Apple has a big announcement to make in September, and
pundits are already predicting an update to the iPhone 5 (the iPhone
5s), plus a cheaper version of the phone to compete with all the other
low-cost handsets out there that are killing Apple in the pay-as-you-go
and third world markets. The operating system will also get an update.
One thing that's not coming out of the rumour mill, however, is concrete news about Apple's iWatch, although in a sense it's an announcement that's long overdue. I've been skeptical of the need and utility of Google Glass, the other wearable tech everyone's been talking about, but I happen to think smart watches are actually a pretty good idea. Judging by the number of entries coming in, including at least three credible independent smart watches that have launched on Kickstarter, the idea is taking off already.
In this horse race, Apple is already fairly late to the market, although that didn't seem to matter with the iPhone or iPad.
All of the smart watches that are available or due to be released are a little different, but basic functions include doing all the usual watch stuff (telling time, alarms) and syncing with your phone to issue reminders and alerts, and notifying the wearer about incoming texts, calls and emails so you don't have to pull your smart phone all the way out of your pants pocket anymore to see if you can ignore it.
Some of the smart watches have apps and games, including apps that can control your smartphone's music player, have heart rate monitors and motion sensors built in for people on the go, GPS trackers (also for people on the go), voice control, two-way calling, and more.
One thing that's not coming out of the rumour mill, however, is concrete news about Apple's iWatch, although in a sense it's an announcement that's long overdue. I've been skeptical of the need and utility of Google Glass, the other wearable tech everyone's been talking about, but I happen to think smart watches are actually a pretty good idea. Judging by the number of entries coming in, including at least three credible independent smart watches that have launched on Kickstarter, the idea is taking off already.
In this horse race, Apple is already fairly late to the market, although that didn't seem to matter with the iPhone or iPad.
All of the smart watches that are available or due to be released are a little different, but basic functions include doing all the usual watch stuff (telling time, alarms) and syncing with your phone to issue reminders and alerts, and notifying the wearer about incoming texts, calls and emails so you don't have to pull your smart phone all the way out of your pants pocket anymore to see if you can ignore it.
Some of the smart watches have apps and games, including apps that can control your smartphone's music player, have heart rate monitors and motion sensors built in for people on the go, GPS trackers (also for people on the go), voice control, two-way calling, and more.
Casio released earlier this year two such watches, the GB-5600AB and
the GB-6900AB. Once paired to an iPhone via Bluetooth, the watches
notify users through audio alarms, vibration, or display, when a call or
message is received. The watch can also be made to sync with the time
that is used on the phone. Casio is now taking this concept one step
further with its new batch of G-SHOCK watches, the GB-6900B and the
GB-X6900B.
