Apple Watch: 5 Simple Things That Delight Me
I enjoy being an early adopter of the Apple Watch and here’s why:
After years of growing technological complexity — more devices, more apps, more everything — the Apple Watch helps me keep things a little more simple… and I love it!
In Walden, Henry David Thoreau implored us to “Simplify, Simplify.” Am I actually saying that the Apple Watch has gotten me closer to that 19th century dream? Well, yeah. Because it has.
Here are 5 ways it has delighted me so far:
1. Textus Uninterruptus. I was working out this morning when someone sent me an important text. With the Apple Watch, I could respond in between pull-up sets, without having to get my phone. A few minutes not fetching a phone equals a few more minutes of exercise.
2. Safe Directions for the GPS Challenged. I was driving to a new location and all of the sudden my Apple Watch told me where to turn! I kept my hand on the wheel — and my eyes on the road! — and knew exactly where to go. Much safer than checking my phone… and much more productive than being 20 minutes late.
3. Heart Rate and Exercise Tracking. Fitness matters to me. A lot. I love how the Apple Watch can track workouts, my heart rate and calorie burn. It took a while to get used to but now I use it every workout, without having to strap on another device or two.
4. Feeling like Dick Tracy. I was at a Board dinner with my phone was tucked away when I received an important call. I was able to take it from my watch. While the quality of the connection needs improvement, it was cool not to miss the call.
5. Easy Does It. I like seeing my next meeting pop up on my watch. I like seeing notifications from my favorite apps. I like seeing a message from my Vida Coach on my watch or a notification from Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn. I enjoy getting quick messages from our team feed in Slack and knowing when my PaybyPhone parking is up so I don’t get a ticket.
I like how every notification comes right to me without having to search for my phone, and sort through distracting screens and apps. Nor do I have to worry about changing my phone’s volume settings nor rudely putting it on a table during lunch… For a busy multi-tasker like me, it’s nice to be untethered from the demands of my mobile device.
Simply put, the Apple Watch saves a little time and effort each time I use it. That means I’ve got extra time and effort for more important things.
Yes, I get to be a little more Dick Tracy, but, more importantly, I get to be a little more me.
