Latest Gear Live Videos
It’s Time: Apple Watch Spring Forward event set for March 9
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Wearables, Corporate News,
Apple has sent out invitations to selected press for a special event that it's calling "Spring Forward" that takes place on Monday, March 8, 2015 at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, California at 10:00am. While the company hasn't stated any sort of agenda or product focus for the event, it's obvious to anyone paying attention that this will be the place where the company will detail the Apple Watch in full, ahead of the April release of the timepiece. We expect that we will finally get a solid release date, possible pre-order date, and the information that everyone is waiting for--the price of all of the various Apple Watch lines (Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch, and Apple Watch Edition) and the models within.
Of course, Apple can also use this platform to reveal any number of other things, including that new 12-inch Retina MacBook Air that's been running the rumor mill for the better part of 6 months now, but we won't be holding our breath for that one. We'll have all the news right here as it happens from Apple's Spring Forward event, which is just 10 days away.
Click to continue reading It’s Time: Apple Watch Spring Forward event set for March 9
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Apple Watch announced, available early 2015 for $349
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Wearables, Corporate News,
After months of rumors, the iWatch has been made official, and it’s called the Apple Watch. For the first time since the death of Steve Jobs, Tim Cook mentioned that he had “One more thing…” to talk about after unveiling the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Introducing the device as a precise and customizable timepiece that is also a comprehensive health and fitness device, the Apple Watch was unveiled with pride.
A video, narrated by Jony Ive, explained how the watch works. Users navigate using the touch display, as well as a Digital Crown on the side (similar to dials you find on analog watches) that allows you to navigate, zoom, and scroll without covering up the display with your fingers. The Apple Watch display can sense touch and swipes, as well as force.
Click to continue reading Apple Watch announced, available early 2015 for $349
Moto 360 goes on sale, sells out quickly
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Wearables,
Motorola's long-awaited foray into the smartwatch arena is now official with the release of the Moto 360. The Android Wear device features a 1.65-inch circular display that's covered in Gorilla Glass, making it resistant to scratches and shattering. The watch is also water-resistant. Other features include all-day battery life, built-in pedometer, optical heart rate monitor, and a leather watch band (Motorola plans to release metal bands later this fall.) Users can charge the device wirelessly with the included charging cradle.
Click to continue reading Moto 360 goes on sale, sells out quickly
Exclusive: I used Microsoft’s Surface watch
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Wearables, Features, Microsoft, Rumors,
Yes, it’s true—Microsoft is about to get into the smartwatch game, and I got the opportunity to play with it. As we'd previously reported, Microsoft has filed a patent that details a smartwatch. However, often these patent filings aren’t exactly what we see companies end up releasing. So, let’s separate the cruft and get to the meat of the matter. A number of months ago I took a trip to New York where I came across someone who was testing the upcoming Microsoft wearable device. I saw it on their wrist and asked about it. They tried to explain that it was a random fitness wristband ordered from China at first, but eventually (with some prodding) gave me the scoop. Here is your exclusive first look at what Microsoft is planning for its first wearable smart device, what we are referring to as the Surface Watch:
- As far as looks, the image above is a parody, but not far off. It has an elongated form factor, but isn't as comically large as what's in the image. It is much more akin to something like the Fitbit One or Samsung Galaxy Gear Fit in shape rather than taking on the shape of a traditional watch, like Pebble did, or like what Google showed off with Android Wear. What we saw had a flat display, while the inner portion that would rest against your skin was curved.
- The icons are the flat style that Microsoft has been using on its other devices like Windows 8, Windows Phone, and Xbox One. That's what tipped me off in the first place.
- Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy is how it interacts with the rest of the world
- The flat glass display, and was definitely not high resolution. We hope that both of these change in the final product--a high-resolution curved display already exists on the Samsung Gear Fit, and the Microsoft device just didn't look as good.
- The watch is packed with sensors. It has a heart rate monitor, accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS, and most interestingly, a galvanic skin response sensor all built-in. The galvanic skin response sensor is built into the watch band, while everything else is built into the unit itself.
Click to continue reading Exclusive: I used Microsoft’s Surface watch
Apple planning to introduce iWatch wearable in October
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Wearables, Rumors,
Industry sources are aligning, and it appears that Apple is prepping to release its first wearable watch (which many are referring to as the iWatch) this October. According to Re/code and Nikkei, Apple is planning a special event to debut and show off all the features of the new device in October--by our own estimation, this would be a month after the iPhone 6 and iOS 8 launch, and could be within the same timeframe that Apple launches the new Touch ID-enabled iPads.
People familiar with Apple's plans tell Re/Code the company hopes to schedule a special event that month to show off the device, which is designed to make good use of the HealthKit health and fitness information-gathering app it recently showed off at WWDC. Could things change between now and fall? That's certainly possible. But right now October is the target date.
We've been hearing about the rumored fall release of the iWatch for months, while simultaneously also hearing that it might be pushed back to 2015. Now that more reliable sources are in on the reports, it looks like things are coming together. Nikkei is also reporting that the device will sport a curved OLED touchscreen display, and will heavily focused on integrating with the new Health app in iOS 8, tracking things like calories burned, sleep activity, blood oxygen levels, and other fitness-related data.
Samsung Galaxy Gear: A 1.63-inch AMOLED smartwatch launching with 70 apps for $299
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Wearables, Corporate News,
Samsung is the first major company to release a smartwatch, revealing the Galaxy Gear during today's Unpacked event. The rumor mill was quite a ways off from what was presented today. The Gear sports a 1.63-inch 320 x 320 Super AMOLED display, with a 1.9-megapixel BSI auto-focus camera on the outside wrist strap (used to capture low-resolution images and 10-second video clips at 720p,) and a speaker on the inner wrist strap.
Galaxy Gear is also a platform unto itself, and it will have 70 apps on deck for launch, including familiar names like RunKeeper, Path, Evernote, TripIt, MyFitnessPal, eBay, and many others. That sounds great, but the device will ship with limited smartphone and tablet compatibility, working with only the Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Note 10.1 at launch, although Galaxy S 4 and Galaxy S III integration will be coming in October. With a compatible device, the Galaxy Gear will be your companion, allowing you access to Find My Device, S Voice, pedometer, call answering, and more.
Unboxing Live 117: Pebble Smart Watch
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Cell Phones, Clothing, Features, Videocasts,
We give you a look at the Pebble smart watch - it shows you your notifications from your smartphone, right on your wrist right on its e-ink display, and is compatible with both iOS and Android. Here are some specs:
- Load apps using Bluetooth
- 144 x 168 pixel display black and white e-paper
- Bluetooth 2.1+ EDR and 4.0 (Low Energy)
- 4 buttons
- Vibrating motor
- 3 axis accelerometer with gesture detection
You can also control apps and music as well, again, all over Bluetooth. I waited a long time for this to arrive, mostly because I had to wait for the orange version to get manufactured and show up. If you wanna get your hands on one, you can get the Pebble watch from Best Buy.
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Pebble Smart Watch comes to Best Buy on July 7 for $150
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Smartphones, Wearables, Wireless / WiFi,
The Pebble Smart Watch was a Kickstarter sensation that is still struggling to fulfill the orders of its initial backers, but that's not stopping the device from launching in Best Buy in just a few days. Initially you'll be able to get the e-ink display-powered Pebble in Jet Black at Best Buy while the company works to get the other colors into the hands of those who pre-ordered the device. Once those are fulfilled, you can expect to see other colors hit Best Buy as well. In fact, the Cherry Red model will hit store shelves in August.
Now is the time for the Pebble Smart Watch to try and get some attention on a larger stage, and Best Buy may be the place to do that. If you're unfamiliar, the Pebble connects to your iPhone or Android device and allows you to interact with it from your wrist. I have one, and it's convenient to see my messages, texts, and notifications pop-up on the Pebble without having to check my phone. I can also control apps like Music and Runkeeper right from my wrist as well. With Apple and Google expected to announce smart watches of their own sometime soon, some might argue that time is running out for Pebble to make an impact and fain traction. The Best Buy deal should help. You'll be able to order the Pebble from Best Buy for $149.95.
Click to continue reading Pebble Smart Watch comes to Best Buy on July 7 for $150
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Does Apple have an iWatch under its sleeve in 2013?
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Wearables, Rumors,
It is highly speculated that 2013 is the year that Apple's Tim Cook, or Phil Schiller, will walk on stage at an Apple event rocking something special under his sleeve. Something that you quite possibly couldn't live without. An iWatch.
Rumors are at an all-time high as speculation that Apple is getting serious about getting into the nascent smart wristwatch game, taking on the likes of upstart Cookoo watch and the KickStarter funded Pebble smart watch. Many agree that smart wearable computing is the way of the future. For instance, companies have given their take on wearable computers like, Nike's FuelBand, Jawbone's Up, Fitbit's activity trackers and, most recently, Google Glass. Perhaps, Apple can make them all obsolete with the iWatch. Bloomberg has written a fairly ridiculous essay as to why it might be more lucrative and, more likely, in Apple's best interest to ship an iWatch first rather than an iTV television set.
Click to continue reading Does Apple have an iWatch under its sleeve in 2013?
Dolce & Gabbana Launch First Luxury Men’s Watch Collection
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Fashion Designers, News, Sales,
Dolce & Gabbana are launching their first luxury men's watch collection.
The accessories line will comprise 52 models and be available in select boutiques from June 18. The collection will be stocked in 30 stores before the end of 2012.
"A man cannot not have a watch, it's part of a man's style, it's one of the few accessories that he can wear, and it was a category that was missing for us," designer Stefano Gabbana told WWD. "It's interesting to offer products that one must look for, special things that are difficult to find," he added, speaking about the selection process.
The Swiss-made collection is split into three product lines: the classic DG7, with a mesh Milano chain bracelet; the sporty DS5, with chronometers and chronographs tested by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute, and the glitzy DG7 Gems, embellished with diamonds, rubies, sapphires or emeralds.
Click to continue reading Dolce & Gabbana Launch First Luxury Men’s Watch Collection
