The Apple Watch 8 is finally on its way to me, and the anticipation is palpable. Although I’ve been a part of the Apple ecosystem for quite some time, the Apple Watch has eluded me until now.

Years ago, I was immersed in the Apple world, owning Macs and iPhones, subscribing to Apple Music and iCloud. However, the iPad and Apple Watch were two products that didn’t quite fit into my routine. I’ve owned iPads, including a mini, but they never integrated into my workflow the way macOS does. I prefer the multitasking capabilities of my Mac, where I can manage multiple windows seamlessly.

The Journey to My Own Apple Watch

Interestingly, I’ve purchased two Apple Watches in the past, but they were gifts for my daughter and girlfriend. Until now, I’ve never experienced the benefits of wearing one myself. However, following last week’s Far Out Apple event, I finally decided it was time to order my own Apple Watch! I chose the latest version, the Apple Watch 8, featuring a 45mm face in Silver Aluminium with a midnight Solo Loop band.

While I’m uncertain about what to expect, I’ve noticed that Apple Watch users often become quite attached to their devices. I’ve heard debates about whether the iPhone or Apple Watch holds more significance in their daily lives.

With a ten-day wait ahead, here’s what I hope to gain from my new device.

Apple’s Design Aesthetic

One of the primary attractions of the Apple Watch for me is its design. It appears to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, boasting a vibrant, always-on display with sleek borders. I believe the anticipation for its arrival will be worth it.

I can also understand the appeal of interchangeable watch bands. I’m eager to explore the variety of watch faces available, which seem quite impressive. The durability of the Apple Watch gives me confidence that it will withstand my everyday activities.

A Shift in Focus on Fitness

In my youth, I was heavily involved in sports, aspiring to be a professional cricketer and later competing as a bodybuilder. Fitness has always been a significant aspect of my life. Although I became a bit less active in recent years, I rediscovered my passion for outdoor activities during the lockdown. Now, I prioritize my health more than ever, even if it doesn’t dominate my daily routine.

Leveraging Health Apps

I’ve always been self-motivated and have never relied on trainers to guide my fitness regimen. I’m excited to use the data from my Apple Watch to enhance my workouts. The ECG app will help me monitor my heart health, and given my recent recovery from a severe COVID case, I’m looking forward to tracking my blood oxygen levels as well.

While I won’t be using the temperature sensor right away, I’m curious about how Apple will evolve this feature in future versions of the watch.

Exploring Workout Features

The Workout app has piqued my interest. I’m eager to learn about its various metrics, particularly in tracking my heart rate and cardio sessions. I’ve heard that I’ll get three months of Fitness+ free with the watch, and I’m keen to try audio-guided walks and possibly meditation workouts.

Improving Sleep Quality

Sleep is an area where I know I could use some help. As a light sleeper, I’ve never tracked my sleep patterns before. I typically manage only five to six hours of decent sleep each night. Perhaps tracking my sleep will motivate me to improve my habits. I’m particularly interested in how the watch measures REM, Core, and Deep sleep stages, as well as how often I wake up during the night.

Although many people I know don’t track their sleep due to discomfort or charging issues, I’m eager to see how the enhanced battery life and low-power mode on this version of the watch will work for me.

Enhanced Safety Features

Apple is cleverly emphasizing safety with the latest features of the Apple Watch. With the introduction of Crash Detection—described as an “innovation we hope you’ll never need”—the device can now detect severe car crashes. Using advanced sensors, it can measure impacts of up to 256G and has the capability to alert emergency services in the event of an accident.

Simplifying Everyday Life

Although I opted for the non-cellular model, I’m excited about how the Apple Watch can streamline my daily tasks. I’ve moved away from carrying physical debit cards, and using Apple Pay should become even more convenient. The ability to make calls, send iMessages, and stream music—all without needing to reach for my phone—sounds incredibly appealing.

I’m curious to see how I adapt to the 45mm screen size. I’ve always preferred larger displays, so we’ll see how reading notifications on my wrist works out.

Conclusion

Having waited so long for my first Apple Watch, it feels fitting that it arrives at a time when it’s at its best. With decent battery life and an efficient processor, I’m looking forward to exploring this new part of the Apple ecosystem.

I’d love to hear about your experiences with the Apple Watch. As I await my delivery, it would be reassuring to know that I’ve made the right choice. Are you an Apple Watch enthusiast? What benefits have you found?

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