Look, we write about Android stuff here, and sometimes that strays into things Google’s doing within its on ecosystem, as well as things that are Chrome, and otherwise of interest. We tend not to write about Apple much. Ausdroid does Android, and there are plenty of other places that talk about tech generally, and that talk about Apple stuff only.
However, this little graphic, shown above, prepared by none other than Ron Amadeo from ArsTechnica, caught our attention and it seems worth mentioning if only because we’ve not said a word about the iPhone 6, and maybe we should acknowledge its existence.
On raw specs, the iPhone 6 really isn’t vastly different to the Nexus 4, released almost two years ago. In fact, in Ron’s graphic, the two are almost on par. Of course, there are things that the iPhone 6 does (and which the iPhone 5S did) which Android still hasn’t figured out, perhaps due to patents, perhaps due to other factors, such as Touch ID (Apple’s fingerprint technology which actually works really well), a super thin, sturdy and stylish design, and a pretty amazing camera. There’s also those built-in health features that many Android phones simply don’t have (though some do).
Comparing the iPhone 6 and the Nexus 4 is really a bit unfair, because though the paper specs can be shown to be similar, I think few would seriously contend that the iPhone 6 is the Nexus 4’s equal in terms of usability and quality. The Nexus 4, with its glass front and back, was easily broken, and it is significantly thicker than the iPhone 6.
They also announced a watch
In a surprise to no one, Apple announced an iWatch, which isn’t called an iWatch, just a Watch.
I’m sure there’ll be those who think it looks fantastic and offers everything a smartwatch should and more, but I think we need to be a little realistic here; it’s not the most attractive watch I’ve seen.
Android Wear devices aren’t either (or certainly haven’t been, to date), Pebble’s original Pebble and the later Pebble Steel aren’t gorgeous either, and while Samsung’s played with smartwatches for a while, they’re certainly reasonable but not great.
However, the instant love that Apple fans everywhere have shown for the Apple Watch is almost amazing. So quick to discard the Moto 360 (which has a fairly nice design, although it’s not to everyone’s taste), some have already talked themselves into buying a watch by saying all sorts of amazing, revolutionary, incredible things about it. Take Aaron Souppouris over at the Verge. He’s said things like:
- “But while not conventionally attractive, it does achieve one extremely important goal: anonymity.” … because apparently a distinctive, thick, square slab of metal on your wrist is anonymous and appealing.
- “The standard “Apple Watch collection” models will be available with a choice of two finishes, stainless steel or “Space Black” stainless steel, and with six different types of strap.” … because changing the band on a watch hasn’t been around for decades, and does nothing to change the actual appearance of a large, bulky, square watch with an off-centre crown.
My personal favourite:
“Whether fitted with leather strapping or metal links, a Moto 360 is a Moto 360. Changing the strap on a Pebble Steel is simply changing the strap, and nothing else. The Apple Watch’s customization is deeper. The proprietary system lets straps come with their own lugs (the small pieces of metal that connect a watch’s case to its strap), and these lugs are individually tailored to match both the strap and the finish of the watch.”
THE LUGS. Oh my god, you can change the lugs. No longer content with just changing the bands, you can now change the little pieces of metal that the bands connect to, as well. This is game changing! This is revolutionary!
… except that it isn’t. Whether you change the lugs, or change the bands, an Apple Watch is still an Apple Watch. It’s still the same shape, size, distinctive design that people will see and recognise as an Apple Watch. The same as a Moto 360 stays a Moto 360 with a different band on.
These Apple news sites have to try better.
But, we digress. The Apple Watch has some nifty features too, including built-in NFC to work with Apple’s upcoming Apple Pay service. A neat, if not curious, inclusion for a watch to be sure.
Will the Apple Watch sell by the boatload? Yes, probably it will.
The Wrap
I think I’ve said enough. I didn’t pay much attention to Apple’s news yesterday, and I probably won’t for some time. Am I an Apple hater? Most certainly not. I use only Apple computers at home and in the Ausdroid office, and our server (in the office, not our web server) is an Apple as well. However, I do like to poke a little fun at Apple when I can, just as Apple users like to poke fun at Android from time to time as well.
So, that said, leave your hate-filled comments (in either direction) at the door, but if you’ve got some discussion you’d like to have about the relative merits, please feel free.
