The cat’s out of the bag, and Apple has made its new wearable device official, which is being dubbed as: Apple Watch. We have all the details and everything you need to know right after the break.
Features and Specs
Design
The Apple Watch features a slick, and rather traditional design, and since it’s the first ever smartwatch coming out of Cupertino, we’re dead sure that critiques will go at it with their axes and spears.
Cupertino’s new smartwatch comes with a square face – sorry Moto 360 fans – and features a beautiful sapphire display at the front.
Moving to the side of the device, we’re treated with what Apple is dubbing as the ‘digital crown’, which is the go-to button for many tasks, such as zooming in, scrolling, going back a menu, etc.
The Apple Watch has been designed in such a way that it’s fit for pretty much any occasion, which is, obviously a good thing in our books.
And yes, in case you’re wondering, the Apple Watch is indeed water-proof, and is ready to take a few splashes here and there in your everyday routine.
The Apple Watch will be available with 6 different types of Apple Watch Bands, so you can put your mind at ease that Cupertino’s smartwatch will get a tinge of boringness over time.
Sensors
Just like how the reports and rumors pointed out, the Apple Watch is insanely packed with sensors. In short, it’s the only health and fitness / fashion device you’ll ever need when you’re out and about. So yes, it’s safe to say that you can throw that trusty old FuelBand into the bin once you get your hands on this bad boy.
The new device features sensors on the back of the device, which are used to grab data from the user’s body, like heart rate sensor, GPS, accelerometer etc.
Taptic Engine:
Its Apple’s haptic feedback system for the Apple Watch. It taps you on the wrist whenever you receive a notification or an alert.
Taptic Engine creates a discreet, sophisticated, and nuanced experience by engaging more of your senses. It also enables some entirely new, intimate ways for you to communicate with other Apple Watch wearers. You can get someone’s attention with a gentle tap. Or even send something as personal as your heartbeat.
Display
The Apple Watch has a rather small touch-screen display, therefore it does not support multi-touch gestures and such, but, to overcome this issue, this is where the ‘digital crown’ comes in, as we mentioned above.
The display of the device wakes up automatically as soon it senses movement, which is a big plus, considering it doesn’t involve the rigmarole of pressing buttons and such.
Charging
The Apple Watch uses MagSafe to charge up, the connector for which goes on the back of the smartwatch. So yes, there’s no wireless charging which users were hoping for.
Software
The Apple Watch runs custom designed software, which has been tailor made for a device of this nature, and instead of relying on taps and button presses, most of the notifications can be interacted with using voice.
And since voice plays a huge role on the Apple Watch, therefore Siri has been thrown into the mix and is ready to take up your queries on a moment’s notice.
Just like any other smartwatch, the Apple Watch will push all notifications from your iPhone to your wrist, and unlike a Pebble smartwatch, the notifications are actionable, and you can send off replies without having to touch your smartphone. Pretty slick.
There are a bunch of watch faces thrown into the mix, ensuring that your wrist worn gadget doesn’t get boring as it sees daily used.
Apart from voice interaction, users have the option to doodle on the display to interact with notifications, but considering the small size of the display, what more could we ask for, right?
And since the Apple Watch is also a fitness ‘band’, therefore a dedicated workout app is also thrown into the mix. Want to track running, cycling or just walking? It’s all there under the hood.
Also included in the support for emojis, custom animated emojis, voice navigation using Maps, phone dialing, email, Mobile payments using Apple Pay, Calendar, Passbook, controlling music, Apple TV, iTunes, Photos, Weather, Stocks, World Clock, Timer Stopwatch, Alarm, Remote Camera, Walkie-Talkie, and more.
WatchKit
Using WatchKit, developers can extend the functionality of their apps to the Apple Watch in App Store. So yes, you’ll be able to create notes on Evernote, send replies to your WhatsApp or Facebook contacts, etc.
Sizes
The Apple Watch will be available in two different sizes, so yes, if you have a smaller wrist, then you don’t need to panic.
Different Models
The Apple Watch won’t be a lone device, and will come in 3 different models:
- Apple Watch
- Apple Watch ‘Edition’ – features 18 karat gold casing
- Apple Watch Sport
All the above models are available in two sizes.
Compatibility
The Apple Watch will be compatible with the following devices:
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 5c
- iPhone 5
Price and Release Date
The Apple Watch will start at $349, which is, we’re presuming for the entry level mode, and prices will go up if you’re looking for something a bit more fashionable.
As far as availability is concerned, the Apple Watch will hit shelves in early 2015.
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