Report Claims iWatch Awaiting FDA Approval, Will Feature Blood Glucose and Sweat Sensors

The final version of Apple’s first-generation iWatch is awaiting certification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before it enters mass production for a launch this Fall, claims Chinese website Laoyaoba (Google Translate, via GforGames). Citing inside sources, the site claims that Apple has already finalized the design and specifications of the watch, noting that the company is trying to get the device certified as medical equipment.

The Basis Health Fitness Tracker
It was reported earlier this month that Apple had met with the FDA in December to discuss a number of topics, with some suggesting that Apple might be laying some groundwork for the iWatch. However, a memo issued by the FDA noted that the dialogue merely revolved around its guidance on mobile apps and making sure that the technology industry and regulators are on the same page.

Laoyaoba also claims that the iWatch will come with a number of advanced health sensors, including those that measure heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose. Apple has also apparently developed an in-house sweat analysis sensor for the iWatch, which will all work with iOS 8′s Health app to track various health metrics.

This information also contrasts a number of past reports that pointed to the iWatch focusing on more simple functionality to make the health-tracking experience more accessible to everyone. While Apple hired a number of personnel with expertise in fields like blood glucose monitoring, it has been noted that such technologies may not make it into the first-generation iWatch, which require a lengthy-approval process from the FDA and complex hardware integration.

Reports from the The Wall Street Journal and Reuters yesterday noted that Apple is also still trying to finalize specifications for the device. Notably, the Wall Street Journal report suggested that the iWatch will ship in “multiple versions”, while the Reuters report said that the device will sport a 2.5-inch screen and feature wireless charging and pulse sensing capabilities.

The iWatch is expected to be revealed and launched in October, which was a date reported earlier this month by Re/code.

iWatch Coming in Multiple Sizes With More Than 10 Sensors

Apple will launch multiple versions of its highly-rumored “iWatch” smartwatch in the Fall, according to a new report from the The Wall Street Journal. The device is said to come in multiple screen sizes and will utilize over 10 sensors to track health and fitness, with Apple aiming to go beyond the smartphone-related functionalities seen in current smartwatches.

Android smartwatch coming from LG
Apple’s smartwatch could launch as early as October with production to begin in two to three months at Quanta Computer Inc., a Taiwanese manufacturer that has long been Apple’s supplier for Mac computers, said the people familiar with the matter. Quanta will begin some trial runs next month.

In total, sources familiar with the matter estimate that Apple will ship between 10 and 15 million units by the end of the year, as the company is still finalizing specifications before mass production starts.

The report adds additional data to a report from Reuters which claimed that the iWatch would measure in at a surprisingly large 2.5 inches diagonally, and feature wireless charging capabilities in addition to a touch interface. While the new report doesn’t contradict the Reuters piece directly, it’s not clear if the 2.5-inch screen will be one of the “multiple versions” of the watch that launches this Fall. Previous rumors had suggested that the device would come in a 1.3 and 1.6 inch sizes to accommodate different sized wrists.

Apple is expected to introduce the iWatch at an October event, with a launch coming in the same month.

‘Air Stylus’ Turns Your iPad Into a Drawing Tablet for Your Mac [iOS Blog]

Air Display developer Avatron Software today launched Air Stylus, an app that allows users to utilize the iPad as a pressure-sensitive, wireless drawing surface for over 30 graphics programs on the Mac.

The app is compatible with a number of pressure sensitive styli, including the Wacom Intuos Creative Stylus and the Adonit Jot Touch 4, and works with popular programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Pixelmator. Air Stylus also includes support for pinch-to-zoom and two finger gestures while drawing, and features the ability to toggle palm rejection on and off.

– Make Your Mark – With palm rejection and multi-touch support, Air Stylus lets you draw naturally and makes your stylus do all the work.
– Quick On The Draw – Air Stylus creates a fast, reliable wireless link so you can immerse yourself in your art without distraction.
– Draw The Line – Pen-based pressure sensitivity means your lines are accurate, whether they’re paintbrush bold or feather light.
– Best Of All – Compatible with 30+ graphics apps so you can incorporate your iPad into your existing workflow (support for Windows and Android imminent!)

Air Stylus can be purchased from the App Store for $19.99 and is available now. [Direct Link]

WSJ: Apple’s smartwatch will feature ‘more than 10 sensors’

Apple is said to be creeping ever closer to launching a smartwatch, and there could be more than one. The Wall Street Journal reports that the company is planning a new wearable that comes in “multiple screen sizes” and includes “more than 10 sensors” capable of tracking fitness and wellbeing. It’s believed that the smartwatch will include more sensors to differentiate it from Apple’s smartphones and tablets, like being able to collect fitness data without the need for a mobile device. What could those sensors be? Well, an accelerometer, magnetometer, gyroscope, compass, heart-rate monitor, altimeter and an ambient light sensor are all possible inclusions. Samsung and Google are already detecting body temperatures, location and integrating voice commands inside their wearables, so perhaps Apple’s ambition is to find a way to cram in the whole lot.

This latest rumor builds on a recent New York Times report which indicated that Apple was testing new ways to charge its wearable without plugging it in. Inductive, solar and motion charging were all said to have been mooted, which if true, would offer users longer usage times. The Journal’s sources suggest production of the fabled iWatch could begin in the coming weeks ahead of an October launch, suggesting Apple could have more than new smartphone(s) to show us before the year is out.

Filed under: Wearables, Mobile, Apple

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Source: Wall Street Journal