shownotes_20140703

Intro
  I’ve been thinking a lot about what the rumored iWatch means for the future of Apple.
    They really are due for the next disruptive product.
    The iPod, the iPhone, the iPad (to a lesser degree) all shook up industries.
    But existing ones. Wearables is a new market with no clear leader yet.
  Many see it as potentially the first revolutionary product launched under Tim Cook
    Not really accurate in my opinion, but OK.
  It’s success or failure could mean a lot of things.
    Some would see it as a sign of the future of an Apple without Steve Jobs
      Can they still innovate or is the magic gone
    Some will see it as a sign of the viability of Smartwatches as devices, possibly even wearables as a whole.
Current market
  ABI research shows just 510,000 units for Q1 2014. Around 2.2 million units a year currently.
    Samsung, Pebble, LG, Moto 360
    To be fair the Moto 360 isn’t shipping and Samsung’s new models are just shipping.
    Still many say the masses are waiting to see what Apple does
  The trouble with most solutions to date are they are little more than notification screens on your wrist
    They augment, but don’t replace the device you already carry
    They don’t provide a reason to be worn for many beyond just a techy fad object.
    The big question is, Is there anything to revolutionize here or is it a non-starter?
Apple
  21 million units in 2015 predicted by UBS analyst
  Technology
    HealthKit
    HomeKit
    Must go far beyond simple notifications. People need a reason to constantly wear it.
    Siri
    Media controls
    Extensions?
    Biometrics
      Auto login?
    Payments?
  Privacy
    Opt-in
    Apple makes money from products and services, not the data and advertising.
    Key especially for sharing medical data.
  Design
    Fashion is a big part of this.
    Recent rumors have suggested a 2.5-inch rectangular display
    I really like the round concepts in the Moto 360
How can Apple succeed
  Consolidation
    Converge existing health devices with their wearable
    Many people stop using fitness trackers after a few months.
      Lifestyle changes aren't made or not long lasting
      Fad devices, like fad diets.
    Device needs to offer more than one benefit
      This also gives a much broader consumer appeal.
    Challenge is it needs to do many things we'll
  Integration
    Work with my other devices and data.
    Not just with my phone, but also my tablet, Mac, TV, appliances, etc.
      I think a big advantage for Apple is integration with the desktop.
      No other company, except Microsoft maybe, can really integrate their mobile device hardware seamlessly on the desktop because they don’potentiallyt control it.
    App integration
      Probably via more "kits"?
      Extensions
      Widget apps. These could potentially be autonomous.
  Cloud
    Quicker access to relevant data
    Must be "aware". Not just by location, but also intent.
      If I have a meeting, but there is a traffic event, then it should alert and offer to adjust the time I need to leave accordingly or after to text the person I'm meeting that I might be late.
    The awareness could also bring smart syncing of data
      While I’m on wi-fi it could selectively sync data dependent on what info it anticipates I may need
        Weather
        Directions
        Schedules, etc.
        "Intelligent" auto-syncing
        Even if it’s tethered to my phone this could help with battery life and data usage.
  Autonomy
    Needs some amount of utility away from other devices
    Enhanced by integration, but not dependent on it.
    Store info until connected and sync'd
  Control
    The reason Apple may be better poised to succeed.
    They are one of the few companies who can control the end to end experience
    Components
      Custom parts
        Cameras
        Touch ID
        Lightning connectors
        Sensors
        Batteries
      Silicon
        Slimmed down A-series processor
        M7
      Materials
        Liquid metal
        Sapphire glass
      How apple can often avoid a "spec war"
    Software
    Security
      Apps
      Hardware integration
      This is increasingly a selling feature.
Closing
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