In the popular comic book series Dick Tracy, the gadget carrying detective used a two-way wrist watch radio as a communications device. For those waiting act out their Dick Tracy fantasy and talk into their watch, Apple today made you happy.
The new Series 3 watches has built-in cellular capabilities. It also features streaming music and a faster dual-core chip.
Health and fitness was a major theme during the Apple keynote and with the new Apple Watch users can now run, take a call, send an email, listen to their favourite tune and not break stride. And, their iPhone can be left at home.
How did Apple do this?
The Series 3 watch has a full LTE and UMTS cellular radio that switches to cellular when it is away from iPhone. The watch shares the same number as iPhone. Users can then make cellular calls from the watch and, when paired with AirPods, get a full wireless experience. The antenna displays itself as both a transmitting and receiving element for LTE and UMTS, while introducing a built-in eSIM that is over one-hundredth the size of a traditional SIM card.
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This is Apple’s third-generation watch and the company is positioning the product as a companion device along with an intelligent fitness coach. The Apple Watch is water resistance up to 50 meters and sports a barometric altimeter that measures relative elevation.
Coming in two models, there will be one with a GPS and cellular service, while the second model only has GPS.
Apple COO Jeff Williams said the addition of cellular will transform the way people use Apple Watch, providing a new sense of freedom since they can stay connected with or without their iPhone.
The plan now is for the Apple Watch Series 3 to be released on Sept. 15th to 10 countries. It will also be available for online ordering in 28 countries. The line up at the Apple Store will begin on Sept. 22, if you want to purchase at retail.
Apple Watch is available in two different case sizes, 38 mm and 42 mm. Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) will be available in gold, silver or space gray aluminum, or silver or space black stainless steel paired with a variety of bands starting at US$399. The gold, silver or space gray aluminum cases with a Sport Band will be priced less at US$329. That’s the same price as the Apple Watch with Nike+.
At the high end, the Apple Watch Edition in gray or white ceramic starts at US$1,299. Apple also released a Hermes version of the Apple Watch for US$1,149.