More news on the Apple Watch has surfaced recently. We are apparently 30 to 60 days from release according to Techradar, quoting Apple CEO Tim Cook.
So first off what is the Apple Watch? According to Apple it’s supposed to be a premium smartwatch, that is high cost for high value. In the tech world, particularly when it comes to mobile devices, this often comes down to many functions. The apple watch certainly delivers here it can receive messages and Facebook updates as well as act as a flashlight by setting the screen to white, summon Siri as well as play host to numerous new apps. These include but are not limited to iMessages, iHealth, iCalendar, iWeather, iMail, iPhotos and even Apple Maps for navigation, though the latter’s utility is dubious on the device’s 38mm (1.5inch) or 42mm(1.29 inch) screen. Speaking of screen sizes one of the major purposes of this device, like that of many smartphone synchronized watches, is avoiding the need to pull out one’s smartphone for many tasks. The overall increase in smartphone sizes makes this an ever more pressing problem there being a spill-over effect in terms of functionality as more and more functions are crammed into later generation smartphones. It also allows one to call other Apple watch users as well as having what is known as the “taptic” feedback, getting the user’s attention with a gentle tap in place of the more obvious vibration.
In terms of style the Apple Watch’s traditional square screen is surrounded by casing made of custom alloys of stainless steel and aluminum that, according to the company, stand up to the physical demands of daily wear. There is multitude of straps from simple leather or elastomer to the Milanese Loop with flexible magnetic stainless steel mesh and the stainless steel Link Bracelet. Of note is the fact that straps can be changed without a visit to the jeweler. The Apple Watch also comes with 11 standard watch faces with the availability of many others an a payed basis.
Battery life is estimated at about a day according to company officials, not fantastic but no worse than its competitors.
Is the up and coming Apple Watch worth getting at release day prices? Well whether a device “starting at” 349$, around 100$ more expensive than the Moto 360 which possesses many comparable base functions is up to the the individual user. One should however be aware that opening day prices include the projected value of all the pre-launch advertising campaign. Form what is seen here this product is however exiting and novel enough to warrant a first day buy if your pockets can bear it.