Video and contactless commerce two big winners with Apple announcements say experts
Apple unveiled its long-anticipated smartwatch Tuesday, introducing a device that transplants the features of an iPhone onto a smaller screen that’s never more than an arm’s length away.
Dubbed the Apple Watch, the gadget marks the technology trend-setter’s attempt to usher in an era of wearable computing and lift its sales with another revolutionary product.
Apple Announces Apple Watch, Available in Early 2015 From $349: http://t.co/D3BwZDKUuD pic.twitter.com/XafYWIKyis
— Sync IOS (@Sync_ios) September 10, 2014
The watch’s debut also heralds a turning point in Tim Cook’s three-year reign as Apple CEO. Although the company has thrived under Cook’s leadership, it had only released upgrades to the iPhone, iPad and other products hatched before his predecessor, Steve Jobs, died in October 2011. The lack of totally new devices raised questions about whether Apple had run out of ideas without the visionary Jobs.
“So Apple made a nice watch for men. What about women? This is way too huge for women. Yuck!”
Now Apple is betting on a gadget that seems like something James Bond might wear. The Apple Watch’s top-of-the-line edition comes in a casing made of 18-karat gold, with an array of elegant bands available for most models. The watch can serve as a walkie-talkie, a drawing pad, pulse monitor, calorie counter and activity tracker.
“It is amazing what you can do from your wrist,” Cook said.
How the #iPhone6 will impact marketers http://t.co/RgqHQTeqDU #Applelive
— Marketing Magazine (@MarketingEds) September 10, 2014
Apple’s launch of two new phones #iPhone6. and a smart watch today open up new possibilites for marketers, according to digital experts, with larger screens, near field communication technology and payment system all part of the new offerings as the company looks to stay competitive with rivals.
Two larger iPhones – one 4.7 inches and the other 5.5 inches – were unveiled at an event in California yesterday, along with the Apple Watch, while a new mobile wallet, called Apple Pay, also formed part of the launch that will enable people to use their phone to buy goods.
While competitors already have such technology, Apple insisted it will take the experience to a new level and keep it at the forefront of innovation.