Quote Originally Posted by Darren View Post
I think they really need a unique selling point, a core market to pitch at because this has challenges beyond any normal device.

On the most part people already have a regular watch. I can't see people wanting to wear both (1 each arm) so it has to offer them a product which they're happy to visually wear. It has to be stylish yet functional for a whole range of use cases for such a small form factor.

Maps / navigation is a good area to cover but for me it hits that same limited market again. I just can't see this taking off yet most of the major players in tech industry have something coming to market. What are they seeing?

Overall it's feeling a bit like the push for 3D TV right now, yet even that had more going for it.
I have the same sceptic on tablets tbh. Using apps which you can also use on your smartphone, and maybe installing other things which you can also use on your laptop... watch tv which you can also do with your tv... and so on. Yet people love them :s

It is exactly this reason why I think there can be a market for these smartwatches. It may be the same as other devices but it most likely has a different sales price plus people will just prefer to use that watch for specific goals.
I have a magazine where people are being asked what phone they have and what they use it for. Most people seem to have multiple phones these days where they use phone A for phoning and sending messages, while they use phone B to write e-mails, use apps etc. Market fragmentation... making new segments... very smart of course. While for now I agree with you and am not interested in these smartwatches :-)