Our lives are already full of gadgets. Do we really need another one strapped to our wrists?
Apple just unveiled its Watch Series 9, and many companies are showing off new smartwatches this year.
While actually hardly anyone needs smartwatch, many have decided they are worth splurging on. Smart watches can now track your fitness levels, help you check your messages, and even monitor the quality of your sleep. (They are also quite good at telling time.)
Doorknob? Between Fitbit, Garmin wearables, and new models like the Apple Watch Series 9, sifting through all the options can be a bit confusing.
Take this quiz on the Help Desk to find out if a smart watch can make your daily routine a little easier. (Friendly reminder: The Washington Post doesn’t make money from our referrals. The Help Desk is always on your side, not some tech company’s.)
Already have a smart watch?
Are you satisfied with it?
Have you thought about getting one?
the results
You don’t need a smart watch
Smartwatches may be smart and convenient, but here’s the thing: hardly anyone needs new one. And this is especially true for you. The technology you already have seems to be serving you just fine, so you can approve these wearables without worrying about missing out. And, frankly, it’s better to avoid buying a gadget you’re hesitant about in the first place. After all, you don’t want it languishing in a drawer until you decide to throw it down the road!
However, you may want to take this quiz again to see what might be best if your priorities change over time.
Question 1 of 5
Which statement best describes your taste?
I have to respect someone who knows what they are doing for them. Watches have always straddled the line between pure practicality and status symbol — luckily, even basic smartwatches can be customized to suit your style.
Question 2 of 5
Smart watches come with health and fitness tools. Would you use any of these?
Many of today’s smartwatches come with at least some kind of health tracking tool, even the cheap ones. But expect to pay more for those with more specialized features, especially those built for specific activities like hiking and diving.
Question 3 of 5
Besides health features, what would you most like your smartwatch to be good at?
Great choices! Smartwatches are getting more sophisticated every year, but we’re starting to get a pretty good sense of your priorities.
Question 4 of 5
If a smartwatch had a virtual assistant, like Siri or Alexa, would you want to talk to it?
Virtual assistants on a smartwatch can make checking the weather and sending messages easier, but their use is completely optional. You’ll always be able to tap the screen or press some buttons to get things done.
Question 5 of 5
How much would you feel comfortable paying for a smartwatch?
Thanks, that’s really helpful! Here’s one thing to keep in mind about pricing: timing is everything. It’s not uncommon for smartwatches to go on sale year-round — around Thanksgiving or right after new models are released.
You must answer each question to see your score. i miss you questions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
About this story
Illustrations by Elena Lacey. Edited by Yun-Hee Kim, Karly Domb Sadof and Junne Alcantara. Copy editing by Emily Morman.