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Why is offline music useful in a smartwatch?

8959680
over 4 years ago

I usually take my phone with me on my runs (which last a max of 1h). I have Spotify premium and can download music on my phone to listen to it offline.  So I am wondering why offline music is useful at all in a running watch. What are some appealing use cases of this feature?

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    Some, me included, will argue that listening to music while running is a bad idea in the first place as it can alter you cadence if you have a tendency to sync with the music and it can be dangerous as it makes it more unaware of traffic noises and such.

    Also, I don't like a distraction when I'm running, but that's a matter of taste I guess, or masochism.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Stefan

    That's a good point. I didn't think about gait and I think holding the extra weight on one hand would affect it.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Idefix

    That's an excellent use of the music feature, thanks for sharing!!

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    I always have a phone with me. After years of working as 112 dispatcher I can tell you that phone can save lifes.
    Sound quality is better form phone, so I'm always using my S20+ with Spotify.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Ariel

    Me too. Over the years, I've had at least 2 emergency situations during my runs/rides where my phone saved me. So, for me, the idea of not taking my phone on my runs/rides is scary and risky.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to 8959680

    How did we manage to run before mobile phones were invented? Joy

    Just because some people like to run with their phone, even if it has meant it came in useful during an emergency, doesn't mean we should be questioning if having music storage on a watch is a useful thing.. they are two completely separate, unrelated use cases

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to ben.hartley

    I agree music storage in a smartwatch has its merits and use cases. Also, I've always run with a phone, even when I was young haha. The case here is: if someone is taking their phone with them on a run/ride, then, they might as well listen to music from their phone directly vs. their watch. 

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    A lot of people never run with their phone or very rarely.  When I mow the lawn, I don't like having a large phone in my shorts pocket, less is more when its 85+°F out... so really easy to stream from watch to earbuds.  Plus why have phone... when the music is on watch.  

    I used to run on vacations with my phone always, for directions, photos, purchases with AndroidPay... but now with watch, all but photos are covered!  So mostly phone can stay back at the hotel.  Perfection :-)  

    Along those same lines why have a Garmin or similar fitness watch at all if you could just record workout with your phone using one of the many free apps on the phone that you must carry with you 24/7...?

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to NickMN

    These are good points. However, the watch cannot make SOS calls in cases of emergency. I got the watch as a gift, so I am trying to make the most out of it.

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    I run with my phone, but it's in a waist bag at the small of my back.  I find it easier to control the music on my wrist, and playing music on my watch is more reliable than controlling my phone with my watch.

    As I move away from pavement and into the woods, I'll be switching from carrying a phone to carrying a inReach Mini for emergencies, and I'm 99% sure that it can't play music.  The phone is only useful if there's cell reception.

    If I ever manage to get past the marathon distance, battery life may be an issue.  Until then, I think I'll be OK.