I Want A Computer On My Wrist, Not A Buzzer

This week it's become clear to me what Android Wear is doing wrong. It's not that the software isn't smooth. It's not that the software doesn't make sense. It's that Android Wear doesn't make good on the promise of a fully functional piece of smart equipment on my wrist. While a device like the LG G Watch R may be one of the finest smartwatches on the market today, it's still just a buzzer. Its main function is still secondary to the smartphone. UPDATE: March 9th, 2015 Apple Watch comments below.

It's not important to me that I have a fully functional smartphone on my wrist. I don't want that. I already have a smartphone in my pocket. Instead, a smartwatch needs to provide me with a unique experience powered by apps.

I don't want apps to be transferred to my wrist from a different platform. I don't just want smaller versions of experiences I've already had.

I want new experiences inspired by and created specifically for my wrist.

I put a watch on my wrist because it makes sense to be able to check the time there – it's a quick activity that makes a lot of sense to be able to access in a moment, and just for a moment.

The next successful smartwatch experience needs to be driven by the hardware, driven by the placement of the device – on my arm, accessible with a tap.

Here's an example:

A lock which only allows you through a door once your heart rate – monitored by your smart watch – is above a certain point.

Another example:

A fingerprint scanner on a smartwatch to send a specific – and private – message from one user to another in an instant.

Another example:

An app which plays a tiny tune when your smartwatch gets close enough (with NFC) to your smartphone (in your pocket).

Not that these examples are particularly helpful – not that they're going to make a smartwatch a must-buy – but it's important to think about what makes the watch unique. And what makes the watch something that people not only want – but they see as more valuable than the price you're selling it for.

The next big release in wearable technology is going to be the Apple Watch. Watch and see whether or not Apple creates an experience that fits in with what I'm attempting to outline above.

As of March 9th, 2015, it does not seem like Apple substantially altered anything about the Apple Watch, and haven't really presented anything in the way of apps that'll change my view of smartwatches in general.

The "killer app" does not yet seem to exist.

Above you'll see the only two machines I need – need – to do my job. I could get by without the smartphone.

Do I need a smartwatch? No. Do I want a smartwatch? Still not so much.

Of all the news Apple shared this afternoon, the most interesting piece of hardware was a trackpad on a notebook. That I can use.