The concept of a smartwatch isn’t new; it traces its roots back to the 1940s with the iconic Dick Tracy’s communicator watch. However, it took several decades for technology to catch up and turn this idea into a reality. In recent years, smartwatches have become an integral part of the consumer electronics market, offering a range of features that seamlessly integrate with our smartphones. Among the major players in this market, Apple stands out with its Apple Watch, a device that not only tells time but also acts as a personal assistant, fitness tracker, and more.
A “Personal” Device
At Apple’s September 2014 keynote event, CEO Tim Cook introduced the world to the Apple Watch, alongside the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. He described it as “the most personal device we’ve ever created.” Despite the absence of the iconic “i” prefix, the Apple Watch exhibited the sleek design and user-friendly interface characteristic of Apple’s products.
The Apple Watch: A Glimpse into the Future
The Apple Watch is designed to work in harmony with an iPhone 5 or later. While it can perform some functions independently, its full potential is unlocked when paired with an iPhone. Apple has invested in hardware, software, and user interface design to ensure that the Apple Watch offers a multi-sensory interaction experience, involving sight, touch, and sound.
Beyond the Basics
The Apple Watch isn’t just a timekeeping device; it’s a multifunctional companion. It handles tasks like answering calls, sending messages, scheduling appointments, providing directions, and playing music – functions we often rely on our smartphones for. However, it goes further by facilitating contactless payments, monitoring heart rates, and even unlocking doors. The Apple Watch is not just a piece of technology; it’s also a fashion accessory, with a range of customization options.
The World of Apple Watch Designs
Apple offers a variety of designs to suit different preferences. While the core functionality remains consistent, users can choose from various sizes, colors, and materials. Additionally, a selection of watchbands, both practical and luxurious, further enhances the personalization options.
Models and Materials
There are three main models of the Apple Watch:
- Watch: Crafted from a custom stainless steel alloy, available in polished or space black, and featuring a sapphire crystal face.
- Watch Sport: Made of anodized aluminum, available in silver or space gray, with an Ion-X glass face.
- Watch Edition: Composed of 18-karat yellow or rose gold, with a sapphire crystal face.
Each model comes in two sizes, allowing users to choose the one that best fits their wrist.
Straps for Style
Apple offers a range of specially designed straps to complement each Apple Watch model:
- Sport Band: A sweat and chemical-resistant fluoroelastomer band available in various colors.
- Leather Loop: A quilted leather band fastened with magnets.
- Milanese Loop: A flexible, magnetic stainless steel mesh.
- Link Bracelet: A traditional metal link watch band.
These straps not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also add comfort and functionality.
Under the Hood: Technical Details
The Apple Watch boasts impressive technical specifications. Its form factor is a sleek metal rectangle with rounded edges, and users can choose between two sizes. Apple has employed metallurgists to create strong alloys for the watch cases, ensuring durability. The Digital Crown, a knob on the right side, serves as both an input device and navigation tool.
Retina Display and Force Touch
The touchscreen features a flexible Retina display protected by sapphire crystal (for Watch and Watch Edition) or Ion-X glass (for Watch Sport). What sets it apart is its ability to sense not only touch but also force. Apple calls this innovation “Force Touch,” allowing users to interact with the device in more nuanced ways.
Sensors and S1 SiP
The Apple Watch incorporates various sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, and a heart rate sensor on its back. The heart rate sensor utilizes photodiodes and infrared and visible-light LEDs to measure heart rate accurately. Under the hood, it’s powered by a custom chip called the S1 SiP (System in Package), a single-chip computer system. This chip is encased in resin to protect it from environmental factors.
Wireless Connectivity
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 4.0, and NFC (near field communication). It can work in conjunction with your iPhone’s GPS for location-based services and relies on the phone’s cellular or Wi-Fi connection for most of its functions. The Apple Watch can also store some music for independent playback when your iPhone isn’t nearby.
Battery Life and Charging
While specific battery life details aren’t provided by Apple, CEO Tim Cook suggested that users would likely charge their Apple Watches nightly, akin to how they charge their smartphones. The Apple Watch charges using an inductive charging unit, magnetically attached to the back of the watch.
Using the Apple Watch
The Apple Watch is designed to seamlessly integrate with your iPhone, and it’s compatible with iPhone 5 and later models running iOS 8 or later. To use it, simply raise your wrist to activate the display. The watch face appears, and you can press the Digital Crown to access the home screen, where you’ll find all your apps.
Navigating the Interface
Apps are presented as clusters of circular icons on the home screen, and you can arrange them to your liking. A clock icon at the center takes you back to the watch face. You can pan around to find apps by swiping on the touchscreen or use the crown to zoom in and out.
The Force Touch feature distinguishes between a tap and a press, allowing context-specific actions. Customizing your watch face is also possible, with options to change colors and functionality choices.
Glances and Notifications
Swipe upward to access Glances, which provides a quick overview of data from frequently used apps, such as your calendar, weather, and fitness stats. Swipe downward for the Notification Center, where the Taptic Engine gently taps your wrist to alert you to notifications, messages, or calls.
Communication and Siri
The Apple Watch allows you to answer calls, record voice messages, and dictate messages using its speaker and microphone. Siri is accessible through voice commands or by holding up the watch and saying, “Hey, Siri.”
Additional Features
- Handoff: Start an action on one device and complete it on another, seamlessly transitioning tasks.
- Digital Touch: Communicate with friends who also own Apple Watches through taps, sketches, and even sharing your heartbeat.
- Remote Control: Control music on your iPhone, Apple TV, or iTunes on your computer.
- Health and Fitness: Track your fitness and health data, such as heart rate and activity levels.
- Timer and Alarm: Use the built-in apps for timers, alarms, and stopwatches.
Beyond the Basics
The Apple Watch offers more than just core functionality. It simplifies communication with friends, streamlines task management, and enhances your interaction with digital content. With a range of apps and customization options, it’s a versatile and multifaceted device.
Exploring the World of Apple Watch Apps
The Apple Watch isn’t just a timepiece; it’s a gateway to a world of carefully crafted apps that bring convenience and functionality to your wrist. Apple has introduced WatchKit, a platform that empowers developers with the tools and APIs needed to create apps that are optimized for the watch’s smaller screen. While initially limited to actionable notifications and Glances, Apple’s roadmap includes opening the door for third-party developers to create fully native Watch apps in the future.
Familiar iPhone Apps, Redefined
Apple has already ported several familiar iPhone apps to the Apple Watch, ensuring continuity and ease of use for users. These include Calendar, Maps, Passbook, Music, Stocks, Weather, and Photos.
Navigating with Maps
The Maps app on the Apple Watch provides quick access to your current location. Users can interact with the map via the touchscreen, allowing for familiar gestures like zooming in and out using the Digital Crown. A unique feature is the ability to return to your current location by touching a small arrow icon on the lower left of the screen. Force Touch (a press on the screen) reveals additional options, such as searching for places and getting directions. The Taptic Engine delivers tactile feedback for left and right turns, enabling users to navigate without constantly checking their watch.
Passbook: Beyond Tickets and Loyalty Cards
Passbook on the Apple Watch goes beyond storing airline tickets and loyalty cards. It allows users to securely store their payment methods and make payments at stores equipped with touch payment capabilities. Activating this feature is as simple as double-pressing the button beneath the crown and holding the watch up to the retailer’s payment reader. Notably, the Apple Watch doesn’t transmit or store actual credit card numbers; it employs device account numbers for enhanced security.
Photos: A Personalized Gallery
The Photos app on the Apple Watch displays your favorite photos as tiny, contiguous thumbnails on the watch screen. Users can zoom in using the Digital Crown, pan via touchscreen interactions, tap to zoom in further, and swipe through individual pictures. Any photos marked as “Favorites” on your iPhone or Mac automatically appear on your Apple Watch, offering a personalized gallery experience.
Health and Fitness: Activity and Workout
Apple has placed a significant focus on health and fitness with the Apple Watch, introducing two dedicated apps: Activity and Workout.
Activity: Your Daily Fitness Companion
The Activity app actively monitors your daily activity using a combination of sensors, including the accelerometer, gyroscope, and heart rate sensor. It also leverages your iPhone’s GPS and Wi-Fi to track your movement. The app presents your activity data in a glanceable graphic format consisting of concentric rings labeled “Move,” “Exercise,” and “Stand.” The “Move” ring tracks calories burned, “Exercise” monitors minutes of physical activity equivalent to brisk walking or more, and “Stand” counts the number of times you’ve stood up from a seated position. The rings dynamically fill as you progress throughout the day, motivating you to reach your goals. The app also suggests new objectives and reminds you to stand if you’ve been sitting for extended periods.
Workout: Tailored Exercise Sessions
The Workout app allows users to choose from a list of exercises, primarily cardio workouts such as running, walking, or cycling. You can set time, distance, or calorie goals for your chosen activity and monitor your progress during the workout. The app provides timely reminders during the exercise, like reaching the halfway point, and rewards achievements with badges.
The Activity app works in tandem with the Fitness app on your iPhone to provide a comprehensive view of your activity and workout history. Furthermore, users can share their activity data with third-party health and fitness apps via the iPhone Health app. This integration positions the Apple Watch as a compelling, albeit premium, alternative to simpler fitness bands like Fitbit and Nike Fuelband.
The Future of Third-Party Apps
While Apple has set the stage with its native apps, third-party developers are already hard at work, creating innovative applications for the Apple Watch. These apps promise to expand the watch’s capabilities and make it an even more integral part of users’ lives.
Social Media and Communication
- Twitter: Stay connected by viewing and posting tweets directly from your wrist.
- American Airlines: Streamline your travel experience with check-ins and luggage collection.
- City Mapper: Receive directions for local mass transit and timely reminders of your stops.
- Pinterest: Get notified when you’re near pinned locations and receive directions.
- BMW: Locate your parked car and check your car’s charge level.
- MLB: Stay up to date with sports scores.
- Honeywell: Control your home thermostat remotely via your Apple Watch.
- Lutron: Manage lighting and scenes in your home.
- Nike: Challenge your friends to running competitions.
- Starwood Hotels: Enjoy the convenience of checking in and unlocking your room with your Apple Watch, eliminating the need for a traditional keycard.
These are just a few examples, with many more third-party apps currently in development, promising to bring new experiences and convenience to Apple Watch users.
In summary, the Apple Watch isn’t just a stylish timepiece but a versatile device that extends your iPhone’s capabilities to your wrist. With native apps, fitness tracking, and a growing ecosystem of third-party apps, it’s poised to become an integral part of your daily life. Whether you’re navigating a city, staying connected, or tracking your fitness goals, the Apple Watch is designed to make your life simpler and more enjoyable.