“Taiwan’s Quanta Computer Inc. will start mass production of Apple Inc’s first smartwatch in July, a source familiar with the matter said,” Michael Gold reports for Reuters. “The watch, which remains unnamed but which company followers have dubbed the iWatch, will be Apple’s first foray into a niche product category that many remain skeptical about, especially as to whether it can drive profits amid cooling growth in tech gadgets.”
“While the watch is widely expected, the start date of its mass production and the extent of Quanta’s involvement were not known until now. Mass production will start in July and the commercial launch will come as early as October, according to the source and another person familiar with the matter,” Gold reports. “Apple will introduce a smartwatch with a display that likely measures 2.5 inches diagonally and is slightly rectangular, one of the sources said. The source added that the watch face will protrude slightly from the band, creating an arched shape, and will feature a touch interface and wireless charging capabilities.”
“Apple’s watch will be able to perform some functions independently, but tasks like messaging and voice chat will require a paired smartphone, according to the source. The device will only be compatible with gadgets running Apple’s iOS, like its flagship iPhone, one of the sources said,” Gold reports. “A third source said LG Display Co Ltd is the exclusive supplier of the screen for the gadget’s initial batch of production. It also contains a sensor that monitors the user’s pulse. Singapore-based imaging and sensor maker Heptagon is on the supplier list for the feature, two other sources said… Many are hoping that Apple’s entry into the field of so-called smart wearables will be a game-changer that transforms the industry like the company’s iPhone did in 2007.”
Read more in the full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Lynn Weiler” for the heads up.]
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