I had a Fossil hybrid smartwatch, which looked very much like a regular analog watch. A funny thing happened when I would glance down at it to check a notificat

I had a Fossil hybrid smartwatch, which looked very much like a regular analog watch. A funny thing happened when I would glance down at it to check a notification — people didn't realize it was a smartwatch, and thought I was pressed for time. This never happened when I had a more smart-looking smartwatch — people always understood I was checking a notification (and didn't mind). I think that, over time, people will become accustomed to the fact that AirPods have conversational awareness, and you can carry on conversations like normal (and in the case of some hearing-impaired folks, better-than-normal) while wearing them. It will take some time, and will catch on sooner in some circles than others. But I'd be surprised if in 5 years this weren't widely understood in many circles — especially those HNers run in. I hope I'll still have the courtesy to take my earbud out, though!