Here’s the list of features Apple is promoting from watchOS 2:
- Nightstand Mode that transforms Apple Watch into a bedside alarm clock, with the Digital Crown and side button serving as snooze and off buttons for the alarm;
- the ability to use merchant rewards and store-issued credit and debit cards with Apple Pay™, which can be added to Wallet;
- support for Transit in Maps*, so you can view detailed transportation maps and schedules, including walking directions to the nearest stations with entrances and exits precisely mapped;
- workouts from third-party fitness apps contributing to your all-day Move and Exercise goals;
- using Siri® to start specific workouts, launch Glances and reply to email; and
- Activation Lock, which lets users secure their Apple Watch with their Apple ID, preventing another user from wiping or activating the device if it is lost or stolen.
All of these are incredibly exciting. But that last one, Activation Lock, might have the biggest impact. Activation Lock for Apple Watch is a big step towards eliminating the problem of Apple Watch theft before it even begins.
They are great and welcome features to be sure.
But I disagree that the AL has the biggest impact. Apple Watch thefts isn’t a real problem any more than having your non-Apple watch being stolen off your arm is. More, if in the rare chance that you are being mugged, the fact that AL exists will not stop the mugger from taking your watch if he wants your watch, will it?
No, activation lock won’t stop someone who wants to steal your watch from stealing your watch. But, I think this is still a move in the right direction.
If Apple makes it more difficult to use the watch once stolen and adds tracking capabilities as well, it could deter some would be theifs. If it deters only one that’s enough reason for me.
I do think AL will have the biggest impact news wise though.
Actually, that’s not true – take the iPhone for instance. After Activation Lock was introduced, London says they had a 50% decline in iPhone thefts – mostly because the device is useless afterwards. The important thing is for apple to get the word out. As soon as people know that they cannot be used once stolen, thefts will drop because the are just more hassle to pawn or sell than they are worth – unless it’s the gold model.
http://techcrunch.com/2015/02/11/apples-activation-lock-leads-to-big-drops-in-smartphone-theft-worldwide/