The technology and non-technology websites are on their first round of Apple Watch articles before the unveil of an actual working device. Currently the buzz is surrounding the Apple Watch battery life, or lack thereof. Apple had been projecting a full day of life (mixed use scenario) on their entrant into the smartwatch space and it’s looking like that’s not going to happen. Predictions are falling into the 19 hour range with mixed use and heavy use of applications etc. is going to impact life significantly, possibly knocking that down to 5 hours.
It’s really not all that surprising as some of the media is making it out to be. Why are so many shocked that battery life on a wrist computer running a decent sized processor and pushing a high resolution screen wouldn’t make a full day? Smartwatches like the Pebble or the classy Martian Notifier will have a much better battery life because they’re mostly designed as a notification center rather than an interface for applications. The Martian Notifier merged smartwatch and classic watch by giving the user a full analog watch with smart notifications. This means the analog watch runs on normal batteries that will last two years so even if the smartwatch battery drains, you can at least tell time.
Those who thought Apple could accomplish all day battery life with mixed use were certainly glass half full thinkers, I’m very doubtful that it will last that long. I think people need to come to terms that smartwatches like the Apple Watch are going to be a nightly plugin, especially if you’re a heavy user. My iPhone 6 Plus gets me through the day just fine but it’s ready for some juice by the end of the night. To think a smartwatch battery with smartphone capabilities would last more than a smartphone battery, well that’s just silly.
What do you think of smartwatch battery life? Will we eventually see more than a day’s life on them under mixed use (not standby)? Let us know in the comments below or on Google+, Facebook and Twitter.
Last Updated on November 27, 2018.
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