According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple is testing a paper-thin watch gadget, which would compete with Pebble, FitBit and Nike FuelBand:
Apple Inc. is experimenting with designs for a watch-like device that would perform some functions of a smartphone, according to people briefed on the effort. Apple’s efforts come as companies have introduced various kinds of wearable gadgets, mainly designed to measure physical activity. More sophisticated devices face big technical challenges, but also are attracting investments from large technology companies. – read more via WSJ
The New York Times also reports that Apple is indeed working on a smart watch. Nick Bilton reports that Apple is “experimenting” with smart watches made of curved glass, “according to people familiar with the company’s explorations”.
In its headquarters in Cupertino, Calif., Apple is experimenting with wristwatch-like devices made of curved glass, according to people familiar with the company’s explorations, who spoke on the condition that they not be named because they are not allowed to publicly discuss unreleased products. Such a watch would operate on Apple’s iOS platform, two people said, and stand apart from competitors based on the company’s understanding of how such glass can curve around the human body. Apple declined to comment on its plans. – read more via NYT
At this time, Apple’s smart watch-like device is only in the concept stage. If the “experiment” proceeds, the first product would be released most likely in 2014.
