A new report from Japanese business newspaper Nikkei says Apple’s much-rumored “iWatch” smartwatch is expected to see an October launch, will use a curved OLED touchscreen, and will use biometric sensors to collect health-related data, including caloric consumption, sleep activity, blood glucose levels, and more.
Apple appears confident of the new product. According to a parts manufacturer, it plans monthly commercial output of about 3-5 million units, which exceeds the total global sales of watch-like devices last year.
While Nikkei generally has a good reputation, some of the information it uses in its report leans greatly toward generalization.
“It will likely use a curved organic light-emitting diode (OLED) touchscreen and collect health-related data, such as calorie consumption, sleep activity, blood glucose and blood oxygen levels.”
We’re just not sure how a curved OLED screen jibes with previous reports that the face of the iWatch would be round. (Well, CBS is promoting the return of “Under the Dome.” – Ed.)
Also, the report mentions that Apple is working with Nike on the project, but again, offers no specifics:
“Apple is also in partnership with Nike. According to sources familiar with the matter, the two companies have likely agreed to integrate their services in the future.”
The Nikkei report also mentions Apple’s new iOS 8 operating system, saying “new watch-like wearable gear will run on this OS.” This would indicate a stand-alone iOS device, instead of an iPhone-connected accessory like the Pebble smartwatch.
The summer rumor mill silly-season is fun, isn’t it?
