Apple has taken the covers off of one of its most anticipated developments – the Apple Watch. The technological giant showcased the device at a press event on Monday, where it also introduced a new Macbook, christened simply as Macbook, and a new medical software application called HealthKit.
Apple is digging deep into its arsenal to compete in a highly competitive domain, where the likes of Sony, Samsung, Google and the crowd-funded Pebble already have a considerable head start. The company’s domination over the technological market and almost contagious popularity should however see it stand shoulder to shoulder with the established devices.
But with the option of pre-ordering beginning on the 10th of April, what does the Apple Watch have to offer that distinguishes itself from the current pool of smartwatches?
Starting at a head-turning price of $350 and ending at an unbelievable $17000, with a selection of three models and a dozen bands at various prices in between, Apple is clearly leaving customers spoilt for choice. Additionally, all watches come in two sizes, 38 mm and 42mm, with the latter being $50 more expensive. This is the first factor that separates the Apple Watch from the rest.
The first and most affordable of these three is the ‘Apple Sport Watch’, which comes with a matte finish that is similar to the iPhone 6. It’s certainly stylish, but lacks the finesse of the upper-range models. The $350 dollar model has only the option of a fluoroelastomoter plastic band, or rubber, in 5 different colours. One can overcome this by swapping it with another band, bought separately. The idea of interchangeable bands was a smart move by Apple.
The mid-range models, called the ‘Apple Watch’, offers all that the Sport Watch does, but with an added sapphire crystal protective layer that offers better scratch resistance and appealing leather and stainless steel straps.
The cream of the crop is the ‘Apple Watch Edition’, with the not so modest minimum price of $10000, which is probably explained by the fact that it comes in either rose or yellow 18 karat gold.
Features
The most notable attraction of the device is its deep and many-sided coupling with the Apple iPhone. While the Pebble smartwatch does offer integration with the iOS, it does so on a comparatively primitive scale. Users will consequently find themselves experiencing a far more versatile and productive product. But herein lies the double-edged sword: the device absolutely requires an iPhone in order to make use of its full potential. Furthermore, the watch is only compatible with the iPhone 5 and above. This will no doubt influence sales.
Apple seems to be placing much emphasis on health and fitness, with new sensors installed on the watch that measure and calculates basic physiological functions and activity, and duly informs the wearer of the need for some exercise or rest. Some of these features include calculating how many calories the user has burned, how much distance has been covered and how many times he or she has stood up and sat down. This and more is fed into the software, and a report is presented to the user at the end of the day. With the revealing of HealthKit, Apple is evidently attempting to gain a foothold in medical research.
The watch also allows you to attend calls and receive messages, a feature that was enthusiastically exhibited at the event. A built in speak and microphone offers full communication functionality. The wearer simply needs to bring the wrist down to dismiss the call. Not surprisingly, the watch integrates complete with social media.
The ‘Digital Crown’ is a unique hardware feature that the device possesses which performs functions of navigation, such as scrolling and zooming.
The battery life of any smart device is a major concern for the buyer, and the Apple Watch is no different. Apple claims to have addressed this and states that, depending on use, the watch can offer survive uncharged for up to 18 hours – which should see you through an entire day at work or out.
Can Apple win?
This is the question on everybody’s mind. Apple is taking on a number of reputed companies that are already present in the market. By the looks of it, it certainly can. Apple offers far more possibility in the way of applications and software, with Siri and Apple Pay integrated into the device. Unlike other devices, the Apple Watch will also display news headlines. Apple’s eye for the little things is seen here too, with the device having the ability to unlock doors.
The Apple Watch will hit stores on the 24th of April in nine countries including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, China and Japan. When the rest of the world will have the privilege is yet unknown, but the rollout is expected later in the year.
Regardless of the success of the device, one thing is certain. Apple’s appearance into the market signals a new kind of technological advancement.
