iWatch

Apple’s Bluetooth hotspot patent points to iWatch

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 7, 2013

The United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) on Thursday published an interesting Apple patent that has iWatch written all over it. The filing titled 'Network access using short-range connectability' describes a low-power wireless hotspot functionality via Bluetooth 4.0 that basically provides network connectivity akin to the iOS Wi-Fi hotspot feature, but without draining the battery as much.

By relying on the Bluetooth 4.0 low-energy protocol, also known as Bluetooth LE or Bluetooth Smart, such a wireless hotspot is a fit for a device like the rumored Apple smartwatch, which must be super power-efficient. Another benefit of using the Bluetooth LE-enabled hotspot is that your iPhone can instantly wake up the host device...

Rumor: LG nears OLED iWatch deal, Google smartwatch due ‘within months’

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 9, 2018

LG Display, a prominent Apple supplier that provides LCD panels for the iPad, MacBook and iMac devices, is apparently close to striking a deal to supply a portion of flexible OLED screens for Apple's rumored iWatch wearable device. Furthermore, Apple is understood to have discussed the possibility of a similar deal with its biggest supplier Samsung, but talks apparently fell apart.

In addition to LG Display, the rumor also mentions Taiwan's RiTDisplay as another possible iWatch screen supplier...

Tim Cook: new product categories coming in 2014

Cody Lee ∙ October 28, 2013

The last two months have been very busy for Apple, as the company has refreshed a number of its devices including the iPhone, iPad, the MacBook Pro and Mac Pro. But missing from the fall's festivities was an all-new product.

The good news, though, is that it appears at least one is on the way. During its quarterly earnings call today, Tim Cook said Apple believes it has the skills to create 'great products' in categories it's not currently participating in...

Analyst calls for Apple to release larger iPhone 6 next summer

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Gene Munster is out this weekend with an earnings preview for Apple, which is slated to announce its Q4 financials on Monday. The Piper Jaffary analyst sees the company reporting big numbers, and has them at a $640 price target.

But perhaps more interesting in Munster's note is that he says he expects the iPhone 6 to be out next summer—months before the now-usual September refresh. He thinks it'll feature a larger display, and is going to be a “blockbuster.”

New iWatch concept looks like Nike’s FuelBand, runs iOS 7

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Although we're not expecting to see it on stage at Apple's media event tomorrow, the iWatch is still a highly anticipated product in the company's pipeline. Most industry watchers don't have the device launching until late 2014.

There are essentially two theories on what Apple's wearable will look like: one being an actual watch-like device, and the other is more of a fitness band. Today's concept takes after the latter, and we have to say, it looks awesome...

Analyst believes iWatch will be much more than an iPhone companion

Cody Lee ∙ October 11, 2013

Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Brian White issued an interesting research note late yesterday, offering up insight on Apple's future product plans. White claims that after meeting with a component supplier, he has a much better idea of what to expect out of Cupertino.

On the iPhone front, the analyst echoes his colleagues, saying that he is 'very confident' that 2014 will be the year of the larger iPhone—and for what it's worth, he's saying 5-inches. But his most interesting comments are in regards to the oft-rumored iWatch project...

Apple could pocket $1 billion in iWatch profits during first year of availability

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Despite there being no product nor confirmation from Apple that it will offer one, a high-profile Apple analyst is estimating the iPhone maker could sell between five and ten million iWatch units in the first year. According to Piper Jaffray Gene Munster's survey of 799 U.S. consumers, some twelve percent of U.S. iPhone owners said they might pay $350 on Apple's watch, if it materializes.

The survey follows Samsung's attempt to beat Apple to the smartphone punch, introducing its $299 Galaxy Gear in advertisements. For Apple, the iWatch lives only in patents filed and registered trademarks. Munster, of the 'Apple TV is just around the corner' fame, follows another analyst who believes the iWatch could be an even bigger hit...

Rumor: Apple’s $149-$229 iWatch is coming in second half of 2014

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 27, 2013

It's been a while since we heard anything on the Apple smartwatch front so today's report by the Taiwanese trade publication DigiTimes (I know, don't start) asserted that the iWatch is at least a year away. Specifically, the publication claims that the iWatch is expected to release in the second half of 2014.

The device is expected to retail for between $149 and $229. More details right after the break...

Gorgeous new iWatch concept features flexible display, runs iOS 7

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 29, 2016

Since we first started hearing reports that Apple was working on a smartwatch, designers have been churning out concepts left and right showing what their visions are for the device. And we've seen some good ones too, see here and here.

But this new one from Federico Ciccarese, of Ciccarese Design, might be the best yet. Designed with a flexible touchscreen display, it looks more like a futuristic, high-end fashion accessory than it does a smartwatch, and it even runs iOS 7...

Key Nike FuelBand developer believed to be working on Apple’s iWatch

Cody Lee ∙ August 17, 2013

Jay Blahnik, a widely recognized fitness expert and key developer of the Nike FuelBand has taken a new job at Apple, according to a new report. He's believed to be working on the company's long-rumored iWatch project.

Blahnik's resume is a mile long, as he has spent his last several years speaking at conferences around the globe, and consulting for everyone from Gatorade to General Electric. And now he's taking his talents to Cupertino...

‘Galaxy Gear’ trademark filing reveals Samsung’s iWatch

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 6, 2013

We know from before that Samsung has been looking to beat Tim Cook & Co. to market by releasing its own smarwatch ahead of Apple's rumored iWatch device. And as Apple continues to apply for numerous iWatch trademark filings around the world, there has been little solid evidence in the form of patent or trademark filings to indicate the Galaxy maker's seriousness about wearables.

A newly discovered Samsung trademark filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) changes all that. Dated July 29, the filing seeks to protect Galaxy Gear, a name for “wearable digital electronic devices in the form of a wristwatch, wrist band or bangle capable of providing access to the Internet and for sending and receiving phone calls, electronic mails and messages"...

Meet Apple’s iWatch dream team

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 18, 2013

As evidence pertaining to a rumored Apple smartwatch mounts, so do Apple's recent tech celebrity hirings. For example, the past few weeks saw the poaching of former Adobe CTO and Flash proponent Kevin Lynch, who joined Apple as VP of Technology.

Another example: the outgoing French fashion label Yves Saint Laurent CEO Paul Deneve is joining Apple to work on special projects as a Vice President reporting directly to Apple’s boss Tim Cook.

Along with the company's long-time hardware guru Bob Mansfield, head of all Design and Human Interfaces across the company, Jonathan Ive, iOS/OS X boss Craig Federighi and other high-profile execs, Apple is assembling an all-star cast tasked with figuring out its next breakthrough - wearables...