Apple Watch: the all-round smart health watch from Cupertino

June 04, 2020

It is finally here, the highly anticipated Apple smartwatch: Contrary to countless assumptions, the watch from Cupertino does not listen to the name "iWatch". Instead, they are available in three different versions: the Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Sport and the Apple Watch Edition.

design

As already said: The Apple Smartwatch is available in three different basic versions. The Apple Watch comes in a stainless steel case, which is either silver or black. The display on the front is protected by sapphire glass. Finally, the Watch Sport comes in a silver or gray chassis made of anodized aluminum. The display is protected here by ion-hardened glass. Finally, the Watch Edition consists of 18-carat yellow gold or rose gold and again uses sapphire glass.

These three different Apple Watch versions, in turn, can be combined with a variety of different wristbands that can also be easily replaced afterwards. The range extends from robust plastic to leather and stainless steel bracelets with elaborate to sophisticated clasps.

On the software side too, there are many options for customization. At the event, Apple had futuristic digital dials in the Star Trek TNG design, but also those with Mickey Mouse or in the classic analog clock style.

In addition, and since Apple is ahead of the assembled competition, the smartwatch will be available in two different sizes: in the 38-millimeter and in the 42-millimeter format. In contrast to the current, largely bulky Android Wear smartwatches, the smaller version should also appeal to delicate women's wrists.

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Technical data and sensors

Unfortunately Apple has not yet released any particularly detailed specifications. Since the display is flexible according to the presentation, we assume that it is an OLED. Apple did not reveal the exact resolution, but spoke of "retina". The panel itself is laminated in a single sapphire crystal and is therefore scratch-resistant to most materials on this planet.

Since the Apple Watch also plays a role as a fitness device, there are numerous sensors in the housing – but there are no groundbreaking innovations here. We have already seen barometers, pedometers and the like in competition. However, the heart rate monitoring on the back of the Apple Watch is interesting.

The data from the integrated sensors are used by Apple Watches to motivate the user to achieve certain fitness goals, some of which he himself defines and which are based in part on advice from health organizations. There are generally three categories here: exercise, sport and standing. According to Apple, it should also be very important to regularly leave and get up from your sitting position.

Operation and software

Tim Cook proudly spoke on stage that Apple had innovations in the operation of every new product category – and that's how the watch should be made. Since gestures such as pinch-to-zoom are too difficult on the comparatively small displays, a mechanical control element is used for this: a crown, which can also be found in analog watches.

This so-called "digital crown" can be turned as well as pressed. Turning the crown is used, for example, to zoom in and out on cards or in thumbnail views of orders, as well as to scroll through lists. Pressing the "Digital Crown" brings the user to the watch's health home screen, which shows the apps. Speaking of printing: the Apple Watch touchscreen

Furthermore, the Apple Watch should offer haptic feedback with the help of the so-called Taptic Engine. In the presentation it sounded like a better vibration motor, like the one that gives feedback when typing on smartphones – we are excited.

Another important part of the operation is Siri. The personal assistant can also be found on the Apple Watch and, for example, searches for films that are currently playing in surrounding cinemas or allows the user to dictate text messages. By the way, Apple has come up with a nice function for incoming text messages or answering them: The Watch analyzes the text and offers suggested answers based on it. It remains to be seen whether this will work in practice. Otherwise, the user has the option to respond via Siri dictation or with the help of animated emojis.

You can also send simple sketches that the user scribbles on the watch's touchscreen with his finger. Alternatively, the watch also allows you to share very personal information: if you want, you can share your own heartbeat with others.

Price and market launch

Even if it will surely appear on many wish lists for Christmas: This year the Apple Watch will no longer be on the market, but only at the beginning of 2015. The Cupertino smartwatch starts at $ 349 – which should probably apply to the small model with a plastic strap . It is not known how the price of the more elegant models with a stainless steel or leather strap developed.

For non-Apple users, the fun becomes even more expensive: The Apple Watch will only work in conjunction with an iPhone. And with that comes the cost of a smartphone from Cupertino on top. What I have seen so far could be worth it. What do you all mean?

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