Do you ever read about a Samsung Galaxy killer? How about a Windows 10 killer? Is there such a thing as an Android smartphone killer? No. The only technology products that get killed are from Apple and I’ve been reading about them since the iMac in 1998 (such killer comparisons probably existed earlier in the Mac’s history but the interwebs’ history only goes back so far).
Why is it that only Apple’s products get killed?
Here’s another one, this time from Michael Nunez on Mashable:
Withings ECG smartwatch is an analog Apple Watch killer
No it’s not. A competitor? Barely. An Apple Watch killer? Hardly. If you buy it you’ll save about $270 over an Apple Watch but you won’t get an Apple Watch clone, and definitely not a competitor.
About Watch:
It’s one of the best looking, and it includes an electrocardiographic sensor (ECG) for detailed heart monitoring.
In addition to the ECG, Watch also features a heart rate monitor, text messaging, Wi-Fi and LTE support, email, pedometer, and so many notifications and alerts, a touchscreen with multiple watchfaces, built-in complications, and other capabilities that your head will spin trying to get it set up. Once you do then you’ll see why Apple is the world’s largest watch company.
Try the new Withings Watch killer and you’ll see why Withings is not.
Withings is challenging Apple directly with its new Move ECG smartwatch that also includes a ECG sensor — just like the newest Apple Watch. It also sells for about a quarter of the price at $130.
Challenging? We’ll see.
Withings Move ECG does not include a touchscreen. It can’t send you push notifications, text messages, or let you control your music from your wrist.
OK, how is it a Watch killer?
Withings decided to keep the Move ECG’s components mostly traditional compared to other, flashier smartwatches. The Move ECG looks like any analog watch you’d buy from a company like Timex or Swatch.
OK, how is it a Watch killer?
It’s a watch. It has an iPhone app. It has an ECG that has not yet been approved by the government’s health authorities (think FDA), and not even available to purchase, so comparisons seem to be missing the key components of a, well, comparison; let alone what would be required to be a Watch killer.
The benefit of having an ECG sensor attached to your wrist is that you can closely monitor the rhythm of your heart, and in extreme cases, detect any irregularities.
Uh huh. Been there. Done that. Got it already. And without such disclaimers:
- Heart rate: Monitor to improve strength or keep on top of known issues
- Blood pressure: Get a picture of your overall cardiovascular health
- Pulse wave velocity: Know more about the health of your arteries
- Heart data comes via our Blood Pressure Monitors, heart rate and activity watch (Steel HR), and our Body Cardio scale
Sounds great, though. Anything missing? Well, fine print is a bitch, ain’t it?
For the first time, an analog watch gives you the opportunity to take an ECG anytime and anywhere. With its 12-month battery life, and electrocardiogram on demand, Move ECG means you’ll never miss an AFib episode. In addition, this soon-to-be FDA-cleared device is a water-resistant activity tracker that gives you extra motivation to move more with automatic walk, run, and swim tracking plus an altimeter for stair climbing
Oh, it’s analog. That explains the battery life and price. But how will it become a Watch killer?