iWatch – Apple’s next break through product?
According to a report from The New York Times, Apple is working on a smart watch that runs on Apple’s iOS platform and utilizes curved glass. The blogger Nick Bilton claims that the information is from people familiar with the company’s explorations, but didn’t want to name the source of the information.
In its headquarters in Cupertino, Calif., Apple is experimenting with wristwatch-like devices made of curved glass, according to people familiar with the company’s explorations, who spoke on the condition that they not be named because they are not allowed to publicly discuss unreleased products. Such a watch would operate Apple’s iOS platform, two people said, and stand apart from competitors based on the company’s understanding of how such glass can curve around the human body.
iWatch Concept Photos
The Wall Street Journal has also reported that Apple is indeed working on such a device and claims the company has discussed the iWatch with its major manufacturing partner Hon Hai Precision Industry Co.
Apple Inc. is experimenting with designs for a watch-like device that would perform some functions of a smartphone, according to people briefed on the effort. The company has discussed such a device with its major manufacturing partner Hon Hai Precision Industry Co.
Foxconn, as Hon Hai is known, has been working on a spate of technologies that could be used in wearable devices, one of these people said. In particular, the Taiwan-based company has been working to address the challenges of making displays more battery-efficient and working with chip manufacturers to strip down their products. The technologies are aimed at multiple Foxconn customers, this person said.
Both of the articles come only one day after Bruce Tognazzini, a former Apple employee and founder of Apple’s Human Interface Group, published that he believes Apple is working on an iWatch.
Tognazzini speculates that the watch will be an accessory for the iPhone versus trying to replace it. Some of possible features could be eliminating the need for an iPhone passcode, notifications when you leave your iPhone behind, Siri and much more.
The iWatch will fill a gaping hole in the Apple ecosystem. It will facilitate and coordinate not only the activities of all the other computers and devices we use, but a wide array of devices to come. Like other breakthrough Apple products, its value will be underestimated at launch, then grow to have a profound impact on our lives and Apple’s fortunes.
The article makes many interesting points and is definitely worth reading.
Of course, this is not the only possible break through product Apple may be developing. The company is also rumored to be working a television set that could go on sale as soon as late this year. The advantage of the iWatch is that Apple will not have to negotiate with media companies for content.
Apple’s stock has taken a beating over the last few months and many are wondering if Apple is still the innovative company it was under Steve Jobs. Apple is in need of another break through product with Tim Cook at the helm. If Apple reinvents another device it will likely happen with an iWatch or iTV.
Originally posted 2013-02-10 23:31:36.