I’m not a fan of most AI implementations to date, but I will say Google is clearly making a bold statement by trying to make the Pixel product lineup hardware to run AI front and center.
I wonder if the general public will care - they can be pretty unpredictable. People generally like party tricks and having an AI assistant to talk to may go farther than we nerds think.
A few issues I see with these (and all smart glasses): it cannot replace a phone, battery life will be terrible the first few years and it really doesn't solve the attention problem smartphones cause. I'd rather have an audio only device.
I only use my Apple Watch Ultra and one AirPods in for a better (albeit not perfect) solution to limiting screen time. I feel smart glasses exacerbates the problem. At least with a smart watch it can already make calls and send messages.
I started just having my cellular Apple Watch on me 6 years ago while leaving my phone at home. When everyone around me thought I was crazy I knew I was on to something.
I’m doubling down on this philosophy and keeping my phone in my drawer and couldn’t be happier.
This is a great write up on how to accomplish this, I hope someday Apple just allows the Apple Watch to work standalone.
Having said that, the Apple Watch is the primary reason I switched to the iPhone (and Apple ecosystem with it). I have been using the watch with cellular since April 2019 and I only take my phone with me on the rarest of occasions (usually for events that I want to snap pics or video or if I’m taking a day trip or on holiday). I’ve even taken just the watch on small holidays/trips by keeping my iPhone fully charged but on Wi-Fi to get all notifications.
Once I got used to the workflow I never looked back. I noticed I was more focused at work, at social events, dinners either the wife and family or friends while being more social and attentive, and noticed a huge overall improvement in mood and well being. Part of this is due to more focus on health and fitness and the Apple Watch certainly helped me stay motivated.
Since 2019 I’ve lost 25lbs, gained some muscle mass, I now compete in friendly running races and I’ve lowered my blood pressure. The Apple Watch truly is the most important gadget I’ve ever purchased and owned.