Apple finally revealed additional information about its first ever wearable device during its Apple Watch event last Monday. First off, let us go through the pricing and availability details. The Apple smartwatch's price will range from $350 (for the low-end edition) to $550 (for the middle-tier edition) and not less than $10,000 for the gold high-end edition. For all three editions, the Apple Watch will be available in two different sizes -- 38 mm and 42 mm. The wearable device is expected to ship on April 24th this year, but pre-orders will start on April 10th. Upon its release, the Apple Watch will be available in Apple's online store and in all Apple retail stores, as well as in selected department stores and boutiques. According to the official press release, it will be initially available in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and China.
Pricing and availability information aside, no doubt some people are still wondering what makes the Apple Watch so special. Specifically, they are still asking themselves if owning this wearable device is worth the price and (perhaps) the long queue. To help them decide, let us go through what exactly the Apple is and is not capable of.
For instance, the Apple Watch can serve as a very handy extension of your iPhone. Because the Apple is communicating through your iPhone via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology, you will be able to answer calls and reply to text messages, or even send short notes to any of your contacts using the Apple smartwatch. You will also be able to receive notifications through the watch.
However, the Apple Watch can not do FaceTime Calling. It also does not have cellular connectivity or hotspot connectivity. And those who are already thinking of taking Apple Watch selfies, they may be a bit disappointed that the device can not take photos (yet). Who knows? Maybe in future versions, perhaps, but for the first-gen Apple Watch, you can't take pictures yet.
Basically, without an iPhone, the Apple Watch is just a very high-tech watch, and a very expensive one at that. Some rival smartwatches may have an edge over the Apple Watch when it comes to independent functionality even without a smartphone tied to them -- the Sony Smartwatch 3 has a GPS feature while the Samsung Gear S is equipped with a cellular radio, which makes them just a bit useful to you even if you leave your smartphone behind.
The Apple Watch does score an advantage over other key areas. For instance, you can facilitate payments with Apple Pay using the device. This is really useful because you can just run to the nearest store without having to bring your wallet or iPhone.
Another thing -- the Apple Watch offers a lot when it comes to fitness tracking. And it helps that a lot of developers are preparing lots of fitness tracking apps that will work perfectly well with the Apple Watch. Moreover, the functionality is designed to really help users achieve their fitness goals. For example, the Apple Watch will display a reminder for the user to stand up in order not get too idle during the day.
Speaking of apps, the Apple Watch has the advantage of attracting lots of third-party app developers. The result is that users get expanded capabilities depending on which app they use on the Apple Watch. And the list is exciting. They can request for vehicle transport using Uber. They can browse and like photos via Instagram. With the SPG app, they check into hotels and even open the doors to their rooms. Need some quick weather info? The Glances app can quickly pull up the relevant information. The Apple Watch can even allow you to control what song you want to hear through the use of Now Playing.
Of course, since it is a timepiece after all, it also tells you the time of day. But let's face it -- you will not be buying the Apple Watch just for that.
