The range extension and lock circumvention is bad, but only weakens back to a regular handgun. The jamming is more scary to me as it makes the product actively worse than if it wasn't smart at all.
This is the fundamental problem with all 'smart' guns. Adding significant complexity to a system that needs to be as close to 100% reliable as possible is never going to be worth the effort, at least any time in the near future.
Most of us aren't opposed to this technology existing; the problem is that New Jersey law will require all handguns sold there to incorporate this technology shortly after they're available for sale anywhere in the US. We're also concerned other jurisdictions will try to mandate this tech once it's more widely available.
The iP1, in particular, is also weird simply because it doesn't seem to know what it wants to be. It's not a defensive handgun, the caliber is totally inadequate. But barely anybody uses a compact pistol like this for recreation.
The description makes it sound like if you are firing weak hand (or strong hand) you might be outside the range of the watch?
They say "just a few inches" which implies less than a foot. That's not going to work for law enforcement or anyone really.
Honestly sounds like they didn't think too hard about real world usage. That describes most handgun manufacturers though and isn't strictly limited to smart gun manufacturers.
Anecdotal story: I have a friend who works for the Indiana State Police and was on the committee to procure new service pistols. In every category, the Springfield XD won. Problem was, it had a grip safety. ISP requirements dictate that no safeties could interfere with operation when needed, as they may have to fire in a compromising situation if in a struggle, for example. Not being able to firmly grip the pistol and engage the safety was a non-starter. When drawn, the firearm had to fire if the trigger was pulled every time. So Glock it was, which only has a trigger safety.
It's not safe to assume the arm that has the watch will be available to operate gun.
People practice one handed reloads and failure drills.
Even in competition you are regularly required to alternate no strong hand only and weak hand only so it isn't possible to put the watch on the right hand. Proper technique also has you anchoring the unused arm.