Apple announces smartwatch with heart rate sensors

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Sep 10, 2014: As rumoured, Apple on Tuesday announced a smartwatch powered by the company’s iOS operating system. The watch, which has a square screen topped with curved sapphire glass, will allow users to access a number of applications like maps on their wrist.

Apple said that its watch would allow users to "communicate in new ways right from their wrists by sending and receiving messages, answering calls to your iPhone, and with Digital Touch, sending something as personal as your own heartbeat". It said that Apple Watch also has health and fitness apps that would help people lead healthier lives.

Apple Watch will be available in three distinct collections -- Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition. It will be available in two sizes -- 38mm and 42mm.

The watch will only work with select Apple devices. Apple Watch is compatible with iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus running the latest version of iOS 8, Apple said. It will be available for a starting price of $349 from early 2015. 

"Apple introduced the world to several category-defining products, the Mac, iPod, iPhone and iPad," said Apple CEO Tim Cook. "And once again Apple is poised to captivate the world with a revolutionary product that can enrich people’s lives. It’s the most personal product we’ve ever made."

While in many aspects, Apple smartwatch looks similar to the smartwatches announced by companies like Samsung and Asus, the one unique feature of the Apple device is the digital crown, which can be used to zoom in and out on the screen. The digital crown also serves as the Home button and a convenient way to access Siri,  said Apple.

Apple said that its smartwatch uses a touchscreen, which is also pressure sensitive. This means the watch will not only be controlled through touch but some functionality will also be accessed by how hard you press the screen.

"With Apple Watch, we’ve developed multiple technologies and an entirely new user interface specifically for a device that’s designed to be worn. It blurs the boundary between physical object and user interface," said Jony Ive, Apple’s senior vice president of design. "We’ve created an entire range of products that enable unparalleled personalization."

Apple Watch introduces a revolutionary design and iOS-based user interface created specifically for a smaller device. Apple Watch features the Digital Crown, an innovative way to scroll, zoom and navigate fluidly, without obstructing the display.

Apple said that the watch enclosures are crafted from custom alloys of polished or space black stainless steel, space gray or silver anodized aluminum and 18-carat rose or yellow gold. Apple has also created an entire range of watch straps: the high-performance elastomer sport band; the Milanese loop in a flexible magnetic stainless steel mesh; the leather loop in soft, quilted leather that conceals magnets for quick fastening and adjustment; the leather modern buckle, which closes with a solid metal clasp; the leather classic buckle; and the stainless steel link bracelet. The device comes with a unique charging system that combines Apple’s MagSafe technology with inductive charging.

Apple Watch includes an Activity app designed to help motivate users to be more active throughout the day, and an all-new Workout app designed to provide the metrics they need during dedicated workout sessions. The device uses the accelerometer, a built-in heart rate sensor, GPS and Wi-Fi from the iPhone to provide a comprehensive picture of the daily activity.

 

Courtesy: Indiatoday