Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will release its much awaited watch early next year. The wearable comes with a few exciting features including HealthKit and Apple Pay. But now Apple has a rival watch to compete with and that is Microsoft’s latest wristband that not only tells time, but offers great many features as well.
The Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) watch didn’t make headlines as Apple Watch did; it was launched today (Thursday) rather quietly in the market. The question is should Apple be worried about Microsoft’s watch as a rival? The answer at this point cannot be a definite one. Why? Because Microsoft is a big name yes, but it is not Apple; the brand name itself will help Apple in not losing its market share to Microsoft or any other brand that launches a smartwatch. Having said that it is not guaranteed that Apple Watch will be a success; it only means that Apple will have its market shares which it is supposed to have – big or small.
Now let’s see why we can’t come up with a definite answer at this point.
Loyal Apple fans will not go for any other smartwatch that is for sure. However there are a few things in Microsoft’s watch band that may prevent Apple Watch from getting new customers. First of all the feature that may divert a new customer towards Microsoft’s watch is the price tag. Microsoft’s watch is available for $199 whereas Apple’s watch will be launched with a starting price of $349.
Why would price tag be a factor here? Because both these watches showcase a few similar features. Microsoft’s wristband also offers its users the facility to record fitness and health data along with several other features such as monitoring sleep pattern and GPS etc; it will be done by using Microsoft’s health application called Microsoft Health, which is free. As we all know Apple watch has its HealthKit, therefore, a new buyer shopping within budget will be inclined towards the cheaper offer. The possibility of this happening is strong because Microsoft, though more known for its softwares, is a big name; its gadgets and devices get user attention. So brand reliability will not be an issue.
Another great feature that may steal away some of the users who were contemplating buying Apple’s watch is the wristband’s compatibility with Windows, Android and iOS operating systems. This would give users more options in terms of software; whereas Apple watch can be used with Apple devices only.
Yet another reason is Apple’s battery life, which is already a point of concern for many, even Apple users. Tim Cook made it clear that the user will probably have to charge the device everyday, which could prove to be too taxing for a few consumers who lead busy lifestyles.
Apple watch on the other hand offers more options in terms of strap color and material. The user will have the option to choose from three different strap materials, which include metal links, plastic and leather; whereas the available colors include space black, yellow gold, space grey and rose gold. But is this reason enough for the newer buyer to pay more money for Apple’s watch? We will have to wait and see.
Even though Vice President of Microsoft Yusuf Mehdi has made it clear that Microsoft wristband is not competing with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), which is smart move, but comparisons will be made no matter what the companies say.