Neil Hughes
Reports about Apple's anticipated wearable wrist-borne device continue to take shape, with the latest details claiming the product will launch this fall loaded with sensors and coming in multiple screen sizes.
The alleged details on Apple's so-called "iWatch," credited to the usual people familiar with the matter, were published on Friday by The Wall Street Journal. According to the publication, Apple's anticipated device will include more than 10 sensors, including ones to track health and fitness.
"Apple aims to address an overarching criticism of existing smart watches that they fail to provide functions significantly different from that of a smartphone," reporters Eva Dou and Lorraine Luk wrote.
In addition, the report said the alleged "iWatch" will come in multiple screen sizes. The product is rumored to launch as soon as October, and Quanta Computer is expected to build between 10 million and 15 million units by the end of the year.
The details come on the heels of a report from Reuters on Thursday that also claimed the iWatch will launch this fall, and added that it will have a "slightly rectangular" touchscreen display. That report suggested that the device would come in just one screen size of 2.5 inches, however.
Apple is said to be planning a media event for this October where it's expected to introduce the company's "first wearable device," which is widely believed to be a wrist-worn connected device. The "iWatch" is believed to tap into the new HealthKit tools for developers that Apple will include in the forthcoming iOS 8 mobile operating system, which is currently available in beta for testing.
Other alleged features of the "iWatch" include wireless charging that could allow a port-less design, and the use of flexible OLED displays that could allow Apple to introduce unique designs not possible with traditional LCD panels.
Christine McKee
Andrew Orr
Charles Martin
Marko Zivkovic
Wesley Hilliard
54 Comments
I'm really hoping this device has stand alone functionality. Not sure how much I'd use it if I had to have my phone with me in order for it to work. But if the goal is for it to provide functionality that doesn't already exist with a smartphone then it could be game changing. Most of the Android Wear stuff seems to me mimicking functionality already present on your phone.
Maybe it has all been a disinformation campaign to flush out leakers and throw off Samsung.
Google / Scamsung 'research development' team rush back to lab add more sensors ....
'First wearable device' - strictly speaking the iPod nano was the first device Apple acknowledged as 'wearable'. Before that, people had been wearing an iPod on their arms for nearly a decade.
Can some put together a list of all the prediction for this and who is making them so we know who have no clue when apple finally release new products this fall. This whole guessing is worse then when it was rumor Apple was coming out with a phone.