All New

The Apple Watch 8 marks my inaugural experience with an Apple Watch.

After realizing yesterday that this is my first Pro iPhone, I don't exactly come off as an Apple devotee, do I? I promise that's not the truth—yet, there have always been two Apple products I couldn't justify purchasing.

First, there's the iPad. Since I'm mostly desk-bound, the iPad never seemed like a device that would provide significant benefits. Then, there was the Apple Watch—its purpose always puzzled me.

Into the Unknown

As I now produce content daily, it's essential for me to stay updated on Apple's latest releases—ideally without overspending! Generally, I invest in gadgets that I know will enhance my daily life. The iPhone 14 Pro and AirPods Pro 2 certainly fulfill that criterion. However, for the first time, I felt drawn to the Apple Watch 8.

In truth, the only similarity between an Apple Watch and my traditional wristwatches is that they both sit on your wrist. I realize that's not a groundbreaking observation, but it's worth stating.

Setting the Stage for Gifting

With the holiday season approaching, you might consider purchasing an Apple Watch as a gift for an older individual, even if you've never owned one yourself. By the end of this discussion, I hope to illuminate the undeniable advantages of the Apple Watch 8.

Setting Up

If you're giving this watch to a senior, you'll be pleased to know the setup process is quite straightforward for both of you. Simply press and hold the side button next to the crown to power it on, then bring your iPhone close, and the pairing will be complete in no time.

First Impressions

As someone who is self-driven and adept at setting goals, I found the Apple Watch 8 to be an incredible motivator. The regular nudges to stand and move, while seemingly trivial, have proven to be quite beneficial. We all get too engrossed in our tasks, so a gentle reminder to get up and move can be very helpful.

The beauty of the Apple Watch 8 lies in its constant support throughout the day—it's like having a therapist on your wrist. I acknowledge that I'm late to embrace this technology, but the message remains relevant.

Battery Life

I've heard mixed reviews about Apple Watch battery life, often described as underwhelming. However, I must defend the Apple Watch 8 on this front. I wear it day and night, and by morning, I still find around 35% battery left, suggesting it can easily last until lunchtime. A battery life of approximately 36 hours on a single charge is impressive to me!

Monitoring Health

The Apple Watch 8 is equipped with numerous sensors, perhaps more than you'd ever require. From Crash Detection to Blood Oxygen monitoring, it has you covered. While some features may seem like mere showmanship, others are genuinely useful. For instance, using the ECG app, you can hold the digital crown for 30 seconds to receive an accurate reading of your heart's rhythm. While it won't detect a heart attack, it can alert you to unusual cardiac patterns, allowing for timely medical advice.

Convenience Factor

I feel a tad guilty mentioning this, but the convenience of receiving notifications without checking my phone is delightful! Notifications on the Apple Watch feel more like gentle reminders rather than urgent calls to action. I find myself acknowledging messages mentally rather than feeling compelled to respond immediately.

Conclusion

While I can't claim my Apple Watch 8 is absolutely essential, it certainly enhances my life. Everything about it feels more subdued and relaxed compared to the often-overbearing demands of a smartphone.

I've had my watch for just over two weeks now, and I keep intending to dedicate time to learn its features better. However, the reality is that you naturally adapt to the Apple Watch as it integrates into your daily routine. The subtle encouragements it provides, from morning to night, contribute to a greater awareness of both mental and physical health.

And let's not forget— it also tells the time!

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Originally published at https://talkingtechandaudio.com on October 4, 2022.