agree. I think it is the reason they introduced the new Health app. We'll see.
- BEATS. I don't see Beats playing too big of a role in the first generation model, since the acquisition hasn't even happened yet. Obviously Apple has been big on colors for a long time, dating back to the old colorful iMacs, so they don't NEED Beats in order to introduce a wide array of color options. I think Apple will play it a little safe when it comes to colors (black, white, gold), but I could be wrong. I do think they will rely heavily on Beats tactics for making the device cool. If they can get big names to wear it, it will go a long way in more general public acceptance of such a device.
- TIDBITS. I see this as a device that will be cool in its first iteration, but one that will be a much better product in a year or two. This sounds kind of like a stupid statement, since tech tends to get better with time. But with a product like this, you can learn a lot from designing and testing it in a lab. But you learn a whole lot more watching the world use it and provide feedback.
*I do not think it will be called the iWatch.
