Apple iWatch Do you want?

[Beef Supreme]

Even if I thought this was a cool idea, which I don't, I'd still wait a few years and get a better version for 1/3 the price.

[MTG#10]

I'd buy one if it were < $200 and worked with an Android phone. Otherwise, no thanks.

[AustinChief]

Originally Posted by MTG#10

I'd buy one if it were < $200 and worked with an Android phone. Otherwise, no thanks.

I'm on the same page if it also looked good (most of them including the Apple Watch are ugly as shit to me)

[mr. tegu]

[DaveNull]

Profesional product designer breaks down the Apple manufacturing videos about the Apple Watch.

Of note:

Casting is a process that doesn't offer the level of precision Apple needs for the next step and this machining allows them to control the dimensions of the ingot to within 0.01mm.

This level of inspection is, to put it mildly, fastidious beyond where most other companies would go (save Rolex). Immersion ultrasonic inspection is typically reserved for highly stressed medical implants and rotating components inside of aircraft engines; not only does this step take time, it also is typically performed by custom built machines of tremendous expense.

Though I design aluminum parts, I long ago gave up even attempting to craft them to Apple's finishing standards. No company in the world is finishing and anodizing to Apple's level and part of their secret is every perfectly bead blasted Apple surface starts off as a perfectly polished surface. To compete with Apple, one either needs to invest in equipment with prices equivalent to a CNC machine (6 axis robotic arms with custom end actuators - i.e. hands - to hold your parts), or pay staggering sums of money to have an expert hand polish your parts and accept the fact that the best you will ever get is a reject rate of 10%.

Most anodizing racks are general purpose affairs with clips or hooks that both hold the part and make the positive electrical contact. Apple is using custom formed and plastic dipped racks that very (very) densely hold parts. It's yet another detail that anyone in manufacturing is likely to look at and think "Wow, I wish we had the volume/budget to pull that trick off."

I see these videos and I see a process that could only have been created by a team looking to execute on a level far beyond what was necessary or what will be noticed. This isn't a supply chain, it is a ritual Apple is performing to bring themselves up to the standards necessary to compete against companies with centuries of experience.

[AustinChief]

Originally Posted by DaveNull

Profesional product designer breaks down the Apple manufacturing videos about the Apple Watch.

Of note:

simply put... Apple's manufacturing process means you'll have a watch that can last a lifetime but will still be obsolete in 2-3 years.

[DaFace]

I'm assuming not, but has there been any talk of being able to upgrade the core watch without having to upgrade the band and enclosure somehow? That's the only thing that could make it a little more worth it.

[The Rick]

Originally Posted by DaFace

I'm assuming not, but has there been any talk of being able to upgrade the core watch without having to upgrade the band and enclosure somehow? That's the only thing that could make it a little more worth it.

This image and the blurb alongside it on their site for the watch raises the possibility. Unlikely, but who knows. Here's the blurb:

Massive constraints have a way of inspiring interesting, creative solutions. A prime example is the custom-designed chip at the heart of Apple Watch. No traditional computer architecture could fit within such a confined space. So we found a way to integrate many subsystems into one remarkably compact module, which is then completely encapsulated in resin to protect the electronics from the elements, impact, and wear. Configuring an entire computer system on a single chip is an industry first and represents a singular feat of engineering and miniaturization.

[morphius]

Originally Posted by The Rick

Configuring an entire computer system on a single chip is an industry first and represents a singular feat of engineering and miniaturization.

I assume they are talking about the smart watch market, because anything more than that would be doubtful.

[AustinChief]

Originally Posted by The Rick

No traditional computer architecture could fit within such a confined space. So we found a way to integrate many subsystems into one remarkably compact module, which is then completely encapsulated in resin to protect the electronics from the elements, impact, and wear. Configuring an entire computer system on a single chip is an industry first and represents a singular feat of engineering and miniaturization.

It's sad that anyone would believe crap like this. As if we haven't had SoC for years upon years now. But fanbois will be fanbois I guess.

[JD10367]

Originally Posted by AustinChief

simply put... Apple's manufacturing process means you'll have a watch that can last a lifetime but will still be obsolete in 2-3 years.

[DaveNull]

Some speculation that it might be possible based on the whole system being on a single self contained chip. Honestly I don't think it matters. Anyone getting an Edition has enough money not to care about the thing being obsolete. The Sport edition is almost the same price as the old click-wheel iPods were and you never heard people bitching about not being able to upgrade those.

[alpha_omega]

nope. don't wear a watch and i sure wouldn't wear this one.

[Baby Lee]

Can someone explain why I need something on my wrist that requires an IPhone also be in my pocket?

Is pulling an Iphone out of your pocket that big a hassle?