Tim Cook Mustn’t Let Samsung Launch a Watch Ahead of Apple

Word on the web is that Samsung is firing on all cylinders to roll out a smart-watch, calling it one of the “products of the future.” If the news is correct and Samsung manages to roll out this wearable computer ahead of Apple, Tim Cook will have a hard time staying on shareholders’ good side.

According to a Bloomberg piece, Samsung is developing a smart-watch to “race” Apple to the wearable computing market.

Lee Young Hee, executive vice president of Samsung’s mobile business, said, “We’ve been preparing the watch product for so long. We are working very hard to get ready for it. We are preparing products for the future, and the watch is definitely one of them.”

This is not necessarily bad news for Apple if the company is indeed preparing a smart-watch of its own (as rumored). Competition is always a great catalyst for innovation.

However, even if Apple is developing a wrist-watch in tandem with its rivals, whoever launches it first will be a crucial matter.

Apple has always thrived on hype, but also on its ability to deliver innovation on promise.

The pressure is on for Tim Cook (Apple’s CEO) to launch something new. Investors are still feeling reluctant about his ability to do this after Steve Jobs’ death in 2011.

Although not even the late Steve Jobs would announce new products every year, the time is running out on Cook’s iWatch.

Should Samsung release this product ahead of Apple, the Cupertino company risks having the tables turned – be regarded as the copycat, the one late to the party.

Imagine if Samsung had rolled out a compelling tablet experience ahead of Apple in 2010. The iPad would have been the runner-up, even with better hardware / software.

Tim Cook doesn’t want that for the future of Apple. If the rumors are true and Apple is indeed working with a team of 100 to get this iWatch out the door, they’d better be talking about mass production right about now.

Disclaimer
This is a Personal Thoughts piece reflecting the author’s “personal” opinion on matters relating to Apple and / or the products associated with the Apple brand. This article should not be taken as the official stance of Softpedia on Apple-related matters.