We have heard the rumors before about an Apple watch but the rumor appears to be picking up steam as both the New York Times and Wall Street Journal are claiming an iWatch is being built that will be based on iOS.
First up is the New York Times who is caliming that Apple is testing such a device at its headquarters as we speak. The device will reportedly have curved glass (likely Gorilla glass as they recently announced that curved glass was possible with their product) and is based on iOS. Nick Bilton states:
Apple is experimenting with wristwatch-like devices made of curved glass, according to people familiar with the company’s explorations, who spoke on the condition that they not be named because they are not allowed to publicly discuss unreleased products. Such a watch would operate Apple’s iOS platform, two people said, and stand apart from competitors based on the company’s understanding of how such glass can curve around the human body.
Not to be outdone, the Wall Street Journal is citing their own sources who state that Apple is testing a device that will have smartphone like features and is currently talking to Foxconn about the device:
Apple is experimenting with designs for a watch-like device that would perform some functions of a smartphone, according to people briefed on the effort.
The device, if it ever sees the light of day, would be an interesting move for Apple for several reasons. Firstly, it would be a venture into wearable computing and second, it would be a new branch for iOS to expand.
Further, if Apple does build a watch, how will it position such a device? Surely it could be marketed as a companion to the iPhone or would it also work as a stand-alone device as well? There are a lot of ways to take the device and it could be Apple"s next big project but until we hear more, anything is possible.
Source: New York Times | Wall Street Journal