More from the Apple iWatch rumor mill — or, sorry — "people familiar with the matter."
The Wall Street Journal is reporting the iWatch will include more than 10 sensors, including ones for health monitoring. Sources say Apple might also launch the device in multiple screen sizes.
"Apple aims to address an overarching criticism of existing smartwatches that they fail to provide functions significantly different from that of a smartphone."
TechCrunch adds it's not just a failure of function, but also a lack of form. "The fact is that no one yet has managed to create a smartwatch that has mass appeal, and design has a lot to do with that."
The Wall Street Journal also spoke with a securities analyst who said the watch will come with multiple designs.
We know Apple hired one of Nike's FuelBand designers last year. Also, remember when Yves Saint Laurent's CEO hopped back to Apple to work on "special projects?" We're not saying, we're just saying. (Via 9to5Mac, The Verge)
However, Apple's track record would suggest a single iWatch design to start. When Steve Jobs announced the iPhone and iPad, there was only one option. It wasn't until later we saw multicolored iPhones and the iPad Mini. (Via Vimeo / Todd Hamilton, Apple, Apple, Apple)
But with research firm IDC predicting the wearable-device market will explode this year, it might be smart to introduce more options to grab more consumers. (Via Fitbit)
Or not. Who knows? The Journal's report is still speculation at this point.
BGR compares Friday's leak to the exclusive information Reuters reported Thursday. It says the two pretty much fall in line with one another, though the Journal's report mentioned multiple screen sizes.
Other earlier rumors, like The New York Times' report about the possibility of wireless charging, didn't get a mention Friday.
Either way, recent reports, coupled with Apple announcing the Health app for iOS 8 last month, all point in one smartwatch-looking direction.
Sources say the launch is set for early October, when some also expect the company will introduce its new iPhone.
