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Phil-McRoin t1_is6k1xj wrote

Not really.

The new Apple watch is the same as the last one, but they've got a big ugly "pro" one now that has a couple extra features & costs a shitload more.

Google released a new Fitbit with a google logo. You still have to pay the monthly Fitbit subscription to take advantage of it's features. It is the first year with an official "Google smartwatch", but don't kid yourself, it's a Fitbit.

Samsung have released a new watch that's the same as the old ones except they've lost one of the best features of the old ones, the rotating ring on the face.

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RonstoppableRon t1_is7j215 wrote

Aesthetics are subjective but the Apple Watch Ultra looks fucking fantastic. And it doesn't cost a "shitload more" than the stainless steel 45mm cellular s8, which is the closest one to compare it to, apples to apples and all.(no pun intended)

But it sounds like you already have your narrative written. And no I don't own an apple watch at all so no horse in this race.

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Phil-McRoin t1_is93aip wrote

Just checked the apple website in Australia. The series 8 with GPS+cellular starts at $789, the ultra starts at $1,299. That qualifies as a "shitload more" to me, especially when you're only getting a few extra features that most people won't even use & a little extra battery.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying smartwatches are bad, they still seem pretty cool & futuristic to me. All I'm saying is that this year we're getting the same incremental upgrades we get every year. Slightly better battery life & maybe a tiny bit of extra functionality that probably isn't even applicable to the average person.

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rush2547 t1_ishh4qe wrote

The big difference is the 100m depth allowance and depth sensor which is a significant feature if youre into diving. Eventually that tech will trickle down but thats the reason for the 400$ markup in my opinion. It's targeted for a smaller demographic but history shows people will still buy the high tier as a status symbol or because they can. Couple that with monthly financing built into your wireless plan and its more accessible.

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BeefPuddingg t1_itbx6we wrote

Nobody is diving with an apple watch lmao. It's not even water proof.

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Phil-McRoin t1_isi4t7c wrote

That & the satellite SOS functionality, which is only really something that a tiny number of people will ever need. Neither of those really explain the price jump though, it's apple doing what apple does. Making an ok product that integrates perfectly into their ecosystem then charging way more than it's really worth because no one else can build anything that works as good in the ecosystem.

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Vaargrind t1_is9ncol wrote

Because it’s not smart watch for most people? Apple clearly specified who this watch is for (extreme sports, athletes) and from what i’ve seen those people have been extremely pleased with the new watch.

Apple also released series 8 which is the watch that 99% people who are interested in Apple Watch should buy.

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Phil-McRoin t1_is9psqt wrote

Yeah & it's basically the same watch as last year with slightly better battery life.

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Blazingheavenss t1_isb1iaq wrote

It’s only a shit load more because it’s Australia. Sorry bud In the US the ultra is $799 which is actually really good price compared to their stainless steel counterparts and previous titanium watch they released. Edit: I also think it looks Badass

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