The Apple Beat: Last Mover Advantage in the wearables game may pay off in the long run

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla 

Even as a pre-production prototype, the Apple Watch is the most interesting wearable/smartwatch I've had the chance to try, many devices shipping right now don't even come close. 

At first glance, it seems that Apple might have missed the opportunity of shipping its Apple Watch in time for the holidays, the truth is they just gained a huge advantage over the competition.

Expected to come in in 'Early 2015' and pushed back to ‘Spring 2015’, Apple Watch has been touted as being Apple’s next revolutionary product and every bit as important as the iPod and the iPhone before it. Like those products, Apple Watch certainly isn’t the first of it's kind, but it is expected by many to be the best in a number of areas.

Here's what I know about Apple Watch, it comes in two sizes, it comes in three variants based on materials and finishes and has almost unlimited permutations when you consider the available case and strap combinations (and various screen 'faces'). It is a health tracker and an adjunct to the iPhone, it is an MP3 player and a messaging device plus it is one of the first wearables to feature mobile payments with Apple Pay. That's without any third party apps which are expected to be available at launch. 

With the pressure off Apple for releasing irs anticipated wearable in its strongest quarter, it can now concentrate on making Apple Watch the best product possible.

Apple isn't one to dance to the industry's beat, but in an emerging segment like Wearables, it has the advantage of learning from other's mistakes and shortcomings. It's free R&D, courtesy of the competition. 

State of Wearables today

Right now, Android Wear manufacturers are scrambling for a piece of the pie. There are around half a dozen models out there now that offer very slight differentiation from one another because they're running essentially the same OS.

Samsung is doing their own thing with Tizen-based Wearables, which they think is the way to ensure a post-Google future. Good luck with that. 

Microsoft has gone cross-platform with its clunky Microsoft Band health wearable, but limited availability makes it a non-starter for the holidays. Early reviews of this device are mixed with the consensus being that version 2.0 might be something more users will desire.

Cross platform Pebbles are still popular but their interface and non-touch greyscale displays make them feel archaic. Yet, many believe that Pebble offers the most complete smartwatch experience right now. This product is two years old!

The health tracker space seems to be booming, a new device seems to be coming to market each day, so it is getting crowded but there doesn't seem to be an ultra-innovative model out there that offers something more than the usual Jawbones or Fitbits. Many of these devices look and feel the same as well with very similar app-based functionality.

Apple Watch Demo

During my demo with the Apple Watch two months ago, I marvelled at how it felt like a quality timepiece, more like a  $2,000 Cartier Tank than a $240 gadget.

The quality of build and materials of each version of the Apple Watch was outstanding and the Digital Crown feature felt accurate and truly innovative, as did the Taptic engine.

Even as a pre-production prototype, the Apple Watch is the most interesting wearable/smartwatch I've had the chance to try, many devices shipping right now don't even come close. 

With CES around the corner, I'm expecting to see another explosion of "Year of the Wearable," devices and even a few Apple Watch knockoffs, it's simply inevitable.

There's no real pressure for Apple to rush their watch to market. People who want it have no real second option, and they will wait and get in line once it is made available (provided cost isn't too prohibitive).

The real pressure for Apple is bringing a great product to market and create a device that others will be measured against. Just like with previous marquee products like the iPhone and iPad, the real contest will take place once the Apple Watch comes to market.

This could be the biggest test for Apple yet, to define a product segment that's scattered and still so very new and unfocused. Right now, Apple has the advantage of time to make the best device possible in a segment where being last to launch in the market can be more advantageous than being first.