14 DAY TRIAL // An analyst quoted by China’s Electrical Engineering Times says he’s spoken to some supply chain people and learned that Apple is building optical sensors inside its iWatch to measure things like heart rate and oxygen levels.
Optical sensors are a logical step for Apple if it wants to offer these readings to the wearer, according to Mio founder and CEO Liz Dickinson. However, she’s not convinced.
Interviewed by MacRumors, Dickinson said, “...using electro optical sensing requires a very specific type of design in order to work accurately. The sensor needs to be in tight contact with the skin with little ability to move.”
The Mio CEO added, “Perhaps Apple does not care about accuracy during motion but in any event, at the time readings were being taken even if the person is still, the watch, or band, would need to be flush to the skin.”
There’s no shortage of concepts trying to depict the look and feel of the iWatch, but it seems each and every one of these mockups is flawed in more ways than one.
For example, none of them can accurately depict how the device would come in contact with the user to give accurate health readings. Considering that Apple has to create a design that is not only functional but also appealing, it’s safe to say they have their work cut out for them.
iWatch is said to arrive sometime this year, with some analysts speculating that the launch will be held at the Worldwide Developers Conference this summer. The physical launch would probably occur at a later date.
The Cupertino company is also known to be working on a revamped Apple TV, which could come alongside the iWatch or later during the fall. This product is not expected to launch until the fourth quarter of the year.