“There’s something one should expect not only of a watch, but also of oneself: to never stand still.”
Walter Lange
The Backstory
Apple Watch is a smartwatch manufactured by Apple, first released in April 2015. The Apple Watch is a utility belt for your wrist with links to apps from iOS for making calls, sending messages, using it like a Dick Tracy radio, listening to music, and fitness tracking. I knew I had to have one when I first saw the Apple Watch. I got mine on day 3 of its release. My first Apple Watch was a WiFi-only Apple Watch Sport (aluminum case) model. I haven’t upgraded often but have an Apple Watch Series 8 in Product (RED).
The Features And Why Is It Good For Writers
Apple claims on its website, “Apple Watch can do what your other devices can’t because it’s on your wrist. When you wear it, you get a fitness partner that measures all the ways you move, meaningful health insights, innovative safety features, and a connection to the people you care about most.”
The Apple Watch brings apps from the iPhone to your wrist. It tracks movement, blood oxygen levels, pulse, heart rate, and other health and fitness metrics. As a writer, I spend countless hours seated at a desk or working from a standing table. Seeing from my wrist that I need to get up and move or drink more water is a great asset. I would often get lost in my work and forget to drink enough water during the day if I did get a reminder when I was running behind in my goal. As part of the Apple Watch fitness app, I stand for at least one minute for twelve hours a day. This is essential to keep the blood flowing and prevent limbs from falling asleep.
The Apple Watch can detect car crashes and falls and provide a lifeline for first responders to medical conditions and information. I have serval medical issues that, if not disclosed to medical staff, can slow or prevent proper medical treatment. I rely on the Apple watch to provide that information with my iPhone to medical personnel in an emergency. The Apple Watch fall detection has come in handy not for me but for my aging father. He took a nasty fall, and the fall detection allowed his watch to contact me to help him. Otherwise, he may have been lying there for hours. There are also numerous reports of people who have had AFib diagnosed by the Apple Watch ECG feature.
The most beneficial feature to me is the communication feature. The Apple Watch ties to the iPhone via Bluetooth but has WiFi and cellar connectivity. I stay connected via FaceTime Audio, Phone, iMessage, or WalkieTalkie with the Apple Watch. Staying connected in the modern world is essential, but there is still the determent to interpersonal communication by constantly looking at the phone. With a glance at my wrist, I can asses if a notification, call, or message is critical or something I can action later. One feature I use often with friends and family is the Find My app. It allows me to briefly share my location with a friend or family member to meet in crowded places.
In Conclusion
I can quickly write another 2000 words on why I rock an Apple Watch, especially as a writer, but this is just a review and my perspective. I encourage you to look into the Apple Watch or attend Apple’s free Getting to Know Apple Watch workshop at a local Apple Store. I find it an essential tool in my day-to-day life. Without it on my wrist, I feel lost. Do you use a smartwatch?
