Apple Watch: Time Will Tell

Apple showcased significant software and hardware engineering behind its new Watch and Macbook, but the products don't establish new categories.

by Rick Merritt, SiliconValley Bureau Chief - EETimes, Mar. 09, 2015 – 

I gave my 20-something son a $100 Pebble for a gift to see what he thought of the smartwatch. He never wore it. When I asked why he said it didn't have enough interesting apps.

I won't be making the same experiment with the Apple Watch that comes out April 24 given its $349 minimum price tag. (Sorry, Michael.) Apple clearly poured its famous software engineering into the product, but it's not yet clear that will be enough to create the first mainstream consumer wearable device.

Separately, the new Macbook makes a handful of noteworthy advances, but they fall short of Apple's claims of redefining the notebook.

Apple did not reveal hardware specs for its new watch, although it did wax lyrical about the benefits of its three cases ? a custom aluminum alloy for the entry level sport models, stainless steel for a $549 to $1,000 midrange and 18-karat gold for models that start at $10,000.

With 20 different models, Apple enters new supply chain territory for a company used to selling just one or two models of a new iPhone of iPad. But the high price tags suggest Apple is giving itself plenty of room to recoup its customary profit margins.

Apple demoed dozens of uses for its watch. Most of them were things we've seen before such as email and text notifications and an integrated speaker and microphone to take calls just like Dick Tracy.

 Back