Apple Unveils the $349 Apple Watch, Its Wearable Device for Communication, Health and Fitness

“Today’s new-product event hosted by tech giant Apple, saw the introduction of the company’s long-awaited entrant into the realm of wearable technology, under the stewardship of CEO Tim Cook. Reflecting late Apple leader Steve Jobs’s flair for dramatic reveals, Apple launched their new smartwatch at the event held in Cupertino, Calif., De Anza College.

The smart wearable is called the Apple Watch with a distinct round-edged, square design hosting a scroll-through touchscreen for app navigation, as well as a side button to quickly revert back to the home screen.

A central feature of the device is its focus as a “comprehensive health and fitness” companion. The watch will track heart rates using an optical heart rate sensor and monitor activity via its in-built accelerometer. These health parameters will feed data into Apple’s HealthKit software, illustrating Apple’s dedication to health and fitness. Users who go for regular workouts, or just casually engage in activities, will enjoy two new activity relevant apps. Collaboration with third-party developers will also create a wider realm of health apps for the watch.

The smartwatch also boasts of other basic utilities. These include music controls for iPhone and computer, Siri integration, and mapping. In addition, it acts as a photo gallery displaying images stored on the watch.

Following the trend of smartwatches in the market, Apple Watch showcases notifications on its screen and vibrates on the wrist, tracing these alerts back to the connected iPhone.

An exciting development is the compatiblity with the new mobile payment system, Apple Pay, to streamline the retail experience. The method of operation and cross-functionality within the watch is not yet clear, especially the integration with the iPhone’s Touch ID for authentication and the use of NFC technology.

Continuing its reliance on the iPhone echo-system, many features including GPS communication will require connectivity with iPhone 5c, 5c, 6 or 6 Plus via Bluetooth or WiFi – a key detail for potential owners.

Pricing is set to start from $349, with shipping set for next year. The watch will be available in different materials, styles, and for different clientele, including a “sport” version for fitness enthusiasts.

For many, one big question remains – battery life. While Apple refrained from providing specifics, it did mention the use of inductive charging, allowing for a wireless connection to a charging cradle instead of plugging into the iPhone’s proprietary charging cable.

The smartwatch, marking Apple’s entry into the wearable technology market, comes amongst mixed success in the category. Firms like Jawbone, Fitbit, Basis, Misfit and Garmin who produced wristband trackers, have seen sales but struggled with user retention. Companies such as Jawbone are moving towards a software-integrated approach due to hardware complexities.

In the smartwatch segment, Apple will find competition from tech companies like Samsung, Sony, LG and Asus and chipmakers Intel and Qualcomm, who have already pioneered their own smartwatches.

Apple’s offering however comes with a sterling reputation for consumer-friendly devices with cutting-edge capabilities and sleek designs. Tim Cook echoed this sentiment at the event, saying the company strived for a balance in function and aesthetics.

J.P. Gownder, a principal analyst at Forrester Research, believes Apple will “legitimize and create the mass market wearables category”, expecting that “with NFC, Apple Pay, and health and fitness monitoring, the Apple Watch interfaces with retailers, health care providers, and the human body to create a value proposition that’s different from simply pulling a phone out of one’s pocket.”