Techdirt Podcast Episode 32: Are Smart Watches The New Calculator Watches?

from the wristbound-innovation dept

Tue, Jul 7th 2015 12:40pm — Leigh Beadon

Smart watches are among the hottest gadgets du jour, but do they live up to the hype? Their adoption hasn't been even remotely on par with smartphones, and reactions from those who have used them are mixed — but that doesn't mean they're useless or have zero appeal. So, does this dubious trend have a future, or are smart watches a dumb idea? Update: And just like that, reports are out that the sales of the Apple Watch have been disappointing.

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Filed Under: gadgets, podcast, smart watch

10 Comments

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Anonymous Coward, 7 Jul 2015 @ 1:23pm

So what's wrong with calculator watches?
As long as you gold plate them and put an Apple logo on them?
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Anonymous Coward, 7 Jul 2015 @ 3:19pm

Whats the point if it has to be connected to a phone anyway?
Give me a watch that can make calls and has bluetooth and i'll buy it.
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- alternatives(), 7 Jul 2015 @ 11:28pm
  
  Re:
  Give me a watch that can make calls and has bluetooth and i'll buy it.
  
  Intel was showing off a bracelet in 2014 that did that.
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- John Fenderson (profile), 9 Jul 2015 @ 7:56am
  
  Re:
  This was what I thought until I got a Pebble. It's been an amazingly useful extension to my phone.
  
  I have no interest in "high-end" smart watches, though. They don't really add anything useful that can't be accomplished with a $99 one.
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  - Mike Masnick (profile), 9 Jul 2015 @ 12:53pm
    
    Re: Re:
    This was what I thought until I got a Pebble. It's been an amazingly useful extension to my phone.
    
    Right. That's what I discuss in the podcast. Fairly stunning how much more useful it makes my phone. Something I wasn't expecting until I got the watch.
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Scott (profile), 7 Jul 2015 @ 3:39pm

Smart Watches...REALLY?
You know, when you started these podcasts I had high hopes for some really good topics that mirrored the content you provide...controversial topics.
This just screams BORING and IRRELEVANT ...I'm sorry, but sometimes someone just has to say it (and no, I didnt listen to it...had no desire to)
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- Mike Masnick (profile), 7 Jul 2015 @ 4:56pm
  
  Re: Smart Watches...REALLY?
  and no, I didnt listen to it...had no desire to
  
  And yet you say it's boring and irrelevant without even listening to it?
  
  Wow.
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- Leigh Beadon (profile), 8 Jul 2015 @ 8:25am
  
  Re: Smart Watches...REALLY?
  In 32 episodes we've covered a huge variety of topics, including many of the big Techdirt topics that you hoped for. So, so, so sorry that there was one topic you didn't find appealing.
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AricTheRed (profile), 7 Jul 2015 @ 3:50pm

Are Smart Watches The New Calculator Watches?
No.

I wanted a calculator watch...
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- Anonymous Coward, 8 Jul 2015 @ 9:01am
  
  Re: Are Smart Watches The New Calculator Watches?
  "I wanted a calculator watch..."
  
  Sears still sells the Casio ones.
  I'm wearing the CA53W she got for me a couple of years ago for my birthday.
  It's retro-kool!
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