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The wait is over. During an event in Cupertino, California, Apple officially unveiled its first wearable device -- the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch is expected to hit store shelves early next year and will have a starting price of $349.00.
Apart from its touchscreen, the Apple Watch can detect various levels of force. But what tech enthusiasts (and future buyers) will find most interesting is the wearable device's "digital crown" which is located on the right side of the smartwatch.
Appearance-wise, the digital crown looks just like a regular wrist watch crown, but in terms of functionality, it provides so much more. As a matter of fact, it lets users select through menu options without having their screen view blocked. On top of that, the digital crown also serves as the home screen button.
With regards to hardware specifications, the Apple Watch has a flexible retina display that comes with a sapphire crystal screen. Like the iPhone 6 (which was also launched during the event), the wearable device has smooth rounded edges. For Apple Watch to work, it will need to be paired with an iPhone, preferably iPhone 5 and later versions.
On the backside (the part that touches the user's skin), there are four sensors built in. These sensors are comprised of infrared and photo-sensors. When these are used in tandem with other separate sensors, e.g. pedometer, users can correctly measure their activity levels. To make the most out of these sensors, users can utilize the Workout iOS app, which measures three areas, namely move (active level), exercise (physical exertion level), and stand (frequency of standing from a seated position).
How does the Apple Watch charge? It does so via inductive wireless charging, made possible through a mechanism that makes clever use of Apple's magnetic MagSafe connector.
The Apple Watch comes with a number of apps that should excite users. Chief among them is the clock, which allows users to superimpose their current position on a cool spinning globe graphic. Apple's wearable device is also capable of running apps that display "smart" notifications; that is, they use haptic vibrations to show alerts -- users only need to raise the device near their faces in order to display the notifications. These same haptic notifications will also be used for the Apple Watch maps app, especially in providing directions for users.
During the event, Apple also demoed a number of apps developed in-house. One of them is a messaging platform that allows users to share doodles and emojis. Apps from partner companies, like Twitter for example, were also briefly demoed.
The Apple Watch comes with bands (straps) in different colors and types. Some bands are designed for sports use, which means that they will be sweat-proof. Other bands are made to look like jewelry, and some are even plated with gold.
During the Apple Watch's unveiling, some questions remain unanswered, of course. One is battery life -- Apple has not provided any solid information about how long the smartwatch can function. Then there is the chip powering the Apple Watch -- no doubt tech nerds (and competitors) and drying to know what the wearable is packing.
Still, the launch of the Apple Watch does enough to finally dispel all the rumors associated with the wearable device. Now, the only thing left to do for Apple enthusiasts is wait for the Apple Watch to hit the stores in early 2015. Know more about Apple's products today -- start comparing Apple phones and plans now.
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