The Apple Watch: Amazing or disappointing?

CALIFORNIA - Apple has finally announced its first wearable, a device that's simply called the Apple Watch. Early reactions have ranged across the spectrum - here’s my list of reasons why the Watch is the most divisive device Apple has announced yet.

WHY IT’S AMAZING

• It looks good: Even though it won’t be for sale till early 2015, the pre-production iteration of the Apple Watch already looks like a very sexy piece of kit with its sapphire crystal panel and premium-looking metal finishes. The snazzy user interface comes with smooth animations that I have not quite seen on any other wearable device. It’s pretty impressive for a first-generation product. 
• High degree of customisation: Watches are even more personal than smartphones, so Apple has created three “collections” catered for a multitude of different customers. You can also customise the face of the onscreen display with custom watchfaces. There’s a bevy of wristbands from Apple you can match it with and you can be sure that there will be a plethora of third-party accessories available once it ships. 
• There will be an App Store: Just like the iPhone and iPad, the Watch will have its own App Store so third-party developers can develop apps for the wearable. It is essentially an Internet-connected miniaturised computer on your wrist and might be the next big software platform, after smartphones and tablets.
• Apple Pay: In Apple-fashion, a seamless digital way to pay without whipping out your credit cards. What’s not to like? That it’s only available in the US, for now.
• All-in-one fitness band: It still needs an iPhone to track your location via GPS or altitude but it already has quite a set of health sensors, including a heart-rate monitor, that can give a comprehensive overview of your fitness.  

WHY IT COULD BE DISAPPOINTING

• Limited shelf-life: It will be hard to sway those who treat their timepieces as status symbols or a sentimental belonging. The Apple Watch might have a limited shelf-life too, because of its tech innards, even the most premium model that comes with an 18-karat yellow or rose gold body will be obsolete once the next iteration makes its debut. People usually expect their watches to last a few years as well, not something they might need to upgrade every year or two. 
• Its looks won't appeal to everyone: Its space-age curves might be appealing but it also might appear boxy and inelegant to some. Despite the different finishes and wristbands available, Apple’s one-size-fits-all look seems limited compared to the different sizes and form factors available from Android-based smartwatches from the likes of Samsung, Motorola or LG.
• It needs an iPhone: Yes, you will still need to tether it to an iPhone. The wearable cannot make calls, send messages or figure out your location via GPS unless it’s connected. And it’s exclusive to the iPhone, so you might need to look elsewhere if you’re adamant on sticking with an Android or Windows smartphone.
• Battery life: No word on battery life yet from Apple. But with such a slick and sharp user interface and always-on connectivity, the device could prove to be a power hog. Puts a whole different spin on running out of time, doesn’t it?
• No killer apps: Despite the potential of the Apple Watch becoming a software platform, there was no killer app  that demonstrated during Apple’s announcement that makes it a compelling device to covet yet.
• Gimmicky way of communication? Sending your heartbeats, remotely sending taps and vibrations and doodling on the Apple Watch seems gimmicky. Only time will tell if it catches on and becomes a genuine mode of communication.