Apple unveiled today, alongside their new iPhone 6 lineup, a revolutionary new watch that is aimed to change the way we use technology. Enter the Apple Watch, Apple’s first intentional wearable device since strapping an iPod to your shoulder for a mid-day jog.
The Apple Watch features an iOS-based user interface developed specifically for a smaller iDevice, and comes in three, slightly different design variants — Apple Watch, Apple Sport Watch, and Apple Watch Edition — available in two different sizes, 38 mm and 42 mm. Enclosures for each watch are designed from custom made alloys of polished or space grey stainless steel, 18-karat rose or yellow gold, and space gray or silver anodized aluminum. To go along with said enclosures, Apple created an entire collection of watch straps: the Milanese Loop in a magnetic stainless steel mesh; the elastomer Sport Band; the Leather Loop made from quilted leather that conceals magnets; the leather Modern Buckle, the leather Classic Buckle; and the stainless steel Link Bracelet.
“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.”
What new technologies is Mr. Ive speaking of? Perhaps the Digital Crown, a standard looking watch knob that isn’t so standard. The Digital Crown not only controls the basic functionality of adjusting the watches time, but also grants you the full control of your phone by using it to scroll, zoom and navigate fluidly. This allows for the user to see the entire screen without having their fingers in the way trying to pinch and flick. Along with the Digital Crown comes the custom S1 processor, as well as the flexible Retina display laminated to a single crystal of sapphire, that not only senses touch, but pressure.
I could go on and on about the Apple Watch collection, but I think I’ll let this video do the talking:
The Apple Watch is due out early 2015, so for now we must wait. But on the upside, we get to see what developers start creating for our future timepieces. Learn more about the Apple Watch collection over on Apple’s website – http://www.apple.com/watch
