Apple's 2.5-inch iWatch 'starting production in July'

[Hamartia Antidote]

Apple's 2.5-inch iWatch will begin production in July ahead of an October commercial launch, numerous sources have revealed.

The Californian company's much-rumoured first smartwatch, dubbed the iWatch by fans, will sport a 2.5-inch arched rectangular display supplied by LG, sources told Reuters.

The screen will contain a sensor that monitors the user's pulse, and the device will need to be paired with an iPhone in order to send messages and voice chat with others, they added.

The iOS-compatible-only smartwatch is currently in trial production at Taiwanese manufacturer Quanta ahead of mass production starting next month and a potential October launch date, it has been alleged.

While Quanta is allegedly the main manufacturer, Singaporean sensor maker Heptagon is also said to appear on a list of suppliers

The presence of health-monitoring sensors in the wearable device could suggest integration with the newly-announced iOS 8 HealthKit.

Apple has never commented on the development of the speculated iWatch, but CEO Tim Cook had previously promised "new product categories" within 2014.

The smartwatch is currently gaining traction as a lifestyle and well-being gadget due to its ability to collect data about the user's heart rate and other health-related metrics, in addition to facilitating tasks like checking e-mail and making phone calls.

Rivals Samsung and Google have both created smartwatches, following the release of Samsung's Galaxy Gear watch and Google's Android collaboration with Motorola, HTC and Samsung is due for release later this year.

If true, the announcement of an iWatch would mark Apple's first newly-created product since the introduction of the iPad in 2010.

Many are hoping that Apple's entry into the field of so-called smart wearables will be a game-changer that transforms the industry like the company's iPhone did in 2007, and have suspected that Apple's recent involvement in tough sapphire displays will play a part too.

Apple, Quanta, LG Display and Heptagon all declined to comment.

Apple's 2.5-inch iWatch 'starting production in July' - Telegraph

 

[khanboy007]

Awesome ill be looking forward to it....


i knew this was to come as they had lately purchased a small LCD/LED screen manufacturing firm

Apple Just Bought A Tiny Display Company. That Could Mean Big Things - Forbes

 

[T90TankGuy]

While i bought almost ever apple device after the iphone 4 . this one i am going to skip.

 

[senheiser]

useless expensive junk for sure, dont buy apple i used to own an ipod touch the thing broke right at the first day after falling from my table, the motion function to switch the screen by switching it from vertical to horizontal was gone.
400€ wasting for useless junk going into american company paying US government taxes to finance their wars.
Just buy cheaper asian alternative who have better quality anyways.

And since when are nerd watches in again? just typical american propaganda deciding whats in again

so this is what the ladies will like if you come to them according to Apple?

vs what worked since 100 of years

dont be a consumer whore and fall for their gimmick

 

[GDan]

vs what worked since 100 of years

I'd definitely take that $30,000 Audemars Piguet over an iWatch any day. Well, I suppose I'd prefer a Blancpain Villeret
for that kind of money, but still. Nothing beats a quality timepiece.

 

[Chinese-Dragon]

More useless consumer goods, for the consumption obsessed world economy!

Though I guess it's better to have too much stuff, rather than not enough.

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

it used to be "keys, wallet, watch..." was the standard mental checklist as you were running out the door.
Now it is "keys, wallet, phone...".

There is no question that relying on a watch (as a timepiece) is in decline as cell phones (which keep perfect time BTW) are making them redundant. Just look around and see how many people still have watches on their wrists.

Of course as a jewelry piece watches will always be marketable.

People's attitudes change rapidly. Computers were for "geeks" not long ago.
Now everybody wants a smart phone in their pocket.

As for the iWatch...well it will be interesting to see how they will try and market something which is seen as jewelry and would be extremely hard to satisfy all personal tastes.

The only way I can see them pulling this off is to have the face/display of the iWatch recreate the face of your personal favorite wristwatch (or better yet allow you to design your own) and allow you to pick your own wristband. People end up custom designing their own jewelry.