Advertisement

6 reasons why Samsung's new smartwatch is doomed

In the 1940s comic strip Dick Tracy, the fast-shooting police detective used a "2-way wrist radio...
Newstalk
Newstalk

11.58 5 Sep 2013


Share this article


6 reasons why Samsung'...

6 reasons why Samsung's new smartwatch is doomed

Newstalk
Newstalk

11.58 5 Sep 2013


Share this article


In the 1940s comic strip Dick Tracy, the fast-shooting police detective used a "2-way wrist radio" to communicate with his colleagues while on the job.

70 years later the iconic piece of kit has become a reality with the annoucement of the Samsung Galaxy Gear, but it's not nearly as cool as Tracy made it look during his gritty investigations. For instance:

6. "Smartwatches" are not a new technology

Advertisement

If smartwatches were going to catch on, why are the big boys only jumping aboard now? In 2000 IBM developed a smartwatch that ran the popular Linux operating system. It's been 13 years, but all Samsung has brought to the table is the capability to run apps, voice control you need to tap the screen to initiate and - inexplicably - a camera. 

5. People don't wear wristwatches anymore

Didn't the existence of clocks on smartphones virtually negate the need for wearing a watch on your wrist? Not having to put your hand in your pocket and pull out your phone is a pretty pathetic selling point. 

4. It might cost the same price as a smartphone

It's smaller, it doesn't make calls, but Samsung still want you to fork out the same price you'd pay for one of their devices for it. 

It's going on sale in more than 140 countries on September 25th for $299, and going by previous pricepoints it'll cost around the same here in Ireland. Take Samsung's latest tablet the Galaxy Note 10.1. In the US that costs $499; PC World is currently selling it for €449, and that's with a €30 discount. 

3. The battery only lasts 24 hours

By now we've more or less become accustomed to plugging in our smartphone to charge every night before bed. But could you really be bothered taking off your wristwatch and plugging that in, too? Alright, it's just one more device, but it might be one too much. 

2. It doesn't actually make phone calls

The Samsung Galaxy Gear might have had a shot if it acted as a replacement for your smartphone. But it isn't. It's basically a glorified bluetooth device, which means you'll need to carry your phone around in your pocket at all times for the thing to actually work. 

1. It looks stupid

Let's face it: unless you're a 10-year-old boy with dreams of being the next James Bond, talking into your wristwatch is going to make you look fairly idiotic. Think about how many people you've seen using handsfree kits on the street. Now think about how you immediately assumed they were talking to themselves. Talking to your wrist has got to make you look more stupid than that. 

Will you be getting one of Samsung's new watches or do you agree that it's doomed to fail?


Share this article


Read more about

News

Most Popular