Apple Could Release Details About Upcoming iWatch at September 9th Event
According to a report on Re/code, Apple could be unveiling the specs for its new iWatch wristwear at the same event that it is expected to debut the iPhone 6 at next month. The September 9th event will have a lot of surprises in store for iOS and iDevice fans, and it is now apparent that some of the revelations will include information about the new wearable from Apple that is expected to compete with the slew of Android Wear devices that are surfacing on the market.
In light of the news, Wall Street responded happily and Apple's stock rose more than 1.5% to a new high of $102 per share. Although the iWatch certainly won't be the first device of its kind, it is expected to push the wearable sector into the eyes of the mainstream, and as such it may even increase business for its competitors in the Android Wear market, which have been struggling to obtain the same popularity as other types of mobile devices.
Introduction Coming Sooner than Expected
With Apple introducing its most impressive and extensive line of products yet, the end of the 2014 will likely be a very busy and profitable time for the Cupertino-based company. Originally industry analysts expected the iWatch to be introduced at a separate event in October, but it seems with so many hardware additions being introduced, Apple will have more than enough to talk about at both events in the coming back-to-back months.
Apple Incorporating Recently Introduced App Suites
Although not much has surfaced about the new iWatch, we can be certain that it will take advantage of Apple's new HealthKit app suite, which can track a user's heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs. It's also more than likely that the iWatch will come equipped with Home Kit, an app suite that lets you remotely control connected devices in your home (i.e. - door locks, light switches, thermostats, etc.). There's also the possibility that Apple could unveil a slew of new software additions to accommodate the smaller size of the iWatch.
Smartwatches vs Smartphones and Tablets – Is It a Competition?
A lot of analysts are questioning whether the whole smartwatch trend will catch on when people already have smartphones and tablets that are relatively compact and easy to carry around. Furthermore, some of the reviews for the Samsung Galaxy Gear and other Android Wear watches have been less than stellar, so its unclear whether Apple will be able to introduce a product that will motivate consumers to wear a smartwatch while also carrying a smartphone in their pocket.
The primary issue is that smartwatches don't really provide any significant advantages over a smartphone other than that they can be strapped to your wrist for easy accessibility. Other than that, the tiny screen may actually give the device visual limitations that keep its use limited to niche occasions like fitness training, hiking trips, walks in the park, and other outings.
Still, our prediction is that the iWatch will be well-received by Apple aficionados, a large percentage of which will be looking to pair the new device with the latest iPhone. We'll update you with a comprehensive review of the iWatch once all of the specs have been released.
Although the iWatch will cost more than some smartphones, reports indicate it will probably hit the market in the $400 range, which isn't as expensive as the coming iPhone 6 is excepted to be, but is still more expensive than many smartphones on the market.
