News - Apple testing smartwatches - the iWatch

[Blademrk]

I think this is down to the changing the last version of the ipod nano from a small touch screen square to a larger rectangle. It's surprising how many people already use it (myself included) as a wristwatch (I use an Aluminium Lunatik case).

The upgrades it could do with are:
a bluetooth link to iphone/headphones (would have been nice as a secondary display, my old SE/Fossil watch did that with my SE phone),
a small speaker (currently, alarms will only work if you have a speaker/headphones plugged in),
the ability to use Apps (the OS on the Nano only looks like iOS, you can't actually add any apps* from the iTunes store).

edit: *I'm not saying all apps from the itunes store should work with it, but apps designed specifically for the nano (with the small resolution in mind, I'm sure there are some fairly nifty ideas out there for the making)

[watercooled]

It wouldn't just be a case of allowing iOS apps though, firstly the screen is relatively tiny so a lot of/most apps would either not run at all, or be essentially unusable. Second, the processing capability of the Nano is nowhere near that of the iPod touch/iPhone, and the tiny battery kind of necessitates that anyway.

A second-screen type device might be workable, with apps using a specially crafted UI to use on the watch. I don't fancy trying to type anything on that screen, but maybe they're hoping voice commands will be more usable by then?

[ionicle]

this could be magnificent....if done right
imagine coming home, its dark, you press the button on your watch "turn the lights on siri"
http://store.apple.com/uk/product/HA779B/A/philips-hue-connected-bulb-starter-pack?fnode=39
tada
then maybe "i want to listen to "insert song name here" and it would start playing on airplay from your mac, through the apple tv, mac speakers, and hifi connected to an airport express

there are loads of possibilities, aslong as siri is upgraded along with it

"siri, has 'insert name here' emailed me back yet?"
at which point, siri can say yes, or no, and even read the email out, you can dictate one back

"siri, have i had any more texts from 'whoever'"
siri will tell you and read them out, you can dictate answers...

there are loads of possibilities if done right

could even do "siri, i will be home in 15 minutes, turn the heating on"
and if you have an app controled boiler, and a 3g enabled watch (or bluetooth and 3g through iphone) it will do it

this is heading in a star trek direction now....excelent!

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

this could be magnificent....if done right
imagine coming home, its dark, you press the button on your watch "turn the lights on siri"
http://store.apple.com/uk/product/HA...-pack?fnode=39
tada
then maybe "i want to listen to "insert song name here" and it would start playing on airplay from your mac, through the apple tv, mac speakers, and hifi connected to an airport express

there are loads of possibilities, aslong as siri is upgraded along with it

"siri, has 'insert name here' emailed me back yet?"
at which point, siri can say yes, or no, and even read the email out, you can dictate one back

"siri, have i had any more texts from 'whoever'"
siri will tell you and read them out, you can dictate answers...

there are loads of possibilities if done right

could even do "siri, i will be home in 15 minutes, turn the heating on"
and if you have an app controled boiler, and a 3g enabled watch (or bluetooth and 3g through iphone) it will do it

this is heading in a star trek direction now....excelent!

So you need to wear a watch 24/7 in your home?? Whats the point?? Have the voice activated sensor as part of your home. Have a cross platform application which can run on any modern smart phone which can phone home,etc.

Moreover,voice activated controls have been around for years,so I don't see the point of it being connected to one companies devices only,as it means it limits your choices of connected equipment eventually.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

It wouldn't just be a case of allowing iOS apps though, firstly the screen is relatively tiny so a lot of/most apps would either not run at all, or be essentially unusable. Second, the processing capability of the Nano is nowhere near that of the iPod touch/iPhone, and the tiny battery kind of necessitates that anyway.

A second-screen type device might be workable, with apps using a specially crafted UI to use on the watch. I don't fancy trying to type anything on that screen, but maybe they're hoping voice commands will be more usable by then?

The problem with alot of "smart" watches is the useless battery life compared to a standard watch and the limited lifespan of the batteries. Most people use their phone now to tell the time. Watches are usually bought as timepieces first by most people,only geeks/nerds, want a computer in everything.

Most people have a smartphone anyway,so it negates the need for two sets of similar devices. Why bother with a watch when you can use your phone??

The smartphone has already replaced the "dumb" phone,PDA,MP3 player,snapshot camera,navigation system,portable games console and watch for most people. Why?? Because,it is convenient and people only need to worry about one device to carry and maintain.

Maybe when daylight readable holographic displays and flexible ones become reality,then perhaps you might see a merging of the phone/watch,but until then it seems more for people who like tech toys and hipsters.

Analogue watches and those which are solar/movement powered are popular for a reason. Watches are very convenient devices to use,as they require very little maintenance,and most can withstand rough usage easily.

You get a £200 automatic or solar watch and it will last you years without a battery change,or you need no battery. Buy your £200 "smart" watch and see how long it lasts and how durable it would be. Forget to charge it and it fails in its primary task,ie, telling the time.

I can even imagine certain work environments where the electronics of a "smart" watch might be an issue too,especially the radio.

[genkifd]

siri will be such a failure - its already isnt very good on the current iphone why would it be any better on a watch with a tiny screen. Sorry this is another for the ISheeps.

[Sohaib.27]

I hope its water proof! Although I worn't buy until my current watch bought last year becomes worn out.

[OilSheikh]

Knew I had seen this 'iwatch' somewhere already. Quick Nokia, file it as a patent and sue Apple!

Btw, there was another version of this video where it wasn't cartoonic but used real humans and CGI .. anyone got link to that video ?

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

[TooNice]

I'd argue that Sony's probably got a better track record for this kind of consumer electronics, and how many people do you see with one of their current Smart Watches?

I'd argue that Apple has, in recent years, been successful at taking something with niche appeal into to a wider market.

One thing I'll note is that tablets used to be a pretty niche products, and there were plenty of naysayers when Apple first announced the device. And though *I* still haven't been able to justify one at any price (don't see where *I* would use one), I'd say that they (tablets, be it iOS/Android) have gained wider acceptance since.

My phone works tells me the time just fine, and I haven't worn a watch for a long time. The last time I had doubled as a heart rate monitor, and if I was to get another watch, I'd want that feature more than anything else. But who knows, the mass market ends up snatching them up.

I am going to laugh if any of those going "iSheep, iSheep" criticise the idea, only to get the Samsung alternative

[watercooled]

Just noticed this: http://www.androidauthority.com/andr...twatch-156967/

[Smudger]

All this feels a bit Michael Knight...



See?

[crossy]

I'd argue that Apple has, in recent years, been successful at taking something with niche appeal into to a wider market.

Agreed, Apple's marketing machine is to be feared and admired in equal measure.

One thing I'll note is that tablets used to be a pretty niche products, and there were plenty of naysayers when Apple first announced the device. And though *I* still haven't been able to justify one at any price (don't see where *I* would use one), I'd say that they (tablets, be it iOS/Android) have gained wider acceptance since.

Where Apple got it right, and others such as HP who had tablets out long before Apple did got it wrong, i'd suggest was in their choice of OS. All the tablets before seem to try an shoehorn a desktop OS onto a mobile device. Apple's genius (which is why they still have a commanding lead) was to realise that a tablet is really just a big smartphone (not a small laptop) and design accordingly. Although there's also an aspect of serendipity - I'd argue - in that they also picked the time when high capacity batteries and very power frugal processors were around to make their move.

I'll gladly give them kudos for "doing it right", what I won't grant is that (a) they invented the tablet computer, or (b) they necessarily have the best product on the market. Both of these mark me as a base heretic in the eyes of the fanboys, but I don't care!

My phone works tells me the time just fine, and I haven't worn a watch for a long time. The last time I had doubled as a heart rate monitor, and if I was to get another watch, I'd want that feature more than anything else. But who knows, the mass market ends up snatching them up. I am going to laugh if any of those going "iSheep, iSheep" criticise the idea, only to get the Samsung alternative

Hmm, unless someone comes up with something a whole lot better than has been suggested so far then I'll opine that "smart watches" will be like current 3D TV's - a curiosity adopted by a few, but not a mainstream product.

If they want my feedback, what I'd like to see is a chunkier device that includes the heart rate monitor, and a headphone socket with a good chunk of memory (say 4-8GB). Then in addition to using your smart watch as a phone add on, you could "detach" it and use it in the gym etc to replace iPod Shuffles/Nano's etc. To that end Nike+ (or similar) might also be a nice feature.

This is based on my experiences so far with my current (and likely to be only) smart watch - one of the Sony devices.

[Funkstar]

All this feels a bit Michael Knight...

See?

I prefer to think of them harking back to Dick Tracy

[watercooled]

If they want my feedback, what I'd like to see is a chunkier device that includes the heart rate monitor, and a headphone socket with a good chunk of memory (say 4-8GB). Then in addition to using your smart watch as a phone add on, you could "detach" it and use it in the gym etc to replace iPod Shuffles/Nano's etc. To that end Nike+ (or similar) might also be a nice feature.

Personally, I don't get the deal with having the thinnest/lightest possible device with shiny fragile parts. A lot of people, myself included, add a case of some sort which can more than double thickness. I'd quite like a phone with a much larger battery, more rugged design and better thermal management, possibly type III anodised aluminium construction with the SoC thermally coupled to the body - it's plenty light enough, very tough and conducts heat nicely. Too much to ask?

Edit: Yeah I'm a fair bit off topic here, just wanted to have that rant though.