The iWatch initially started out as an apparent case of tech blogs and rumour mills running out of gossip. However, hearsay has suddenly turned into genuine reports, and it seems that electronic giants Apple are infact working on the latest variant for the iFranchise.
The iWatch
The current trends suggest that technology that you can wear is set to be the next big thing. The Pebble Smartwatch is already here and Google Glasses are due to be released later this year. If Apple get their way, they will be muscling in on the scene with the iWatch. However, with Apple already assigning more than 100 people to work on the gadget, one presumes that they’ll want the device to be more than just a passing fad. The sizable team of staff includes designers, software developers and, of course, marketers.
Spec
Although the iWatch will probably lack many of the features of a primary device, the gadget could make a useful sidekick to a smartphone or a tablet. It is expected that users will be able to sync their watch to their phone so that they can quickly view messages or check who’s phoning.
Dimensions of the iWatch should mirror the 6th generation iPod nano, although it will come with a integrated wrist strap. The 6th version of the nano is priced at $149 USD, which is almost the exact price of the Pebble Smartwatch. The iWatch would probably fall into a price category somewhere around there, however, with the novelty factor that it will bring, Apple could certainly get away with selling the device at closer to the £200 mark, at least to begin with.
Where will it fit in?
Anyone who doubts the marketing prowess of Apple Inc is kidding themselves. With their irresistible advertising campaigns, Apple could sell sand to the Middle East. For evidence of this, look at the iPad, and for further evidence, look at the iPad mini. Even if there is no niche for the iWatch, Apple will create one, and anyway, consumers are coming round the notion that a new gadget doesn’t necessarily need to serve any particularly function, as long as it’s interesting enough.
Ultimately, the product could yet sell itself, as there are a few obvious areas where the iWatch could prove a hit. There are younger consumers, who don’t have the money to get a smartphone or tablet, while joggers will doubtless enjoy the fact that you don’t need pockets to carry around an iWatch and that’s before you consider the business world.
Release
There has been no indication of when the iWatch might be released – just plenty of speculation, however, the launch date could be as early as the second half of 2013, with some analysts saying that there is around a 50% chance that we will see the gadget this year. Indeed, in February, Apple CEO Tim Cook did indicate that the company was looking at “new categories” to move into.
Only time will tell whether the iWatch proves a timepiece worth having or just a waste of time, however, it is certainly something to watch out for.
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