Five features we want from Apple’s iWatch
Just when you thought Apple was done with creating innovative new products, along come rumours of an iWatch. Numerous news outlets have reported the Cupertino-based company is experimenting with curved glass to create a wristwatch.
Over 100 of CEO Tim Cook’s finest employees are said to be working on the device, so we decided to give you the lowdown on what a smartwatch is and why you might want to buy one.
What’s a smartwatch?
The Pebble works with Apple’s iPhone and Android handsets
A smartwatch is a watch with added functionality beyond timekeeping. Just like the iPhone is a mobile that can do so much more than making and receiving phone calls.
The most high profile smartwatch so far has been the Pebble. Funded by pledges made through the Kickstarter website, the project raised $10,266,844 from 68,928 people. All for the ability to screen calls, read text messages and email previews without removing your iPhone or Android phone from your pocket.
These kind of features are reportedly being included in an Apple-made smartwatch.
Our iWatch wishlist: GPS, Siri-compatibility and more
After word reached us that Apple’s manufacturing partner Foxconn is already testing out what technology might work with the iWatch, we let our imaginations run wild. Here are our five essentials features we want to see from the device…
1) Voice control (aka Siri)
Also known as the Quantum Leap feature. Walkie-talkie watches have been science fiction movie fixtures since the 80s, but Apple has the voice-command software to make our childhood dreams a reality. Video calls might be a little bit too much to ask for, though.
2) GPS and directions on the go
The iWatch has the potential to go one step beyond the Nike+ FuelBand and Garmin’s Forerunner watches with proper GPS functionality for fitness fanatics. We’re thinking of real-time personal best updates and weather forecasting while you’re out running. It would also be nice to not have to get your phone when trying to find your way around.
3) Heart rate monitor
One for Olympian Apple fans. A heart rate monitor enhances advanced training techniques, so you can plan for easy recovery runs, weight management and aerobic training with expert precision. Fitness technology is the ‘next big thing’ in the tech world, so building it into a smartwatch makes a lot of sense
4) Wireless payments (aka NFC)
You may recognise the idea of contactless payment from Barclaycard’s recent PayTag. This allows users to purchase goods by holding their smartphone close to a compatible reader. Incorporating this idea into the iWatch would make the process so much easier.
5) Downloadable apps
What good is an Apple-made gadget without apps? Apple’s iPhone became a completely different animal when third-party apps were allowed, creating a world of different opportunities. If Apple makes an iWatch, it has to have the same ability.
Would you buy an iWatch?
So that’s what we want from an iWatch but is there even a market for such a device? We asked Which? Tech’s Twitter followers whether they would buy Apple’s rumoured smartwatch. Here are our favourite replies…
Your thoughts
What do you make of our essential iWatch features? Have you got an idea you’d like to see implemented in Apple’s much-rumoured smartwatch? Let us know on Twitter or in the comments section below.
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Anthony Butler
If I were to start a wish list of features for a wrist watch, the most important thing would be that it told the time in a clearly readable manner.
For a smart watch, I’d expect it to show me the time by recognising that I was raising my arm to look at it.
But that’s just me. I don’t do fruity-rubbish-style-before-function pointless gadgets.
Rob Leedham
Hi Anthony,
Good point! The most important function a watch can offer is to accurately tell the time. It’s going to be interesting to see how Apple can fit all its extras in without distracting from this necessity.
As for the ‘fruity-rubbish-style-before-function’ bits, I think that’s how gadgets like smartwatches capture the imagination.
Rob
ACB
charging would be a massive part of its success, there are many products already in this sector, just check the motoactv for a potential fully functioning android smart watch. It is being pulled!!
Emma
Yes I’ll buy the iWatch and pretend I’m a secret agent when I talk into the Siri. I may be nearing 40yrs but with this I may as well be 4 years old! Brilliant.
Duncan Richardson
I agree with above comments re accurate time but watch needs to update automatically at summertime / wintertime so this means it must receive radio time. For reliability it must have no moving parts. It must not have a battery which will need to be changed so must be powered by light. It also must have computer-like display of time (for which I want 12 hr clock with hands, not digital display of numbers). Radio update of time could ensure not having to reset your watch when travelling abroad – does anyone know if this is available world wide now?
Regards
Duncan
Smelk
Epic apple FAIL