Apple developing new iWatch, to launch in six months?

[Son of Gob]

The site reveals that sources in the supply chain have said that Apple is building a device using Intel chips and pioneering low-power Bluetooth technology.

The iWatch would be controlled by a 1.5" touchscreen, and Apple's Siri would allow users to control the watch using voice commands.

Rumors come after the makers of accessories for Apple already raised $10 million (£6.16 million) to make the Pebble watch, a Kickstarter project, using Apple's iPod nano.

The large total raised is said to emphasise the high demand for such a product, and has led people to question whether Apple will push to make a similar device first.



[The existing iWatchz Q Series watchband for iPod nano]

Read more: http://www.digitalspy.com/tech/news/a447800/apple-developing-new-iwatch-to-launch-in-six-months.html#ixzz2GmhgDnlX

Would you buy an iWatch?

1 vote, 0 passes | Time left: Unlimited
	Yes, I love all Apple products.
	0 (0%)
	No, I'm not an asshole.
	1 (100%)
	The penis around the wrist gag is the only watch I need.
	0 (0%)
	Other
	0 (0%)
	0 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided.
Show usernames Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll

[jmowreader]

1. This is a strange product for them...

Building a watch when people use their cell phones to tell time?

Now...what they could sell a shitload of is a real-life version of Dick Tracy's two-way wrist TV. And in our modern era, with application-specific ICs, mini cameras and small LCDs, it's doable.

[A Simple Game]

3. I don't have or expect to have a cell phone, but most do.

Who would need a watch?

[Xithras]

4. Could be a legitimate response to Project Glass.

Pretty much everybody in the technology world admits that smartphones are NOT the future of true mobile computing. Lugging a small brick computer around in your pocket is certainly a huge step forward from the days when we had to lug laptops everywhere, but it's still an intrusive device that interrupts our interactions with the "real world" whenever we need to use it. The fact that we have to stop whatever we're doing, pull it from our pocket, and focus exclusively on the device clearly shows that it still has some evolving to do before it can become a seamless part of our world.

Apple knows this, which is why it has invested so heavily in Siri. Moving towards a purely voice-based interface reduces the amount of focus we have to give the device, and allows us to interact with it without interruption. Still, however, you're stuck lugging that brick around in your pocket.

This is why the tech world flipped out when Google demonstrated Glass last year. It's arguably MORE of a disruptive technology than the smartphone itself was, and the technology comes with the promise that it will completely integrate computing into our world in a more visual way. Apple has to recognize the threat, and needs to come up with a response ("Innovate or Die" has been a Silicon Valley battle cry since the 1980's).

A watch form factor would actually be a fairly smart move. It's a form that people are already familiar with, and by integrating Siri or some Siri descendant, would permit users to take their computing into the real world without having to pull the "brick" out every time they wanted to interact with it. It's a much smaller and less intrusive device than the Glass headwear, and may be more readily accepted by users. If you're using a Glass device, everybody can see it and it's going to look a bit odd until society gets used to them. A watch can be designed to fit more closely with various styles of clothing, and can even vanish entirely if you're wearing long sleeves. I suspect that it would be highly popular if Apple can come up with a voice interface that would give it a feature set similar to the one promised by Glass (and I have no real doubt that Apple can do so).

Any of the Apple fanboys here will tell you that I'm NOT an Apple defender, but given the choice between a watch and a funky looking pair of glasses, I'll take the watch any day. Sorry Google.

[backscatter712]

8. My smartphone is effectively my 21st century pocket watch.

I should get a jeweled case for it and a little chain.

[Agschmid]

2. Really....?

I lead an iOS/Android/Symbian/HTC/WindowsPhone/Blackberry free life ...

i.e. no smart phone woot

[HappyMe]

5. Good grief!

No, I have no need for an ugly iCrap watch.

[kentauros]

6. In a world where people pull out their phones to tell time,

I still use a pocket watch. And it takes longer for me to pull it out, maneuver it in my hand properly, and open the case just to see the time. Then again, I'm in no hurry most days

[LP2K12]

7. Yes

It's not anything I need. However, if someone gifted it to me or I had the funds. Possibly.

I own a Mac, iPhone and iPod.