Apple’s ‘next big thing’ might be even bigger than we thought

Yahoo News ^ | 02/04/2014 | By Chris Smith

[Carbonsteel]

The iWatch may cost $299 when it launches later this year, Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty said in a note to investors on Tuesday (via CNET), a price that’s exactly what Samsung initially charged for its first-generation Galaxy Gear and similar to the Pebble’s second smartwatch, the Pebble Steel. However, the iWatch is expected to be even more popular than its competitors’ offerings and it may indeed me the “next big thing” for Apple.

“Our working assumption is that iWatch largely will be adopted as an accessory device and, therefore, sold into the existing customer base, like the iPad, rather than to new customers, like the iPod or iPhone,” Huberty wrote.

[sten]

the only sense of ‘wow’ I’m getting is at the willingness to self tag by some people.

my next thought would be... how long until ‘someone’ has the ability to remotely trigger a taser like effect via the device

[USFRIENDINVICTORIA]

The earliest Pulsar watches would cost more than $10,000, in today’s money. That could be ten times more than the iWatch will cost. Then there’s that huge gap in functionality. Technological change is happening at an ever-faster rate.

[morphing libertarian]

is that an easy feature to add?

[Some Fat Guy in L.A.]

Still waiting for the iSuck vacuum cleaner......

[catnipman]

I have some more “next big thing” ideas for Apple to add to the iWatch accessory line:

1. The iCuffLink.

2. The iSuspenders.

3. The iWingTipBrogans.

4. The iFedoraSnapBrimHat.

5. The iBuggyWhip.

6. The iRotaryTelephone.

7. The i33RPMVinylRecord.

8. The i8TrackTape.

9. The iTieTack.

10. The iBlackAndWhiteTV.

11. The iConsoleRadio.

12. The iCassetteTape.

[lormand]

I have doubts too, but I think the next evolution of smartphones is to wear it. One day, sticking your phone in your pocket will seem archaic compared to wearing it.

[seowulf]

wireless displays mounted in contact lens might be a big thing

You might poke your eye out trying to use the touch screen though.

[Engedi]

wow- first time I read this explained differently. Love the analogy.

[Revolting cat!]

I’m waiting for electronic iDepends!

[MeshugeMikey]

I was pleasantly surprised when I encountered the concept.

[roadcat]

I remember when those watches first went on sale. I cut out an advertisement that I still have, it was over $1000 and people were buying them. Late 1970s. A few years later digital watches had more features and were like $40. It’s expensive to buy cutting edge! I haven’t worn a wristwatch for the last ten years; too many other gadgets have time displays (like my cellphone) and made the wristwatch obsolete.

[roadcat]

Apple needs to sell a stylus-enabled iPad - that will give it the chops for serious work. Finally.

Huh? First thing I did when I bought an iPad several years ago was to buy a stylus, for one dollar. Works fine. Bought several of the stylus from a Hong Kong seller, couldn't see just ordering one at a dollar. And for serious work, I use a large screen and desktop Mac. You can't do serious photoshop work on an iPad, I've done some graphics (with apps like SketchBook Pro) on my iPad but prefer the desktop environment for serious work.

[dfwgator]

“I was hoping for a Longines.”

[zeugma]

The last watch I purchased was a mechanical self-winder. Next one will be as well. I’m as geeky as the next guy, but a finely crafted mechanical watch is a thing of great beauty and coolness IMO.

[zeugma]

iWatch...sounds like a porn device.

Kinda like how the iPad sounded like another product of interest to women.

Chance the Gardener: I like to watch.

[dfwgator]

From Saturday Night Live

Announcer: Someday, everyone will own a watch like this. Now, it is available only for the privileged few. The Mogasaki Corproration of Tokyo is honored to announce... Kromega III. [ lightning strikes ] A watch so complex, it takes two people to make it work. One hand wears the watch. The other hand presses the buttons that activate the 100% solid state multi-function digital quartz crystal micro-computer unit. And now, you're ready for the third hand to trigger the light-luminating dial to give you an alphanumeric readout accurate to within 9 a year. It's that simple.

KROMEGA III. Command-crafted in impact-resistant crushed chrome. It's no wonder that professional skiiers prefer Kromega III over any ordinary timepiece.

Woman's Voice: And I love Lady Kromega III. The sleek, space-age styling compliments any outfit. [ Woman's other hand presses one of the buttons ] And the clearly displayed perpetual calendar helps me to remember my many appointments. Would you mind? [ other person brings in a spare hand to operate the Lady Kromega III ] Thank you.

Announcer: Kromega III. It's like asking a stranger for the time.

[Carbonsteel]

I agree and that’s all I wear as well.

I would love to own an Omega Seamaster Automatic. Out of my price range though.

So, I’m currently wearing a Kamandirskie by Vostok. Hell of a solid timepiece and it keeps near perfect time.

[867V309]

You can forget ever getting your hands (no pun intended) on a KROMEGA III. I'm STILL waiting for my Big Red!

[Swordmaker]

the next big thing from Apple may be really, really big —PING!

Apple big thing Ping!

If you want on or off the Mac Ping List, Freepmail me.

[Swordmaker]

But then Samsung, Android, Google, etc. etc. is immediately on the scene with better, less exprensive alternatives.

Less expensive perhaps, although some Samsung phones run more than iPhones, but seldom better. Perhaps more features, but a list of features does not necessarily mean better. . .