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OK, OK, so I’ll answer that question first. Why did I buy and reviewing the Series One version of the Apple Watch when there is a newer, better model on the market in the Series 2. Well it’s simple. I don’t run (anymore) so I don’t need GPS. I only swim for pleasure as thus don’t need to track my exertion. But most importantly up until now I have never owned an Apple watch and from what I’ve heard up until now those of you who were early adopters weren’t the biggest fans. But I’ve missed out on the disappointment of Watch OS1 and even 2. I get to go straight in on 3 which as I have been reliably informed is a sea change from the original release.

The Hardware

As you may well know the hardware in the new Apple Watches doesn’t change much from the original but with the Series 1 over the, what some people call the Series Zero there has been a processor bump so I may not experience some of the slowdown that some have encountered. I went for the 42mm Sport with black band and I really like the look and feel of it. I know that the screen on the Series 2 is improved but I have to say considering that I’ve only ever seen an Apple Watch in those awful presentation tables in the store my first look at the display was one of amazement. God-knows how good the improved screen on the Series 2 is.

The Software

I am probably spoilt in the fact that I have joined the Watch OS revolution so late but this, as Ewen would say, is as slick as snot. Even without following any guides or watching any YouTube videos (although I have found some secrets) it was so easy to pick up. I’ve already customised my app dock, chosen my fave watch face (the activity one with weather complication) and to be perfectly honest my phone hasn’t come out of my pocket since owning it.

The thing that swells my heart is messaging on the watch. I am addicted to iMessage and it is the primary form of communication amongst my family.

So here is a scenario. The other day when walking home from work me and my wife were conversing about what to have to dinner. At the time I was listening to podcasts on my Bluetooth headphones so whenever a message came through I had to take my phone out of my pocket, unlock it and reply. It was a pain in the arse.

Fast forward to today. We were still undefined about what our nightly nutrition was going to be, but then I get a tap on my wrist and I get to answer right away whether it be with Siri or the scribble feature which I have to say is magical to use.

Generally I am really happy with what I can do on the watched opposed to pulling my phone out of my pocket but I have to admit that there is some frustration. I have a Twitter watch app but when I ask Siri to send a tweet it points me in the direction of my phone. When I use Slack I can see DMs and mentions but not much else.

I am still looking at what apps will make my life easier but looking at the App Store even after all this time it still seems a bit limited.

Fitness

My main reason for moving to the Apple Watch was the fact that I, and you may be surprised by this, but I like to keep fit. Up until now I have had an array of Fitbit devices, the last being a Fitbit Charge which over time basically fell apart and stopped measuring my steps accurately so something had to give. Luckily I was offered an amazing deal on a new Series One so at the weekend I took the plunge.

There is something about annihilating your rings, as has been described before. I’m following the exercise, the move, the stand and breathe and I am feeling so much better, so as a fitness device this is the best thing I have experienced.

The Conclusion

Don’t get me wrong. I am in love with this device and I’m glad that I waited for it. I really feel a Michael Knight moment coming up which is the stuff of my childhood dreams. Fair enough the Series One is not the best Apple Watch you can buy, but my word it is a worthy gadget.

Author

Paul Wright

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