Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s much-rumored iWatch is expected to be announced this fall along with the next iteration of the iPhone (likely to be named iPhone 6). Earlier this week, the tech giant received a new patent for “electronic wristband” which could be used in multiple ways. The tech giant had initially applied for the patent in 2011. Let’s have a look at some of the interesting facts about the iWatch.
1- iWatch may have a different name
For years, the rumor mill suggests that Apple’s forthcoming smartwatch will be named iWatch. But if the device carries that brand name, it could be in a serious trouble. Swiss company Swatch doesn’t like the idea of Apple naming its wrist-worn device ‘iWatch’ which resembles its own brand ‘iSwatch.’ Apple may be considering a back-up name ‘iTime’ for its wearable device.
2- iWatch to have multiple sensors
The recently awarded patent shows that the device with a removable display attached to a strap with built-in sensors. Previous reports suggest that the iWatch will have at least ten sensors to track various health & fitness activities. Haptic sensors and accelerometers are likely to be an integral part of the device, along with Bluetooth, GPS modules and NFC. Apple’s new mobile operating system iOS 8 has a HealthKit app.
3- iWatch to sync with all your iDevices
Analysts believe that the iWatch will sync with your desktop, laptop, tablet and smartphone to create what Apple calls your “personal wireless environment.” The wearable device will have a receptacle area where a mobile device can be inserted.
4- iWatch to offer voice messaging feature
Apple CEO Tim Cook told UBS analyst Steven Milunovich that he had seen Chinese users prefer speaking into their smartphones to send voice messages rather than typing texts. Cook liked it. UBS believes that putting the voice messaging capabilities into the iWatch makes sense. It will allow users to send quick voice messages through their wristband rather than pulling out their smartphones. Apple showed off the voice messaging feature for iMessage in the iOS 8 at its WWDC event earlier this year.
5- Engineers who worked on the iWatch move to Google
Two of the three engineers listed as ‘inventors’ of the recently awarded patent have left Apple to join Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL). They are Felix Alvarez and Mathias W. Schmidt. In September 2012, Schmidt left Apple to join Nest Labs, which is now owned by Google.
