Apple Watch's Killer App Is Already Here

Tim Bajarin writing for PC Magazine:

But for a specific group of users known as knowledge workers, myself included, the killer app seems to be notifications. I got hooked on notifications when I started using the original Samsung Gear and Moto 360 smartwatches. So when the Apple Watch came out, I knew it would become an important device for me.

Indeed, since I’ve had my Apple Watch, notifications are the No. 1 reason I would feel lost if I ever forgot to wear it. I tailored the notifications for my particular needs, from news alerts from CNN, AP, and ESPN to tweets that are tied to key people I follow. There are now thousands of apps with Apple Watch notification capabilities, but I find these to be the most important to me.

I have to agree that notifications are one of my favorite things about Apple Watch.

One thing I’ve been doing for over 10 years now is trading stocks. And I set up alerts all the time to tell me when I should consider buying or selling stock. Before the Apple Watch, I would get an audio alert on my computer as well as a text sent to my iPhone. They worked well, but there were times when I simply didn’t hear or didn’t have my iPhone close by which resulted in a missed opportunity. With the Apple Watch that has completely changed. Now the text notifications come straight to my wrist and I feel them. It’s an example of how the location of the Watch has a profound impact on my everyday life. This couldn’t be done any other way. What’s even better is now I can work in silence (which I prefer) and be gently tapped when needed.

This is just one case that applies to me and probably very few others, unless they are traders too. And this is exactly why we shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss the Apple Watch. Every person may found just a single thing that makes this product valuable. It could be notifications, it could be payments. But one thing is for sure: Apple is just getting started and I think this is going to be a big deal in the years to come.