New Delhi, September 11 – Apple announced its first smartwatch – rather boringly called Apple Watch — on Tuesday. And while it is not radically different from the smartwatches that companies like Samsung, LG and Motorola have announced, it does seem more polished and usable than others.
But what exactly is this Apple Watch and do you need it? Read on for answers.
What is Apple Watch?
Actually, it is not a watch. The Apple Watch, like other smartwatches, is a small computer that can also show time. The device looks similar to a watch and comes in two sizes — 38mm and 42mm. And of course, you can wear it as a watch.
Oh, so it is a computer. Now tell me about its hardware:
Apple hasn’t yet provided details of the hardware that powers the watch. But we do know that almost everything that is inside the device is custom made. The device is powered by a processor that Apple calls S1. According to Apple, the S1 “integrate many subsystems into one remarkably compact module, which is then completely encapsulated in resin to protect the electronics from the elements, impact, and wear”.
While we don’t know how much RAM is there inside Apple Watch or how many cores its processor uses, the information is anyways not required. Given the fact it is a device for very specific purposes, there is no concern about it performance.
What can it do?
Like other watches, Apple Watch can pair with a compatible Apple device and then show you notifications, allow you to share messages etc with friends, act as a controller for the camera on the iPhone and show map and routes.
Basically, it does a lot of stuff that you can do on a phone. But on a smaller screen. Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, is also a part of the Apple Watch.
That doesn’t sound all that impressive. Is that all?
No. Actually the exciting bit about the Apple watch is its fitness-related functionality. Apple says, “On the back of the case, a ceramic cover with sapphire lenses protects a specially designed sensor that uses infrared and visible-light LEDs and photodiodes to detect your heart rate.
Apple Watch uses this sensor, along with an accelerometer and the GPS and Wi-Fi in your iPhone, to measure all kinds of physical movement, from simply standing up to actively working out.”
The watch then sends this data to the HealthKit app in the iPhone, where this information can be quantified and categorised for comprehensive fitness related reports.
That sounds cool. But how are we going to control the Apple Watch? Does it come with a touchscreen?
Yes, the Apple Watch has a touchscreen. But then that is nothing unique. The unique part of the Apple watch is its Digital Crown. “On mechanical watches, the crown has historically been used to set the time and date and to wind the mainspring.
We reimagined it as a versatile tool that answers the fundamental challenge of how to magnify content on a small display. Pinching to zoom, as you do on iPhone, is impractical. But rotating the Digital Crown allows you to zoom and scroll nimbly and precisely, without obstructing your view.
You can also push it like a button to return to the Home screen,” says Apple. Along with the Digital Crown, Apple also uses a screen that is pressure sensitive. This means the touchscreen reacts differently not only to multi-touch gestures but also to how hard or softly prod or tap it.
While it sounds unique, a user interface based on pressure-sensitive gestures also adds to the complexity. Should you touch the screen to play the music or prod it? Well, we will know once we use the Apple Watch.
Siri is another way to control the Apple Watch. For example, Siri would allow a user to speak certain commands to the watch. “Simply raise your wrist and say ‘Hey, Siri,’ or press and hold the Digital Crown to dictate messages, get turn-by-turn directions, or stay up to date on your events. You’ll get an instant response to your query,” explains Apple.
So lots of functionality. But what about battery life?
We don’t know about battery life. Apple was surprisingly silent about the battery life of the device though the company did say that it would charge via an inductive charging similar to how magsafe chargers charge MacBooks.
Overall, it is not bad. But why will I like to watch a mini computer on my wrist? It will look ugly.
Looks are subjective and some people may not find the Apple Watch pretty. But we believe majority will. In fact, Apple has positioned the watch as a fashion accessory. “We created Apple Watch from custom alloys of stainless steel and aluminium — each in two finishes — as well as unique formulations of 18-karat yellow and rose gold,” says Apple. At least in images, the device looks incredibly slick.
Along with the different metal enclosures, consumers will also have the option to choose from 18 different type of bands. In sum, there are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to the design and style of the Apple Watch.
Now we are talking! When can I buy this and at what price?
Apple watch will be available in 2015 at a starting price of $349.
Anything else I should know?
Yes, the Apple Watch works only with select iPhones. It works with the Phone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C and iPhone 5.
-INDIA TODAY
