An Apple Watch release date is being planned for later this year, latest reports have suggested, despite recent claims that required technologies are still three years away from a widespread rollout.
Citing unnamed sources, Bloomberg has suggested that “Apple seeks to introduce the device as soon as this year,” suggesting that the wrist-mounted gadget will play host to a broad range of features and smartphone connected abilities.
Tipped to wirelessly sync with users’ iPhone handsets, it has been claimed that the Apple iWatch features list will see the device let users make and receive calls direct from the unit’s touchscreen display, as well as check map locations. Further Apple iWatch rumours have hinted the peripheral will also allow for message previews and calendar alerts to be read with ease.
“This can be a $6 billion opportunity for Apple, with plenty of opportunity for upside if they create something totally new like they did with the iPad – something consumers didn’t even know they needed,” Citigroup analyst Oliver Chen said.
Chen’s comments were backed up by Scott Wilson, a watch designer who recently incorporated the iPod nano in a line of watch bands.
Wilson stated: “There’s no doubt the wrist is a valuable piece of convenient, glancable real estate for viewing essential information. It’d be great to see information like, ‘Where are we meeting for lunch?’”
Despite the new claims of a potential 2013 Apple iWatch release date, recent reports have suggested that due to the inclusion of a flexible display, a feature shown in a recently revealed iWatch patent filed by Apple, the Cupertino-based company’s first wearable gadget would be a further three years from release.
“People are not accustomed to glass you roll up” Corning head James Clappin said in a recent interview. “The ability of people to take this and use it to make a product is limited.”
Despite the potential delays, analysts have predicted the Apple iWatch will be mass money spinner for the iPad mini maker.
“Apple can merge fashion with function,” NPD Group analyst Marshal Cohen said. “An Apple watch could triple the size of the watch business in a year or two. They have the opportunity to get everyone that owns a cell phone to go out and buy another watch.”
Would you be tempted by an iPhone connecting Apple iWatch or are you satisfied by your current, standard timepiece? Let us know via the TrustedReviews Twitter and Facebook feeds or through the comment boxes below.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
