Apple on Tuesday introduced the long-awaited “iWatch,” now known as Apple Watch. The device features a scratchproof sapphire screen in its regular edition, with a new “crown” dial on the side that allows users to scroll, zoom and doubles as a “home” button. The user interface is both new and familiar, with iOS overtones but arranged in a more organic way. The device has built-in storage, six different watch bands that are interchangeable, and a new “taptic” engine that offers vibration along with sound alerts.
The device has a rectangular face, but is not significantly different in style than many conventional and “smart” watches. The time is synched to a universal server for UTS time sync to within 50 milliseconds. The device saves power by only activating when it senses that it is being raised to view. Siri is included inside the watch, which requires a nearby iPhone (5 or later) to augment its abilities.
The face features a touchscreen that can measure both touch and force, noting the difference between a “tap” and a “push,” so as to be able to execute actions or bring up contextual menus based on how the face is pressed. The watch is said to be water-resistant, with a sealed chamber for the electronics and an all-new, customized processor called the S1. It uses sapphire sensors on the underside, which is also part of a Magsafe charging system.
The Apple Watch comes in three editions: the simply-titled Watch offers stainless steel or space black stainless steel cases, using a sapphire crystal and offering six different band types ranging from metal to leather. The Apple Watch Sport uses anodized aluminum cases in silver or space gray, and instead of scratch-proof sapphire it utilizes a “strengthened Ion-X glass.” Bands available for this version are plastic for durability and come in a variety of bright colors.
Finally, Apple is also offering a luxury “Edition” version, featuring 18-karat gold cases in yellow or rose with the sapphire crystal glass and what the company says are “exquisitely crafted bands and closures.” All three share the same capabilities apart from styling, it would appear.
