An anonymous reader writes: That was the message from Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook Tuesday, as he clarified the timing of the company’s first all-new product since it introduced the iPad in 2010.
Previously, Apple had said only that the Watch would be available in “early 2015.”
“Development for Apple Watch is right on schedule,” Cook said on a conference call with analysts. “We’re going to be thrilled to start shipping it because we have a lot of customers wanting to get one.”
As it did with the iPhone and the iPad, Apple is coming a little late to an emerging product category with an offering it hopes can define the segment. Apple’s competitors have rolled out smartwatches in recent months, but the category has struggled to take off among consumers who question why they need yet another mobile device.
Apple took the wraps off the watch in September, demonstrating its fitness- and health-monitoring capabilities. Apple has said the device will come in three basic models with a wide selection of straps. It needs to be paired with an iPhone to send and receive data.
Apple has said that Apple Watch will start at $349. But many questions remain, including how much higher end models – some of which will include gold – will cost, and whether Apple or independent developers will identify a “killer app” that will entice users to buy it
The Apple CEO said he is using Apple Watch every day and can’t live without it. Cook said an “impressive” number of developers are working on applications for the new product, aimed particularly at tapping its “glances” feature that sends notifications to the watch.
