Watch Apple: it is, what it does, what does not, what it costs … – BBC

From our correspondent
BERLIN – What do we should do a smartwatch wrist? It is this demand that Apple tries to answer with the Watch, its new digital clock. Arriving on April 24, but not in Italy (we have to wait a few more weeks) with prices starting at $ 349 and arrive at lists nabobs, over $ 10,000 for the version in 18 carat gold. What is so certain that Apple enters feet together in the luxury market. What is less certain is whether it will succeed where other companies have failed so far, that impose fashion watches connected. According to analysts, whatever happens will be a success: experts expect at least 15 million Watch Apple sold in the first year.

Style and models
The recipe is established, developed by Steve Jobs and perfected by his heir Tim Cook. Brand strength, elegant design that blends with useful features and easy to exploit. It worked for iPod, iPhone and iPad, bringing a company almost failed to become the first in the world by market capitalization on the Stock Exchange, the first to exceed 700 billion value. The Apple Watch (and not iWatch, the first gadget to “lose” the iconic “i” from the days of the iPod) has been studied in a painstaking by designer Jony Ive, creative engine company. Do not pretend to be a traditional clock (not the round case) and not masquerading as a smartphone with a miniature display. The touchscren there, also reflects the intensity of pressure (“Force Touch”) but there is also a “crown digital”: a wheel on the right (or left, for left-handers: the watch is reversible) and replaces the touch for some functions. The Watch is much smaller and compact rivals so far presented: in particular the version with 1.5 inch (38 mm) is designed for the female audience, so far ignored by those who already produces smartwatch. Then there is the 42 mm version, which costs $ 50 more. For the first time Apple will have to sell a product that does not come in a few models but in a very wide variety of combinations. In addition to the two dimensions, there are three categories of Watch and dozens of different straps. Watch Sport has the aluminum case and rubber strap in: is the basic version. Watch is made of steel and metal bracelet or leather. Watch Edition is for sheikhs and neo-Chinese millionaires, in 18 karat gold.

apps
What does the Watch? Many things that are rivals. For example, receive and respond to phone calls, text messages, email messages, and without taking the iPhone, to which must be connected via Bluetooth or wi-fi. It also allows new forms of interaction with other owners of the Watch: you can send doodles or heartbeat. You then instrument for fitness. Finally there are the apps that should be added value. Those social networks, notifications sport or bag but also peculiar app Apple. Pay by Apple to pay in the store holding the watch at checkout. The ability to open the door of the hotels (chain W) replacing the key. The biggest limitation is the battery: lasts a day but no more. Watch the night must be recharged through a magnetic base that attaches to the back. The sprint of smartwatch can leave. We’ll see where it will arrive.

The star: the new MacBook If the
Apple Watch all in all it did not surprise than advances, to really impress was the new MacBook 12-inch retina display. A new generation of ultra-portable that is not only super light (just over 900 grams) and thin. But with which Apple makes a statement: the physical ports on the computer died. It remains only one (in addition to the headphone jack), a door-type UBS-C (the new Usb) that serves for charging and, if necessary, connect an accessory-dock to which, in turn, connect the various USB, Thunderbolt, Ethernet, etc. But the idea is that in the name of extreme portability everything should and can switch from the network. Apple has won in the past many bets like, but this is really bold. Although the design, the new keyboard and the new Force Trackpad will massacre of hearts among technology enthusiasts.