Seen from a distance, it was like this: In the beginning, computers were as big as houses, especially supercomputers. When the Deutsches Museum opens in Munich, you can go look at Cray, which was once incomparable.
After that we were able to put computers on our desk and they were no longer just a great tool in the server room. Technology continued to improve and the computer was able to be moved from one desk to another and was something we could put in a bag and open in our lap to work.
A few years later, we no longer need a handbag, but simply carry our jacket or purse. Finally, five years ago, we were able to put that computer in our hands. Who knows, maybe by the end of 2020, contact lenses will be able to do what Apple Watch does today.
Looking at it closely, it was obviously not easy. Today's supercomputers are still packed with rooms and servers, and there's a huge difference between Mac Pro and Apple Watch, even though the same logo is stamped on them. However, it is not true that computers are becoming more popular and Apple was one of the pioneers in this revolution.
While some still think that only about five computers are needed globally, Apple advanced computer technology with the Mac. It is no longer time-consuming to read a mysterious book, but simply place it in front of the screen and move the mouse to use the computer, which has brought the popular workstation in digital format.
The first laptop to arrive had an Apple seal and, since 2007, the company has been working on restoring the computer in the form of a phone. However, when they went to the expanding computer, the testing procedures were suddenly outdated. Apple can't operate its services without thousands of server cabinets. In addition, the iPhone is not widely used instead of a desktop computer, and that the latest models work on most of these machines.
Five years ago, at the sale of the Apple Watch (April 24, 2015), many understood its environment well, even though Apple had announced its plans half a year earlier. Despite all the progress made over the past five years, the Apple Watch still isn't (and will never be) an iPhone on your wrist. However, it's "the most personal device ever made," as Apple once said. Only AirPods are very close to their users.
Despite the fact that Apple has never called itself a "personal computer", the first Apple Watch has already installed a capable chip that would have been the envy of Apollo crews.
But the Apple Watch has other purposes, though it took Apple a while to figure out what they were. First, a sports watch that does not just compete with the monitors fitness, but it is beyond them. Then we have the Apple Watch with a stainless steel case: a time clock that competes locally on your wrist with cheap analog watches.
Now, the gold model introduced in 2015 for € 18,500 has shown where the limits lie. There were people who had a lot of money to buy so they could show wealth in their wrist. But a year later, this proved to be a poor investment as the technology in the gold case was used.
Apple sold the Apple Watch Edition in gold to other customers. With the advent of series 2, the model became cheaper and the 18-carat gold was replaced with cheap (and reasonable) ceramic.
Over time, Apple has learned from customer feedback that the Apple Watch is not only a useful and versatile communication tool (one that delivers important messages to you and allows you to accept and reject a call), but also a tool for more powerful life.
Apple was known for its ability to meet the needs of its customers before they even knew they had it, but now the company has listened to its users and provided them with the health services they requested: electrocardiogram, arterial fibrillation diagnostics and multiple exercise motivation. The Apple Watch is undoubtedly the most healthy device Apple has ever made.
But there is one more: the clock will eventually be able to monitor your blood sugar, blood pressure, body temperature and much more. This information, collected anonymously, can be used to set a medical profile.
You can also use the Apple Watch to make contactless payments, something very useful in times of health crisis. You now have your own app store and you can use eSIM, which means it can be used independently on an iPhone.
That said, the Apple Watch doesn't smartphone it is not necessary. In the same way that the iPhone did not stop us from using the laptop; laptop, desktop computer; or desktop computer, supercomputer. The Apple Watch can easily sit with the iPhone.
First article published in Macwelt.
