Smartwatches getting smarter, though not quickly enough

Apple and Android smartwatches are getting better as their makers sand off the rough edges that have frustrated many early adopters. But the improvements are just small steps in a long journey to convince people they need a computer on their wrist.

The Apple Watch, for instance, promises faster app launching and a one-button 911 call. Android Wear watches will soon let you track gym workouts such as weight training. Both systems will let you swipe-write texts with your finger. All are nifty features - just nothing likely to turn a smartwatch into the day-to-day necessity a smartphone has become.

That's not too surprising. Smartphones didn't get intelligent overnight, either. In the meantime, current smartwatch enthusiasts have a fair bit to look forward to as Apple and Google push out free software updates in the coming months.

Apple Watch Faster: With the upcoming watchOS 3 software, your favorite apps will launch automatically and load data in the background. You no longer have to wait several seconds for the app to start up and retrieve data from the phone. This could address a major frustration today: It's often faster just to pull out the phone from your pocket.

Easier Navigation: Apple Watch currently offers favorite apps through Glance, but it gives you limited information and works only from the watch face. The Glance replacement, called Dock, gets you full apps from any screen with a press of the side button. Meanwhile, swiping up will soon get you frequently used settings, and message replies will be possible without first hitting \"reply.\"

Beyond voice: Entering text on a small screen is challenging, but voice dictation isn't always the right answer. It might be noisy, or you might want privacy. With Scribble, you'll use your finger to write characters on the screen one at a time. The watch translates them into computerized text. You'll still have the current options for voice or pre-configured replies like \"yes\" and \"no.\"

Catching Up: You'll be able to skip the password screen on Macs when wearing your Apple Watch. Android watches can already unlock Android phones and tablets automatically.

Apple Watch will also let you challenge friends on fitness, something Fitbit and other fitness devices already offer.

With SOS, you can hold the side button for a few seconds to call 911 - or the equivalent when traveling abroad. The watch will also message your emergency contact and display key information such as your allergies on the screen.

A new watch app will also guide you through breathing exercises to help reduce stress. Apple Watch has come a long way in just 14 months, and its starting price just dropped to $300. But it's still tough to explain to friends and family why they need one.

The SOS feature could be popular among those with known health issues. But it's not something many people will believe they'll need - at least not soon enough to buy a watch right away. Longer battery life and GPS tracking for workouts will require better hardware down the road. Even then, Apple Watch isn't likely to work with Android phones anytime soon; you'll need an iPhone.