I just want to provide a quick update about my most recent decision on the Nexus 6P.
I love it. It’s awesome.
Back when I was in research mode comparing the Nexus 6P with the iPhones, I was drawn to the idea of the wearable, and whether or not this would be something that I would like. I used to wear a watch much more than recently, but my initial thought of having technology on my wrist seemed a bit much to be honest.
Last week, I enter that debate again.
I can’t remember exactly what I was doing, but I came across the Google Play Store’s page for Androidwear. I thought:
‘These watches are actually quite nice. I wonder…’
Then I looked a the price and told myself:
‘there’s no chance’.
Personally, $500 seems a bit much for a Smartwatch.
Then, my friend Tim Robinson randomly sends me this message:
So I open the link, and find a nice watch, and as Tim mentioned – is much less expensive than others that I had seen.
So I start thinking about it;
‘do I really need a Smartwatch?’
The short answer is no, obviously, but then I starting thinking about it even more.
‘Nah… I don’t need a smartwatch.’
And then, only one day after Tim sent me that message, I come across this article flipping through Flipboard one day later.
A sign? coincidence? I’m not sure.
Most likely coincidence.
I took it as a sign. 🙂
I did some more searching around and it seemed as though the Asus ZenWatch 2 was a good buy all things considered. When I first set it up and put it on, I gave it five minutes and said
‘I’m returning this thing, I don’t need this’.
I told Tim this, who also recently purchased a 6P, who then told me that with it connected to my 6P – which I love but as a bit bigger of a smartphone – I wouldn’t have to take it out of my pocket as often. This gave me one reason to give it an honest test at least, given I have a 14 days to return it anyways. And looking again today, it went on sale randomly too. Another sign, right?

I have had the smartwatch now for three days. It’s growing on me every time that I put it on. It doesn’t look like a clunky smartphone with the options that the ZenWatch Manager app provides.
A few things that I like about it so far:
- It reminds me of my calendar events upcoming;
- receive and send messages both through the Messenger app and Hangouts;
- Directs me where I need to go if I need it;
- Tells me weather updates;
- Actually stylish considering it’s a smartwatch;
- You can turn ‘peek’ notifications on or off (nice if you just want a watch and not screen changes)
What I don’t like:
- How it charges – no cradle to rest it on like some other models, but the magnetic connector isn’t that bad
I’ll spend a few more days with it and come back to share my final decision.
I’m an inspiration! hehe.
Typically I’m pretty careful about recommending a SmartWatch to someone, despite really loving it myself. I answer their questions and talk about what I like about, but I usually add, “It’s not for everyone.” With you, Pete, I laid it on a little bit stronger since I know you’re a true Android fan (despite that Apple phone testing you did recently!)
It’s still true that it’s not for everyone, but I hope that you give it a good try and see if it is for you. Once you get over the weird feeling when you talk to your wrist, then you’re set. I can text while driving with impunity since it’s all with my voice and I don’t touch my phone at all. It’s awesome! It’s also pretty handy on the bike too. Turn by turn directions to the wrist while biking is pretty sweet, especially as a new downtown Torontonian.
Good luck with the rest of the test! Make sure you go back to Best Buy and get the $30 back, but I know you will…