Tag: iwatch

Apple Grabs 75.5 Percent of Smartwatch Market Shares; Samsung Lags at 7.5 Percent

The announcement for the launch of the Apple Watch was met with great optimism and reviews encouraging the users to adapt to the product despite certain glitches. Fashion experts were also looking forward to its launch as it was hoped that Apple would finally launch a fashionable smartwatch that would be wearable.

Despite these reviews, the critical opinions seemed to overpower them, even post release. For instance, Brad Hargreaves initially predicted an 11 million sale in the third and fourth quarter which he later slashed down to 10.5 million. Most reviews seemed to tag the product as ‘destined for failure’ and no one would ever know since Apple rarely reveals sales numbers or internal statistics.

However a new report is said to show the Apple sales as “exceeding internal expectations” despite the pessimistic aura. Numbers never seem to fail Apple Inc. and as reported they have sold four million watches in the second quarter, giving them 75.5% of the global smartwatch market shares.

Global Smartwatch Vendor Shipments (Millions of Units)	Q2 ’14	Q2 ’15
Apple	0.0	4.0
Samsung	0.7	0.4
Others	0.3	0.9
Total	1.0	5.3

Global Smartwatch Vendor Marketshare (%)	Q2 ’14	Q2 ’15
Apple	0.0%	75.5%
Samsung	73.6%	7.5%
Others	26.4%	17.0%
Total	100.0%	100.0%

Total Growth: Year-over-Year (%)	~	457.3%

Source: Strategy Analytics

In direct comparison we have the Samsung smartwatch that sold only four hundred thousand watches giving them a 7.5% share in the market. Other brands like Motorola, LG etc. have sold around nine hundred thousand watches giving them a total of 17% of smartwatch sales. In total, Samsung plus the other smartphones own 24.5% of the market, with Apple far ahead of it with 75.5%. Hence, proving that Samsung and the rest have a long way to go before catching up to a Cupertino product.

Source: [tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”https://www.strategyanalytics.com/strategy-analytics/blogs/devices/wearables/wearables/2015/07/22/apple-watch-captures-75-percent-global-smartwatch-marketshare-in-q2-2015#.VbChwflZRpK”]Strategy Analytics[/tw-button]

July 23, 2015

New Details About Apple’s iWatch Design Leaked

Apple’s September 9th event is few hours away and rumors are still flying high. A latest leak on Reddit supposedly depicts the specs and diagrams of Apple iWatch. While plenty of images purporting to be the new iPhone 6 have made it to the internet, Apple has managed to keep the iWatch under wraps – until now.

The images, posted on Reddit, allegedly show CAD design drawings of the iWatch chassis and components, including a mic and speaker. Descriptions accompanying the images claim that the iWatch will feature a multi-touch, flexible screen that will “add a new dimension to the UI.”

The Reddit user who posted the images, called OwenCarlyle, says the watch will also support Siri, Apple’s voice command system. The Reddit user also claimed that the iWatch will last for more than a day on a single charge, will be waterproof to 60m and won’t have any external connection points which could line up with past reports of the smartwatch features wireless charging.

The leaker also claims that the device will go into mass production sometime this January while describing the wearable computer as “the most complex and expensive product to manufacture to date.” Purported schematics are labeled as coming from Quanta, which has been reported to be Apple’s manufacturing partner for the device.

Other images show renders of various components of the devices, such as the microphone and speaker, although one blurry photo purports to show the iWatch housing, which is rectangular in shape. Apple is widely expected to unveil a wearable device alongside new iPhones on today. The event is due to start at 10:30 IST.

September 9, 2014
What We Hope to See at Apple’s Mega Event on 9th September

It has been way too long since the internet has been abuzz with rumours about the much-awaited iWatch and the next iPhone 6. Love ’em or hate ’em, you have to admit that Apple has a history of making some fine products. And after reading plethora of leaks over the past few months, we’re excited to finally find out what Apple has in store for us this year.

With Apple’s September 9th event only a few hours away, we’re still witnessing the last round of leaks and rumours. Few hours ago, a leak has shown us the working iPhone 6 for the first time.

The company had sent press invites last week with the cryptic statement ‘wish we could say more’ in the typical Apple style. The event will be held at Flint Center for the Performing Arts in Cupertino, California which is the same venue where Apple debuted the Macintosh computer in 1984, 30 years ago. It is said that the venue is chosen to pay a homage to the company’s first big achievement with another groundbreaking device, the iWatch.

It is expected Apple will showcase two iPhones this year, same as last year (iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C). However, this year the second variant will not be a step down but will come with the bigger screen and better innards. Anyhow, there are numerous rumors and it is hard to keep track of it all but there are some important advancements and iterations which are expected to come with these three devices.

Lets take a moment and dissect what Apple has in store for us and what we want from the new-gen Apple devices.

The Bigger The Better

As we all know, Apple’s been working on not one, but two iPhones: a 4.7-inch version and 5.5-inch phablet for people who think iOS 8 needs more real estate to breathe. Debates have raged over whether Apple will cover those displays in ultra-durable sapphire crystal. However, recent rumors have suggested that the company won’t take the plunge, but instead they’ll offer 128GB versions of the new phones.

Exciting Upgrades

It is also been said that there will be more upgrades — a faster chip, increased resolution and improvements to the camera. Also, it is said that Apple will include NFC in the new iPhones. This will simplify the process of pairing an iWatch (if NFC is also included in the device) and an iPhone as well as both can be used to encourage mobile payment directly. A feature many companies are trying to achieve but have failed until now.

Affordable Prices

It’s highly unlikely, but we can dream. It is said that 5.5 inch iPhone 6L will be $50-100 more than the 4.7 inch variant. Recent leak suggested that Apple iPhone 6 with 4.7” display will purportedly cost 6,663 HKD, 7,671 HKD, and 8,679 HKD . The aforementioned prices are for devices with 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB of built-in memory respectively. According to the leak listing of prices, the iPhone 6 with 5.5-inch display is unsurprisingly more expensive (it is rumored to have more powerful hardware on board). It is reportedly priced at 7,923 HKD for the 16GB model, 8,931 HKD for a 32GB unit, and 9,687 HKD for a device with 64GB of onboard memory. If you convert these purported prices into Indian currency and add the standard import duties, iPhone 6’s 4.7 inch variant will come at the starting price at Rs. 61,900 approx and the 5.5 inch variant may come at starting price of Rs. 71,800.

The Super Cool New OS

Well, also iOS 8 will make its debut with these devices and anyone with an iPhone 4S or later will be able to download iOS 8 on Sept. 17. The company added tons of developer tools for home mechanization, heavy gaming performance and extensions in abundance. There’s a lot of polished new apps and add-ons that is expected to earn rave reviews.

Siri Becoming More Helpful

Siri can now be activated by saying “hey Siri,” rather than pressing the home button. She can now understand more languages and accents. The best part? Apple has gone ahead to integrate a music-recognition feature, so you can know which tune is being played instantly, without wasting time to open an app. You have the option to download the song instantly from iTunes, and if you’ve installed Shazam, you can save the song in your tabs.

The Wearable Trend : iWatch

It is quite amazing that Apple has managed to keep most of its iWatch details a secret. It is said iWatch won’t be available after it is launched with iPhone 6 which goes on sale on the Friday of the week following the event — in this case, Sept. 19. The smartwatch category is certainly experiencing a boom, although it’s still unclear if consumers really want them. The iWatch could be the product to take smartwatches mainstream, but to do that, it needs to do something that no other wearable does.

Extensive Sensors

Rumors say the iWatch will have a curved-screen design, come in two sizes and have multi-day battery life. But based on early leaks of the software, its highlight will be the extensive sensor data that it gathers about the wearer’s health. The unveiling of the new iWatch will connect the dots between the Health app, which was unveiled at WWDC 2014, iPhone 6 and wearables.

How Apple Plays the Beats

This event will also be the first event after Apple has acquired headphone-maker Beats. While it’s only been a month, it’s still a bit early for the first Beats project with Apple company, we may see the beginning of the collaboration or at least an appearance by Dr. Dre.

September 8, 2014
Apple iWatch Rumored to Come in Two Sizes with NFC and Curved OLED Display

This may be the last round of rumours surrounding Apple’s most mysterious wearable. We’ve been waiting to have a Apple product wrapped around our wrist for quite some time. Now we’re wishing and hoping that Apple unveils it on its 9th September event.

The latest leaks have pointed out to the fact that the expected iWatch might come in two sizes, both with curved OLED displays, will be able to track health and fitness data, and will include NFC for to make mobile payments directly from your wrist.

OLED display has been criticised for having over-saturated colors but now, Apple may use the OLED display for its first ever wearable. An OLED display only needs to light up pixels that are actively in use, meaning that Apple’s watch could potentially display some basic information such as an analogue watch face while leaving the rest of the screen black. Using OLED display can save battery in the smartwatch.

The addition of NFC in the smartwatch comes in line with rumors of inclusion of the same technology in iPhone 6, too. This will simplify the process of pairing an iWatch and an iPhone as well as both can be used for encouraging mobile payment directly from the smartwatch, which many companies are trying to achieve but have failed until now.

It is said one of the main features of Apple’s upcoming iWatch is the variety of health sensors. However, the details about this has been scarce. A heart-rate sensor is believed to be one of them. As far as display sizes goes, reports have varied, however, earlier reports have pointed to sizes between 1.3-inches and 2.5-inches. If this to be believed, Apple’s iWatch will have one of the biggest watch face in the smartwatch market.

September 5, 2014
Apple Sends September 9th Invites Saying ‘Wish We Could Say More’

Apple has sent out the press invites for the much awaited September 9th press event at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts in Cupertino, California.

Invitation mentions the September 9th date and a cryptic statement ‘ wish we could say more’ in the typical Apple style. The Flint Center for the Performing Arts is the same venue where Apple debuted the Macintosh computer in 1984, 30 years ago. Perhaps, the venue is chosen to pay a homage to the company’s first big achievement with another groundbreaking device, iWatch.

Details on the iWatch hardware are much more scarce. Many reports points extensively on the device’s rich health and fitness capabilities, with Apple having hired many high-profile people for the project.

Apple has constructed a ‘three-story structure’ at the site, which may be used as the hands-on area after the presentation is over. The event will come 3 months after Apple’s developer conference WWDC and an year after the launch of iPhone 5S and 5C.

Even though, Apple hasn’t mentioned any details about the September 9 event. The company is expected to launch two new-generation iPhones, a 4.7 inch variant and a larger 5.5 inch variant which is expected to tagged as iPhone 6L.

The new iPhones are expected to come with a higher price tag which is a courtesy of all new Sapphire screen instead of the regular glass one which will make its screen more scratch resistant. It is said that company faced some problems with the display of the glass which may limit the number of iPhones initially available to consumers.

Also, iOS 8 is slated to launch at this event, it was shown off WWDC back in June. The updated version include new keyboards for typing, a battery usage indicator, impressive new camera features like time-lapse capture for video, interactive notifications, TouchID for apps and also new and improved Siri.

Apple is also rumored to introduce the reversible lightning connector with iPhone 6 that allows you to plug it into USB ports from either end.

August 29, 2014
Sapphire Glass Troubles Apple, iWatch Release Date Delayed

Rumors of the release of Apple’s iWatch have been flying high for a long time. Seems like we’d have to wait a little while longer before we have the device wrapped around our wrists. The latest speculation suggests that the device could be delayed from September to October, while some even believe that it might be slated for a November release.

Apple has supposedly been working on their version of a smartwatch since 2011. Well, it has taken them way too long, hopefully they’re working on something substantial and path-breaking, which would be worth the wait.

Meanwhile, Apple refuses to confirm the development or the existence of the smartwatch. Re/Code, independent tech news reporters, which are considered reliable sources, said the rumored wrist item would be introduced in October. “People familiar with Apple’s plans tell Re/code that the company hopes to schedule a special event that month to show off the device,” their website quoted. It is also purported that the iWatch will likely to be integrated with the new Healthkit app that is to be introduced with iOS 8. It is said to display all the essential health-related information recorded by the watch.

Apple’s iwatch concept

In June, Reuters revealed the Cupertino-based company’s plan on making multiple screen sizes and designs for market release this fall, which was supported by a leaked patent from USPTO indicating a multitude of smartwatch devices. The patent mentioned of a device called “iTime” that deals with convertible and removable parts from a central unit. Apple has also allegedly sought an “iWatch” patent in Japan recently.

According to KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who also, has been a reliable source for predicting Apple product plans in the past, said that the iWatch is believed to debut later than expected, due to complications related to both the new hardware and software. “We have pushed back our estimated time of iWatch mass production from late-September to mid/late-November. We also lower our forecast of iWatch 2014 shipments by 40% to 3 million units,” said Kuo.

The reason, Kuo pointed out, is the ongoing issue of sapphire glass covered lens production. This suggested further that Apple could only be shipping half of the targeted units with sapphire-covered features while the other half with the old Gorilla Glass close, at the end of the year.

It is also reported that Apple is taking the luxury route, targeting the “geek to chic” market by wooing Swiss watchmakers ‘Swatch’ to partner with them. “Fashion is the name of the game; most expensive model is likely to be priced at several thousand US dollars. Referring to the rules of the fashion market, we predict the iWatch casing and band will come in various materials. The most expensive model of the iWatch line will carry a price tag of several thousand US dollars,” Kuo added.

August 11, 2014
Apple is Gearing Up For The iWatch Launch

Apple’s iWatch is one of the most anticipated wearable of the year. Apple seems to be gearing up to release its new iWatch which will undoubtedly be the first of many wearable devices Apple will launch in the coming years.

Recently, Nike discontinued FuelBand product line to concentrate on the software letting go more than 80 employees of Fuelband. While the product is still being sold, the company had decided to working on wearables. Now reports have surfaced that are some of the important members of the FuelBand team have been poached by Apple. According to rumors, former FuelBand team members Ryan Bailey and Jon Gale were both hired by Apple in June.

Nike Discontinues the Nike + FuelBand Production

Bailey was formerly Nike’s Senior Test and Validation Engineer for the FuelBand, and his LinkedIn profile now lists him as Mechanical Design Engineer at Apple. Gale had been Nike’s Senior Firmware Engineer focusing on the FuelBand line of wrist-worn fitness trackers, and he is now Apple’s Sensing Systems Engineer.

The fact that Apple is hiring former Nike FuelBand employees heavily indicates that the mysterious iWatch may finally grant us its presence. Apple is rumored to launch it this year sometime around October. It is also been said that the iWatch may be announced with iPhone 6.

July 11, 2014
More Rumors Fly In About The iWatch

Last week, we told you about production of iWatch starting. Now there are several new stories emerging regarding the device. The company has begun accelerating work on the project as it tries to expand its family of mobile devices to the wrist.

Apple has already started work on trademarking the name in a number of countries in preparation for a late 2014 launch, perhaps in October, and the device was said to be in production as of the second quarter.

The Rumors illustrate that the new iWatch will be a round device similar to Moto 360 smart watch. Apple is also said to be using a capacitive touch screen making it smooth to function. The earlier report told us that this smart watch’s screen will be made of rounded organic light-emitting diode (OLED) which will help the iWatch track our important body functions like calorie consumption, blood glucose, sleep activity and blood oxygen levels.

As Apple ventures into a new territory, hopes since the iWatch might be launched along with much-awaited iPhone 6 and iOS 8.

June 9, 2014
Rumor : Apple’s iWatch Production May Have Started

Rumors have been flying since the beginning of this year that Apple is getting set to launch a watch-like device. The iWatch which consumers can connect with their smartphones.

The fact that Apple didn’t announce any hardware during WWDC 2014 disappointed everyone. We now have to wait a few more months before we can get any new hardware from the company. Hopes are high as everyone is buzzing about how iWatch might be launched along with much-awaited iPhone 6 and iOS 8.

The reports further tell us that this smart watch’s screen will be made of rounded organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The device will be able to track most of our important body functions like calorie consumption, blood glucose, sleep activity and blood oxygen levels. It may also use Apple’s new HealthKit platform for health and fitness tracking.

Since it will be connected to your iPhone, you will also get phone notifications on the watch. It is predicted to come with a sapphire glass display, which was one of the biggest investments of Apple recently. It seems like it’s the new go-to material for Apple, since one of the major rumors for the upcoming iPhone 6 includes the same screen.

Samsung had tried its hand at something similar. But the Samsung Galaxy Gear Watch didn’t quite attract the eye of users. The iWatch might come with wireless charging, which Samsung failed to deliver in its smart watch. Now, since Apple is all set to launch its smart watch, we’re curious to see how the users will respond to this device. Is this gadget going to be the next big game-changer?

June 7, 2014
Apple On Hiring Spree To Help Speed Up iWatch Development

Apple has already filed for a trademark for the name, “iWatch” in Japan and a new report from the Financial Times suggests that Apple’s also working to ramp up the number of employees working on the iWatch.

In what would be Apple’s first new product launch since the death of Steve Jobs, CEO Tim Cook seems acutely aware of the need for perfection – perfection the company can ill afford to miss.

The Financial Times report that the recruit stems from the “hard engineering problems that they’ve not been able to solve”, which could be seen as a blow to investors.

According to the sources of Financial Times, Apple chief executive Tim Cook may consider delaying the launch of the product if these engineering problems are not resolved in time.

The report says : As Apple moves from iPods, iPhones and iPads into an entirely new category of product, it is looking beyond its existing staff in Cupertino for the talent required to build it – an indication that the endeavour involves “hard engineering problems that they’ve not been able to solve”, according to one source.

Given these developments, it seems very likely that we won’t be seeing the iWatch for at least another year. A survey a couple of months ago suggested that 19% of consumers have interest in purchasing an iWatch, or at least something like it, and there’s no doubt that Apple understands the potential here.

While some might consider it unfortunate that the wait for the iWatch has effectively been extended, what results should be very interesting.

[Via]

July 15, 2013
Report : Apple Applies For iWatch Trademark In Japan

As reported by Bloomberg, Apple recently applied for iWatch name ownership in Japan, a country where devices arrive in stream — and the filing reveals that Apple’s iWatch is categorized as “handheld computer or watch device.

The maker of iPhones is seeking protection for the name which is categorized as being for products including a handheld computer or watch device, according to a June 3 filing with the Japan Patent Office that was made public last week.

Apple has a team of about 100 product designers working on a wristwatch-like device that may perform some of the tasks now handled by the iPhone and iPad, two people familiar with the company’s plans said in February.

You may call it a “defensive move” against copycat manufacturers, but it also shows that Apple is looking to introduce its own wearable device to compete with the other big guns.

In May, speaking at an All Things Digital conference, Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook said the market for wearable computing is ripe for innovation, noting that the wrist was a natural place for such a device.

The Apple iWatch will likely include biometric sensors and applications such as mapping tools and ways to view information that comes via an iPhone or iPad.

As The Verge reports, the company has been known to trademark plausible names for future products, like 2009’s iSlate application, as well as ideas it’s more loosely tied to, such as 1988’s Knowledge Navigator.

Apple’s rivals are already offering their own version of smartwatch, including Sony, a maker of the Android-based devices.

July 1, 2013