applewatch
Latest
Apple's WatchKit ensures third-party wearable support from day one
Apple has unveiled its long-rumored wearable, and with it a third-party tool chest called WatchKit. For starters, the initiative will help developers integrate compatible apps with the Watch's Glances screen, and do so from day one. It's also part of a larger mindset in Cupertino, including HomeKit and HealthKit, that allows more openness and a range of features when new devices launch. This means that companies like Twitter, American Airlines and Starwood Hotels can get in right from the start, with custom features for wearable-driven tasks. For example, guests can expect to unlock hotel rooms by waving the Apple Watch in front of the lock and BMW will let you check the charging status of your car. And starting next year, devs will be able to create native apps for the Apple Watch.
Apple Watch is the wearable Cupertino hopes you've been waiting for
If you're tired of rumors and speculation about Cupertino's so-called iWatch, then good news -- that all ends today. Apple has just confirmed the arrival of its first fully fledged wearable device -- Apple Watch. How much of what we heard in the run up to the event was true? How does it compare to the recent slew of Android smartwatches? In typical Apple fashion, the device has a few surprises. First up some top-level details: Apple Watch has a sapphire display, four sensors on the back, NFC, Apple Pay and a choice of six straps at launch. Of course, they use a proprietary connecting mechanism, which means you can't just run out and buy any old watchband. Apple also claims it's accurate to 50ms and is the "most personal device we've ever created." Probably to the surprise of many, the new watch isn't Swiss-style at all, in fact sharing much of the iPhone's design language -- curved edges and a power button on the side. There's also a hardware dial, just like on a regular watch, that Apple is calling a "Digital Crown," which can be used to navigate menus, zoom into images and more. A big heads-up: You'll need an iPhone 5 or above and $350 if you want one of these when they become available "early next year."
Apple patent app describes flexible, wearable, watch-like AMOLED device
Apples and oranges watches. Today's bumper pack of patent applications from Cupertino included this nugget, outlining a small flexible screen that's paired with a "bi-stable spring." In normal lexicon, we're talking about one of those slap bracelets that go from completely straight to wrap-around in an instant. Interestingly enough, Apple isn't the only tech company sniffing around these bracelets as a possible holster for their tech -- Nokia mused on slightly similar notions back in March 2012. This is an application, so most of what today's filing tells us is certainly not set in stone, but new ideas include a "kinetic energy gathering component" within the band -- like the trickle charge feature found on watches -- to pump energy back into the device. One example embodiment of the idea includes a touchscreen interface that will allow music browsing, phone call reviews and even text input through a "simple virtual keyboard." The concept also mentions AMOLED screen tech, as those deactivated (so, black) pixels would assist in eking out battery life in a device where space is definitely at a premium. The filing also suggests that the device could house an end-detection sensor, allowing the wearable to configure itself to each user, regardless of differing wrist measurements, and deactivate sections of the flexible display that aren't on show. This particular application was made in August 2011 -- a fair while before the recent increase in iWatch murmurings. As is the case with Apple's patent contributions, however, we'll wait to see whether the patent is granted and whether these ideas will ever crystallize into a genuine product. In the meantime, maybe it's time to buy up some snap bracelets on eBay: they might just be making a comeback.
New York Times says Apple is developing a curved glass smart watch
In today's Bits column, New York Times writer Nick Bilton says Apple is developing a curved screen watch. Apple has declined to comment on any of this, as usual, but an Apple-branded smart watch been long rumored. There has been a good deal of interest in a smartphone-connected watch. There was lots of excitement around Kickstarter-backed Pebble watch, and I personally tried the iPhone-connected Citizen watch with decidedly mixed and mostly negative results. There's no denying how nice it would be to get mail and messages without having to dig my iPhone out of a pocket, and integration with Siri and other services would be a winner. To add a little juice to the rumor, Corning Glass, which makes the Gorilla Glass used in the iPhone, is about ready to launch bendable glass called "Willow Glass" which might be just the ticket for Apple to introduce on a smart watch. Former Apple UI designer Bruce Tognazzini recently wrote a lengthy treatise about an Apple iWatch, discussing not only the drawbacks and features of existing smart watches, but what the "killer apps" for a wrist-based Apple device might be. The watch industry has been in the doldrums for many years, with a lot of younger users simply not buying watches and getting the time of day from their cellphones. If anyone has a chance at helping the watch make a comeback, Apple is a good candidate. Like all rumors, take this with a few grains of salt, but it makes sense for Apple to pursue this.
