It is shortly to understand if theApple Watch it will be an incredible success or a terrifying flop. Apple expects to sell around 20 million copies of its smart watch by the end of the year, perhaps it will, but considering that more than 70 million iPhones were sold in a single quarter, it doesn't seem to be a milestone to go. so proud. During the Keynote of March 9, when the new MacBook was unveiled, the house of the Apple definitively launched its highly anticipated smartwatch, revealing details and prices. In the months that have passed since the first presentation, the company was able to work on the project by fine-tuning the software, offering the possibility for developers to create apps and correcting some small initial defects. Despite this, the Watch may not reap the hoped-for success: for many, in fact, it is not the "pearl of innovation" that Apple has accustomed us to for years.
BEAUTIFUL, BUT IT DOESN'T SHINE The Watch is a good device, but with some "flaws" that you would never expect from an Apple product. But it must be considered that it is the first of its kind and, as has already happened in the past, the new version, which they are certainly working on in great secrecy, will be very different and will correct what is criticized today. Suffice it to make the comparison with the iPad: the second example was much better than the first, taking advantage of this experience, perhaps it would be better to wait next year to see what Apple will invent, but how can you resist the temptation to be among the first to show off the new Watch? Waiting to touch it with your hand, here are all its features revealed, even the negative ones that Apple prefers not to talk about ...
DISPLAY Although Apple has not explicitly stated this, the Apple Watch's Retina display is 1,32 ″ with a resolution of 272 x 340 pixels for the 38mm model. For the 42 mm version, however, the size is 1,5 "with a resolution of 312 x 390 pixels. It is also equipped with a flexible surface with Force Touch technology that allows you to distinguish between a light touch and a stronger pressure to give different commands.
BRACELETS To adapt the Watch to your style, Apple has made a large number of straps available. The Sport version has a Fluoroelastomer bracelet in white, black, blue, green or pink. For the classic version, on the other hand, you can choose, in addition to the one in Fluoroelastomer (white or black), one in mesh stainless steel or one in leather (modem, dassic or loop). For the Edition version there is the possibility to choose between the one in Fluoroelastomer (white or black) or the one in leather (modem or dassic).
PHYSICAL KEYS The Apple Watch has only two physical controls. A larger button, located at the bottom, with a single click accesses the Friends screen, with two clicks it activates Apple Pay and, when held down, turns off the watch. The second physical control is the digital crown. By turning it, you can scroll through the lists or change the zoom level of the items. With one click you go to the Home screen, with a double click you switch from the time to the last open app and vice versa, holding down Siri is activated.
SENSORS An accelerometer that records steps and movements have been integrated to calculate the calories consumed, a photodiode sensor and infrared light LEDs to measure the heartbeat, an ambient light sensor, a gyroscope and a barometer. There is no GPS, but it detects the location using that of the iPhone. Finally, inside there is the Taptic Engine, a linear actuator that returns tactile feedback when a warning or notification is received.
CONNECTIONS In addition to Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC, it features 802.11 b / g / n Wi-Fi connection. This allows it to stay connected to the iPhone even when it is too far out of Bluetooth range, as long as the watch and phone are connected to the same WLAN. The range of action of Bluetooth, in fact, is less than that of a Wi-Fi network. In this way we will be able to continue using the Watch even when we move from one room to another, without having to carry the mobile phone (all the functions of the iPhone can be managed by the Watch). Such a feature is not yet present on watches with Android Wear. But the close correlation with the iPhone is also a weakness for the Watch.
BATTERY It's definitely the Watch's Achilles heel. Apple claimed 18 hours of battery life on a full charge. Those who intend to use the Apple watch, therefore, will be forced to take it off every day to recharge it. This is one of the biggest flaws for a wearable device because it precludes its use in so many contexts. Furthermore, the inductive MagSafe charger is far from convenient - a wireless charging system would have been much more practical. Not that the other smartwatches out there do better in terms of battery life. It must also be considered that the 18 hours of autonomy are purely indicative and calculated considering a "normal" use. In audio playback and to monitor workouts, the duration drops to 6,5 hours. With calls, you can barely get to 3 hours. And a full charge takes 2,5 hours.
WATERPROOF From this point of view we have had the happy confirmation that the Watch is water resistant according to the IPX7 standard, which means that it can withstand up to one meter deep for 30 minutes. It is not possible to wear it for scuba diving, but if it rains or used for sports activities, sweat and water are not a problem, as long as you do not use a leather strap that will inevitably get damaged.
FIELDS There are already many, and many more will come. In addition to the classic Mail, Messages, Maps, Music, Siri, Weather and so on, there is the one for training, to check the iPhone camera and your health. Thanks to the release of the WatchKit, the many developers around the world will now be able to create new and splendid applications to be integrated into the Apple clock.
PRICES AND AVAILABILITY This is another sore point for Apple users. In America for the 38mm Sport version it takes $ 349; $ 399 for the 42mm one. The classic Watch, on the other hand, has prices between $ 549 and $ 1.099. Finally, for the more exclusive version, Edition, we start from a base price of 10 thousand dollars. The prices for Italy have not yet been communicated, but considering the unfavorable exchange rate, it is very likely that something more is needed from us. Sales will begin on April 24 in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. In our country, the wait will be a little longer.
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