Apple smartwatch and new iPhones

Apple released WatchKit, its software kit for developers of the Apple Watch. The Verge breaks down how the watch will work when it launches next year, including multiple watch notifications and static maps that aren't interactive. The report also notes apps native to the watch will arrive next year. For the first time, Apple is venturing into wearable tech with the Apple Watch.

Announced too much fanfare at an event in Cupertino, the watch has been heralded as “the most personal device” Apple has ever created. Apple’s chief executive Tim Cook said: “We've set up to make the best watch in the world. One that is precise. It’s synced with a universal time standard.” The watch will be able to track the wearer’s heart motions, send customisable enosis and allow users to track their fitness. It also comes with six different attachable straps.

 

Apple has unveiled its much awaited smartwatch, the first significant product launch from the company since the launch of the iPad and the first that has been fully developed under the leadership of the chief executive Tim Cook. The Apple Watch, which will be available from early next year, will combine health and fitness tracking, including heart rate monitoring, with communications. It will also be able to store music, provide directions when the wearer is walking, send messages and allow access to hundreds of third-party apps, such as Twitter and Facebook. At the unveiling in Cupertino, California, Cook called it "the most personal device we've ever created".

The launch of the watch, along with two new iPhone models and a smartphones cashless payment system, comes amid increasing pressure from investors, worried about a perceived lack of innovation following the death of Apple's co-founder Steve Jobs. The new versions of the iPhone have larger screens, in a move to catch up with the growing demand for larger phones, from Asia particularly. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6Plus come with a 4.7in and 5.5in screen. The watch screen display is controlled via a crown on the side of the phone, which turns like a traditional jog dial and adjusts functions on the watch, such as zooming and time setting. It also has a touch screen. "We're at a compelling beginning, designing technology to be worn, to be truly personal," said Jonathan Ive, the British head designer at Apple, as he introduced the range. Cook added: "We've been working on it for a long time." An array of designs and straps were shown on stage, before the audience rose to give Cook a standing ovation.

The device will be available in three editions: the stainless steel Watch, aluminium Watch Sport, and 18c gold Apple Watch Edition. All three need a constant wireless connection to an iPhone to operate and will start at $349 in the US. The screen is covered by a curved sapphire glass screen touch screen that can also detect pressure as well as simple touch to differentiate between a tap and a touch. Several of Apple's apps will be available on the Watch, including Siri, Messages, Maps and lots of at-a-glance information pulled from calendars, email and other apps on an iPhone.