Weeks before the official launch of the highly-anticipated Apple Watch, several issues of the wearable device related to user experience have already been identified by early review reports.
Many of the Apple Watch's reviewers noted that the device's interface and functions can make it difficult for the user to cope with the smart watch.
Nilay Patel of The Verge noted that the Apple Watch is a bit slow especially when using its Maps and Location feature. Specifically, Patel said the device loads a long time before it is able to determine the exact location of the user.
This can be problematic especially for those who are going around an unfamiliar city and need to find the nearest bus or train station. However, Apple noted that future updates for the device will hopefully solve this issue.
The second issue with the device is its user interface, as highlighted by The New York Times' Farhad Manjoo. Unlike other Apple devices such as the iPad and the iPhone, the Apple Watch's interface is too complicated.
He said that upon purchasing the device, it might take users a couple of days before fully mastering all of its functions. For Manjoo, it took him about three days to get around the device's interface.
In addition, since the device uses Force Touch technology, some of its functions and additional controls can only be activated if the user presses hard on the watch's screen. This is certainly different from what iPhone and iPad users are accustomed to.
Lastly, the most frustrating issue with the Apple Watch is its screen activation. Apple designed the device's display to activate or turn on once it senses that the user is looking at it. It can be activated by simply swinging the wrist or tapping on the screen.
However, according to Joshua Topolsky of Bloomberg, these simple gestures do not always activate the device. Based on his experience, he sometimes had to swing his arms wildly in full motion in order to turn on the display.
But sometimes, even with exaggerated arm movements and incessant tapping, the screen still does not activate.
Although it may be a bit late, hopefully, Apple will be able to do something regarding these issues before the Apple Watch debuts in authorized stores on April 24.
