Apple iWatch Review: Complicated Timekeeping Features - 'Design Gone Wild'?
The Apple Watch is slowly losing its "enigmatic" status as more details about it have been released. Importantly, when Apple announced the new "timekeeping" features of the device, it set off rumors that they could result in a watch that is very complicated to use.
Most of these complications could directly result from the newly released Apple WatchKit. It features 15 different ways on how users can interact with the Watch. These include tapping on the screen, long and short look, glances, vertical and horizon swiping, navigating using the digital crown, using Siri, and finally waving it at an NFC-enabled device to pay with Apple Pay.
The 15 interaction methods could mean that developers will soon start creating apps that feature them. This could lead to the Apple Watch becoming more complicated than the other devices in the iPod, iPad and iPhone range.
However, Apple explains that the watch makes "complications simple." This is because even a simple screen that shows the time can also display additional information, which can be accessed through the icons.
These icons appear on the sides of the screen and can be tapped to display weather reports, activity trackers, alarms, stock quotes and even timers.
While these additional functions are interesting, it means that users will get a boatload of information in addition to the time. This could easily distract them when they tap on the wrong section of the small screen. With everything from moon phases to other functions, Forbes notes the Watch could be a case of a "design gone wild."
As for its release date, there has been no word from the company, but several sites have hinted that the Apple Watch could roll out in Asia first. This could happen sometime during February after which it could arrive in the U.S.
However, a senior vice president of the company had reportedly informed Apple employees that the watch could come out anytime between March and June.
