Apple Watch ©Apple
After much teasing and many false alarms, Apple has finally released the iPhone 6. Along with the great reveal, the tech company has also unveiled what it calls the “most personal device” ever – the Apple Watch.
While the idea of an Apple smart watch isn’t a big surprise, of course the company had to rise to the challenge that Samsung issued with the introduction of its Gear, but this new product is really quite revolutionary. I’m going to spare you all the tech talk about specs and tell you exactly why part of my Birkin fund is now going to be used to buy the Apple watch instead.
I can't wait to slap the Apple Watch on my wrist - 2015 why must you be so far away! ©Apple
I don’t have to take my phone to the loo anymore
Yes, I’m putting it all out in the open ‒ I take my iPhone with me to the loo. Now, I don’t have to worry about accidentally dropping my phone into the toilet bowl because even without it, I can still answer urgent calls, send and receive messages, and even go through my Instagram feed all on the “throne”. In fact, the Apple Watch is so clever that I can dictate a message to it (that person talking in the loo cubicle? That’s me) while I’m “busy”. If I don’t manage to complete the message before I’m done with my “business”, I can always continue on my actual phone.
It’s an activity tracker too
I currently wear a fitness band that helps me keep track of how many steps I take and how active I am during the day. Well, the Apple Watch has an Activity app that does what the band does – measures calories burned, brisk activity and how often I stand up in the day! That’s not all, the Apple Watch will act as my own personal trainer with the Workout app that actually paces me when I exercise and even helps set goals based on my past workouts. There’s no excuse to forget my activity tracker when it’s already in-built with the Apple Watch. Sorry fitness band, your spot on my wrist is going to a more deserving statement cuff.
It’s very clever
Of course, the team at Apple has stuffed the tiny watch with every possible bit of technology – duh. When I mean clever, I mean intuitive for the normal person and not the genius. The watch face is small – either 38mm or 42mm – but despite its size you can still scroll and see the screen even with big fingers, thanks to a digital crown that you navigate with. Every watch goes through bumps so you might think the touchscreen is going to be set off with any random slight touch. No worries, the Force Touch technology has got the Apple Watch’s back ‒ it senses the difference between a tap and press.
It’s pretty
‘Enuff said. Nothing goes on my wrist, no matter how high tech is it, if it doesn’t pass the style test. And pass it the Apple Watch does, with flying colours. The three collections – Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch edition – come in two different watch face sizes. The sleek enclosures are made from stainless steel; anodized aluminium; or 18-karat rose or yellow gold … All very minimalist chic. Plus, there is a range of watch straps available to mix and match. I really can’t decide whether to go for the sport band for working out; quilted leather loop with magnets for easy fastening or the ever sophisticated link bracelet … Hmm, decisions, decisions!
The Apple Watch will be available in early 2015 starting at USD349 in the US. Apple Watch is compatible with iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus running the latest version of iOS 8. For more information about Apple products, go to www.apple.com/sg.