Where to buy Apple Watch & other info: Pre-order April 10
With the Apple Watch set to hit store shelves April 24, it should be a bit easier to remember the clock change this fall for daylight savings. Apple, Inc. has made waves with its appropriately timed Spring Forward event this morning, officially launching its highly anticipated smartwatch in a still young market. Known for user-friendly interfaces and futuristically-designed hardware, Apple has the opportunity to dominate the smartwatch sector, despite existing wristbands from rival Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
Here are the smartwatch-related highlights from Apple’s launch event today. Details still missing include full specifications on the Apple Watch, and its complete security offerings.
Specs
.
Battery
Expect up to 18 hours of battery life or whole day of battery-life across a range of activities. Charging the Apple Watch will literally be a snap, as the magnetic charger attaches to the back of the Apple Watch easily.
Colors and collections
Apple Watch – Stainless steel case in traditional or space black
Apple Watch Sport – anodized aluminum case in silver or space gray
Apple Watch Edition – 18-K gold case in yellow or rose
Price
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Price starts at $349
Apps
Glance – glanceable information, including weather reports, music control and notifications.
Many watch face options including the Disney-themed Mickey Mouse skin.
Taptic Engine alerts you with a gentle tap when you receive a notification.
Get calls from your watch, no need to pull out your iPhone.
Digital Touch to let other Apple Watch wearers know that you’re thinking of them by sending your heart beat, a tap or a sketch.
Apple Pay lets you use the Apple Watch to check out at participating retailers and grocers such as Macy’s Department Stores and Whole Foods.
Get timely activity reminders as well as progress updates throughout the day.
Scroll and like images on Instagram.
Request or book a ride on Uber.
It will pull your boarding pass from Passbook when you’re near the airport.
SPG (Starwood Preferred Guests) app lets you check into your hotel and unlock your room.
A new Apple Watch app is available for download and is compatible for use on devices running iOS 8.2.
You can use Apple Watch to find out what the title of the song is playing using the Shazam app.
Fitness integration
Workout app provides more detailed measurement during specific activities.
Encourages you to stand up.
Every Monday it suggests a new daily Move goal based on your previous week’s activity.
Where to Buy
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Available for pre-order starting on April 10, when interested buyers can experience the Apple Watch hands on when they visit select Apple Retail Stores, to help them decide whether they want to pre-order it or not.
Will start shipping on April 24, as well as available in Apple Stores on the same date in nine countries: Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, United Kingdom and United States.
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