Apple Watch
Apple officially unveiled the long-awaited Apple Watch on March 9. According to Apple's chief design officer, the company has been designing and building the device for the past three years. Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, said that Apple's goal is to "change the way you live your life."“
Apple Watch is designed to be functional and stylish, available in two sizes, 38mm and 42mm, with six different case materials and six distinct interchangeable band options, in a variety of colors. With three distinct collections, from the simple “Sport” to the high-end luxury “Edition”, Apple Watch is created to appeal to and cater to every taste.
With either an ion-strengthened or flexible sapphire display (depending on the model), all Apple Watches include an HD Retina display, sapphire-covered sensors embedded in the zirconia backing, and an NFC chip so the devices can work with Apple's mobile payments service.
The Apple Watch interface is very similar to its exterior, created with the user's desires in mind. According to Apple, an Apple Watch can have millions of different appearances. Apps are organized in a unique cluster design for quick and easy access.
As with all of its products, Apple has carefully considered how users will interact with and use the Apple Watch, which is why it developed a unique operating system (WatchOS) and distinct input methods for the device. While it allows for touch input, the Apple Watch also includes a «Digital Crown” located on the right side of the case, which allows users to zoom, scroll, and select items without covering the screen with their hand. The «Digital Crown» also serves as the home button. A second button below the «Digital Crown» allows users to display a list of contacts and then communicate with their friends by sending drawings, messages, animated emoji, and heart rate, which comes directly from the built-in sensors.
Apple Watch takes advantage of new pressure-sensing technology, «Force Touch,» and is able to distinguish between «touch» and «pressure,» enabling a range of related special controls. A unique notification system allows alerts to be delivered with gentle vibrations to the wearer’s hand.
There are many different sensors built into the Apple Watch, allowing it to measure things like how many steps you've taken, how many calories you've burned, and your heart rate. The information is relayed to two separate fitness apps, giving users a comprehensive picture of their daily activity.
The Apple Watch is designed to be a companion to the iPhone, and as such, requires a connection to the iPhone to function. The watch is not a standalone device, as it relies on the iPhone for many features, such as notifications and messages. In fact, the original Apple Watch apps are powered entirely by the iPhone to conserve battery life. The Apple Watch has a battery life of 18 hours per charge with mixed use and up to 72 hours in Power Reserve Mode, which limits functionality.
The Apple Watch will be available in the US from the end of April 2015.
Source: www.macrumors.com