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Apple Making a Smartwatch? The iWatch Rumor Roundup

By - Source: Tom's Hardware US | B 9 comments

Will Apple's next big thing be on your wrist?

Rumors of Apple's plans for a smartwatch have been doing the rounds for over a year at least. The company has never confirmed the existence or development of this so-called iWatch (the above is a render). However, since Apple isn't in the business of confirming any rumors regarding upcoming products, the rumor mill has chugged along regardless of this fact. Since early 2013, we've been hearing about everything from iWatch patents to displays. We've rounded up all the rumors below and will be updating this article periodically. Read on for everything there is to know about Apple's much talked about iWatch.

Display

One of the most important aspects of wearable tech is that it be fashionable. By nature, a smartwatch needs to have a big enough screen to display the time (obviously) but also a limited amount of text or (at the very least) clear notifications. Apple's iWatch is rumored to have a flexible or curved display, similar to the Galaxy Gear Fit from Samsung. An Apple patent filed in August of 2011 emerged last February and talked about slap bracelet-style accessories with flexible displays. The screen would display information in real time and the slap bracelet approach would allow the wearer to place it in a wider variety of places (such as the wrist, arm, or ankle).

Software

Of course, it wouldn't be an Apple-branded mobile device without a splash of iOS, and rumors from 2012 suggest that the iWatch will indeed run Apple's mobile operating system. While it's hard to imagine a full version of iOS running on a smartwatch, it doesn't sound like the device will run Apple's iPod software either. Instead, it's possible we'll see a modified version of iOS designed specifically for companion devices, much like Apple has done with CarPlay.

Functionality

Right now, it looks like Apple will be pitching this as a fitness tool and companion device. The device will likely incorporate the same pedometer and exercise monitoring functionality as the current generation iPod nano. We're also assuming it's going to somehow connect to your iPhone. Now, between your phone, your iPod and your watch, you might be thinking that exercising is looking extremely heavy on gadgets at this point. However, it looks like Apple is going to cram as much functionality into the watch so you don't necessarily need to bring all three. The most recent rumors suggest that this device is going to count steps, and incorporate data and image processors as well as light, proximity, temperature, and biometric sensors. Patent filings also point to data and image processors, a camera, support for playing audio files, facial recognition, voice control and authentication, and telephony. We're hoping there's also a battery in there, too.

Name

This is a tough one, considering we don't have anything official just yet. iWatch is the most prevalent name we've seen throughout these months of rumors and it seems like a pretty obvious choice given the nature of the product. However, cast your mind back to the dark days of 2009 and the endless Apple tablet rumors and you'll remember that no one thought Apple would name it's rumored tablet the 'iPad.' The months leading up to the unveiling were filled with talk of 'the Apple tablet,' 'the iSlate,' and the 'the iTablet.' When the iPad name emerged, there was uproar. "It sounds like a feminine hygiene product!" was chief among the complaints (believe it or not). So, while iWatch might be the most obvious name, Apple doesn't always go for obvious.

Follow Jane McEntegart @JaneMcEntegart. Follow us @tomshardware, on Facebook and on Google+.

Discuss
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  • 5 Hide
    rwinches , March 16, 2014 11:57 PM
    I can picture it all now...

    My smartwatch gives a notification so I immediately snap my arm up to read the life-changing info that will surely soon be revealed.

    In doing so however, my elbow smacks into my girlfriends face resulting a black eye, at least, or a broken nose, but none the less the result is life-changing.
  • 6 Hide
    natoco , March 17, 2014 12:40 AM
    The minute a watch does anything other than tell the time, it needs to be recharged a lot more often, making it more annoying than useful.
  • 6 Hide
    jerm1027 , March 17, 2014 2:54 AM
    I'm sure the iWatch will be the NSA's favorite watch.
  • Display all 9 comments.
  • 0 Hide
    nezzymighty , March 17, 2014 6:21 AM
    I can see myself purchasing this type of product in the future (whether apple or android or both)... I foresee many benefits for the sport/training communities with all the apps that measure the abilities/faculties of the athlete/trainee... On a comical note: Anyone out there grow up to the show "johnny sokko and his flying robot" .... with SIRI activated on this item, we're one step closer....
  • 0 Hide
    ubercake , March 17, 2014 6:23 AM
    Of all the smart watches, this will be the one that sells. Apple products are still viewed as elite, so if they can come up with various designs / colors / bling, they're going to sell.

    People will feel part of an exclusive club wearing these things and showing others they can drop their $300-$400 wads on something as frivolous as a watch that slaves to their phone.

    Apple marketing is the best in the world. If they bring these to market, they will sell. If Apple doesn't bring these to market, it's because they've determined the idea of a smart watch won't be a big seller.
  • 0 Hide
    sunflier , March 17, 2014 6:24 AM
    Let’s see, I could hold an iphone in my left hand, an ipad in the right, iglasses (probably secretly in R&D) and now an iwatch for my wrist. I think I would much prefer one court appointed ankle bracelet.
  • 0 Hide
    qlum , March 17, 2014 11:18 AM
    Maybe apple is waiting this one out a bit, from what I know tech is not even there yet for a good smart watch as you'd either be running the low framerate of e-ink, or you end up with a device that can't display the time all the time because of power usage, I think as long as this problem remains and a smartwatch can't excel at its main function which will be displaying info I think it will never break through bigtime.
  • 0 Hide
    NinjaNerd56 , March 17, 2014 12:56 PM
    Quote:
    Of all the smart watches, this will be the one that sells. Apple products are still viewed as elite, so if they can come up with various designs / colors / bling, they're going to sell. People will feel part of an exclusive club wearing these things and showing others they can drop their $300-$400 wads on something as frivolous as a watch that slaves to their phone.Apple marketing is the best in the world. If they bring these to market, they will sell. If Apple doesn't bring these to market, it's because they've determined the idea of a smart watch won't be a big seller.
    Indeed...they never create the category, just produce an initially better, prettier, and profitable mousetrap.The first picture in the article "looks" like my concept of an iWatch. If they release a Nano-with-a-band, no matter the specs, it's a fail. I can spot an Apple product easily...that's what they want, always. Any iWatch will have that instant recognition or be counter to everything they've ever done.As for owning one....hard to say. I've worn watches off and on for almost 60 years. Quite honestly, I have NOT worn one since I got a cell phone with a clock on it. I have a slew of iDevices, including a 5S. ANY watch device would have to be compelling and a crapload better looking than anything to date.If it adds /enhances every day stuff, it might be worth a look. For instance, if the watch would link to Maps, etc. on the phone and vibrate when I was navigating on foot to keep me on course. I wouldn't have have to hold and look at the phone. Might be useful on vacation to look less like a tourist and SEE Paris instead of a moving icon on a phone.If said iWatch isn't somewhat amazing, it's a pass for me, at any price.
  • 0 Hide
    istudent16 , March 18, 2014 4:47 PM
    Perhaps as odd as it sounds, after reading this article I speculate that since Apple is one of the most innovative companies that I know of, it probably won't go with the name 'iWatch'. My best guess for this is actually 'iTime', because although it's simple, which is something that Apple seems to like, it also sounds professional, unlike a name such as 'iTick'.