People bugged Volkswagen so much they brought back physical buttons in their vehicles. This gives us hope because maybe we can get G-Shock to bring back some of our favorite watch features!
AI Summary
I gave Google Gemini AI a link to this video to see how it summarizes it. However, I wonder if it will run cover for the tech oligarchs who want to take away the features we like. I don’t know. Here is the AI summary:
Buttons vs. Touchscreens: What Volkswagen’s Shift Could Mean for G-Shock Smartwatches, by Jim Kinkade
In a thought-provoking comparison, Jim Kinkade opens this video by drawing a parallel between Volkswagen’s decision to reintroduce physical buttons in their car interiors and what he sees as a similar crossroads for Casio in the smartwatch market. Jim notes that Volkswagen faced considerable customer feedback and frustration due to their heavy reliance on touchscreen controls, which many found less intuitive and more distracting than traditional buttons. The video highlights that VW’s CEO publicly acknowledged the negative impact of this design choice, leading the brand to revert to incorporating more physical controls in their newer models.
Jim expresses hope that Casio might consider similar customer sentiment regarding the increasing connectivity and reliance on smartphone apps for some of their G-Shock models. He references his own preference for more traditional G-Shocks like the Mudman GW9500, which offer robust functionality without requiring constant phone pairing. This contrasts with models like the square heart DW5600, which he finds less straightforward to use due to its dependence on app connectivity for certain features. The sentiment of preferring G-Shocks that function primarily as standalone watches is, as Jim points out, shared by many commenters.
A key advantage of some G-Shocks, Jim notes, is the Tough Solar feature, allowing for charging via light. This eliminates the need for proprietary clamp chargers often required by semi-smartwatches, offering greater convenience. Jim suggests a potential compromise for Casio: developing watches with fully functional, advanced features that do notrequire Bluetooth connectivity for core operations. He even proposes a “stealth mode” for watches equipped with GPS, where the GPS could remain active for tracking while Bluetooth is turned off to maintain privacy and simplicity.
Jim encourages viewers to share their thoughts on how Casio should navigate the integration of smartwatch features and connectivity in the comments section, fostering a discussion on the future direction of G-Shock. He touches upon the GBD H2000 as another example in the realm of connected G-Shocks. Ultimately, the video serves as a call for watch manufacturers to consider user experience and preferences for straightforward functionality amidst the push for increased connectivity, drawing a clear lesson from the automotive industry’s recent adjustments based on consumer demand.