FREE iOS, tvOS AND macOS SOFTWARE for 01/2018

I have been maintaining a list of free software for iOS, tvOS and OS X. You may find some of these programs of interest. I have also attempted to mark which Apple OS the title is targeted at (iOS, OS X, tvOS) as well as the category of the App.

This is NOT a curated list. All I know about these titles is what you see below. None have been tried or tested by me.

January 2018

1. iOS/Books – GoltAppzz is proud to announce the release of PDF Voice Reader 1.6 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. Reading PDF documents on mobile devices is not an easy task. Letters are small and on the go, it is difficult to concentrate with. Also, when you are dealing with PDF documents in other languages, you will find that PDF Voice Reader is most helpful. Hearing is sometimes much more supportive than self reading.  PDF Voice Reader 1.6 is free and is available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Books category. Download from iTunes
2. iOS/Games – Spiel Studios Pvt. Ltd. is pleased to announce the release of Man Vs. Missiles 1.1, their latest addictive and challenging game for iOS and Android devices. In this casual, fun, simple yet challenging game, players will test their piloting skills by flying their plane for as long as they can, while avoiding and destroying incoming missiles which are continuously trying to bring them down. Man Vs. Missiles 1.1 is Free (with In-App Purchases) and available worldwide through the App Store in the Games category.  Download from iTunes
3. iOS/Games – People who want to take their love of match 3 gaming to a whole new level, can now feast their senses – and indeed, foist their addiction – on Prize Fiesta 1.41.11: the first match 3 game that delivers actual prizes to each winner’s home. Prize Fiesta 1.41.11 is Free (With In-App Purchases), there is no gambling, betting or bidding of any kind, and available worldwide through the App Store in the Games category.  Download from iTunes
4. macOS/Security – Independent development team CyberByte today is proud to announce the release and immediate availability of CyberByte Antivirus 2.1.1, an important update to their antivirus and internet security application for macOS computers. The comprehensive security app provides protection against threats by scanning for and removing viruses, malware, and adware. The utility also scans any local network for all connected devices, allowing users to ensure that no unknown devices are connected to their network.  CyberByte Antivirus 2.1.1 is free, and is available worldwide exclusively from the CyberByte website. A premium version of the app, which offers additional features is also available for $24.00 USD (or an equivalent amount in other currencies). CyberByte Antivirus 2.1.1
5. iOS/Games – Game developer Michael Guiliano of Mikey Ace Studios presents “Luge & Boo Tag Team 1.0,” a new wrestling puzzle game now available for free on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices, and coming to Google Play in early 2018. Luge & Boo Tag Team 1.0 is free and available worldwide through the App Store in the Games category. Download from iTunes
6. iOS/Games – Warm up your engines and prepare to go full throttle! Abylight Studios today is proud to announce the worldwide release of RC Club 1.0, the ultimate radio control simulator for iOS11. Thanks to the augmented reality technology powered by ARKit, RC Club combines real-world physics with intuitive controls to drive a bunch of amazing cars wherever you are. Feel the rush of adrenaline performing impressive stunts and hit the road anytime, anywhere. RC Club – AR Motorsports 1.0 is Free and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category. Download from iTunes
7. iOS/Finance – Tekton Technologies today is proud to announce the launch of Swift Miles – Mileage Tracker and business expense tracker, for business users. To make mileage logging extremely simple and efficient, Swift Miles provides automatic trip detection, mileage logging and accurate route maps, with the additional benefit of consuming less battery power. Swift Miles – Mileage Tracker 1.0 is now available free of cost and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Finance category.  Purchase and Download
8. iOS/Games – Kuyi Mobile, an independent game development company, today is pleased to announce the release of 21 Royale Blackjack 1.0.1, their new card game title developed exclusively for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices. 21 Royale is Blackjack with a twist! Instead of just multiplying your earnings, you must travel and beat the world’s best bankers (dealers) from various casinos around the globe. Travel from the bustling casino scene in Las Vegas to the high rolling sights of Macau or how about the riveting casino crowd in Monaco? Are you ready to test your Blackjack 21 skills and accept the challenge? Whether you are a casual or hardcore Blackjack 21 player, you will totally enjoy 21 Royale! 21 Royale Blackjack 1.0.1 is Free and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category.  21 Royale Blackjack 1.0.1
9. iOS/Photo & Video – VeprIT today is proud to announce the release and immediate availability of SlideFlow 1.0, a new slideshow app for iOS devices. SlideFlow was specifically designed for generating animated photo slideshow with background music, and playing it on a TV screen. SlideFlow offers the most natural viewing experience, presenting the full photograph, and then applying the Ken Burns effect to zoom in on human faces. The user can play the generated video on a connected TV, export, or share it. SlideFlow works over any Wi-Fi network with many modern smart TVs, Apple TV, and Chromecast. SlideFlow 1.0 is Free and available worldwide through the App Store in the Photo & Video category. SlideFlow on the App Store
10. iOS/Games – Driven by nostalgic love of the arcade fighting games of the 1990s, 12 to 6 Studios LLC is proud to announce Blood of Patriots 1.0 for iOS and Android devices. The fighting classics of the 90s have been reborn with an infusion of today’s political satire. Choose one of seventeen characters from a mix of presidents, vice presidents, a few senators and 1 judo champion and fight your way through the “Tree of Liberty.” An evil force, lurking in the shadows, threatens our democracy. It is up to you to refresh the tree of liberty and save the republic. Are you the last true patriot? Blood of Patriots 1.0 is Free (With App Purchases) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category.  Download from iTunes
11. iOS/Lifestyle – WishAlerts, the m-commerce app that grants “wishes” made by its users, expanded into the US market by officially launching today in the iTunes App store. WishAlerts links communities by allowing users in the same geographical area to connect with others to share information about common interests such as favorite topics, events, groups, or about local businesses. WishAlerts 2.4 is Free for users who sign up by 1-31-18, and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Lifestyle category. WishAlerts ships in two versions: One for small businesses and one for consumers. Consumers can add wishes, and businesses can provide them, thereby bridging the gap between local supply and demand. Direct Download Link
12. iOS/Productivity – Faber Acoustical’s SignalScope X brings powerful new tools for dynamic signal analysis and data acquisition to iOS and replaces all the functionality currently found in SignalScope Pro, SignalSuite, IOScope, and RoomScope with subscription-based tool sets. For the first time ever in an iOS app from Faber Acoustical, SignalScope X may be downloaded for free. The user can then start a 7-day free trial of the Pro Tool Set Subscription. Without a subscription, the user is free to continue to use SignalScope X’s multi-channel Oscilloscope tool. SignalScope X is available for download on the App Store, now. SignalScope X 10.0 is Free (with in-app subscriptions) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Productivity category. App Store Link
13. iOS/Education – Knbmedia today is pleased to introduce Find Them All: My Pets for iOS, the fourth in their series of “Find Them All” Educational apps for kids 2 – 8. A guided introduction, entirely spoken in 8 languages, to 48 different pets. The 100% interactive app features 7 different activities, including: Match the Pet, Win an Animated Card, Take a Photo, Find the Pet in the Dark, Make a Jigsaw Puzzle from a Photo, Play the Quiz and Watch Videos. My Pets also allows kids to arrange all the cards they win in a virtual album, keep a photo album of all the photos they take, and print, fold, cut out and paste their own paper albums. Find Them All: My Pets 1.0.0 is free and available worldwide through the App Store in the Education category.  Download from iTunes
14. iOS/Games – Spree Pop is a straightforward mobile game that I really liked. It’s a stripped down, arcade shooter that supports iPhone X and iOS 11. The game features clean, colorful visuals and fun game mechanics. Besides, Spree Pop fun time is dominated by the sprightly soundtrack which makes the game so addictive that once you pop, it’s irresistible. It’s remarkably easy to pick up and play for this game but putting it down is the exact opposite. Its entire set up may be too simplistic for avid mobile gamers, and its bare-bones might not be the best for some player too. But personally, this is my type of game, the only aspect that didn’t go well with my taste is the distracting ads. However, this should not be a major worry; you can remove the ads with a onetime IAP which is pocket-friendly. Download for free from the App Store
15. iOS/Music – LastThink is proud to announce the release of In & Out Online Radio 2.2, an update to the company’s highly customizable internet streaming player developed for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices. From now on you don’t have to tune to the right station you want, as finding your favorite station is simply a click away. In & Out Online Radio was created to stream live broadcasts from different countries which run as smoothly as possible. In & Out Online Radio 2.2 is free and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Music category. In Out Online Radio 2.2
16. iOS/Music – Sincere Apps SIA is pleased to announce the release of Piano Chords and Scales 3.0, an important feature update to their popular music app developed for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices. Piano Chords and Scales allows you to understand all the piano theory related to chords, scales and song composing. The true goal for creating this app was to lower the barrier for an individual to start playing and understanding piano, and how all the theory comes together and how songs can be composed. iano Chords and Scales 3.0 is Free (With In-App Purchases) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Music category. Download from iTunes
17. iOS/Entertainment – Basebone Studios today is proud to introduce Follywood – Dub Movies 2.2, their entertaining video dubbing app for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Android devices. Ever want to put your words in the mouth of others to make a point? Or maybe express yourself through parodies and pandas? Introducing Follywood, the ultimate Dubbing App that allows you to instantly record audio over your favourite film clips, viral videos, and videos of your own! Available today in the App Store and Google Play. Follywood – Dub Movies 2.2 is free and is available worldwide through the App Store in the Entertainment category. Download from iTunes
18. iOS/Sports – Getting fit and staying in shape is hard enough without having to deal with the added layer of work introduced by fitting it in to your busy schedule. If you are like most folks and prefer organizing exercise sessions with others, whether it be a full team or a few friends, then there’s a fix to your organizing woes. Hoops Connect is an app created by someone who wanted to make it easy to find other basketball players interested in picking up a game. It started with basketball, but has grown into an app that makes it easy for anyone to organize just about any group activity you can think of. Download for free from iTunes
19. iOS/Finance – Tekton Technologies today is proud to announce the launch of Swift Miles – Mileage Tracker and business expense tracker, for business users. To make mileage logging extremely simple and efficient, Swift Miles provides automatic trip detection, mileage logging and accurate route maps, with the additional benefit of consuming less battery power. Swift Miles – Mileage Tracker 1.0 is now available free of cost (with In-App Purchases) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Finance category. Purchase and Download
20. iOS/Education – Independent development team Lively Mind is today proud to announce the release and immediate availability of Baby Songs and Lullabies 1.03 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. The app includes a collection of 18 beautiful recordings that were specially designed to help babies and toddlers calm down and fall to sleep. The app’s timer feature allows parents to set how long the music will continue to play before turning off. Baby Songs and Lullabies 1.03 is free and is available worldwide through the App Store in the Education category. Download from iTunes
21. iOS/Games – Ever wish you get just get away for a few minutes? Standing in a line that doesn’t seem to move? Is your boss piling you on with more and more nonsense? Then it’s time to download 2 Minutes in Space. While the app won’t literally launch into the outer reaches of our atmosphere, it will take you away from whatever it is you need to escape. It’s a simple arcade-like game that puts you in control of a spaceship, looking to get through space, collecting treasures, avoiding asteroids and getting from point A to point B without getting destroyed. While there is no real end destination to reach, the point of the game is to survive. The app will throw all sorts of obstacles your way. Things like debris, asteroids, comets, other ships, and more. Your main defense is to avoid. You do this by tapping on the left side of the screen to move left, or right side to move right. It will take a while to know just how many times to tap to move your ship by just enough to veer its path. Free from the App store
22. iOS/Games – Global mobile game publisher ZPLAY is glad to announces that GLOBE-In A State of War 1.0, an arcade action space shooter with roguelite elements, is now available for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Android devices. GLOBE-In A State of War 1.0 is free and is available worldwide through the App Store in the Games category.  Download from iTunes
23. iOS/Education – Learnia Inc. today is proud to announce the release of Learnia, their next-gen math and spelling app for the iPad. Learnia aims to use 3D graphics and modern game design techniques to drastically improve children’s engagement with educational software. Learnia’s world consists of a number of islands, each with a distinct feel. Each island contains one year of spelling or math. A path meanders from island to island giving kids a sense of progress as they learn. The path is blocked by skill stones. When kids master a skill stone it steps aside and the next segment of the path opens up. Learnia is Free (With In-App Purchases) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Education category. There are no ads or subscriptions. Each grade of math is $7.99 (USD). Each grade of spelling is $4.99 (USD). Download from iTunes
24. iOS/Health & Fitness – Life Ninja, the British tech startup behind the popular Quit Sugar app, has announced the release of HIIT Revolution, a new application for iPhone and iPad devices that promises to bring all the benefits of a high-intensity interval training class to the user’s own home, hotel room or office. HIIT Revolution 1.0.2 is Free (With In-App Purchases) contains a number of free features, and available worldwide through the App Store in the Health & Fitness category. Subscriptions enabling users to access the full suite of HIIT Revolution features start from 4.99 GBP per month. Download from iTunes
25. iOS/Shopping – ShopSnapIt, a new shopping app, breaks out of the cliche and creates a platform that benefits and connects both buyers and entrepreneurs. Released by The Maximillion Group LLC, the app offers an enhanced shopping experience in terms of variety and cost for buyers while making it easier and cost effective for sellers to list, market and sell their products or services at the same time. The app is currently available for Free with in-app purchases on the App Store in the Shopping category. Download from iTunes
26. iOS/Lifestyle – Tinkerbuilt LLC is proud to announce the release of Written Down 1.0.2, an important update to their new journaling app for iPhone and iPad. Written Down offers a simple and modern way to journal everywhere you go. Journals sync quickly, privately and securely across all your iOS devices via iCloud. You can collaborate with family and friends by sharing journals that sync privately via iCloud. Lock journals to keep them private and secure using a passcode with support for unlock using Touch ID or Face ID. Written Down 1.0.2 is free for 1 journal (With In-App Purchases) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Lifestyle category. Upgrade to Written Down Premium by purchasing a single $4.99 subscription to get unlimited journals, sync, journal sharing, themes, and more.  Download from iTunes
27. iOS/Productivity – Jordan Hipwell today released a powerful new feature in the UniChar iOS app. Introducing Search by Drawing, an incredible new search mode that allows users to quickly and easily find Unicode symbols simply by drawing. UniChar – Unicode Keyboard 5.4 is for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. UniChar – Unicode Keyboard 5.4 is free and is available worldwide through the App Store in the Productivity category. A convenient $1.99 in-app purchase is available to unlock all categories. Download from iTunes
28. iOS/Finance – Red Sprite Studios is proud to announce the release of Skip and Save 1.01 on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch devices. Skip and Save and lets users track saving for something special by skipping the occasional treat, like candy, soda or coffee.  Skip and Save 1.01 is free and is available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Finance category. Download from iTunes
29. macOS/Medical – Independent development team, Fun Driven has released Breath Ball 2.1.2, their breathing guidance app for Mac OS X. The app helps users to relax by guiding their breathing rhythm. Breath Ball was originally developed for use by patients at the Neurological Therapy Center Gmundnerberg in Austria who suffer from severe brain damage caused by cancer, stroke, accidents and other issues. Breath Ball 2.1.2 is free and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Medical category.  Download from Mac App Store
30. iOS/Games – Global mobile game publisher ZPLAY is glad to announce the release of Crystalrect 1.0, their challenging fast-paced 3D auto-runner for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Android devices. Crystalrect 1.0 is free and is available worldwide through the App Store in the Games category. Download from iTunes

Apple watchOS 3

New watchOS is loaded with new features, though none seem to be earth shattering. I updated my Apple Watch late last week (I always give a new release a couple of days to settle down before I download) and have experienced no problems. Nor have I found any significant (though Apple says version 3 is up to 70 time faster) performance improvements [8, 12]. Apple has promised improved performance with this release, but I have not used any Apps yet that reflect that. I do agree that Apps do load much faster than before.

 

Some New Features:

1. Breathe App added to health and fitness
2. Heart Rate App added
3. Home App – for HomeKit connected devices added
4. Emergency one-touch calling  by holding the side button [5, 6] – This is set up through the Apple Watch App on your iPhone
5. Sharing of health and fitness progress [5]
6. Watch faces manage by Watch App on iPhone [5, 10, 12, 13]
7. Use scribbled handwritten responses to messages [5]
8. Improved Reminders App with Siri integration [3]
9. Digital Crown – double-click to return to last App, Single-click to return to the home screen; turning the crown uses Time Travel, zooms, scrolls [4]

 

Significant changes:

What are the significant changes I see?

1. Glances are gone, control center added [5]
2. Dock for frequently used Apps – Used this a couple of times, but for me it is not a major change [5, 10, 12]
3. Ability to unlock Mac running Sierra  – I hope to use this everyday as soon as I get Sierra installed [5, 12]

 

Should You Upgrade?

At this point I say that you should definitely upgrade! Operation of the watch is snappier so that alone is worth it.

 

How to Upgrade

First, upgrade your iPhone to iOS 10. When that has been completed, place your watch in the charging cradle (it needs to already be at least 50% charged). The iPhone and Apple Watch should be in close proximity for the software download by Bluetooth. On the iPhone go to Apple Watch App >> My Watch >> General >> Software Update [8, 9, 10]. This will begin the 561MB update. It took me about 90 minutes when I updated my Apple Watch, but I have heard that the update for some users took much longer.

References

1. 65+ new Apple Watch features in watchOS 3
2. How to use watchOS 3: Tips, tricks and hidden tweaks
3. Using the all-new Reminders app on Apple Watch
4. How to use the Apple Watch’s Digital Crown in watchOS 3
5. Apple Watch: 11 new features in WatchOS 3
6. How to add an emergency contact to your Apple Watch
7. WatchOS 3 Is Here
8. Your old Apple Watch will feel brand new with watchOS 3, out now
9. watchOS 3 Update Released for Apple Watch
10. Three Tips for watchOS 3
11. watchOS 3 touches down for the Apple Watch; here’s how to upgrade
12. watchOS 3 update for Apple Watch now available
13. Top 15 watchOS 3 Features and Interface Changes

 

Product Review of Klips

I saw these some time ago and thought that they would be useful. The Klip is a little silicone and polycarbonate accessory for your cables, and are manufactured by Tudia. Cables often wear out where the connector is attached to the cable. The Klip is an easy way to add protection to most any of your cables.

Not only does adding a Klip give you something more substantial to pull on when you are removing a cable, it also reduces the strain on cables. They install easily: Remove the polycarbonate retaining clip (shown in white above) and the colored silicone base splits open to allow you to wrap it around your cable. The white clip is then slid back into place to hold the Klip around your cable.

Clips are available in the five colors shown in the top picture and weigh only 0.08oz each. They will easily attached to your standard Apple Lightning, 30-pin and Apple Watch charging cables. My wife and I have them in use on all three cable types.

I bought ours through Amazon, picking up a 10-piece set (a pair in each of the five colors) for $21. This is an inexpensive accessory for your charging cables, but well worth the cost. I recommend these to save on the wear-and-tear on any cables.

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See my other iOS articles

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Apple Watch News #6

A few more Apple Watch related stores from the past couple of weeks.

Where Does it Go Next?

In “Projecting Where The Apple Watch Goes Next” the future of the Apple Watch is pondered. Apple usually runs a long term strategy so we are likely to see the Apple Watch expand its capabilities into other areas, particularly health care over the next couple of years.

WatchOS 3.0

When watchOS 3.0 arrives this coming fall there will be some significant improvements according to the WWDC 2016 keynote. The next version of the watch OS will run on all current models of the Apple Watch. One of the major improvements will be faster launching of Apps. Among the other changes: Better screens and improved and expanded suite of Apple supplied Apps.

• Some of the specifics include:
• New App dock for the watch
• Share and compete with friends in fitness
• Use Scribble to send messages
• Take advantage of Apple Pay through Apps
• New Health feature Breath
• Improved accessibility

An in-depth explanation can be found in “Why watchOS 3 Will Be Nimble and Nifty” and “8 reasons you’re finally going to wear your Apple Watch“. I already wear my Apple Watch every day pretty much 24 hours a day (except when I take it off to charge). These changes will just make it more useful!

 

Apple Watch News #5

There have not been a lot of Apple Watch articles lately. Here are a few that I thought were interesting.

Interesting Complications

The article “7 Awesome Apple Watch Complications You Should Try” gives some suggestions as to watch complications you might want to try. These include a calendar, weather, fitness, health, travel, automation and sports App.

None of these appeal to me, but you might find them of interest to customize your Apple Watch.

Price Cut Boosts Sales

When Apple cut the price of the Sports version by $50, the sales went up 250%. Read more here.

Mute/UnMute Time to Stand

I like the ‘Time to Stand” notification. It helps to remind me to get up and move around when I am setting at my desk or in front of the TV. Sometimes though you may want to disable that reminder. In “How To Mute (or Un-Mute) the Stand Notification on Your Apple Watch” how you can mute those alerts and then manually reinstate them is described.

I am not sure this will be something that I will use, but some may find it useful.

Have a Wet Watch?

Officially the Apple Watch is “water resistant but not waterproof”. The technical rating of IPX7 means that it is “protected from accidental submersion in 1m of water for up to 30 minutes, but it has not been tested against the entry of dust.”

Apple recommends not bathing or showering while wearing your Apple watch (Duh!). I have heard of a few in the media that have tried that (at least once) without running into difficulties. Myself, I am fine with taking my watch off for the short time while I shower.

If your watch gets wet (through accident or design) dry it off as soon as possible. If it gets really dunked and shows problems, you can try using silica gel packs to draw out the moisture, but that may or may not work.

Apple Watch News #4

Not a lot in Apple Watch news the past few weeks, but these were some stories that caught my eye. Perhaps there will be new announcements at WWDC next week.

Control your Apple TV

Apple has built-in remote control software that is available for your Apple Watch (read “How to use your Apple Watch to control your Apple TV“). I have both, but I am not sure I want to use the tiny screen of the watch for that purpose. It is interesting to see that Apple thought of offering that feature though.

Hide Glances

Apple Watch includes several default ‘glances’. Some I find more useful that others. In “How to Hide Glances on Apple Watch” you can find how to customize which of those ‘glances’ are visible. I have already used this method to remove ‘glances’ I am not interested in such as ‘Stocks’.

Designer Bands

Coach will begin offering bands for the Apple watch on June 13.

For me the plastic band that came with my Apple Sports watch is perfect for my use. For me a watch is a functional tool not a fashion statement.

My Flawed Apple Watch

In another review of using the Apple Watch for a year Abdel Ibrahim wrote “My Flawed Apple Watch Has Become a Necessity“. As with so many I have read, this is mostly positive while pointing out a few of the Apple Watch’s short comings.

Fueling Growth

In a more positive perspective, this Macworld article (“How the Watch could fuel Apple’s next growth spurt“) looks at a more rosy future for the Apple Watch, citing slow beginnings for both the iPod and iPhone.

I am of that mind as well. I still can’t tell anyone that they absolutely need an Apple Watch because of the ‘xyz compelling App or feature’, but I wear mine every day. I also expect to see much more growth in the Health area with the watch over time.

Apple Watch #3 -Time in Words, 12 Reasons and Other Stories

Several small articles have show up on the Apple Watch.

Time in Words

According to “This free Apple Watch complication displays the time in words” you can now get a free complication that shows the time written out in text. Not exactly something that I want but it may be just what you are looking for.

12 Reasons

In “12 reasons I still wear my Apple Watch every day” another user tells why she likes her Apple Watch. Except for the “Apple TV Remote” and “Spinning Planets”, I have to agree with her on the use cases.

One Year On

Various Engadget editors in “The Apple Watch, one year on” shares their opinion after a year with the Apple Watch. Some views were negative, but over all the responses were positive.

Another Year in Review

“My God-Awful Year With the Apple Watch” certainly has an eye catching title. Some negative comments, but again, mostly positive.

Nice to Have

In “After a year with Apple Watch, it’s time for a frank appraisal” there is another review of the Apple Watch after a year of use. His summary is ‘Nice to have, but not essential’.

Only 52%

Strategy Analytics reported in April that while global smart watch shipments grew by 223% to 4.2 million units, Apple’s share was only 52%.

I think any of the other smart watch manufacturers with products on the market long before the Apple Watch would be thrilled with owning 52% of the market after only one year!

13 Million

Along the lines of the note above, IDC projected  that Apple shipped about 13 million watches in 2015. The article “Is Apple Watch Really a Flop?” includes projections on all of the smart watch vendors. Apple is shown to have 61.3% of the 2015 market with the closest competitor having only 15.2%.

Clearly the sign that Apple Watch is a failure.

 

So how do I summarize? The Apple Watch does not have that ‘killer App’ that makes it essential (at least right now). Most users like the Apple Watch and wear it regularly in spite of early reservations. While the media seems to call the Apple Watch a failure, the numbers to me show the start of a good, long term business.

Apple Watch News #2 – Why They Are Not Worn, Apps Must be Native and Wearables Dominance

There seems to have been more stories about the Apple Watch in the past few weeks. Perhaps because it is now just over one year old.

Why people are not wearing their Apple Watches

CNET asked some of their editors who owned Apple Watches how they felt about them after a year. The full article is “7 reasons people aren’t wearing their Apple Watch“, but the seven reasons are:

1) It does not do enough
2) There are limited strap options
3) The phone is faster
4) It is too complicated
5) It has uninteresting Apps
6) Just not for me, do not like to be constantly connected
7) There is no killer feature

Of that list the only objections I can even partially agree with are #1 and #7. I had stopped wearing a watch years ago, but now wear my Apple Watch every day. I will not say that it is essential to me, but I would surely miss it if I had to give it up.

Apps must be native

Starting June 1 all Apps being submitted to the App store must be native, that is they must run without a tethered iPhone.

This may limit what some Apps can do, but in the long term I think it is best for the platform.

Wearables Market

Business Insider in “The Apple Watch is winning in the battle of fitness trackers” claims that smart watches, such as the Apple Watch, are capturing a growing share of the wearables market, taking market share from the fitness-bands. They also predicted that by 2020 the Apple Watch will make up about 40% of the luxury-watch ($350+) market.

That really sounds like the ‘failure’ that many have branded the Apple Watch.

Apple Watch News #1 – No Killer App, A Year with my Watch and Finding a Business

As I mentioned before, I really like my Apple Watch. I haven’t seen the need (yet) to write the more in-depth type of technical articles I sometimes author for OS X and iOS. I do think that some of these short topics might be of interest though.

Apple Watch Does Not Need Killer App

I liked this article (“13 awesome Apple Watch tricks that prove it doesn’t need a ‘killer app’“). I am not sure if I agree that these are ‘awesome’ tricks, but it is always useful to know more about what your Apple Watch is capable of. I have sent messages from my watch, answered my iPhone, and handled notifications.

I find now that I am at a loss when I do not have my Apple Watch on.

A Year With the Apple Watch

I have had my Apple Watch almost a year. I found this article (“A year with the Apple Watch: What works, what doesn’t, and what lies ahead?“) a very thorough review of the Apple Watch. I pretty much agree with everything this author says. If you are considering an Apple Watch, this is a good overview to read.

Finding a Business

I thought that the article “How to find nearby businesses on Apple Watch” gave a good explanation as to how to use your Apple Watch to search for a nearby location. I can see how using the “Nearby” option could be useful. Unless my iPhone is buried away and difficult to get to though, I would most likely just use it for the larger screen.

No One Needs an Apple Watch

I saw the article “A year after its launch, it’s now clear that pretty much no one needs an Apple Watch” today, and I agree no one needs an Apple Watch – at least not yet. I’ve had an Apple Watch now for almost a year. I had stopped wearing a watch, relying on my iPhone, but since getting the Apple Watch I am back to wearing a watch every day!

I have been asked by others if they should buy an Apple Watch. That is a hard thing to answer. It really depends on what they want to use it for. I do not feel there are compelling Apps right now. I do find it useful – glancing at the latest Slack and Messages updates, seeing how I am progressing in daily exercise, occasionally using Just Press Record to note something down for later reference and YES simply checking what time it is.

I don’t need my Apple Watch, but I certainly like it!