Smartwatches

Latest iWatch rumor: Biometric sensors, not arriving until late 2014

Latest iWatch rumor: Biometric sensors, not arriving until late 2014
Don't hold your breath for the rumored Apple iWatch, as it may not release until late 2014. (wrist image: Shutterstock)
Don't hold your breath for the rumored Apple iWatch, as it may not release until late 2014. (wrist image: Shutterstock)
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Don't hold your breath for the rumored Apple iWatch, as it may not release until late 2014. (wrist image: Shutterstock)
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Don't hold your breath for the rumored Apple iWatch, as it may not release until late 2014. (wrist image: Shutterstock)
The watch is rumored to sport biometric capabilities (fingerprint image: Shutterstock)
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The watch is rumored to sport biometric capabilities (fingerprint image: Shutterstock)

This wearable tech revolution that we hear so much about keeps getting delayed. First it was Google Glass, which was once expected late this year but is now more likely in early 2014. Now the well-leaked Apple smartwatch (dubbed “iWatch” by the press) might end up being another 2014 release. Late 2014, at that.

Analysts blow smoke out of their arses on a regular basis – especially when it comes to Apple products. But the one who made this prediction, Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, has quite the solid track record. He warns us not to get our hopes up for a 2013 iWatch, saying software and hardware challenges could force Apple to push its ship date back until late 2014:

    Apple may not have adequate resources to develop an iWatch version of iOS because it may require big changes to iPhone and iPad iOS this year. In addition, wearable device components aren’t mature. For these reasons, we think mass production of the iWatch is more likely to begin in 2H14, not 2H13 as the market speculates.

Biometrics

The watch is rumored to sport biometric capabilities (fingerprint image: Shutterstock)
The watch is rumored to sport biometric capabilities (fingerprint image: Shutterstock)

Kuo goes on to predict that biometrics will play a big part in the wrist-based computer. He thinks the technology will add both security and advanced health tracking features to the device.

Apple bought biometric sensor company AuthenTec last year, and Kuo has also predicted that the iPhone 5S will sport a fingerprint sensor.

The iWatch, according to Kuo, will also use some of the same processing and display technologies that Apple uses in the iPod nano. He also sees the device sporting a 1.5- to 2-inch display: making for the most cramped game of Angry Birds you've ever played.

Waiting on a revolution

As always, you’ll want to take this with many grains of salt. Kuo obviously has some solid sources in the supply chain, but that’s hardly an absolute guarantee that he’s on track here.Stay tuned: no matter when this wearable tech revolution arrives (if ever), we’re sure to keep hearing all about it.

Source: Macrumors

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