Apple Watch: Fashion vs. technology?

As the latest offering by Apple, the Apple Watch is creating quite some buzz in the tech arena. That brings us to unraveling the reasons behind its unsurpassed popularity. Since its emergence, this piece of innovation has created two major divisions amongst its followers. The first group has all the techies, and the second group belongs to the fashionistas.

Such groupings give birth to a major debate about the Apple Watch. The question we come across is whether it’s a tech innovation or just another fashionable item.

Apple watch

Simply put, does the Apple Watch give rise to the age-old ‘Fashion vs. Technology’ controversy?

Let’s find out.

The technological aspects

With some of the exceptional tech features, the Apple watch is no less than a revolution. Once you get hold of it, you can bid goodbye to your Smartphones or other devices. Some of the unique features of this device include:

  •      Wellness Tracker

The Apple Watch comes with a fitness tracker. If that sounds great, then the greatest is yet to be revealed. With this wearable on your wrist, you will not only know about your weekly fitness targets but also develop an idea of what you need to do to maintain it.

Quite intriguingly, the Apple Watch not only notifies you about the minutes you exercised but also about the minutes you stopped. Now, that’s a huge help for fitness freaks.

  •     Book your cab

You don’t require your Smartphone when you have the Apple Watch with you. Just a few taps, and you can request your Uber right at the time you need it.

  •    Paying for services

One of the prime benefits offered by Smartphones is the online payment facility. And that’s what you get with your Apple Watch too. Meet your friends for coffee, go on a shopping spree, and dine with your special someone. Your Apple Watch will help you make the payments instantly.

  •     Staying connected to the world

Whether it’s posting a comment or ‘liking’ something on Facebook and Twitter, things have become much easier with the Apple Watch. The device will also keep you updated on what’s trending in social media.

With that brief overview of the technical aspects, it’s time we move onto discussing the style and fashion part.

        I.            Spectacular appearance

With a splendid and stunning aluminum case, the Apple Watch will inevitably be any fashionistas dream. No matter what you wear to work, your Apple Watch will completely complement every outfit.

      II.            Personalized aluminum case

Since the device comes with highly durable and personalized aluminum case, you will have the opportunity to team it up with any of your looks. Other than that, the aluminum case is changeable according to user preference.

The rebuttal

Although the Apple Watch brings smiles on the faces of every fashionista, it is essentially a tech tool. And with all that features and functionalities, you simply can’t tout it as just another style statement. Rather, it would be perfect to refer to it as one of the most ‘stylish tech accessories’. Your Apple Watch combines technology and fashion, thus uniting its two groups of followers.

Apple Watch – A Dream or A Distress?

If you are tired of holding your smartphone all the time, the Apple Watch will offer a welcome break. Just wear it on your arms and stay connected to the rest of the world, without reaching for your iPhone every time an email hits the inbox. With close to 50% share in the 2015 Smart Watch sales, there is no ignoring the popularity of this device.

You might ask why such a title has been provided to this article. Well, it is largely to do with Apple’s latest offering, the Apple Watch 5.0. You will love it as much as you hate it, all at the same time!

Apple Watch - both a dream and a distress

There is simply no denying the fact that this offering from Apple is undoubtedly one of the high-end tech revolutions today. And the makers surely had user experience in mind while designing it. Even then, Apple Watch 5.0 seems to be a not so pleasant experience for many. Here’s why.

Nightmarish feelings

One of the prime reasons is perhaps, the constant updates on your health goals and workout performances. The device seems to be the perfect option for fitness freaks. Say, for instance, fitness bands and meters provide you with an idea of your weekly or daily workout performances. The Apple Watch takes the entire experience to an entirely new height by adding a few more things:

  • With this unique tech device, you will get to know about how many kilometers you ran, or about the number of minutes you exercised.
  • If you wish to know about a number of calories burnt by you, it will also be available.
  • What takes it ahead of everything else is its power of measuring your stationary time. With Apple Watch 5.0, you will come to know about the number of times you stood.

Why is it so stressful?

There is no running away from truth. And Apple Watch is nothing but truth personified. You are always getting true, real-time updates on your health objectives. And that can be quite stressful at times. Every individual needs to work for a living. And there are numerous job sectors that considerably differ from each other.

An editor needs to sit at the desk, and she can do nothing about it. On the flip side, a player needs to work out on his body, and that’s nothing but a part of his job.

So, the constant monitoring of health goals might prove to be quite depressing for individuals without a proactive life. Getting to view depressing calorie burning counts will be nothing short of a nightmare.

The brighter side   

Apple Watch 5.0 also happens to be a dream for many. With unique apps for shopping, booking cab rides, paying for coffee and social media games, this smart device spices up your daily life to a great extent.

The device also seems to offer the right amount of excitement and enthusiasm to fashionistas. Although its aluminum case is not sleek, and the face is large, you will have the liberty of putting your customized, designer, or personalized case on its face. Now that will make the device no less than a stunning accessory to your beautiful apparels.

First look into the Apple Watch 2

Apple has always been in the news for its innovative gadgets and path breaking technologies. Amongst a number of rumors surrounding the release of the second generation Apple watch 2, we are already excited about the launch. While the need to clear off any false notions with regards the watch has become quintessential, we have tried to be thorough about its release date, design, and functionalities.

Coming up – A fascinating new version

 Apple watch 2 is soon to be unveiled personally by Tim Cook himself. This watch has been a hot topic of discussion among tech lovers much before it is due to enter the market. We are definitely expecting some exciting turnabouts but most of the rumors on the internet are just expectations. The watch is definitely promises to have integrated advanced technologies processors which are much better than Apple watch 1.

First look into the Apple watch 2

The rumors surrounding the latest iteration of Apple watch

There are many rumors, but the truth can only be settled after the exact release of the watch. We have sources citing that the Apple watch 2 will have a strong battery which will last for weeks. Rumors surrounding the watch release also suggest that the watch can be expected sometime in March 2016. However, some other sources even suggest that the release date can be postponed till the spring or the end of 2016 and the event in March will focus just around the iPhone 6c. However, there is no definite confirmation on the release date till now.

The interesting features and specifications hoped for in the new watch

By June 2015, an estimated 7 million Apple Watches were sold across the globe. Surveys suggest that the existing Apple users already wish the second iteration to reach in tandem with advanced features of other company’s Smart watches like pebble, having high battery life. We hope this to be fulfilled by the Apple Watch 2.

Apart from that, newer stainless steel Milanese loop straps, face time camera for video calling, and wireless chipset which would allow less dependence on iPhone, are among the many hopes resting on the new watch. Some rumors even suggest a completely new avatar of the Apple Watch 2. Also, newer color palettes could be on this list.

Things that have been confirmed till now are waterproofing, adding GPS system and some other utility features. While native health apps have never been enough, the Apple Watch 2 will have added inbuilt features/ apps which can act as an overall fitness meter, even under water.

To meet the higher expectations, Apple Inc. seems to be working in the direction of making a durable watch with high battery life.  Only time will say how closely the real features will match the rumors. But we can surely expect the best of the technologies to come together!

If you too have been waiting for the release of the Apple Watch 2, this would be the space to watch out for. We will try to dig up anything that comes along the way!

The 10 popular Apple watch applications

The apple watches are fantastic in terms of enormous collection of apps which can be availed from its app store. Now watching small videos, playing games, knowing the current weather condition, getting the latest news is possible downloading the various Apple Watch Applications.  The Apple Smart watches are creating a competitive scenario for its competitors by these best applications fetching popularity by the day. The 10 most exclusive applications which are very efficient and fetching higher downloads include

1.     Find Near Me

The best convenience auguring facet of the watch is it is always on your wrist when travelling. Hence, in case one need to find the nearest restaurant, ATM, Bank, using the Find Near Me App Watch App enables to quickly find the address, directions as also get reviews.

2.     Google Maps

While driving or travelling, the Google Maps have proved to be number one Geographical positional systems. Hence, the text based Google Maps on the Apple Smart watch are a welcome provision when one is not carrying the phone or the phone is out of charge. This app also contains links to the recent routes and also saved directions to your home or work which can be enabled even in the offline mode.

3.     Runtastic 

The health and fitness apps on the Apple Smart watches are undoubtedly excellent. The  sensors in the Runtastic app measures the heart rate while performing sports activities like running.  Also, with the Apple phone alongside can facilitate GPS tracking too.

The 10 popular Apple watch applications

4.    Pcalc

The apple calculator with much better user interface gives faster calculation ease as it is very much responsive.

5.     TuneIn Radio Pro

From around 100,000 radio stations from across the world accessible from a single app. this app is definitely loved and can be heard anywhere even while standing in queues at the bank. The sound in the Apple Smart watch is not too loud so as to disturb the people around.

6.     Vine

Viewing of small amusing videos with audio on the wrist watch is a fun activity possible only on the App Watch App Vine.  The movies are too long for viewing on the wrist watches.

7.     Fantastical 2

Setting reminders and getting reminded for the special events, appointments, lunches, exercise routine is possible over the Fantastical 2. There is no need to scourge for the phone to know your busy schedule when you have this app.

8      BBC news

Getting news updates of your favorite categories and also the top headlines can keep you organized with the BBC news app. Though not the whole story, a gist of the story on the watch can surely arouse the interest to read the whole story on your iPhone later.

9.     Pro Camera

The Procamera is an excellent camera with remote control features. The timer settings allow delaying the photo clicking and also one can input the number of photos to be shot in advance. It allows viewing the images from the gallery.

10.     Slack

The short and to the point messages or emojis as also voice messages can be sent across to the other users of this app.

5 Unique Advantages of the Apple Watch App

Reactions to the Apple Watch have been pretty split ever since its launch – some just can’t wait to have the function-rich device on their wrists and some don’t quite see the Apple Watch serving a real purpose for the price it demands. That said, Apple has sold more than 1.9 million units of the iWatch by July, 2015. “The product is positioned for the long term”, says Tim Cook, the CEO of the company. So, what makes the Apple Watch so unique to the 1.9 million users globally? Here are some advantages that only the Apple Watch can provide:

2-5 unique advantages of the Apple Watch App

1.       18 hours of battery!

This certainly is enormous, given our experience with smart phones that drain out of batter within a few hours. An 18 hours of battery life means that users would be able to comfortably commute and travel without worrying about the battery running out. This could serve applications like mapping and GPS for users looking up to the device as a means of travelling. A greater battery life further emphasizes app design conceptuality, wherein developers can expect the user to interact with the app longer. This gives marketers a perfect platform to ‘impress and win’ clients and customers.

2.       Siri

Siri is among the most outrageous and creative advantages that the Apple Watch provides. In simple terms, Siri makes the device a hands-free tool to communicate and commute. Using the microphone, users can dictate voice commands that can guide you to a destination, type text messages automatically, type emails, play music and facilitate other types of run time functionalities. Applications that integrate Siri would be able to generate automatic notifications that bring users to cafeterias, guide them to events, book them a cab, etc. The potential of Siri is enormous.

3.       Touch

Another incredible mode of communication with the Apple Watch is through the touch pad. The ‘digital touch’ is an intimate and intuitive way of sending messages that take the form of glyphs. As Apple puts it, users don’t need to open their mouth. The digital touch provides a spontaneous and fun way to connect with other iWatch users – wrist to wrist! Digital touch with Apple Watch takes three forms – tap, sketch and heart sharing. The implication of digital touch has changed the way users interact with Facebook, Viber, WhatsApp and even Evernote.

4.       3rd party customizations

The highly open SDK of the Apple Watch promotes customization to the extent that the face of the watch can be changed. While the Apple Watch comes shipped with many faces, users can even add modular items from third party developers. For a developer this could be the opportunity to enter as a logo or probably a digital clock into the Apple Watch. People will definitely take notice once you are associated with this wearable technology.

5.       Native Watch Apps

Finally, developers have the full scope to create completely native apps for the Apple Watch. Purpose apps like RunKeeper impart a different set of functionalities to the device and we have been seeing thousands of mini games to aim for the Apple Watch.

Have comments on which is your favorite Apple Watch benefit? We would love to hear from you.

Early Trends in Apple Watch Apps Development

Since the Apple Watch was launched, iWatch app developers have been regularly dabbling with the UI/UX design of the software. The company even launched a GUI PSD template for other designers to explore and react to the concept and capability of the Apple Watch. Lately, a lot of opinion has been presented about the Apple Watch. Tech experts like CNet believe that “the Apple Watch is the most ambitions, well constructed smart watch ever seen” and there are others like Endgadget who think that the device is “more status symbol than wearable revolutionary”.

What has been consistent across respondents is that the Apple Watch presents a unique platform for interactivity, has a perfect brand integration, supports several complication features, has intensive developer involvement and controls that work exceptionally well for the end user.

Early trends -- on Apple Watch apps development

Here’s what some industry experts have to say about the gadget:

Scott Vachalek, iOS App Developer

Apple has covered a lot many practical applications with the iWatch apps, making it a device to look forward to. The implications of the Apple iWatch will certainly grow in the near future. What makes that iWatch so helpful is the notifications feature. Further, there would be several apps that can make a better use of the iWatch app notification. This include coupons that pop up right when a user passes a particular store and similar other things. Notifications on the iWatch app make it much less intrusive to be used, making it a practical device than smartphones.

Paul Goldstein, App Developer and Entrepreneur

Paul believes that the Apple Watch is a pretty ‘cool’ device. He works on both Android and iOS platforms and is a user of the Google Glass and Android Wear (Samsung). However, he has plans to work with the Apple Watch since it has got pretty interesting feature for a developer.

Wearable devices bring notifications right onto your wrists. Users just need to glace down to see every new email, every new message take calls and of course check the time. However, wearable devices like the Apple Watch let the user go beyond notifications. Developers are always coming up with cool stuffs and everything from music, navigation, fitness and games is just a tap away on the app store.

The only thing that a user would miss badly with the Apple Watch would be Wi-Fi or GPS integration. This can even act as a limitation until the expected features aren’t included.

Glyn Williams, iOS App Developer

Though not particularly crazy about apps that go on the wrist, Apple has been able to come up with a better platform for quick communication, reminders and notification. There are several things that come built in with the iWatch and added to this is a commercial opportunity for developers to fill up the app store with apps customized for iWatch.

Overall, the developer community has welcomed the iWatch with open arms. The best thing is the programmable features that allow any developer to try his/ her own app on the device. The concept of the smartwatch and iWatch apps is indeed to make ‘moving around’ more efficient, practical and safe.

Apple Watch Apps: Long Way to Go

No matter what experts say about the pricing and features of the watch, Apple has still managed to sell an impressive 3 million units during April-June, 2015. During its launch, Tim Cook had revealed that there are 3,500 Apple Watch apps available, but now that number has jumped up to 8,500, which is definitely a steep progress towards its march to match iPhone’s 1.5+ million apps.

Apple Watch Apps

Apple Watch received mixed reactions during its launch, and inspite of the price of at least USD 549, the cost of the basic version, there were loyal buyers clamouring for it. This bodes well for Apple Watch app devleopers who wish to learn from the first wave of app development that showed the below experiences.

Positives

The product was launched just 3 months ago and is still in its early stages of development, therefore, 8,500 apps do not sound bad at all. Plus there are a plethora of weather apps and basic entertainment apps like Shazam and TuneIN Radio that are currently available for the smart watch. Here are a few positive experiences –

  • Apple has managed to get a few games for the watch. But, the games are limited to quizzes and trivia only because the small screen of the device prevents it from hosting full-fledged games.
  • The presence of Twitter and E-mail is a boost for the Apple watch as people are expecting more and more apps in the social networking circle. We can soon witness the launch of the Facebook app for the watch as the company has promised to develop one soon.
  • In terms of travel, you get apps like TripAdvisor and Yelp which inform you about the famous places around your location. While these two are third-party apps, Apple’s own “Find Near Me” is great for searching restaurants, banks, bars, etc. The app can also be used through Siri.
  • Many parties are contributing towards Apple watch app development and thereby, the watch does not lack in sports related apps too. Onefootball is one of the most popular apps in terms of sports. It gives live updates on matches of your favourite team and notifies when there is a change in scores.
  • The watch can perform basic calculation through various apps exclusively available for it. There are some Apple Watch apps available which store passwords for various social networking websites and e-mail service providers.

Negatives

There are a few negatives of the watch that Apple needs to look into, to give its users a better experience.

  • The biggest flaw is that you cannot reply to e-mails. You can view it, but you cannot respond to it. This is a strange thing as Apple could have easily provided a Siri assisted input system for e-mail.
  • Though it has apps in almost every category, it lacks in variety. The company should make sure that Apple Watch app development is in the right direction if it wants to floor Android based smart watches.

With these experiences, Apple Watch looks to have created a new tech frontier which promises to evolve for the better in the future.

Top 5 Wearable Devices of 2015 You Should Know About

Top Wearable devices 2015The demand for wearable devices is definitely on the rise these days. People have started to spend their money on these futuristic devices, and this is the reason why more and more tech companies are jumping into the scene. In 2015, most of the major tech companies, such as Apple, Samsung, and Sony have decided to roll out their wearable devices for the consumers. So, let us provide you a peep into the top 5 wearable gadgets of 2015 you should know about.

Apple Watch

Quite undoubtedly, Apple Watch is one of the most anticipated wearable devices of 2015. This smart watch has created a lot of buzz with its recent launch. The watch is available in three different segments – Apple Watch, Apple Watch Edition, and the Apple Sport Watch. With a choice of feature sets like dial shapes, color options, digital crown technology, and in-built notification system, it will appeal to the personalization needs of users.

Pebble Smartwatch

It was during the CES 2015 event when Pebble showcased its 3rd edition of smart watch. With its 3rd edition, the tech company would be expecting to accumulate a lot more accomplishment than it has had with the previous versions. The previous editions of Pebble smartwatch were loaded with basic features like sending/receiving emails and messages with a really powerful battery (up to 7days of battery backup). The 3rd edition will definitely offer something more to the users.

Tag Heuer Smartwatch

The brand ‘Tag Heuer’ needs no introduction in the watch industry. It is associated with quality and sheer luxury. But, now the company has decided to step into the world of tech gadgets. In 2015, you can expect Tag Heuer Smartwatch to hit the market, which would be run by Intel processor. The Swiss watch maker has given an indication that the wearable device will borrow some of its design element from the digital watch range of Tag Heuer.

HTC Gluuv

In case you are looking for something quite different then HTC Gluuv may fit into your needs. It would be the first wearable device from HTC, which will offer flawless integration with HTC One M8. By connecting your HTC smartwatch to M8, it would become possible for you to sync both of them and get regular updates. One of the most striking features of HTC Gluuv is its amazingly powerful camera, of 87.2 MP!

Sony Smart Eyeglass Attach

This device might remind you of the Google Eyeglass. Following the footsteps of Google, Sony is planning to come up with its own version of Smart Eyeglass attach. This device will be loaded with sensor HUB, Bluetooth, wireless LAN, and a powerful processor. In addition, it will also feature an OLED Micro Display accompanied with an optical unit.

With so many options to choose from, the competition between the wearable devices of 2015 is definitely going to get tougher. However, this will certainly prove beneficial for the consumers, as tech companies will have to keep improving their products in order to stay ahead of the competition.

Wearable Devices – The New Technology Disruptors?

Apple watch-Wearable Devices

A decade ago, people saw the inception of smart phones and other touch screen devices. In the last 10 years or so, the popularity and usage of hand held devices like Android Phones, iPhone, and iPad grew exponentially. However, nowadays,wearable devices are experiencing massive adoption in current times. Though wearable smart devices such as Sony Smart Watch have been around for quite some time, it is only since 2014 with the announcement of Apple Watch that the technology has become really pre-dominant.

Wearable Devices – A Compelling Technology Opportunity

The rapid proliferation of wearable technology has prompted many companies like Sony and Apple to ramp up their investment on wearable devices. Not just Sony, Samsung or Apple,even other tech companies are also planning to cash in the opportunity of catering to the growing demand of wearable gadgets. Some reasons why this is becoming a lucrative segment are as below –

  1. Visual appeal – Aesthetics is perhaps the main reason that is compelling consumers to go after the wearable devices. This in turn has created a huge window of opportunity for technology solutions providers who are looking to capitalize with their distinct offerings.
  2. Variety – When we talk about the wearable gadgets, it mainly includes smart watch. But, it also incorporates other gadgets such as health monitors, virtual reality headsets, activity trackers, and pedometers.
  3. Ease of use -Unlike smartphones and tablets that you usually have to hold them or carry in your pocket or handbag, a smart watch can make it really easy for you to make/receive calls, check out your emails, and other such stuff without holding an additional gadget. Since the device is already attached to your wrist, therefore you do not have to engage both your hands when operating it. This benefit becomes more significant when you are driving or busy doing other activities.
  4. Lifestyle choice – These devices not only help in productivity but also help in maintain a healthy lifestyle. They help record vital parameters, and offer guidelines through the heaps of data they collect. Since fitness has turned out to be vital these days, therefore more and more people are now spending their money on purchasing such wearable devices, which also explains why investors are finding this market a lucrative one.
  5. Smart customization – A lot of wearable gadgets come with a feature that lets you to manage your smart phone, smart TV and other devices with a single tap. This is the reason why people are falling for the concept of wearable devices, and companies are investing more and more on them.

Though Sony, Apple and Samsung are considered as the major players in the field of wearable gadgets, but there are couples of other worthy competitors too in this space, such as Pebble Steel, Garmin, and LG. With so much dynamic activity going on around the world of wearable devices, the action will certainly heat up in this space in the coming few months especially after the recent launch of Apple Watch. Stay tuned to know more on this exciting new technology.

How the Apple Watch will Transform Corporate Life

Apple Watch will transform corporate life

Wearable technology, a relatively new phenomenon to enter the market, has already caused a lot of stir among gadget users. The smart watch market is emerging as an interesting technology disruptor. With the launch of the new Apple watch, corporate life may be well set for a visibly drastic change in future. The innovative smart product is made to be used in conjunction with Apple phones and tablets, and can very well become the harbinger of change in our day-to-day corporate lives. Let’s dive in and see the influence this watch can have on our corporate lives.

The Possible Impact

While corporate life and activities today have a lot to do with smartphones and tablets, the launch of the Apple watch means that people are now more likely to glance at their wrists rather than whip out their smart devices every now and then. According to market research, a staggering 45% of consumers are expected to acquire and use smart watches in the coming years. This powerful piece of technology and its adoption can very well bring about a sea change in corporate life, office policies, productivity and daily routine. Positive changes are likely to improve corporate life and spur creativity and efficiency, while negative changes can have a detrimental overall impact.

Staying Engaged

Mobile phone alerts and notifications have long been considered one of the largest distractions at work, although it might sometimes be necessary for people to receive work-related communication on their smart devices. With the new Apple watch, receiving notifications has just got easier. This has the potential to distract people in office and take up more of their time with activities of a more personal nature. Corporate efficiency can suffer a setback for the same reason. Breaks in concentration during an intense period of work might happen more readily if people are sporting smart watches.

Many are of the opinion that, instead of the new technology, it is the work culture and practices that influence this change. The need for corporate employees is to concentrate on their work for long durations of time without distractions, and the Apple watch might provide them with yet another excuse to take multiple, non-productive breaks. To minimize the occurrence of these, several experts have noted that there needs to be an overhaul of company policies.

Changes to Expect

With the massive potential that the Apple watch has to offer, it can be easy to turn things around and use the device as a positive influence on corporate life. With a plethora of productivity apps and solutions expected to be available shortly, companies can integrate the device into their daily business workflow. There is a need for more stringent security practices and privacy policy to protect sensitive information. A great example of using the Apple watch to aid corporate processes is to use the technology for access control and time attendance instead of clunky key cards. Company updates, important information about events, seminars and training programs can also be made available on the Apple watch, making it a smooth and seamless companion for your corporate life, exuding a positive, conducive influence.

Do write in to us and let us know what other possible ramifications can come out of the Apple Watch.

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