Smartwatch

Apple said to be working with Swatch and others to produce multiple iWatch devices

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

VentureBeat is out with a new report this afternoon, claiming it has learned that Apple has partnered with Swatch to produce an entire line of 'iWatch' devices. Apparently these devices are going to come in multiple styles, and at a variety of price points.

Citing sources familiar with the project, the outlet says that while the current consensus is that Apple is building one or two iWatches by itself, the firm may actually be preparing a variety of smartwatches with several partners from the watch industry...

Apple poaches TAG Heuer exec for iWatch marketing role

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 2, 2017

Apple has made another high-profile hire related to iWatch as CNBC reports that the company has successfully poached sales director of luxury Swiss watch maker TAG Heuer Patrick Pruniaux, who has now joined the iPhone maker's teams in California to help sell the iWatch and position the device as a must-have gadget in the minds of the consumers.

Several sources already suspected that the iWatch could actually be a high-end luxury watch augmented by smart functions. Also keep in mind that earlier reports said Apple had approached the world’s top watchsmiths in an attempt to poach their talent for its iWatch team.

That being said, this hire certainly makes sense because Apple is going to need experienced marketeers from the watch industry if it's to position the rumored device as a luxury good...

Microsoft reportedly building iOS-compatible fitness band

Cody Lee ∙ July 2, 2014

Like Apple and several others, Microsoft is said to be working on a smartwatch that it plans to introduce later this year. There have been multiple reports on the project, including one from Forbes in May that described the wearable as a Samsung Gear Fit-like fitness band.

Tonight, Windows blogger Paul Thurott offered up some new details on Microsoft's wearable ambitions, reaffirming that the device will indeed be a wristband with a focus on sensors and fitness. He also notes that the gadget will be compatible with both Android and iOS...

Motorola shows off Android Wear on Moto 360

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

Among the flurry of announcements yesterday, Android Wear files as the most exciting and talked-about aspect of the Google I/O 2014 keynote.

To help jumpstart Google's platform for wearables, both LG’s G Watch and Samsung’s new Gear Live started selling through Google's Play store yesterday.

Google also said that Motorola’s Moto 360, announced back in March, will launch later this summer with Android Wear. Motorola has now posted a nice video for those who couldn't attend Google's two-day conference for developers.

It gives a sneak peek at some of the cool features of Android Wear running on premium hardware so give it a quick watch (pun intended) and share your impressions with fellow readers down in the comments...

iWatch to launch in October with wireless charging, pulse sensor and more

Cody Lee ∙ June 19, 2014

Reuters is out with a new report this afternoon regarding the iWatch. Citing sources familiar with the project, the outlet says that Apple's long-rumored smartwatch is set to go into mass production next month at Taiwan's Quanta Computer Inc, ahead of a likely October launch.

The report also offers up some details about the so-called iWatch—most of which we've heard rumored before—including that the device will feature a 2.5-inch display and wireless charging capabilities, and will have a built-in sensor that'll be capable of monitoring a user's pulse...

New Pebble firmware enables music volume control, Launcher item ordering and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 5, 2014

Pebble released a new firmware for its smartwatch line that enables two new features dealing with the App Menu and music playback controls, alongside a few other minor improvements.

The new 2.2 firmware finally enables the volume control for music playback, something the company first demoed in the Pebble Music app months ago.

In addition to music controls, the software makes it easy to rearrange the items in the Launcher Menu.

The refreshed firmware is available through Pebble's companion iPhone app, available free in the App Store and updated to the latest version last week...

Forbes details Microsoft’s rumored iOS-compatible smartwatch

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

After taking on both Apple's iPad tablet and the ultra-portable MacBook Air notebook with the recently announced Surface Pro 3, the Windows giant Microsoft appears ready to challenge Cupertino on wearables.

Yes, I know Apple has yet to reveal its cards concerning the long-rumored iWatch project, but an exclusive report by Forbes has it that Microsoft is betting heavily on a smartwatch of its own.

In line with the software giant's One Microsoft mantra and its renewed commitment to make its software and services available under every major platform, the gadget will reportedly sync with the iPhone and iPad, as well as with Android and Windows Phone devices...

Meet Kairos: the world’s first mechanical-smartwatch hybrid

Cody Lee ∙ May 23, 2014

The image above might look like yet another gaudy iWatch concept, but it's not. It's called the Kairos, and it's very real—well, it's not in stores yet, but the company has begun taking pre-orders and hopes to begin shipping by December.

Billed as the world's first mechanical-smartwatch hybrid, the Kairos is unlike anything we've ever seen in wearables. Featuring true, self-winding watch movements and a transparent OLED display, the watch blends both tech and fashion...

Beautiful new concept envisions iWatch as a high-end wristwatch

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

One of the crazier rumors we've heard thus far involving the iWatch comes from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who said the accessory may cost as much as 'several thousand dollars.' Kuo is well respected in the Apple community, but this particular prediction seemed a bit off.

That is, unless the iWatch ends up looking like this new concept from Curved/labs that surfaced earlier this week. The site envisions the rumored smartwatch looking like a high-end Rolex, with a digital chronograph face, wireless charging, and several other features...

LG teases upcoming Android Wear-based ‘G Watch’

Cody Lee ∙ May 12, 2014

LG has posted a teaser clip this weekend for its upcoming G Watch, which is an Android Wear-based smartwatch. The video doesn't offer up much in the way of specs or feature details, but it gives you a good look at its design and function.

The G Watch will apparently be the first watch powered by Android's new wearables platform it introduced back in March. It has a metal body, which is both dust and water resistant, and is compatible with a stout number of Android devices...

Amazon launches new Wearable Technology store

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

In case you needed any more proof that wearables aren't just a passing fad, Amazon launched a new storefront this week dedicated specifically to the space. Dubbed the 'Wearable Technology' store, the page highlights health trackers, smartwatches and more.

Since it's likely that many of Amazon's customers aren't familiar with the new devices just yet, the company has supplemented its retail offerings with other content like 'Learning Center' videos, product comparisons, recommendations and editorial reviews...

‘Apple’ trademark now covers jewelry, clocks and watches

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated April 18, 2016

Is Apple about to enter the jewelry business? This obvious question comes to mind after realizing that the company's own trademark for the Apple name now includes protection for jewelry, clocks and watches.

I kid you not, I swear.

As noted by MacRumors, Apple's trademark now includes Class 14 specification which mainly covers "precious metals, goods in precious metals and, in general, jewelry, clocks and watches" (emphasis mine).

The wording leaves room for speculation that Apple's rumored wearable device - which may or may not be a smartwatch per se - could at the very least include parts made of precious metals because what's the alternative? Apple about to start selling necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings and other pieces of jewelry in its stores?