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WSJ: Apple's smartwatch will arrive in two sizes with NFC in tow
By now, you've likely read at least one of the many rumors surrounding what's become known as the iWatch. Well, according to The Wall Street Journal, you can add a few more details to the fray. That outlet is reporting that whenever Apple's smartwatch arrives -- which has been tipped as no sooner than 2015 -- it will be NFC equipped. The prevailing sentiment is that inclusion of wireless connectivity that can be used to pair with other devices or sort things like mobile payments means Cupertino has more lofty expectations that just fitness and health for the gadget. Of course, the current iPhone doesn't have said feature, but rumblings indicate that it could (finally) be inside the next model. What's more, WSJ goes on to say that the so-called iWatch will come in two sizes that both have curved displays and exercise-tracking chops. With a reported 2015 arrival, we may not hear much about the wearable at next week's phone event. But who knows, Apple's been known to have a few tricks up its sleeve when it comes product-focused affairs in the past.
Apple's anticipated wearable reportedly won't ship until 2015 (update: price claims)
With event invites floating around and a whopper of a structure apparently in the works, Apple seems intent on making sure September 9 is a doozy of a day. Alas, it seems like one of the most anticipated parts of the show won't actually hit our doorsteps for a while -- according to a new report from Re/code (who, you'll remember was right about the event's date way in advance), Apple's long-rumored wearable won't actually start shipping until some time next year. It's not exactly a surprise for Apple to put months between a device's unveiling its and first appearance on store shelves, but just think of how the already buzzy wearable space will shift and swell before then. After all, IFA will assuredly bring a slew of smartwatches and fitness trackers with it (we've already seen a few), and a better sense of what Apple is up to only means competitors will have more time to try and steal Cupertino's thunder. Will they succeed? That's a completely different story, but one thing seems clear -- the next few months are going to be a hell of a ride. Update: The site adds that Apple is considering a price "around $400," and there will apparently be multiple models. That figure would definitely make Apple's wearable more expensive than existing smartwatches (which tend to cost between $150 to $300), although it also suggests that this device could be much, much more than a fitness tracker.
Apple's September event may be its most significant event in years
Let's be honest. There's something different in the air about Apple's upcoming media event, now officially confirmed for September 9. Before getting to what products might be announced, it's worth noting that this year's event will not be held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts or on Apple's Cupertino campus. Instead, throngs of select journalists and various media outlets will file into the Flint Center for the Performing Arts to witness, first hand, Apple's next big thing. Now its entirely possible that the choice for the event space may be purely logistical -- the Flint Center holds more people than the Yerba Buena Center -- but note that two of Apple's most important product unveilings went down at the Flint Center; the 1984 introduction of the Mac at Apple's annual shareholders meeting and the 1997 introduction of the iMac. The former revolutionized the way we use computers while the latter emphatically signaled the beginning of a new and more focused Apple with Steve Jobs calling all the shots. Having said that, perhaps the choice for this year's special event is not logistical in nature at all, but rather purposeful insofar as Apple has a few grand announcements that warrant a storied event space. Interestingly, keen-eyed Apple enthusiasts have noticed that the company has already starting putting up a "massive structure" on the Flint Center campus. But enough about that, let's get to the meat and potatoes of it all -- new products. It's widely believed at this point that Apple in just a few weeks will unveil two new iPhone models. On top of that, Re/Code reported yesterday that Apple will also use the occasion to introduce a new wearable device. Indeed, rumors of an Apple designed wearable device -- prematurely dubbed the "iWatch" -- have been picking up a whole lot of steam over the last 12-18 months. From notable hires to interesting trademark filings to a bevy of published patents, it stands to reason that Apple has something big to announce in that regard. Also recall that Tim Cook during a 2013 interview with All Things D explained why the wrist as a spot for wearables is "interesting." There are lots of gadgets in this space right now, but there's nothing great out there," Cook said. "But none of them are going to convnice a kid that hasn't worn glasses or a band to wear one. ... There are a lot of problems to solve in this space. ... It's ripe for exploration. I think there will be tons of companies playing in this space." Will Apple be one of the companies doing the exploring? Said Cook, "I see [wearables] as a very key branch of the tree." And oh yes, Tim Cook also said earlier this year, quite explicitly at that, that Apple in 2014 will enter a new product category. When pressed as to whether this refers to modest enhancements to existing products, Cook answered that anyone "reasonable" would consider what Apple is working on a new product category. It's also worth mentioning, especially if you missed it the first time, a blurb from Apple executive Eddy Cue wherein he proclaimed that Apple's 2014 product pipeline is the best he's ever seen in his 25 years at Apple. That's a bold proclamation coming from a top tier executive like Cue, especially when one considers that Apple rarely if ever makes such grand pronouncements. Further, Apple last quarter spent more on R&D than they've ever spent before -- $1.6 billion to be exact. All told, the amount represented about 4.2% of the company's net sales for the quarter, a fact not lost on analyst Walter Piecyk who tweeted out that Apple's quarterly R&D expenditure as a percentage of net sales last topped 4% ahead of the iPhone launch in 2007. $AAPL R&D was over 4% of revenue. It hasn't been that high since 2006, before the first iPhone launched. - Walter Piecyk (@WaltBTIG) July 22, 2014 All told, larger screened iPhones may very well prove to be a small part of the story come September 9. And in case all of that hasn't gotten you amped up for whatever tricks Apple has up its sleeve, the following tweet from Jim Dalrymple of The Loop should do the trick. Holy shit people, hang on to your hats, this is going to be a wild ride. - Jim Dalrymple (@jdalrymple) August 28, 2014
Apple's next iPhone event confirmed for September 9th
We've been hearing rumblings about an iPhone 6 event next month for some time now, but Apple has made it official: the company's next affair will indeed be held on September 9th. While there aren't the usual clues as to what we can expect -- the invite merely states "Wish we could say more" -- the change in seasons this time of year usually signals the arrival of a new iPhone. And of course, there's been some talk of a wearable, too. As always, you can bet we'll be there to bring all the news as it happens starting at 10AM PT/1PM ET in Cupertino.
Report claims Apple unveiling new wearable device along with iPhones on 9/9
Mark your calendars, folks. September 9, 2014 is primed to be an exceedingly busy day. A few weeks ago, John Paczkowski of Re/Code reported that Apple plans to hold an iPhone-oriented special media event on September 9. As we previously pointed out, the date is exactly 364 days since the iPhone 5s and 5c were revealed. In other words, the timing certainly makes a lot of sense. Earlier today, Paczkowski updated his post with news that Apple also plans to introduce its long-rumored wearable device at the same September media event. Apple now plans to unveil a new wearable alongside the two next-generation iPhones we told you the company will debut on September 9 ... The new device will, predictably, make good use of Apple's HealthKit health and fitness platform. It will also - predictably - make good use of HomeKit, the company's new framework for controlling connected devices - though it's not clear how broadly or in what way. Now Apple rumors are admittedly a dime a dozen, which is to say that a rumor is only as good its source. To that end, Paczkowski has a pretty good track record with this stuff. Just last year, for example, he correctly anticipated, two weeks in advance, Apple's plans to hold a special iPad oriented media event in late October. While it's widely believed that Apple this fall will unveil two new iPhone models with larger displays, we really don't know much about what Apple's mythical wearable device will bring to the table aside from speculation regarding a number of fitness-oriented features. With August steadily winding down and Apple seemingly gearing up for a busy fall, it's worth mentioning that Eddy Cue a few months back boldly stated that Apple's 2014 product pipeline is the best he's seen in 25 years. And for someone who was around for the development and launch of the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, that's saying something. Meanwhile, shares of Apple are up on the news to about $102.22 at the time of this writing. Earlier in the day, the stock hit an all-time intraday high of $102.57 a share.
Apple is reportedly unveiling its wearable device on September 9th
If you ask many pundits when Apple will unveil its often-rumored wearable device, many of them will say October. However, we may have to revise those expectations a bit. Recode's sources now claim that Apple will unveil the gadget on September 9th -- you know, the same day that many expect to see at least one new iPhone. There's little to back the claim at this point beyond the site's reputation for accurate leaks, but the timing makes sense given that the iPhone and the mystery wristwear are expected to work virtually hand-in-hand. As for actual technical details? Besides the expected fitness and home automation support, there isn't much more to say -- most likely, you'll have to wait a couple more weeks to get the full scoop. [Image credit: Ruben Schade, Flickr]
Where do you want to wear your "wearable tech"? [Poll]
Samsung and several other companies have smart watches, and an even larger group of manufacturers make wrist-mounted activity trackers. But is the wrist really the right location for wearable technology? We want to know, so we're asking the experts -- you! Take our poll, then feel free to leave a comment below if you have another idea of where wearable tech can reside on the human body (keep it clean...). The photo at the top of this post, by the way, is from Associated Press and shows three models at a Piper Jaffray event in 2000 displaying "futuristic wearable and wireless gadgets that will allow people to access the World Wide Web anywhere anytime". Where do you want to wear your "wearable"?
Feedback Loop: Yosemite beta, Kindle Unlimited and more!
Ready for a fresh edition of Feedback Loop? This week featured discussions about Apple's OS X Yosemite beta, Kindle Unlimited, Nokia's naming conventions, MMO mice and iWatch speculation. Head past the break to talk about all this and more with your fellow Engadget readers.
What would make you run out and buy an Apple-branded smartwatch?
What one feature would make you run out and buy an Apple-branded smartwatch?
The iWatch/Swatch rumor that was, and then wasn't
Citing an anonymous source, VentureBeat yesterday posted a spurious report claiming that Apple has been working with Swiss-based watch manufacturer Swatch in an effort to release a varied number of iWatch designs. Apple has been working with at least one partner, Swatch, to release a line of smartwatches in variety of branded styles and price points, a source with knowledge of the situation tells VentureBeat. While most Apple-watchers and media have been laser-focused on one or two "iWatches" from Apple itself, the Cupertino, Calif.-based electronics and media giant may actually be working a number of partners in the watch business. Apple and its partners will offer a family of smartwatches to suit all tastes "from geek to chic," our source says. This source also told VentureBeat he "would be shocked" if Apple isn't concurrently partnering up with Timex. Now meaty Apple rumors about upcoming products are certainly intriguing, but the danger in the oft-cited "source with knowledge" is that the source is too often wrong. This is especially the case when we're dealing with a mythical first-generation product that's likely subject to the most rigorous secrecy measures Apple has at its disposal. While there are a few reasons why the rumored Apple/Swatch partnership should have raised red flags from the get go (not the least of which is an ongoing trademark dispute between the two companies), why not let Swatch speak for itself. No less than 24 hours after the rumor began spreading like wildfire, Swatch outright denied it. Reuters reports: A spokeswoman for Swatch Group said on Thursday the report was unfounded. She said the only business relationship Swatch Group had with mobile phone makers was as a supplier of integrated circuits and other electronic components. What's more, Swatch CEO Nick Hayek told Reuters yesterday that "he was not interested in teaming up with a tech group to develop a smartwatch." And oh yes, there's this also this quote from Hayek made about a year ago. "Personally, I don't believe [an Apple watch] is the next revolution. Replacing an iPhone with an interactive terminal on your wrist is difficult. You can't have an immense display." It's one thing to make reasonable and educated guesses about future iPhone models, but a device that hasn't even seen the light of day? Well, that's almost as absurd as making sales projections for such a product.
Engadget Daily: NVIDIA's Shield Tablet, Atari's 'Pridefest' and more!
Today, we take a look at NVIDIA's new Shield Tablet, investigate Atari's future with the LGBT community, ponder an Apple smartwatch patent and learn about a potential HIV breakthrough. Read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last 24 hours.
Apple awarded iTime wristwatch patent
We don't typically publish Apple patent stories since, well, Apple tends to patent everything under the sun. But with the evidence mounting that Apple is working on a wearable device slated for release later this year, a newly discovered patent detailing an "iTime" smartwatch is worth highlighting. Originally discovered by AppleInsider, Apple's iTime patent details a "wrist-worn electronic device" with its own touchscreen display and the ability to communication with other mobile electronic devices. The patent description reads in part: One information exchange facilitated by the personal wireless environment is a notification (or alert) that is initiated by one electronic device to a nearby electronic wristband. In one implementation, the electronic wristband can receive a notification request from another nearby electronic device, such as the mobile phone. Typically, a user would be carrying or wearing the electronic wristband and the mobile phone. The notification request can be received (via wire or wirelessly) at he electronic wristband and can cause the electronic wristband to notify the user. In general, the notification request can be considered a push notification from another electronic device to the electronic wristband. As one example, the notification request can cause the electronic wristband to activate haptic device, an audio device/and or a display device for the electronic wristband to signal the user of the notification. The description goes on to explain that once a notification is received, a user can select controls which enable him/her to "view additional information pertaining to the notification." One such example would allow users to accept or decline an incoming call via the wrist-worn device. Some of the device's features include media storage and playback, GPS, an accelerometer, and a wireless communication transceiver built into the band itself. The entire patent application, complete with feature descriptions and artist illustrations of the device can be found over here via the USPTO website.
Apple 'iTime' patent details a modular smartwatch with sensors in the band
A new Apple patent for smartwatch designs and features is bound to fuel more speculation about an incoming "iWatch," even though such claims often amount to nothing. Still, the patent is interesting on its own merits. One version shows a receptacle band that could accept an external "iTime" module as shown above -- not unlike the iPod Nano watch craze from 2010. However, Apple's band has built-in electronics like Bluetooth transceivers, along with accelerometers and GPS modules -- sensors rumored to be built-in to Apple's upcoming wearable. According to the document, that would enable smartphone or computer notifications that you could see, hear or feel. You'd also be able to dismiss notifications or perform other actions by shaking your wrist once or several times, according to another claim.
About those iWatch sales projections
While Apple by most accounts is working on a wearable device of some sort (unofficially and already dubbed the iWatch), the number of conflicting reports about what the device will be able to do and how it will look is astounding. One day, the iWatch is coming with a 2.5-inch display. A few weeks later comes a report that Apple is planning to release three iWatch models, with the largest display size being 1.8-inches. According to some, every iWatch model will feature a sapphire display. Others, meanwhile, claim that only the top of the line model will feature sapphire. Mass production will begin this month. Oh wait! There are technical hurdles so production is delayed. In short, we know very little as to what this mythical iWatch will do and how it might look. And sure, theorizing about Apple's supposed next big thing can be entertaining, but some analysts have taken things a bit further and, rather bizarrely, have released sales projections for a device that doesn't even officially exist. Katy Huberty of Morgan Stanley, for example, is already projecting Apple might sell upwards of 60 million iWatch units next year. But Huberty is not alone; other analysts have raised their price target for Apple shares based on iWatch sales projections. It's pure madness, I tell you! Having a bit of fun with this nonsense, John Moltz recently put together a comical guide detailing how one should go about projecting iWatch sales figures. You see, it's all about the cosine. Now, it might seem ridiculous to try to predict how many of a thing we know nothing about will sell, but it's simple, really. You just take the total number of watches ever sold ever, take the cosine (always take the cosine... take it AND RUN AND NEVER STOP RUNNING), adjust for inflation, apply the least squares method (because only squares wear smartwatches) and then - and this is the part people always forget - take back one kadam to honor the Hebrew God, whose iWatch this is. Makes sense.
Are we there yet? A century of the smartwatch in pictures
With two Google-powered smartwatches currently on sale, and the circular Moto 360 already causing a stir among design geeks, wearables are one step closer to securing a place on our wrists. And while many of us aren't ready to strap on a Gear Live, G Watch or Pebble just yet, that doesn't mean the smartwatch is a new concept. In fact, depending on your definition of "smart," these gadgets have been fusing time-telling with extra functionality since the early 20th century. From wrist-borne spy cams to radio-controlled timepieces, here's a look at this wearable's evolution.
Sapphire phone displays are tough, but the realities are even tougher
Sapphire is the birthstone of September, the traditional gift on your 45th wedding anniversary and a material associated with both luxury and ruggedness. It can be found in opulent products like jewelry, camera lenses and fancy watches. Given that, it's also one of the toughest materials in the world, which makes it ideal for military-grade items like aviation displays and even missiles. So when rumors emerged that a sapphire display may be featured on the next iPhone, a chorus of excitement followed. However, many phone manufacturers don't share the same sense of optimism that Apple might hold toward this different kind of next-gen display.
Apple recruits one of the watch industry's most important sales execs
Apple's recent hires in wearable tech have largely taken place outside the watch industry, which is slightly odd for a company rumored to be making a watch of its own. However, it just addressed that discrepancy in style -- LVMH's watch division has confirmed that Apple has snagged Patrick Pruniaux, TAG Heuer's sales and retail VP, as part of a broader campaign to poach talent from watchmakers. We've reached out to Apple to learn more about its plans, but LVMH group head Jean-Claude Biver tells CNBC that Pruniaux will be working on the "iWatch." Clearly, the team in Cupertino wants someone who can market wristwear to a large audience.
Apple hires away TAG Heuer's VP of Global Sales
With Apple rumored to be entering the wearables market this fall, the company's string of notable hires continues. CNBC is reporting today that Apple recently poached Patrick Pruniaux away from TAG Heuer where he served as the company's VP of global sales for the past five years. TAG Heuer, in case you're unfamiliar, is a Swiss-based manufacturer of luxury watches. Apple has hired the sales director of luxury Swiss watch maker TAG Heuer to help with the launch of its new iWatch, as the technology group intend on using the prestigious "Swiss made" label to market its new gadget, the head of LVMH's watch brands Jean-Claude Biver told CNBC. Biver said the watchmaker's sales director left as recently as last week, "to take a contract with Apple" in order to launch the iWatch. LVMH owns Swiss watchmakers TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith. Video of Biver's interview with CNBC can be seen below: Word of the Pruniaux hire comes just shortly after it was discovered that Apple hired the lead software engineer away from Atlas Wearables, a company working on a fitness tracker capable of measuring a plethora of exercise related data. Atlas measures your heart rate, calculates the calories you burned and tracks your body on the x-, y- and z-axes, so it knows how many laps you swam and if you did push-ups or triangle push-ups. It's preloaded with the most popular exercises and can learn new exercises you teach it so you can instantly see your progress, analyze your form, anticipate plateaus and find what makes you stronger, faster. As a point of interest, video of the Atlas device in action can be seen below.
Engadget Daily: 3D printed body parts, hands-on with the Lyric thermostat and more!
Today, we investigate the reality of 3D-printed body parts, take a closer look at Honeywell's Lyric thermostat, peruse the OnePlus One's innards and learn about the Wall Street Journal's predictions for Apple's rumored wearable. Read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last 24 hours.
Well, that's one way to make an iWatch
I'm not 100% sure, but this doesn't seem super comfortable. Just a guess, really. Also, I think that Livestrong band is cutting off circulation to the hand. [Photo credit: Gletham]
