Apple CEO Tim Cook has confirmed that production of the Apple Watch was ‘on schedule’ and should be in Australian stores sometime in April 2015.
The smartwatch was unveiled alongside the launch of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in September last year. Tech junkies over the world have been waiting with baited breath ever since. So, what does the wearable ‘smartwatch’ actually do and how much will it cost?
What does it do?
Developers have the best idea of how the wearable device will work and know all about its specifications, but here’s a quick overview of what we know so far:
- it gives you the option of dismissing unwanted calls and will keep you informed of your more important alerts without having to take your phone from your pocket
- apps include iMessages, HealthKit, Calendar, Weather, Mail, Photos, Camera shutter button (for selfies), Passbook, Apple Pay and Apple Maps for navigation
- you can use the watch as a flashlight
- you can track your pizza delivery
- enables you to browse Twitter and Instagram.
All of these Apple Watch apps and settings can be organised with a single iPhone companion app. Developers have been working with the ‘WatchKit’ (Apple Watch developer software) since November, so there will be many more apps available, even prior to the release date.
How much will it cost?
Apple has said the basic models will cost around $440 in Australia, while a high-end gold version would sell for up to $6400. Apple will offer many band options, including different metal finishes, plastic, rubber and mesh. There will no doubt be a glut of third-party options available not long after the release of the watch, so you can accessorise and give them different looks for different occasions.
Why would you want one?
If you like the idea that your watch can talk to your phone, but you can’t talk to your watch (no secret service styles on the horizon) then this is the wearable smartwatch for you. If you’re a tech junkie who can’t get enough facetime with Facebook and Twitter, then Apple Watch is right up your alley. Or maybe you’re into smart fashion and you like the idea of a watch that can give you a different look each time you swap its interchangeable band.
It’s a bit difficult to say why you would want an Apple Watch, because so little is known about them at the moment. It maybe best to wait until its release before you put one on your Christmas list. No doubt, by that time there’ll be an Apple Watch 2.2 and this new one will be redundant.
Read more about the Apple Watch.