Apple Watch 3 at a glance

• Is available exclusively on EE in the UK
• The device has cellular connectivity, a 70% faster dual-core processor and its only 0.25mm bigger than the Series 2
• watchOS 4 arrived on 19 September

Image credit: Apple

Apple Watch 3: latest news

02/10/2017:Apple Watch 3 owners have reported they're struggling to connect their devices to LTE, but the only way owners can rectify the problem is to call their operator to fix it.

The Apple Watch 3 is only available on EE in the UK and the company said that for customers to turn on the connection, they'll have to phone customer services.

However, it is advising everyone with an Apple Watch 3 that refuses to connect to do the following: "Go to the Apple Watch app on your phone and select 'Mobile Data'. If it says 'Activating' that means it's working and all you need to do is wait for it to complete. It can take up to 2 hours, but may complete quicker."

If this doesn't work though and they're presented with an error message such as, "activation failed," "Error code 019," "Error code 007," or "this account is not ready to use with Apple Watch," they're being requested to give the operator a call to try and get it up and running from their end instead.

Unsurprisingly, EE has been inundated with calls and messages about the fault and with only six people on the company's support team dealing with the issue, it may be those having problems will have to wait some time on hold before they can rectify the issue.

28/09/2017:The Twitter Apple Watch app has disappeared from the device, with Twitter instead choosing to focus on improving the way notifications appear on the Watch from a user's iPhone.

On the iTunes App Store web page, Twitter states it is no longer compatible with the watch, as reported by TechCrunch. Users who have updated to the latest iOS and watchOS have also reported that the Twitter Watch app has disappeared.

The publication reported that the app was removed following an update of Twitter for iOS (version 7.8).Twitter's watch app began crashing earlier in the week, MacRumorsreported,so Twitter may have pulled the app in order to give it an update.

A number of watch apps were removed in the first half of 2017, including those from Amazon, Google Maps and eBay.

IT Pro understands the app has been removed, but that the Watch will instead mirror iPhone Twitter notifications, enabling users to view images and other Twitter content directly on their Watch.

A Twitter spokesperson said: "We heard from people that notifications were the most helpful part of the Apple Watch Twitter experience. With this, we are focusing on supporting more robust, media-rich notifications. We are committed to providing the very best Twitter experience on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Apple Watch, and we'll continue to iterate and improve our apps across all platforms."

Additionally, the LTE version of the new Apple Watch has problems making phone calls and using cellular data without the presence of an iPhone nearby, it emerged last week.

Apple admitted that the watch can experience connectivity problems when it connects to open Wi-Fi networks. The tech giant hopes to release a fix in a future software update for the problem.

22/09/2017:Apple's new heart rate monitor won't work with original watch model

The next iteration of Apple Watch OS, watchOS 4, will bring a host of new updates to its health and fitness tracking app, however it has emerged that owners of the original watch series are going to miss out.

The new software upgrade will introduce a new resting heart rate monitoring feature, recently demonstrated at Apple's so-called Special Event earlier this month, but according to 9to5Mac, only users with Series 1, Series 2 and the new Series 3 watches will be able to make use of it.

The reason? The original watch series is simply not powerful enough. Newer Apple Watches received much faster chips and larger battery capacities, and even though the original model is only two years old, it's unable to keep pace with demanding capabilities.

Users have confirmed that the workout heart rate monitor is fully functional on the original watch series, however they are unable to track their resting heart rate.

It's yet another blow to the Apple marketing campaign, after it emerged that a bug in the new LTE connected Apple Watch 3 meant it's signature feature, the ability to make calls or connect to WiFi, was faulty.

Users have confirmed that other features available in watchOS 4, such as tracking cooldowns after a workout, are working on the original Apple Watch.

21/09/2017:Apple Watch LTE has problems making phone calls and using cellular data

Apple's new Watch Series 3 has experienced issues when carrying out phone calls and making use of cellular data on the device without the presence of an iPhone nearby.

Apple has admitted the watch can experience connectivity problems when it connects to open wifi networks, as reported by Reuters.

Apple spokesperson Amy Bessette told the publication that the company is trying to find a fix to include in a future software update.

A number of reviewers have experienced this problem when reviewing the new device. Lauren Goode wrote in The Verge that the watch she reviewed failed at the LTE part.

She wrote: "On more than one occasion, I detached myself from the phone, traveled blocks away from my home or office, and watched the Watch struggle to connect to LTE. It would appear to pick up a single bar of some random Wi-Fi signal, and hang on that, rather than switching to LTE."

Apple sent the publication a statement which read: "...when Apple Watch Series 3 joins unauthenticated Wi-Fi networks without connectivity, it may at times prevent the watch from using cellular. We are investigating a fix for a future software release."

IT Pro has contacted Apple for more information.

There have also been some problems surrounding the devices battery life. Betty Wong Ortiz found that the watch died just under three hours when going on a 20-mile run.

She wrote in Runners World: "I did have the GPS going inside Apple's Workout app while also using the heart rate monitor and Apple Music playlists downloaded directly to the watch. (Thankfully, I knew enough not to stream songs.) And I Bluetoothed that music directly to my headphones--all of which taxes the battery.

"The fix, according to Apple, is to switch to Power Saving Mode in the Workout app, which turns off the watch's cellular and built-in heart rate sensor during your long run; that should get you about five hours of GPS tracking."

The new device is available from tomorrow and prices start at 329. For the LTE version you will also need a cellular plan with EE who have the device as an exclusive in the UK. Buyers can buy the watch with a plan directly from the network or buy it somewhere else and add a plan to the watch afterwards.

Apple Watch 3 release date

The new device opened for pre-orders from 15 September and was available from 22 September in the US. It has launched in the UK and is available from EE.

Apple Watch Series 3 price

The Apple Watch 3 is priced differently for each model depending on how big your wrist is; it comes in the slightly cheaper 38mm version of the 48 mm version. The starting price for the former is 329 whereas the latter is 359. The price increases more if you go for the cellular version, to either 399 or 429.

Like its predecessors, there are also a number of different styles available for you to choose to suit your taste. You can choose from the space grey aluminium case with grey sport band, silver aluminum case with fog sport band, gold aluminium case with pink sand sport band and space grey aluminium case with black sport band.

If those versions don't interest you, and you don't mind splashing a bit of extra cash, then Apple has also produced two stainless steel case versions. They come in either black or white and are only available with cellular functionality. The price of this option starts at 599 for the 38mm wrist version and 649 for the 42mm version.

Still not interested? Not to worry - Apple has a couple of other styles up its sleeve. There is a stainless steel case with a Milanese loop cellular version for 699/749. The price rises to 749/799 if you want it in black.

If you want a sporty Apple Watch 3 then there's a Nike version too - it follows the same pattern as those above and the prices start at 329/399.

If you're still doubtful about the styles mentioned above, and want to go all-out, then there is a Hermes Apple Watch 3 version which costs between 1,199 and 1,399 depending on which style you choose.

Lastly, there's also white and black ceramic version starting at 1,299.

Apple Watch specs and features

Apple Watch 3 iPhone independent

The Apple Watch Series 2 needed an iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, SE, 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 7 or 7 Plus, and iOS 10 or later. This was because much of the"heavy lifting" was done by the phone, which then pushed information to the device.

Now, the Apple Watch Series 3 has cellular connectivity and can operate independently, without needing to be near an iPhone all the time. There is a version of it which is non-cellular and is, obviously, cheaper.

The cellular version means users can go for a run with just the watch and stay connected, leaving their phone behind. It uses the same number as a user's iPhone and you can use maps, receive important phone calls and use third party apps such as WeChat. It has up to 18 hours battery life and you can also use Apple music to stream over 40 million songs from your wrist.

Apple Watch 3 specs

The watch has a new dual core processor which is 70% faster and Siri can talk on it for the first time ever. Apple has made their own custom wireless chip, called the W2, which provides 85% faster wi-fi and is 50% more power efficient. There is also a barometric altimeter to measure what elevation you reach when you are running.

Interestingly, the actual display of the watch is its antenna and Apple integrated an electronic sim into the device, which is a fraction of the size of a nano sim. The case is the same as the Series 2 except the back has been extended by 0.25mm, the same size as two sheets of paper.

It has a capacity of 8GB, a heart rate sensor, an acceloremeter and gyroscope and is also water resistant to 50 metres.

The cellular version is slightly different and has a capacity of 16GB.

The Apple Watch Series 3 comes in a 38mm version, weighing 26.7g or 28.7g with cellular, or a 42mm version, weighing 32.3g or 34.9g with cellular.

Apple Watch 3 watchOS 4

Apple has revealed that watchOS 4 will be available from 19 September.

There are new watchOS 4 icons which indicate Apple is preparing the Watch 3 to support a number of workouts. iHelp BRspotted new stick figure icons in the iOS 11 internal files and code. These new movements range from skiing in the snow, playing baseball and even dancing.

Apple Watch 3 Bands

A number of bands are available including in gold, silver and space grey. There is also a sport loop, for those with an active lifestyle, and exclusive colours for the Nike bands. Apple has also added a ceramic watch in grey finish as well as the standard white.

Apple Pay and NFC

Apple Paywill probably remain on the Watch Series 3 as Apple continues encouraging users to take advantage of the service. After all, it removes the need for taking your card, or phone, out of your pocket to pay for items since the watch is ony your wrist.

Apple Watch 3 Apps

There are already thousands of apps available for Apple Watch 2 so hopefully many of them will be available for the Series 3. Take a look at some of them below:

Health and Fitness

Apple Watch has been positioned as a health and fitness companion, as well as a mobile device, with the HealthKit developer platform underpinning it all.

As well as built-in fitness tracking and motivation apps like Workout, Move and Activity, third-party apps like Nike+ Running, Runtastic, Strava, and Lifesum are also available straight away. Apps for more holistic exercise regimes, such as yoga, are available as well.

Travel

Travel companies were very quick to develop apps for Apple Watch, with airline apps such as British Airways and EasyJet allowing the user to track their flight status in real time, as well as informing them of when their gate has opened and providing a weather forecast for their destination.

Expedia and TripAdvisor also have Apple Watch apps. The former lets users check their upcoming travel itineraries, including flights and hotel information, while the latter can provide them of things to do, restaurants to visit and other important tourist information in their surroundings.

Other travel apps include National Rail, Uber, and remote car unlocking for VW and BMW cars.

Social Media

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest all developed Apple Watch apps.

The Twitter app notifies users of new tweets or retweets via a tap on the wrist, which they can also read in full on the Apple Watch Screen. Wearers can also use the app to compose tweets via voice and follow trending topics.

Instagram, meanwhile, lets users browse their feeds, like photos, and leave emoji comments, as well as delivering notifications.

Business

There is a significant number of productivity-focused apps available for Apple Watch, including Salesforce and over 20 Salesforce partners, Invoice2go, Wunderlist and OfficeTime.

Apple Watch 3 further news

19/09/2017: EE unveils UK prices for Apple Watch Series 3

Mobile network EE has unveiled the prices customers can buy a Apple Watch Series 3 for and opened pre-orders too.

All Apple watches are priced at 25 for 24 months, which works out at 600 in total, and have unlimited data. The devices also share minutes and texts allowances from a user's phone. If you choose the 42mm version of any watch it will cost you 29.99 extra compared to the 38mm version.

EE currently has the aluminium version in gold, silver and space grey, the Nike+ aluminium version in silver or space grey, and the white stainless steel version.

Customers will need to pay an upfront cost of 129.99 for the stainless steel version of the watch, or 159.99 for the 42mm version, although the upfront cost for the other versions it offers starts at 0.

Users who buy their watch from other sellers can set up a data plan with EE through the Apple Watch Series 3 app. In the app select "Set up Mobile Data" where you will be able to log in with an EE account and select a plan.

On Twitter, EE stated that if a user buys their watch from somewhere else and wants to add a data plan, customers will have six months free unlimited data and it will then be 5 per month for 10GB. Full pricing and tariffs are yet to be confirmed andIT Prohas contacted EE for more information.

If you buy the Apple Watch Series 3 silver aluminium version from EE directly it will cost you the 29.00 upfront fee plus 25 per month for 24 months which altogether is 629.99. This gives you unlimited data too.

If you buy the same version of the device from Apple it will cost you 429.99. You can then add the 10GB/5 a month deal, which for 24 months comes to 120. This, combined with the watch price, will cost 549.99 which is cheaper than what EE are selling it for but will only get you 10GB of data.

EE says that while your Apple Watch is connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth, it will use the phone's data allowance instead of its own. The network also says the watch will not work with another network and data is UK use only so this function will not be available if you take it abroad.

At launch, the device is an exclusive on EE and the network says you will need an iPhone SE, an iPhone 6 or above on the EE network with either a SIM only or pay monthly plan to use the watch.

The device is set to launch on 22 September, which is this Friday.iOS 11andwatchOS 4both launch today which many Apple fans will be happy about.

15/09/2017: Apple Watch 3 may not support international roaming

The LTE Apple Watch 3 may not have international roaming and users will not be able to change their network when they go abroad.

Reddit user learnjavaaskedApple Support whether the watch would be able to roam outside its home country.

The user wrote: "The watch will not support roaming. At all. For Europeans that means your country only, even after the recent (June) law about European roaming freedom."

"There is no way to use a European watch with e.g. a US-carrier. The hardware might support identical bands (but even then way different than what we are used to from iPhones) but the service rep told me that it is not clear when and if at all it will be possible to change countries. Could be a hardware limit."

Mobile network EE toldIT Prothat Apple has designed the product so it cannot connect to cellular networks when abroad. In order for it to be compliant with EU law EE said it has an EE Smart Watch data plan which is set up as a domestic-only plan. EE added that customers can still use their iPhone in the EU using their UK data allowance.

IT Prohas also contacted Apple for comment.

Reddit user LazyA**edAssasin pointed at the Apple Watch'sdata pagewhich shows that 3 different models are available in different regions of the world. The UK model does not support UMTS and Apple states at the bottom of the page that "roaming is not available outside your provider network coverage area".

This could potentially come into conflict withEU lawwhich forces networks to drop mobile roaming charges earlier this year. The European Commission stated: "If you pay for a monthly package of minutes, SMS and data in your country, any voice call, SMS and data session you make while travelling abroad in the EU will be deducted from that volume as if you were at home, with no extra charges. This means the end of roaming charges as travellers have experienced them so far."

Additionally, this may also be a problem for UK customers who wanted to buy the new watch in the US and save a little money since Apple has set the price of its products at the same price in dollars and pounds.

14/09/2017: Apple Watch 3 battery life plummets on talk time

The cellular-enabled Apple Watch 3 might not be quite as useful as Apple would have us believe.

When Apple made its latest wearable its first big announcement at Tuesday's special event, boasting about its data connectivity that allows it to act as your mobile phone, what CEO Tim Cook et al neglected to tell us was its battery life suffers badly when it's used in this way.

Watch 3's battery life stands at 18 hours after a full night's charge when using it for activities such as checking the time and using apps, Apple says. It lasts up to 10 hours when playing back music when connected to an iPhone via Bluetooth.

But when using the Watch 3 to take a phone call in connection with an iPhone, that 18 hours drastically falls to just three hours of battery life - and drops even further to just over one hour when using LTE to chat.

First spotted by9to5Mac, Apple'sbattery information pageon the Watch 3 spills the beans. The wearable lasts 10 hours for indoor workouts and five hours with outdoor workouts involving GPS. If using both GPS and LTE during a workout, the battery life falls to four hours.

For a watch that is promoting itself on its LTE and GPS capabilities, the actual battery life when using these features is quite low.

20:40:Apple Watch Series 3 UK prices unveiled

The Apple Watch Series 3 prices have been unveiled on the company'swebsite.

It will start at 329, for a wrist size of 38mm, or 359, for a 48mm wrist size.If you want the cellular version then that will set you back 399 or 429.

These styles are available to choose from at these starting prices: Silver aluminium case with fog sport band, gold aluminium case with pink sand sport band, space grey aluminium case with grey sport band, space grey aluminium case with black sport band.

There are also two stainless steel case versions which come in either white or black and are only available as the GPS and cellular version which will start at 599 for the 38mm version and 649 for the 42mm one.

Additionally, there is a stainless steel case with a Milanese loop version for 699/749 and it only comes in the GPS and cellular version too. The black version is priced at 749/799.

The Nike watch styles follow the same pattern and are starting prices are between 329 and 399.

For those who want to splash their cash, there is a Hermes version which costs between 1,199 and 1,399 depending on what style you go for.

Lastly, there is a white and black ceramic versions which start at 1,299.

EE is the only network in the UK which the new Apple Watch is currently available on.

The normal GPS device needs an iPhone 5s or later with iOS 11 installed. The cellular version of the watch needs an iPhone 6 or later with iOS 11 on it too.

The Apple Watch and phone provider must be the same, which means you will need a phone contract with EE for it to work.

19:04:The Watch Series 3 is only available with EE in the UK

EE is offering UK customers to register for the Apple Watch Series 3 on theirwebsiteand will let them know when it is ready to pre-order.

It is an exclusive for the network although it has not said how much the device will cost in the UK. Apple said at its event that prices for the cellular watch would start from $399 and $329 for the non-cellular version.

That's about 300 for the cellular version and 248 for the non-cellular one, as long as EE does not raise the price.

The new watch will be able to work independently of a user's iPhone and has its own SIM which means it can make and receive calls. It shares the same number as the iPhone and has a built-in electronic SIM so user's don't have to worry about buying a separate one from a network.

Its dual-core processor is 70% faster than its predecessor and the device will have up to 18 hours battery life.

18:44:Apple unveiled the new Apple Watch Series 3 at its event in California

The watch will cost $399 for the cellular version and $329 for the non-cellular. It will be available in the UK with EE at launch. Orders begin 15 September and it will be available from 22 September if you want to get your wrists on one of these.

It has cellular built in which means users can go for a run with just the watch and stay connected, leaving their phone behind. It uses the same number as the iPhone and you can use maps, receive important phone calls and use third-party apps such as WeChat. It has up to 18 hours battery life and you can also use Apple music to stream over 40 million songs from your wrist.

The watch has a new dual-core processor which is 70% faster and Siri can talk on it for the first time ever. Apple has made their own custom wireless chip, called the W2, which provides 85% faster wi-fi and is 50% more power efficient. There is also a barometric altimeter to measure what elevation you reach when you are running.Interestingly, the actual display of the watch is its antenna and Apple integrated an electronic sim into the device, which is a fraction of the size of a nano sim. The case is the same as the Series 2 except the back has been extended by 0.25mm, the same size as two sheets of paper.

A number of bands are available including in gold, silver and space grey. There is also a sport loop, for those with an active lifestyle, and exclusive colours for the Nike bands. Apple has also added a ceramic watch in agrey finish as well as the standard white.

18:20:Tim Cook has kicked off the Apple event by talking about the Apple Watch.

"The Apple Watch is now the number one watch in the world" said Cook. It was previously the fourth most popular watch in the world. He also said the Watch grew by 50% last quarter which he called "incredible".

12/09/2017:Apple is reportedly working with Stanford University and telehealth firm American Well to test whether the heart rate sensor built into the Apple Watch is capable of detecting abnormal heart rhythms in patients.

The technology is typically used to track heart rates while exercising, however it's thought it could be refined enough to accurately detect arrhythmias, or heart abnormalities, or patients that are at a high risk of serious diseases, according to aCNBCreport.

Arrhythmias aren't always a sign of a serious problem, however a condition known as atrial fibrillation can mean a patient may be at high risk of blood clots, strokes, and other complications, while showing no external symptoms. The thought is that the Apple Watch could be used as an early screening tool that alerts users to consult a doctor.

"Atrial fibrillation is a common rhythm disorder and knowing someone has it is medically useful because those people might need specific treatments," said Bob Wachter, chairman of the Department of Medicine at the University of California, speaking toCNBC.

Apple CEO Tim Cook recently suggested the company was looking into heart health apps for the Apple Watch. Speaking in an interview withFortune, he said an early goal for the device was "performing some measurements of your health that people were not measuring, at least continually. Like your heart. Very few people wore heart monitors. We're extremely interested in this area. And yes, it is a business opportunity."

Those involved with the test have requested to remain anonymous as the plans have yet to be made public, according to the report, however they did confirm that a clinical trial is scheduled for the end of the year.

11/09/2017: LTE Apple Watch 3 to use the same phone number as iPhone it's paired with

The Apple Watch Series 3 will share the same phone number as the iPhone linked to it, a massive leak of the iOS 11 golden master (GM) code that took place over the weekend revealed.

The leak shows that the Apple Watch will use LTE cellular networks to make and receive calls and data independently of the iPhone, according to9to5Mac.

Users will be able to add their Watch 3 to their iPhone plan, meaning both devices will share the same number.

The code also appears to suggest that some carriers will offer promotional plans for the LTE Apple Watch, perhaps including free months of service.

The upcoming Apple Watch 3 appears to have a similar form to the Apple Watch Series 2,9to5Macreported,which suggests buyers can use their bands from previous generations.

The GM leak also revealeda number of details, including that Apple plans to release three iPhones, the iPhone 8, the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X. The X will be Apple's flagship previously referred to as the iPhone 8, while the 8 and 8 Plus will be what were being referred to as the 7s and 7s Plus, showing Apple is killing the 's' branding. The leak also reveals that Face ID is definitely set to appear in the iPhone X.

This is potentially the biggest and most revealing leak ever, with an Apple insider reportedly making the code available to two news websites.

28/07/2017:Apple Watch Series 3 could be released at the same time as the iPhone 8

Rumours that Apple could release the next Apple Watch this year have intensified following a report that shows its manufacturer is expected to enjoy strong growth in the second-half of 2017.

Quanta Computer is the main manufacturer of the Apple Watch since its official launch in 2015, as reported byMacRumors. The publication said Apple is meant to be keeping Quanta as its main supplier for the next installment of the watch and this means the company should begin the second half of 2017 strongly.

The website also predicts that, while theiPhone 8is raising a lot of media attention, Apple may launch a new Apple Watch this year - potentially at the same time the new phone is announced in September. Apple pursued this strategy when it announced the iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 2 in the same month.

The new watch is rumoured to have cellular connectivity, meaning that users can make calls and send messages without needing to connect the device to the iPhone. Despite this, it may mean that users will have to have two separate cellular plans: one for their watch and one for their phone.

There have been reports that Apple may not be able to produce enough iPhone 8 devices for its launch in September due to a shortage of OLED panels at assembly plants. This may mean that although the iPhone 8 will potentially make its debut in September, not all customers will be able to buy one, which isn't different to any other iPhone launch.

07/06/2017:Apple watchOS 4 announced at WWDC 2017

Apple showcased the watchOS 4 operating system at WWDC 2017 and highlighted a host of new features including new Siri integrations and fitness features.

New fitness features include personalised updates, monthly challenges and celebrations when you hit a goal. The watch will let you jump into any workout with just a tap, includes a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) mode and lets you track your swims better. To help users get the most out of a workout, the watch will now automatically turn a Do Not Disturb setting when you begin a workout too.

Music has been changed too as the Apple Watch will automatically sync playlists that have been curated for you to the watch. Added Bluetooth functionality means the watch can connect to other health and fitness devices too, potentially even for monitoring glucose levels while exercising.

Developers can currently access the developer preview but the public will have to wait until the autumn to get their hands/wrists on the new update.

Make sure you check out ourApple watchOS 4 hubfor all the details

19/05/2017:Tim Cook spotted sporting Watch with blood sugar tracker

Apple CEO Tim Cook has been spotted with a special version of the Watch on his wrist, which includes a prototype blood sugar tracker. That follows previous reports that Apple was looking to sell a glucose sensor that can connect to the Apple Watch to help those with diabetes.

The first version of the Apple Watch included a heart-rate sensor, but didn't feature GPS or waterproofing, meaning it was less useful for fitness tracking. The Apple Watch 2 included both features, making it handy for runners, swimmers and other athletics. It now looks as though Apple is adding health to the Watch's capabilities.

According to aCNBCreport, Cook was spotted wearing a prototype sensor that connects to the Apple Watch while at the company's headquarters. Cook has previously discussed the idea of a glucose sensor, and said he'd been wearing one, while in Edinburgh giving a talk to university students, but said at the time he removed it before the trip. At the time, he said it was "mentally anguishing to stick yourself many times a day to check your blood sugar," CNBC reported, noting that the Apple glucose tracker will be non-invasive.

He suggested the sensor would be useful to people at risk of diabetes, as they could track their body's response to what they're eating and "adjust well before they become diabetic".

The glucose sensor is thought to be a "smart band" that attaches to the Watch to extend it's capabilities, rather than a feature built into a new version of the wearable.

12/05/2017: Will the next Apple Watch offer sleep tracking?

Apple has acquired Beddit, a Finnish sleep tracking firm, in a move that could signal the technology is coming to Apple Watch.

Sleep tracking technology is common in wearables, particularly when it comes to specialist health and fitness devices. Despite Apple pushing its smartwatch's health credentials, it has never included sleep tracking as an integral part of the device, although it's a commonly requested feature.

Beddit's device, which has been on sale in Apple Stores since 2015, isn't a wearable itself, though. Instead, it consists of a 1.5mm thick strip that users place on top of their mattress and is plugged into a mains socket for power. It can then monitor many aspects of a person's sleep, including their heart rate, time and quality of sleep, and whether the user is snoring. It also includes an intelligent alarm system that wakes users during their lightest phase of sleep.

The question now is whether Apple has acquired the company for its software or its hardware - or both. Indeed, the Beddit app has been one of several that have filled the sleep-tracking gap left by Apple Watch.In order to integrate Beddit's technology into the Apple Watch itself, however, the device would need a significant hardware upgrade currently, the device is unable to track sleep as it requires recharging each night.

02/05/2017:A number of leading tech companies have silently killed off their Apple Watch apps, according to a report byApple Insider.

Google has joined Amazon, Ebay, and US retailer Target by dropping support for its WatchOS Maps app in a recent April update, although no official announcement was made, the publication said. So far the dropped apps include Amazon's shopping service and Google Maps.

Google has stated toApple Insiderthat although it has dropped support for Google Maps, it plans to add it once again in the future.

It is unclear why the companies decided to remove the apps, however, though it may be that the services weren't widely used by Apple Watch owners, rather than necessarily an indication of a struggling platform.

However it could also be a sign that the platform is no longer lucrative. It is no secret that Apple has found it difficult to convince customers of the platform's potential, with estimates fromIDC analystssuggesting as much as a 71.6% drop in sales in the third quarter of 2016.

And Apple isn't alone, with wider sales of smartwatches tanking over the last year. Google is struggling to sell its Android Wear range amid poor customer demand, and development of its latest version was pushed back after third party manufacturers such as Motorola abandoned device production at the end of last year.

The market was also hit with the shock news that Pebble, the company considered a leading exponent of smart watch technology, was being sold off to Fitbit forpractically nothingin December.

Wearables featured heavily at this year's CES, and technology companies are continually evolving the ways in which lightweight devices can improve not only our personal lives, but also productivity at work.

We've highlighted some of the best wearable devices for making your hectic workday that much easier.

Smartwatches

There is no denying that the buzz around smartwatches has begun to subside, but to write them off completely would be a mistake. Whether it's for productivity, navigation, organisation, or fitness, watches provide a discrete tool for business users.

Apple Watch 2

Apple remains the biggest name on the smart watch market, and with its latest iteration of the Apple Watch it continues to improve on a solid design. Built in GPS and a wider range of style and size options make the watch an even more attractive option for a companion device.

It also features a host of supported productivity apps, including a remote version of PowerPoint, Evernote, Salesforce, and travel essentials such as App in the Air and Uber. It's also less obnoxious on your wrist, and will only 'light up' when the device registers that your arm is rotating to view the screen.

While battery life remains fairly mediocre, lasting up to 18 hours between charges, this is certainly enough to survive a working day.

Apple Watch 2 specs:

Samsung Gear S3

Changing consumer tastes in the smartwatch market are being reflected in a recent move away from devices that look alien on the wrist, toward a design that's more akin to a traditional timepiece.

The Gear S3's rotating bezel is far more intuitive for navigation than the touchscreen it also features, and gives it that outdoor sports vibe. Built on the lightweight Tizen OS, battery life can last up to four days between charges; but the software has a relatively small app library compared to the amount available on WatchOS and Android Wear. If you're after something more like a traditional watch, with some added smart features, the Gear S3 is for you.

Samsung Gear S3 specs

Fitness trackers

While the smartwatch market begins to slow, wearables in general continue to gain momentum, led primarily by the popularity of fitness trackers.

Fitbit Charge 2

By no means the only choice when it comes to Fitbit, the Charge 2 is simply the best of the bunch. It sports a large OLED screen, a five-day battery life, interchangeable straps, superb accuracy and a solid build quality. The device relies on connecting to your phone for GPS connectivity, which may be a gripe for some users. Otherwise, at 129 it's a solid pick.

Microsoft Band 2

If you're looking for something a little more powerful, the Microsoft Band 2 is one of the most robust fitness trackers on the market. It packs a whopping 11 sensors, including built in GPS, a barometer for measuring altitude, and UV and skin temperature sensors. Although a full charge will only last you two days, it is great for most activities and provides a comprehensive built in health dashboard. Naturally the price is at the top end, so expect to pay over 160 for the pleasure.

VR/AR

The most compelling applications of virtual and augment reality devices have been within industry, and continue to transform the way we visualise projects and perform tasks.

Hololens

Although first demoed alongside an AR version of Minecraft at 2015's E3, Hololens is first and foremost a business tool. Based on our own experiences of the product, it is safe to say that the Hololens is set to shake up the computing industry. Its apps are already compelling: for example SketchUp allows for the visualisation of fully customisable 3D buildings on a blank space. This space can even be arranged as a second screen to a monitor, with the ability to drag and drop objects as you would normally. It is tech like this that makes its business use immediately apparent, as any designer will be able to recreate their projects in the real world as they work.

Although it is still in development, there are some niggling problems; chief among these is its tiny field of view. It is also a high end product with a premium price tag, and if you plan to pre-order it will set you back 2,700.

HTC Vive Business Edition

In an attempt to expand its user base beyond the consumer market, HTC announced it would be releasing an enterprise-focused edition of its VR headset. The Vive BE provides a bespoke VR package for businesses wishing to incorporate the technology into the workplace, offering dedicated support lines, commercial licensing opportunities, and the option to bulk buy. HP has already demonstrated the power of the tech, by helping the Bank of England recreate an iconic former site that was demolished in 1925. Using the HTC Vive, centuries old architecture has been brought back to life through virtual guided tours. Still in its relative infancy, businesses are only beginning to realise the potential applications of the technology.

Stress Relief

Unlike health devices that are focused on strenuous activity, some products are encouraging you to do less, all in the name of reducing stress.

WellBe bracelet

The WellBe band uses a mobile app to analyse your heart rate alongside your calendar entries, and is able to tell you at what point of the day you were most stressed. It is a simple tool to help you identify when your stress levels are most elevated, and suggest ways in which they can be brought down. This includes a series of plans for meditation and breathing exercises, and general tips for living a more relaxed lifestyle. There is even a model made from cork that is lightweight and soft against your arm, although at $149 it's a little pricey.

Bellabeat Leaf Urban

The Bellabeat Leaf Urban is the perfect device for women who dislike wearing wristbands but want to keep track of their health. Although it can be placed on the wrist with a strap, its biggest selling point is that it can be worn around the neck like a piece of jewelry or affixed to a bra or belt. The pebble shaped sensor is able to learn your habits and provide insights into your daily routine, by tracking breathing, sleeping and activity.

After the initial wave of hype for smartwatches, it seems interest is beginning to wane with worldwide shipments down by 51.6%.

Total smartwatch sales for the third quarter of 2016 reached 2.7 million, down by over half from last year's 5.6 million sales, according to research by market analyst IDC, published on Monday.

Leading providers of smartwatch devices including Apple, Lenovo, and Pebble all saw considerable losses in the third quarter.

Although Apple successfully maintained its role as market leader, it posted the second largest year-over-year decline among the biggest vendors, with a 71.6% decline in growth. Lenovo posted the largest year-over-year decline at 73.3%, plagued by a lack of availability of the Moto 360 devices.

"It has become evident that at present smartwatches are not for everyone," said Jitesh Ubrani, senior research analyst at IDC. "Having a clear purpose and use case is paramount, hence many vendors are focusing on fitness due to its simplicity."

"However, differentiating the experience of a smartwatch from the smartphone will be key," added Ubrani. "We're starting to see early signs of this as cellular integration is rising and as the commercial audience begins to pilot these devices."

US tech company Garmin was a surprising exception, seeing a staggering 324.2% increase in growth, helped largely by its focus on fitness. This has further increased its market share to 20.5%, helping to close the gap on the 41.3% share held by Apple.

Researchers are quick to point out that despite the apparent drop in sales, the impact of some newer devices such as the Apple Watch 2 has not been analysed.

"The sharp decline in smartwatch shipment volumes reflects the way platforms and vendors are realigning," said Ramon Llamas, research manager at IDC. "Apple revealed a new look and feel to watchOS that did not arrive until the launch of the second generation watch at the end of September."

Many vendors have had to "rely on older, aging devices" to satisfy customers, as some devices are either still to be released, such as Samsung's Gear S3, or have been pushed back, in the case of Google's Android Wear 2.0.

Apple has launched five new Apple Watches at its annual hardware launch event in San Francisco.

The Apple Watch Series 2 is once again available in two sizes, 38mm and 42mm. In addition to the existing aluminium, steel and Herms editions in the now rebranded Series 1, the company introduced two new options - ceramic and Nike+.

A wide variety of straps is also available, made from materials including fluoroelastomer, leather and steel, all of which come in different colour options (more on this below).

There have been no changes to the battery life on the Apple Watch Series 2, compared to the Apple Watch Series 1, however it does now have a more powerful system chip - the SiP 2 - and is waterproof to a depth of 50 metres, a welcome feature for swimmers and surfers. It also has a new screen and, for the first time, a built-in GPS.

Quick facts

Price: 369 - 1,550UK release date: 16 September 2016Battery life: 18 hours

Apple Watch 2 aluminium

Formerly known as Sport, "aluminium" is the entry level device for the Apple Watch Series 2, as it was in the first iteration of the device. It is more expensive than the original Apple Watch Sport was at launch (369 vs 299), which could be attributed to its new features, including dual-core processor and brighter screen.

The Apple Watch Sport 2 is available in four case colours: silver, black, gold and rose gold, all of which are made from Aluminium. 12 different colour fluoroelastomer and woven nylon straps are available at launch and, if the last Apple Watch is anything to go by, more colours could be joining the ranks in about six months' time.

Apple Watch 2 steel

Formerly known simply as "Apple Watch", Apple has decided to update the name of its mid-market wearable, calling it the Apple Watch Series 2 steel. With grey, black or silver brushed steel casing and leather, metal and fluoroelastomer strap options, it's once again the up-market-but-not-too-flashy entry for the Apple Watch.

Apple Watch 2 edition

Apple has ditched the 18-carat gold and rose gold Edition lines and introduced instead a ceramic casing option in series 2. It's not quite as pricey as the original Edition was, starting at 1,249 and going up to only 1,299. It is available with just one strap, white fluoroelastomer, to complement the white chassis.

Apple Watch 2 Herms

Apple's collaboration with French fashion house Herms began last year and continues with Apple Watch Series 2. It's the watch straps, rather than the casing (which is all brushed aluminium), that sets the Herms range apart. Indeed, the most expensive device in the range, clocking in at 1,549, is the Apple Watch Herms Stainless Steel Case with toupe Swift Leather Double Buckle Cuff.

Apple Watch 2 Nike+

Building on its reputation as a sports and fitness device, Apple has teamed up with Nike for the Apple Watch Series 2 to bring the Nike+ version of the device. The main differences between the Nike+ Apple Watch and the rest of the range are on the software side - specifically the Nike Running Club App, which is built in, as well as some exclusive watch faces. There is one cosmetic difference, though, which is a Nike-designed fluoroelastomer band.

Apple Watch 2 Apps

Apple Watch Series 2's built-in GPS has opened up a wealth of new apps. One of the most interesting is ViewRanger, a hiking app, that guides the wearer along a given route. It will monitor their fitness along the way and tell them when they have come to the end of their route.

Apple also debuted Pokmon Go on the Apple Watch, once again focusing on its fitness credentials and working kilometres walked - an integral part of the game for trainers wanting to hatch eggs - into the device's fitness monitoring. The device will also tap the wearer on the wrist when there is a Pokstop nearby.

Software

Apple Watch Series 2 will run watchOS 3 straight out of the box.

Is it worth upgrading?

It's always hard to tell before we've had a chance to review a new device properly. We are pretty excited by the swimming, hiking and Pokmon Go-ing capabilities of the Apple Watch Series 2, although we will have to wait to test them ourselves to see if they live up to expectations.

What we would say is that, if you were holding out for the second iteration of the Apple Watch, you haven't wasted your time.

Apple's watchOS software is the operating system that sits of the core of the Apple Watch. While it's similar to the iOS mobile and tablet software, it's specially adapted for wearable use, running modified versions of iOS apps.

At WWDC 2016, Apple launched the third and latest version of the watchOS software, which brings with it performance boosts, new features and a series of cosmetic tweaks and upgrades. Here's everything you need to know about watchOS 3.

Apple watchOS 3 at a glance

• Apple Watch apps now launch instantly
• Improved navigation through app dock and Control Centre
• New SOS function enables quick emergency alerts

Apple watchOS 3 latest news

07/09/2016: watchOS 3 will launch on 13 September, Apple has announced.

While the features of the new OS were largely already known, the company did reveal several new apps, including Pokemon Go, which will integrate the features Pokmon Go with the Watch's fitness focus.

10/08/2016:Apple has seeded watchOS 3 Developer Beta 5 one week ahead of schedule. The beta allows developers to get their heads around the updated operating system for Apple's wearable and develop new apps for it, or work on their existing ones.

This beta releasejustcontains bug fixes, rather than new features. It solves a problem in Siri,where the virtual assistant "may not provide the intended response" when a user makes a request involving a deleted app.

Alongside that, it eliminates a bug in Xcode that caused the debugging console to sometimes print out excessive amounts of logging indicating WCSessionState changes when using Watch Connectivity in watchOS Simulator.

watchOS Developer Beta 5 is one of four fifth-iteration developer betas released simultaneously, the other three being for iOS 10, tvOS 10 and macOS Sierra. Unlike iOS 10 and macOS Sierra, however, there is no public beta for Apple Watch.

The completed version of watchOS 3 is due to launch this autumn, potentially at Apple's anticipated September Special Event, where the Apple Watch 2 could also make an appearance.

13/06/2016:Apple has announced watchOS 3, the latest version of the Apple Watch's operating system, along with a host of new features.

One of the most important new features is that the Apple Watch's performance has been vastly improved, with apps launching seven times faster than in watchOS 2.

Watch apps now launch instantly, thanks to the fact that they can now update in the background. The watch will also store your favourite apps in memory, meaning it can access them even quicker.

Navigation settings have been overhauled too. Pressing the side button will launch a customizable dock of your favourite apps, similar to the one found in macOS. All apps in the dock are viewed live, allowing you to preview apps without fully launching them.

WatchOS 3 now includes a Control Centre tab to give you instant access to your settings - just swipe up from the bottom of the face. Watch faces can quickly be changed by swiping from left to right, and they now support more complications.

For those who felt the selection of faces was getting a little stale, Apple is introducing some new options; a Minnie Mouse watch face to compliment the Mickey Mouse offering, one based on the Apple Watch's activity rings, and a more elegant option dubbed 'Numerals'.

Reply settings have been spruced up too. In addition to making message replies more streamlined, watchOS 3 now includes a handwriting input feature, which Apple has dubbed Scribble. It may be familiar to Android fans waiting for the Android Wear 2.0 update.

One of the most important additions to the Apple Watch, however, comes in the form of the SOS app. By pressing and holding on the side button, users can initiate a call with emergency services.

At the conclusion of the call, it will share your location and an emergency message with both the emergency services and with an ICE contact, followed by the users' medical information. This feature will work internationally.

Elsewhere, the activity app has been updated with new sharing tools to compare and compete against friends and family, and has been overhauled for wheelchair users.

'Time to stand' has been replaced with 'time to roll', and the activity rings have been adapted to take advantage of wheelchair users' different physical movements.

Apple Pay can now be used from within apps, allowing developers to include the feature directly on websites. A host of new developer tools were also unvailed, designed to allow the creation of more watch apps, including watch-specific games.

The developer preview is available today, and will roll out for all Apple Watch owners in Autumn 2016.

13/06/2016:A significant update to watchOS 2, or perhaps even the next version of the operating system, watchOS 3, could appear at WWDC this evening during Tim Cook's keynote.

WWDC (Worldwide Developer Conference) has traditionally been focused on software updates, with OS X 10.12 and iOS 10 both expected to launch as well. It's therefore not unreasonable to think a new version of watchOS could appear, although it's only been nine months, rather than a year, since the launch of watchOS.

Other rumours for tonight's keynote include an update to tvOS, a new Apple Watch, the iPhone 7, the iPad Air 3, new AI capabilities for Siri and a push into home automation with updates to HomeKit.

Find out all about what to expect from WWDC and follow the coverage as it happens on our dedicated page.

17/05/2016: Apple has released the latest update for watchOS 2, which includes minor bug and performance fixes.

This update comes almost two months after the public release of watchOS 2.2, which introduced multi-watch support for iPhone, Apple Maps improvements and other tweaks.

Apple seeded two betas of watchOS 2.2.1 to developers, before releasing its publically. It contains a number of security and performances patches that are partly described on the Apple security log.

This is the fourth update Apple has released for the second version of its watch operating system.

More details on the Apple Watch 2 and the next iteration of watchOS are expected at WWDC 2016 in June.

More information on this watchOS update can be found on Apple's support page.

09/09/15 - Apple's much-hyped WWDC event back in June confirmed that Apple Watch users wouldn't have to wait too long to upgrade to an updated OS on their device.

Today, at a special Apple event - which also saw the iPhone 6s and iPad Pro, among other things, unveiled - the tech giant confirmed Apple Watch OS 2 will roll out on 16 September.

Apple said the next-gen OS would ensure apps operated much more quickly and with greater fluidity by running natively through the Watch's software. What's more, the firm will enable third-party developers to display information as 'complications'.

"Our customers love Apple Watch and tell us its incredible health and fitness features are having a huge impact on their lives," said Jeff Williams, Apple's senior vice president of operations.

"We're excited to expand Apple Watch's functionality with watchOS 2 and offer even more personal choice with beautiful new styles and colors."

Apple watchOS 3: release date and pricing

Apple launched WatchOS 3 at its WWDC developer conference on 13 June. The developer preview is currently available, with a full public rollout of the software coming in Autumn 2016. Just like other OS releases from Apple, this update will be free to users.

Apple watchOS 3: specs and features

While Apple has not released an updated version of the Apple Watch - as many were expecting - the company has instead made significant improvements to the device's core operating system.

For many users, this is likely to make their Apple Watch feel like a new device, as in addition to new features and functions, watchOS 3 is also slated to bring in some impressive performance benefits.

Instant apps

Apple Watch apps can now be launched instantly, with boot times up to seven times faster than watchOS 2. This is thanks to the fact that favourite apps are now saved in memory, and apps can retrieve data in the background.

Improved navigation

WatchOS 3 includes a Control Centre feature for quick access to all your device settings, which can be found by swiping up from the watch face. Also introduced in the new OS is a dock system similar toMacs, which allows users to store their favourite apps for easy access.

SOS app

Apple has intorduced the SOS app with watchOS 3. This allows users to press and hold the side button to start a call with the emergency services. Once the call has finished, it will send the relevant authorities - as well as your ICE contact - your location and a message. The app will also display your medical info.

Social activity tools

New features integrated into the Apple Watch Activity app allow you to directly compare your fitness results with your friends and family. You can send them encouragement (or trash talk) and see detailed metrics on how your performance stacks up.

Wheelchair activity optimisation

Apple has taken the needs of wheelchair users into consideration, and retooled the Apple Watch's Activity app to better accomodate them. For example, the 'time to stand' reminder has now been changed to 'time to roll', and the app includes two dedicated workouts for wheelchair users.

The activity tracking algorithm has also been optimised to take into account the different physical movements of wheelchair users.

New developer tools

Apple Watch apps can now use ApplePay from directly within apps, opening up more opportunities for developers to introduce the technology. Apple also announced a bunch of new features, including SpriteKit and SceneKit support, to make it easier for developers to create great Apple Watch apps.

Thinking about buying an Apple Watch? Don't until you've read our Apple Watch review to help make an informed decision...

This article was originally published on 09/09/2015. It was updated on 13/06/2016 to reflect current news.

Apple Watch at a glance

• Apple Watch has gone on sale worldwide online and in Apple Stores
• There are four models of Apple Watch: Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch, Apple Watch Herms and the 18k gold Apple Watch Edition. Prices range from 299 to 13,500 inc VAT.
• The smartwatch features a maximum 18-hour battery life and MagSafe 'wireless' induction charger.
• Standout Apple Watch features include making and receiving calls, viewing email and messages, and "taptic" notifications.
• Over 3,500 Apple Watch apps are available to download now.
• WatchOS 2, the updated Apple Watch operating system, is available now

Apple Watch: latest news

25/07/2016: Apple has launched a range of Apple Watch bands especially for the Olympics, but they will only be available from one store in Brazil.

A range of straps, in national colours, are on sale in the Apple Store at VillageMall in Barra da Tijuca the only place where punters will be able to buy the items, according to GQ.

The straps will be available from early August and come in a variety of colours corresponding to the national flags and colours used by 14 major competing teams, such as US, UK, China, Germany, and Brazil, to name a few.

Despite the lack of availability, US sprinter Trayvon Bromell has managed to get his hands on the US strap and posted a picture on Twitter to prove it.

The straps will be priced at R$329.

21/03/2016:Apple has announced a price-cut for the Apple Watch, as well as a new selection of bands for the device.

Unveiled alongside the iPhone SE at a special event earlier today, the new bands include updated colour options, such as a black version of the Milanese Loop.

Apple also revealed an entirely new band, made out of woven nylon, which will also be available in a selection of colours.

As part of the announcement, Apple also revealed that the Apple Watch was the most popular smartwatch in the world, despite initially slow uptake compared to the company's other devices.

To celebrate this, the company has lowered the price, bringing the cost of the Apple Watch down to a mere $299.

03/02/2016:A man in Aberystwyth has won a court battle against Apple after his Apple Watch broke within 10 days of purchase.

Gareth Cross, 32, bought the Apple Watch Sport in July 2015, only to spot a crack in the screen just over a week later. When he took it to Apple to be fixed, the company said it was not covered by warranty, despite the device being described as scratch-resistant.

Subsequently, Cross took Apple to the small claims court in his home town, claiming the company had broken the Sale Of Googs Act 1979.

Apple fought the case for six months, but has now been ordered to refund Cross the cost of the Watch and pay 429 court costs.

Cross told BBC News: "I couldn't understand why they would want to go to court over the issue, but ultimately I wanted [to] stand by my consumer rights."

The experience has not put Cross off buying another Apple Watch, however, who added: "I plan to buy another Apple Watch, as for the 10 days I had it, I really liked it. But I may wait until the next model is out."

IT Pro contacted Apple for its response to the ruling, but had not received a response at the time of publication.

25/01/2016:The Apple Watch could receive a refresh in March with new straps, casings, and partnerships with fashion brands all on the cards, it has been claimed.

9to5Mac reports that the spring update is unlikely to feature any new hardware functionality, although it could launch alongside WatchOS 2.2, which is expected to introduce some new features. A full update in the form of the Apple Watch 2 is expected to come in September.

The company has also released two limited edition Apple Watch Sport models for Chinese New Year, one with a silver aluminium case, the other with a gold case and both with a red fluoroelastomer band. They are only being released in China, however.

13/01/2016: Juniper Research has revealed the Apple Watch was responsible for more than half of all smart watch shipments in 2015, despite only going on sale in September.

James Moar, who wrote the report, said overall, 17.1 million smart watches shipped last year, of which 8.8m were Apple Watches. Android Wear-branded competitors accounted for less than 10 per cent of sales.

Juniper attributed the watch's success was its wealth of apps, with 10,000 available on Apple's device compared to only 4,000 for its Android-powered counterparts.

"The smartwatch is now a category waiting for a market," Moar said. "Newer devices have offered more polished looks and subtly different functions, but no large changes in device capabilities or usage. With smartwatch functions established, it is now up to consumers to decide if they want them, rather than technology companies providing more reasons."

The report added that there are still barriers against smart watch adoption, including that people still don't see the need for one. In fact, of those surveyed, 30 per cent said they probably wouldn't use one even if they bought one.

04/01/2016:Researchers in Taiwan have invented a way to use the Apple Watch as a remote control capable of piloting drones and controlling lights.

The software, dubbed 'Dong coding' by company PVD+, has been in development for 18 months, and now its creators claim that it can be installed on any device.

"Previously we've needed complicated controls to fly drones, but now we can use a wearable device, and through human behaviour and gestures directly interact with them - using a hand to control and fly drones directly," the company's founder, Mark Ven, told Reuters.

Lights can also be turned on and off, or changed colour, by simply clapping twice or writing letters in the air.

Drawbacks of the technology include interference from environmental factors such as wind, and high battery drain with the Watch typically only able to support the software for 20 minutes before losing power.

10/12/2015:Rumours have started to circulate about the new version of the Apple Watch, which is expected to launch next year. According to our sister titleKnow Your Mobile,Apple Watch 2 will be unveiled in March 2016. IT Pro, however, is a little skeptical of this timeline, particularly as the original Apple Watch range and the Watch Herms were both revealed at Apple's annual September special event in California, which is when Apple traditionally launched new hardware, including the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s ranges respectively.

Whichever date it turns out to be, the Apple Watch 2 will undoubtedly offer new features. One rumour is that it willbe able to operate independently of an iPhone, although some analysts suggest this won't happen until 2017. Other rumours include a better battery, more storage, better Siri functions, built-in GPS, a camera and even more sensors.

04/12/2015:A document released by the US Patent Officeshows a new screen technology that could make their way into the second version of the Apple Watch.

The patent, titled "Woven Display", was filed on 30 May 2014 - about three months before the current Apple Watch was revealed - and pretty much does what it says on the tin.

The abstract for the patent describes: "A woven fabric includes light transmissive fibers woven into the fabric to provide a visual display. The fabric may be used as a tether to releasably connect a portable electronic device to a user. The light transmissive fibers may transmit light to convey information to the user. The fabric may also be used as part of the housing of an electronic device."

What this could mean in practice is, instead of using Bluetooth, the next Apple Watch will connect directly to the wearer's iPhone and that, rather than having a separate case and strap, it will be one integral unit.

IT Pro would at this point like to sound a note of caution, however. Not every patent becomes a working product - they are a way of protecting inventions not a promise to make them in real life.

05/11/2015: All eyes will be on Apple Watch sales during the Q4 holiday quarter as a barometer of the strength of the nascent smart watch market," analyst house Canalys has claimed.

According to Canalys' figures, Apple has shipped a total of 7 million Apple Watches since the devices launched this summer, and was the only company to ship more than 300,000 units in Q3.

"After experiencing significant supply chain constraints early on, Apple managed to overcome its production struggles with the Apple Watch and is building momentum going into Q4," analyst Daniel Matte said.

Principal analyst Chris Jones added, "WatchOS 2 has brought native apps to the platform, and new colours and styles have refreshed the lineup, but Apple needs to continue to generate demand six months after launch."

28/10/2015: The Apple Watch was one of the products that helped Apple's profits reach new highs this quarter. Products not including the iPhone and iPad (so that's the Watch, iPods, apps and other accessories), increased 15 per cent in the last quarter to $3.05bn (1.99bn) in revenue, which marks a 61% year-on-year increase. Commenting on Watch revenues specifically, Tim Cook said they were up "sequentially," but wouldn't go into the specifics.

07/10/2015: Rumours are starting to circulate about a successor to the Apple Watch. Unsurprisingly dubbed Apple Watch 2, some analyst houses believe this will be the device that Apple starts to make serious money. That's what a reportby analysts at Mizuho Securities is saying. The analysts said that customers are waiting to see what Apple does next in the market before committing to buy. According to IT Pro sister publication Alphr, the next Apple Watch will be faster, thinner and have a bigger battery.

Apple Watch release date

After a supply chain hiccup that saw the release delayed by two months, Apple Watch went on sale in shops in the UK in late June 2015, although it had been available to pre-order since 10 April.

As well as the UK, Apple Watch can be bought online or in store in the US, Canada India, Chile, South Africa, the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, Hong Kong, Germany, China, Mexico, Spain, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan and Japan.

Apple Watch Price and different versions

Apple watch is being pitched squarely as fashion and fitness device, with supermodel and marathon runner Christy Turlington Burns becoming a spokesperson for both sides of the coin.

It is available in two screen sizes, 38mm and 42mm, four models - Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch, Apple Watch Herms, and Apple Watch Edition - eight different case types and two different screen materials, and ranges in price from 299 to 13,500.

Apple Watch Sport

Apple Watch Sport is the entry-level Apple Watch and costs 299 for the 38mm screen version or 339 for the 42mm screen version.

At launch, Apple Watch Sport was available only with a silver or Space Gray anodised aluminium case, but on 9 September the company unveiled two new case styles - rose gold aluminium and yellow gold aluminium - colours that had until then only been available on the high-end Apple Watch Edition.

Apple Watch Sport is only available with a fluoroelastomer band with pin-and-tuck fastening at the point of purchase, although customers can choose from eight different colours, including blue, orange, lavender and midnight blue.

Apple Watch

The rather confusingly named Apple Watch is the mid-range smartwatch from Apple and costs between 479 and 949 depending on the configuration.

Apple Watch is the most customisable device in the entire range. While its stainless steel case is only available in two colour options, silver and Space Black, customers can choose from 12 different strap options, three in fluoroelastimer, two with a classic buckle, two bracelets, two leather loops, two with modern buckle, and a milanese loop.

Apple Watch Herms

Apple Watch Herms is, as the name would suggest, a collaboration between Apple and luxury French accessories maker Herms. The new addition to the Apple Watch family was launched on 9 September 2015, exactly one year after the range was originally revealed and costs from 1,000 to 1350.

This version of the Apple Watch offers three Herms-designed strap styles - Single Tour, Double Tour and Cuff - all of which are made from leather and are available in three, four, and one different colours respectively. It also has three numeral display options and three unique typefaces to choose from - Clipper, Cape Cod, and Espace - making it rather less customisable than the rest of the range.

Unlike the Sport, Edition or Watch, Apple Watch Herms can only be purchased in the UK at Apple's Covent Garden and Regent Street stores, the Apple Store within Selfridges, Dover Street Market and Herms' shop on New Bond Street (all of these locations are in London).

Apple Watch Edition

Apple Watch Edition is the top of the range version of Apple's first wearable and has a price scheme to match, starting at 8,000 for the 38mm 18-carat rose gold case version with a white fluoroelastomer band, all the way up to 13,500 for the 38mm 18-carat yellow gold case with bright red Modern Buckle and 38mm 18-carat rose gold case with rose grey Modern Buckle.

While the luxury device can be purchased online, it is also possible to buy it from Apple Stores selected high-end outlets such as Selfridges in London and Galleries Lafayette in Paris. Would-be owners can't just turn up and buy an Apple Watch Edition, though.

Instead they must pre-book an hour-long, one-to-one appointment with an in-store expert, during which they will be taken on their own personalised "journey", as Apple has apparently termed it, ending in the purchase of the Watch.

Special Editions

In January 2016, Apple released a special model of the Apple Watch Sport for the Chinese market ahead of the Chinese New Year, which falls on 8 February 2016. The device features a red fluoroelastomer strap - considered an auspicious colour in Chinese culture and also deeply associated with the Chinese New Year - and a choice of silver aluminium or gold aluminium case.

Apple Watch specs and features

Apple Watch iPhone support

Apple Watch is not self-sufficient and requires an iPhone 5c, 5s, 6, 6 Plus, 6s, or 6s Plus running iOS 8.2 or later in order to work. This is because, even since the release of WatchOS 2, much of the "heavy lifting" is done by the phone which then pushes information to the device.

Upgrading to the latest version of iOS 8.2 will automatically make users' iPhones Apple Watch-ready, as it includes a bundled Apple Watch app.

While this may be handy for future Apple Watch owners, the fact it is immoveable it has drawn the ire of Apple customers who have no intention of buying the wearable.

Apple Watch specs

Apple Watch boasts a significant amount of new technology and design features.

The most immediately apparent of these is the Digital Crown, which lets users scroll, zoom and navigate their way around the screen quickly and easily without interfering with any information displayed.

The screen, made from Ion-X glass in the case of the Apple Watch Sport and sapphire glass on the Apple Watch, Apple Watch Hermes and Apple Watch Edition, features a new Force Touch sensor, which can tell the difference between a tap and a press, and react accordingly. The new Taptic Engine, meanwhile, notifies users of messages or alerts via a gentle wrist tap and can also be used to remind them to move more frequently.

During a speech at the Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet conference, MacRumours reports, Apple chief Cook said: "If I sit for too long, it will actually tap me on the wrist to remind me to get up and move, because a lot of doctors think sitting is the new cancer."

"Ten minutes before the hour, [the smartwatch] will remind you to move. We have a lot of people using the Apple Watch at Apple, and ten minutes before the hour, suddenly they all get up and move. It took a little to get used to, but it's great," he added.

The Glances functionality, meanwhile, puts the wearer instantly in touch with the information they care about most - from the weather to sports results and more, and Digital Touch lets users interact with other users by tapping or doodling.

Users can also personalise their device by choosing from dozens of watch faces, from classic watch hands to Mickey Mouse.

Inside, the Apple Watch features the new S1 "system-on-a-chip", which was built specifically for the smartwatch. It also has an optical heart rate sensor on the rear of the case and contains standard fitness sensors including an altimeter, gyroscope, pedometer and accelerometer.

Apple Watch Battery life and charger

Apple Watch's lithium-ion battery is considered by many to be a make-or-break issue for the success of the device.

Paul Jackson, principal analyst at Ovum, said: "This is still the major deal breaker for mass adoption. Sure, tech firms have trained us to charge our phones every day, but devices like watches, fit bands, glasses etc need multi-day capacities."

Sadly, that's not a criteria Apple Watch meets. Apple has said the device is designed for all-day use, which it defines as 18 hours, although how much the user interacts with it, by repeatedly activating the screen or making calls, for example, can reduce that figure.

An Apple spokesperson told TechCrunch in March that the battery would be replaceable, quelling fears that the device would become obsolete within a few years as battery life drops off. iFixit seems to have confirmed this in its teardown review, although it did apparently "take a bit of prying".

Apple Watch uses a "wireless" magnetic induction to charge, rather than a plug-in cable like the iPhone. We've put wireless in quotation marks as the charger is attached to the mains electric supply by a cable and adheres to the back of the smartwatch while charging using MagSafe technology.

That said, Apple Watch is compatible with wireless Qi charging pads as well if you are happy to take your watch off and lay it down on an enabled coffee table.

Apple Pay and NFC

Another flagship feature for Apple Watch is Apple Pay. The technology, which is also boasted by the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus allows wearers to pay for goods by tapping their smartwatch against an NFC reader in much the same way as contactless cards work.

The service was rolled out in the USA initially, where it gained some good traction, according to Apple, and has since appeared in the UK, where it is supported by a number of retailers and banks.

Apple Watch Apps

There are already 3,500 apps available for Apple Watch, from proprietary Apple apps, such as iTunes and Mail, to significant third-party offerings from the likes of Salesforce and even Starbucks.

Health and Fitness

As well as being a mobile device, Apple Watch is being strongly positioned as a health and fitness companion, with Apple launching the HealthKit developer platform alongside iOS 8 to encourage app makers to create new health and fitness apps for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus and, by extension, Apple Watch.

As well as built-in fitness tracking and motivation apps like Workout, Move and Activity, third-party apps like Nike+ Running, Runtastic, Strava, and Lifesum are also available straight away. Apps for more holistic exercise regimes, such as yoga, are available as well.

Travel

There is an abundance of travel apps available on Apple Watch, from flights to taxis to comparison sites. Airline apps for Apple Watch, such as British Airways and EasyJet, allow the user to track their flight status in real time, as well as informing them of when their gate has opened and providing a weather forecast for their destination.

Expedia and TripAdvisor also have apps on the Apple Watch. The former lets users check their upcoming travel itineraries, including flights and hotel information, while the latter can provide them of things to do, restaurants to visit and other important tourist information in their surroundings.

Other travel apps include National Rail, Uber, and remote car unlocking for VW and BMW cars.

Social Media

No mobile device would be complete without social media apps, so it's no surprise to find Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest all have Apple Watch apps available.

The Twitter app notifies users of new tweets or retweets via a tap on the wrist, which they can also read in full on the Apple Watch Screen. Wearers can also use the app to compose tweets via voice and follow trending topics.

Instagram, meanwhile, lets users browse their feed, like photos, and leave emoji comments, as well as delivering notifications.

Business

There has already been a significant number of work and productivity-focused apps announced. These include Salesforce and over 20 Salesforce partners, Invoice2go, Wunderlist and OfficeTime, with more expected to follow.

Apple Watch predictions and expectations

According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple is anticipating demand for Apple Watch Sport will be highest out of the three models, with half of the first quarter production run of five to six million devices being given over to the entry-level device.

The Apple Watch is said to account for around a third of the total first quarter production order, with the top of the range Apple Watch Edition making up the final 20 per cent.

However, analyst James McQuivey from Forrester predicted Apple will sell 10 million devices before the end of 2015, which, when taken with the WSJ's estimates, could go some way towards explaining the serious delay seen between ordering online and delivery at launch.

McQuivey said: "By [the end of the year], at least 100 million people will have an iPhone 5 or 6 that is capable of connecting to Apple Watch. All Apple needs is a 10 per cent conversion rate to sell 10 million units."

Technology market research firm CCS Insight has gone even further, predicting Apple will sell 20 million of its smartwatches this year. This would boost wearables market growth by an estimated 150 per cent to 75 million gadgets in 2015, hitting 350 million come 2018.

Other wearable tech creators are also pinning their hopes on the success of the Apple Watch, Reuters reported. Ben Wood, a gadget reviewer at CCS Insight, told the newswire: "If Apple is successful, it'll create a rising tide that will lift the whole market."

Will Apple Watch be a success?

The launch of the Apple Watch marks the consumer electronics giant out as a relative latecomer to the wearables party, with rivals Samsung, Sony and LG having already released products over the past year.

However, given Apple's track record for popularising existing technologies that have previously failed to capture the imagination of consumers (particularly in the case of the MP3 and tablet sectors), market watchers seem assured the Apple Watch will prove to be a hit.

Analyst firm Forrester Research has predicted the devices will go on to dominate the wearables market right through 2015, until its competitors catch-up and eat into its sales. This will cause Apple Watch sales to slow to the extent that its share of all smartwatch units sold will fall below 50 per cent during 2016.

This is far from the consensus, however, and sales expectations as put together by Business Insider have figures for Apple Watch varying significantly from one analyst to the next.

Fitbit's heart rate trackers are off by an average of almost 20 beats per minute according to a study, corroborating reports that they are "dangerously inaccurate".

The news comes as part of a class action lawsuit, being brought against Fitbit by plaintiffs who claim that the company's PurePulse heart rate monitors are off by "a very significant margin".

The study was commissioned by Lieff Cabraser, the law firm representing the plaintiffs, and showed that both the Fitbit Surge and the Fitbit Charge HR had significant problems with heart rate monitoring.

During 'moderate to high-intensity exercise', the Charge HR was found to be off by over 15 BPM, while the Surge was off by over 20 BPM. "In addition to being inaccurate," the study's authors wrote, "the PurePulse trackers are also inconsistent."

They concluded that the PurePulse trackers used by Fitbit "do not provide a valid measure of the users' heart rate and cannot be used to provide a meaningful estimate of a user's heart rate".

However, there are slight problems with the study. The sample size, for example, was comparatively small and included just 43 people, each of whom was tested only once.

Regardless, the study could prove to be trouble for the fitness wearable company, which is on the hook for an unspecified amount of damages if it loses the case.

It's also disheartening news for Fitbit's customers, many of whom have been relying on the company's heart rate monitoring devices for sports and athletic training.

07/01/2016:

The suit claims that fitness trackers using the company's PurePulse technology "consistently mis-record heart rates by a very significant margin, particularly during exercise".

One of the plaintiffs reportedly noticed the difference during a workout, when her personal trainer manually recorded her heart rate as 160 BPM, compared to the Fitbit's readout of 82 BPM.

The suit is seeking an undisclosed amount of damages, based on the claim that Fitbit did not fulfil its obligation to provide an accurate heart rate monitor.

"We do not believe this case has merit," the company said. "Fitbit stands behind our heart rate technology and strongly disagrees with the statements made in the complaint and plans to vigorously defend the lawsuit".

Fitbit said that its devices "provide better overall heart rate tracking than cardio machines at the gym," but also pointed out that its trackers "are not intended to be scientific or medical devices".

In addition to devices such as the Charge HR and the Surge, the allegedly inaccurate PurePulse tracker also features in the newly-announced Fitbit Blaze.

But further bad news has been heaped on the company with the discovery of a "malicious" attack that has exposed customers personal data.

BuzzFeed News has reportedly discovered that "dozens" of Fitbit accounts at least 24 - have been compromised over the course of December.

By using compromised accounts from external sites, criminals accessed Fitbit's site in order to fraudulently request replacements.

Due to the nature of Fitbit's services, the attackers had access to a vast wealth of customer data, including GPS-based location history and sleep cycle information.

While Fitbit itself was not hacked, the ease with which hackers changed their victims' credentials has led to criticisms of its security.

Many users are calling for two-factor authentication to be implemented, to prevent this type of attack happening in future.

Fitbit's head of security, Mark Brown, said that two-step verification is something that the company is "working on actively".

A spokesperson said: "Fitbit takes our obligation to safeguard customer personal information very seriously and we are vigilant in identifying, blocking, and addressing this type of malicious nefarious activity."

"We take measures to reset the passwords of affected users and prompt those users to create new passwords."

This news comes after the launch of the company's latest product, the Fitbit Blaze, caused a drop of over 20 per cent in the company's stock.

06/01/2016: Fitbit shares stumble after CES smartwatch launch

Fitbit's shares have plummeted, following the launch of its latest product at CES 2016.

The company, which specialises in fitness-tracking wearables, unveiled a smartwatch dubbed the Fitbit Blaze at the Las Vegas technology expo.

Investors did not react favourably, however, and shares in the company dropped 18 per cent after the announcement.

It is possible that shareholders were spooked by Fitbit venturing outside its wheelhouse, as the Blaze is the first true smartwatch the company has produced.

It is also going up against the Apple Watch, which may be a daunting prospect for the firm's backers.

While the Apple Watch is the most well-known smartwatch on the market, the Blaze, which can be pre-ordered for 159.99, is actually more closely aligned with the numerous Android Wear offerings currently fighting it out.

According to Forrester analyst J.P. Gownder, one potential red flag for investors is that Fitbit is making in-roads into an almost saturated market.

"Fitbit has moved into uncharted territory - a space in which serious platform players like Apple, Google, and Samsung (among others) have invested a great deal, and a market in which the application ecosystem matters a lot."

"All of that is to say that Fitbit, with its traditional focus on health and fitness, is making the leap into a tremendously competitive and challenging market. I think investors are wondering what Fitbit will do to truly differentiate itself in an already-crowded smartwatch market."

The smartwatch scene has seen much less consumer adoption than was predicted not even the mighty Apple could make it as big a success as analysts were expecting.

Fitbit's proven pedigree in fitness tracking may serve to elevate it over its competition, however.

The company is also doubtless hoping that including more general-purpose functionality will put some distance between it and long-time rival Jawbone.

Consumer adoption will ultimately decide whether the Blaze was a wise move, but with an ongoing legal battle hanging over it, a lack of investor confidence could spell trouble for Fitbit in the long run.

Casio is planning to join Samsung, Apple and others in the smartwatch market, with a device set for release in early 2016 for the US and Japan.

The watch, as yet unnamed, will be priced similarly to the Apple Watch Sport (starting at $349), according to the Wall Street Journal (via Wired), and will be the Japanese watchmaker's first smartwatch.

Kazuhiro Kashio, Casio's president, said: "We are trying to bring our smartwatch to a level of watch perfection: a device that won't break easily, is simple to put on and feels good to wear."

Kashio, however, acknowledges some of the challenges that smartwatches face in terms of user adoption and an increasingly crowded market, adding: "I don't think the smartwatch will be an instant success but we want it to grow in the long term."

The watch has been in development for four years, WSJ's report states, with various prototypes thrown out before the final device was ready for release.

The smartwatch market has been through many changes, with a move towards fashion-focused models with the Apple Watch and other luxury brands such as Intel's MICA and Tag Heuer's high-end device.

Much like Casio's traditional wristwatch, its forthcoming tech wearable appears to be focusing on simplicity, with the watch also suitable for outdoor sports.

You could argue that Casio was actually one of the first entrants into the smartwatch arena with its Casio Calculator watch that allowed users to change TV channels, and G-Shock models with bluetooth functionality.

Smartwatches - they're the aspect of the wearable revolution that everyone seems to have fallen most in love with. The Apple Watch has been a hot topic since it was announced in September last year, and with wearable and IoT platforms continuing to develop, it seems like a trend that's set to continue.

Though primarily marketed as high-end consumer tech, many people in the enterprise community are starting to look at smartwatches as a way to optimise their workflow. By effectively managing communications, calendar details and personal fitness without constantly checking a smartphone, wearable devices can help busy professionals to streamline their workday.

For those looking to enter the world of wearables, we've collected the five best enterprise smartwatches, and after some thorough testing, we've come up with a winner. But first, let's examine which key areas any good smartwatch needs to focus on.

Battery

Battery life is a crucial aspect of any tech. Smartwatches in particular have been criticised for the fact that most need to be charged on roughly a daily basis. Balancing a small, comfortable form-factor with battery-intensive operations is a tricky feat to pull off, and there are some that do it better than others. However, as a general benchmark, most smartwatches will do somewhere in the region of two days before giving up the ghost.

Operating system

Much like with smartphones, Android is currently dominating the wearables market through sheer force of numbers. The vast majority of smartwatches sport Google's Android Wear OS, although there are a few outliers with their own proprietary software, in addition to the forthcoming Apple Watch.

Android Wear is Google's stab at the burgeoning Smartwatch market. It's not quite perfect, and it's lacking the killer functionality that will drive widespread adoption, but it's still a pretty nifty operating system.

Those that regularly use Android's Google Now service will feel pretty quickly at home Android Wear operates on the same cards' system, flashing up tiles with relevant notifications as they happen. These primarily consist of push notifications from Facebook, emails, texts and the like, but it will also show you things like weather forecasts and fitness information.

App integration

One of the more useful features is the integration of the OK Google' voice command technology. Not only does it let you search the web from your smartwatch, you can also dictate commands to your smartphone. Through this, you can reply to messages, get directions and set personal reminders, among other tasks.

The feature-set is currently slightly limited by the range of supported and purpose-built apps for the platform. At present, there's only a handful that have been optimised for the smaller screen and control mechanics of Android Wear, but that's likely to change as wearable technology increases in popularity.

How useful you find smartwatches in general will relate directly to how busy you are on a day-to-day basis. Those that do a lot of communicating via messaging apps or have to juggle multiple appointments on a regular basis, for example, will probably find it incredibly handy, as will those that like to run or cycle.

Those that do a lot of intensive web-browsing or emailing, however, may want to stick to a traditional smartphone. The small screen and dictation-based response system are ill-suited to these tasks, and can often be frustrating on a smartwatch.

Weight and feel

We have to confess, we went into this as people that didn't regularly wear a watch. As such, it took a little while to get used to having something constantly on our wrist. For comparison, however, we also spent a few day with a regular' Ben Sherman watch, in order to check how much of a gulf there actually is between the two weights.

Contrary to our expectations, there's actually not as much of a difference as we thought. All of the watches we tested felt reasonably comfortable, and after a while, you'll barely notice they're there. People that habitually wear a watch are likely to adjust almost immediately.

Price

Almost all of the smartwatches currently on the market are hovering somewhere around the 200 price-point. This is likely to be the most off-putting factor for those still on the fence about wearables; it's a pretty big chunk of change for something that's essentially a peripheral for your existing smartphone.

However, deals can be had with some smart shopping, and you can pick up earlier, less well-equipped alternatives to the products in this list for around 100. One thing that continues to baffle us though is the lack of bundle deals available.

All but one of the companies in this round-up manufacture smartphones and tablets as well as wearables, and it would seem like offering all three as a package deal is an obvious move. Sadly, while watch and smartphone deals occasionally crop up, we can't seem to find any evidence of companies offering the full set.

Specs

There's still some debate regarding smartwatch specs. Some say that they should be as high-end as possible without being extortionately expensive, whilst others are happy to sacrifice a little performance for a smaller form-factor and lower price-point.

However, having said that, the age of a smartwatch's components doesn't make as much of a speed difference as you might initially think. Functionally, the performance difference between these watches is measured in milliseconds, and you're unlikely to be disappointed by any in that regard.

LG G Watch R

LG has been in the smartwatch game for a while. The original G watch was a solid entry to the market, going up primarily against Samsung's Gear range. However, LG has now stepped up its game, eschewing the common square design in favour of a more traditional round construction. In doing so, they've produced one of the most desirable watches on the market.

LG G Watch R -Design

The design of the G Watch R is really rather attractive. For a start, it's one of the few smartwatches with a round, rather than square, face, and it's built to look remarkably similar to a traditional diver's watch. It's got big, bezeled edges, with dial markings going around the inside, and what would be a winding knob now serves as a button for turning the screen on and off.

The build quality is also pretty excellent, despite its plastic construction. The body sports a brushed-aluminium effect which gives it a nice touch of class, and definitely puts it on the upper end of the wearable quality spectrum.

LG G Watch R - Battery

The G Watch R charges through a magnetic USB dock. It's not the most stable method in the world, but it's also a lot more convenient than a standard cable. In terms of battery life, it's up there with the best of them a little over two days of mixed use from a full charge.

LG G Watch R -Smoothness and usability

The G Watch R is, on the whole, very quick indeed, but occasionally has a very slight lag when performing tasks or swiping between cards. It's not overly problematic, but it's a little frustrating when in a hurry. What's a bit more of a pain in that the raised bezels around the face of the watch can often make the swipe-based controls tricky and imprecise, especially with larger fingers. Dictation, however, makes up for that. If you can get over feeling the tiniest bit daft, Google Now's voice command functionality will perform perfectly well.

LG G Watch R -Weight and feel

The G Watch R is definitely one of the bulkiest smartwatches around, and the 1.1cm height may see it snagging on sleeves and the like. Considering the chunkier style it's going for, it's not a huge problem, but we'd have preferred a few millimetres shaved off it regardless. Weight-wise, the G Watch R is definitely noticeable on your wrist, but not tediously so - It's actually a little lighter than many normal watches.

LG G Watch R -Price

At a little over 200, it's not pocket change, but it's also not far off what you'll be paying for rivals. It's also leagues cheaper than a mid-range Tag Hueur or Omega.

LG G Watch R -Display

The G Watch R's 1.3in P-OLED display is nice and bright, with good contrast and a colour gamut that really pops. It's also easily readable at a glance, even in direct sunlight. The circular face, while gorgeous, truncates notifications and text a little, but that's a trade between form and function that in this case, we're happy to make.

LG G Watch R -Features

One of the killer features for fitness buffs is likely to be the G Watch R's in-built heart-rate monitor, although we found that it could be a little selective about whether or not it would actually read our pulse. A few times, we were worried that we might be having a Sixth Sense-style crisis.

Its IP67 rating also means that the G Watch R is water resistant to a depth of 1m, which is a good selling point for anything, but pretty crucial for wearables. The vibration is a little weak, however - we wouldn't advise relying on the vibrating alarm if you're a heavy sleeper, and sufferers of phantom vibration are going to find themselves compulsively checking for missed notifications.

LG G Watch R -Verdict

Along with the Moto 360, the G Watch R marks the current pinnacle of smartwatch technology. It's mightily impressive, both from a design standpoint and in terms of pure functionality.

Granted, it's slightly more expensive than its stablemates, but it's honestly worth the extra. The display is gorgeous, the build quality equally so, and the design is sophisticated enough that it doesn't immediately scream overly expensive gimmick'.

Sony SmartWatch 3

Sony has been something of a dark horse in the smartwatch race. Its first two smartwatches were really rather good, but flew under the radar for most people, and the Smartband Talk, launched alongside the Smartwatch 3, is equally nifty. With its latest wearable, the company has proved that its ready to enter the big leagues. It's got some issues, and we couldn't honestly say that we're burning to own one, but we like it an awful lot.

Sony Smartwatch 3 -Design

The Smartwatch 3 uses a modular design, with a standalone, pop-out core and swappable bands. While the black plastic strap it launched with was pretty cheap-looking, The Smartwatch 3's new metal band is a huge improvement, and looks sleek and professional. The only downside is that you may have to get a few links taken out or put in for it to properly fit.

However, if you get tired of your current watch band, the pop-out system means that you can switch bands at will with maximum ease. One major bugbear we had with it is that the steel-link version absolutely refused to lie flat, which makes it awkward to check when it's not physically on your wrist.

Sony Smartwatch 3 - Battery

One thing that immediately annoyed us about the Smartwatch 3 is that charging is incredibly finicky. The MicroUSB port is located underneath a fiddly flap on the back, which is very difficult to access in the steel-band edition without popping out the core. It's also difficult to get the cable all the way in securely, due to the flap getting in the way.

Mixed use yielded over two days of battery life, which is a good result for a current-gen smartwatch, and largely due to the transflective screen. It's also got an ambient light sensor to adjust the backlight based on the user's surrounding, which should help more demanding users eke out a bit more juice.

Sony Smartwatch 3 -Smoothness and usability

Navigation on the Smartwatch 3 is pretty slick, but the small screen means it's occasionally a little tricky to be precise. It also means a lot of scrolling when dealing with long lists or notifications, which can be tedious.

Sony Smartwatch 3 -Weight and feel

The pop-out core design means it's bulkier than it could otherwise be, and the depth feels a little out of place compared to the sleekness of the design. It's not overly heavy, but a plastic strap will feel lighter than metal if it becomes a problem. It feels a lot like wearing an old-school Timex or Casio, except significantly larger.

Sony Smartwatch 3 - Price

The basic version of the Smartwatch 3 can be found for around 130, which gives it a significant price advantage over competitors. Opt for the metal-banded version, however, and you're looking at a hair under 200, which is a bit of a steep jump purely for a different strap.

The basic version of the Smartwatch 3 can be found for around 130, which gives it a significant price advantage over competitors. Opt for the metal-banded version, however, and you're looking at a hair under 200, which is a bit of a steep jump purely for a different strap.

Sony Smartwatch 3 -Display

The square face makes notifications and cards easier to read, but doesn't look quite as nice as round displays, especially when trying to use more traditional watchfaces due to the large amount of dead space. Although brightness is generally good, the resolution means text appears a lot smaller than some we tried.

Emails also have a tendency to become a garbled mess on such a small screen, especially when they've got signature or HTML elements included. The transflective LCD screen doesn't really pop in the same way as its P-OLED counterparts either, which makes it feel a little washed-out.

Sony Smartwatch 3 -Features

With the range of real-world use cases for smartwatches still fairly limited, Sony are billing their offering largely as a fitness companion. The watch's GPS tracker means that it can be used in conjunction with apps like Runkeeper or Sony's own Lifelog software to track workouts and bike rides.

However, this application is bafflingly limited by its lack of a heart monitor, which is a fairly egregious oversight. The integration with Lifelog could also be better, considering it's a flagship device you can't set goals via the watch, and the activity data you can view is comparatively basic.

As with Sony's other device lines, it features a better IP rating than most, with the IP68 designation meaning it'll be more than happy when submerged in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. It's also got NFC capability, meaning it can be used for convenient, wrist-based payments.

Sony Smartwatch 3 -Verdict

The Smartwatch 3 is what we imagine an old person might produce when asked to draw a smartwatch. That's not a bad thing it just lacks a little imagination and out-the-box thinking.

It's still a damn good device, however. The transflective screen works fantastically for outdoor use, it's nicely comfortable, and the NFC is a great touch. The fact that you can pick it up for 130 makes it a steal too, if you don't mind the grotty-looking black rubber strap. Fashionistas, however, are advised to look elsewhere.

Motorola Moto 360

The Moto 360 has gained a lot of attention for its design, and rightly so. Although it's been jokingly dubbed the Moto 270 for its not-quite-circular face, it's a very pretty smartwatch, with a lot of cool features under the hood. If the Moto 360 represents the way smartwatches are heading in the future, we'll be very happy indeed.

Motorola Moto 360 -Design

The Moto 360 is gorgeous. With a brushed stainless steel body surrounding the circular face and pleasingly chamfered edges around the very nearly edgeless display, it's a work of uncluttered, minimalist beauty.

Whether you prefer it to the comparatively almost overdesigned G Watch R is likely to be a matter of taste, but either way it's hard to argue that round faces make for the best-looking smartwatches around.

Motorola Moto 360 - Battery

The Moto 360, excitingly, uses the Qi wireless charging standard that many manufacturers are adopting. Charging is fast, easy, and the Qi standard means that if you don't like Motorola's bundled charging dock, you can simply pop it on a third-party charging pad at night. The battery life wasn't as great as its main rival the G Watch R, but it still managed a little over a full 24 hours. Not stellar, then, but not quite as dire as it could be.

Motorola Moto 360 -Smoothness and usability

Swiping is generally crisp and responsive, although we did notice some slightly spotty performance with regard to Bluetooth phone connection. The large, borderless screen also makes it easy to control accurately, unlike the G Watch R.

Motorola Moto 360 -Weight and feel

The Moto 360 is astonishingly light, and wearing it feels comfortable and natural. Admittedly, we did notice a very slight tendency toward overheating, but most of the time, users won't even notice it's there.

Oddly, it's almost the same height as the G Watch R, but the latter's protruding bezels make the 360 feel much slimmer by comparison.

Motorola Moto 360 -App integration

Motorola have their own suite of fitness apps and watch faces that allow limited customisation without having to jump through third-party hoops, which is nice. It does lack a little functionality with regard to prioritising which apps perform which commands, however.

Motorola Moto 360 -Price

Again, expect to pay around 200 for the Moto 360. However, careful shoppers will undoubtedly be able to find better deals as the device continues to age.

Motorola Moto 360 -Display

The Moto 360's IPS display is bright, clear and eminently readable, helped to no end by its sizable 1.56in diameter the largest screen we tested. It's a joy to look at, and the colour capacity will make vibrant watch faces really stand out.

Unfortunately, it loses points for the black bar at the bottom of the screen, which houses the device's ambient light sensor, as well as somewhat contradicting its name. It doesn't help the circular face's slight problem with truncating notifications, and it's guaranteed to bug the hell out of some people.

Motorola Moto 360 -Features

As is rapidly becoming standard for smartwatches, the Moto 360 is IP67 rated for 30-minute, 1m water immersion. It's also got a built-in heart monitor, which works in conjunction with Motorola's health and fitness apps, as well as others.

The vibration is also plenty strong you're unlikely to mistake a notification for anything else, which was a slight problem with others.

Motorola Moto 360 -Verdict

The Moto 360 is one of the most appealing smartwatches out there. This could have been achieved purely by dint of its stunning circular design, but thankfully, it's also backed up with some of the most impressive functionality we've seen to date. It's got a few issues, the battery life among them, but overall it's a strong contender for the smartwatch crown.

Asus ZenWatch

Asus, generally known for its mid-market laptops and tablets, have decided to make their debut into the smartwatch world with the ZenWatch, and we have to say, it's a promising start. It's let down a little in some areas, but a few wobbles notwithstanding, it's a lot stronger than we would have expected.

Asus ZenWatch -Design

The ever so slightly curved body is reasonably understated, with a copper-coloured inlay around the sides and few unnecessary flourishes. We have to say, it's fairly attractive in an almost vintage way. The interchangeable 22mm strap also means that you can customise the band to suit your own tastes.

Asus ZenWatch - Battery

While the ZenWatch's induction-charged battery is more or less adequate, it's by no means anything to write home about. Judicious use of screen-dimming and lower brightnesses will see it last around a day and a half, but don't expect it to last more than a full work day with heavy use.

Asus ZenWatch -Smoothness and usability

Operations on the ZenWatch are faster and smoother than we were expecting - it's actually pretty nippy. Although it does suffer from precision issues brought about by its smaller screen.

Asus ZenWatch -Weight and feel

We found the ZenWatch totally comfortable, with the default band easily adjustable in terms of size. It's not the slimmest we saw, but it's thin and sleek enough that it's not going to be at all obtrusive.

Asus ZenWatch -App integration

Asus has an own-brand fitness app for those looking to track their steps throughout the day, but it's a little limited. It also comes with Jawbone's Up app, however, which is more comprehensive. One interesting feature of Asus's software is the supposed ability to measure your relaxation level along with your heart rate, but since it just gives an uncontextualised number, this is somewhat less than useful.

Asus ZenWatch -Price

Like most of its competitors, the ZenWatch is sticking with a price of roughly 200. However, considering it hasn't really got anything to make it stand out from the herd, we'd be hard-pressed to recommend it over similarly-priced rivals.

Asus ZenWatch -Display

The ZenWatch's quare screen suffers from the same size+shape-related problems as the SmartWatch 3 the dead space around the screen spoils the device's otherwise well-designed look, and navigation can be tricky for the ham-fisted among us. The ZenWatch can't match P-OLED rivals for brightness, but the colours are a lot less washed-out than the Sony Smartwatch 3, and overall it's pretty respectable.

Asus ZenWatch -Verdict

The Asus ZenWatch can't really be said to do anything wrong; it's competent on pretty much every level. However, that's pretty much the most positive thing we can find to say about it. You're unlikely to be disappointed with the ZenWatch, but equally, we highly doubt anyone will be overly wowed with it, especially when its superior competitors cost around the same price.

Pebble Steel

Calling the Pebble Steel a smartwatch seems a little disingenuous. It's got a battery of smart features of course, but looking at the blocky, black-and-white display, it looks more like something that'd be cutting-edge circa 1998. That being said, however, it's got buckets of character, and we can't help but love it.

Pebble Steel -Design

The Pebble Steel sports what is, in our eyes, a very attractive square design, not all that different from a high-end digital watch. Sure, it's a bit angular, and the buttons are on the chunky side, but it's got a certain almost vintage mystique to it. While the original Pebble features interchangeable bands via the standard 22mm strap fitting, the Steel currently only offers leather or metal options. However, both look rather effortlessly elegant, so it's hardly a problem.

Pebble Steel - Battery

Battery's one of the big features that the Pebble Steel has on its side. Unlike its power-hungry rivals, the Pebble Steel can comfortably last around a week from a full charge, thanks largely to a black and white screen and low-power internals. Charging is via a proprietary magnetic induction cable, which can be a little tricky to attach securely, but once it's on, it feels fairly stable.

Pebble Steel -OS

Pebble's smartwatches use a custom OS, which works across both Android and iOS no Windows Phone support as yet, unfortunately. It pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth connection and a companion app, which also houses a storefront for apps and watchfaces. While neither are as sophisticated as Android Wear's equivalents, there are nonetheless a fair few useful apps, as well as some charming watchfaces.

Pebble Steel -Smoothness and usability

The Pebble uses Physical buttons rather than touch or voice controls. This actually means it's a lot more straightforward to control than some other devices we tested having an organised menu structure is incredibly helpful after the somewhat alien layout of Android Wear. The rudimentary nature of the Pebble also means that it's incredibly quick to navigate between apps and watchfaces.

Pebble Steel -Weight and feel

Admittedly, the Pebble Steel isn't quite as ergonomically-shaped as some we tried, but it's perfectly comfortable, even when compared with analogue rivals, both in terms of weight and size. We could easily wear it for days at a time, which we wouldn't necessarily say of the others on this list.

Pebble Steel -App integration

All push notifications are supported by the Pebble Steel, with a variety of response actions depending on the type of notification in a similar way to Android Wear. Many third-party apps are also supported, including evernote and runkeeper. However, the watch can only store eight apps and watchfaces at a time, with additional ones needing to be swapped in via smartphone.

Pebble Steel -Price

Available for around 150, the Pebble Steel is one of the cheaper smartwatches on the market. However, it still isn't quite as cheap as we might like, given its comparatively underpowered nature. On the flipside, since it's practically retro already, it's almost certainly going to age a lot better than flashier competitors. A good rule in tech is that the fancier it is, the quicker it becomes embarrassingly obsolete.

Pebble Steel -Display

The square LCD e-paper' display is actually surprisingly effective. Although the Smartwatch 3 and ZenWatch both have larger, higher-resolution screens, the fact that the Pebble is controlled via physical buttons rather than touch means that a small screen isn't a problem. Granted, image quality (such as it is) would embarrass a palm pilot, but sterling contrast ensures text is perfectly clear and readable with a brief glance.

Pebble Steel -Features

A lack of voice command is really rather tedious, particularly when trying to reply to messages. However, the ability to pre-select up to five custom responses to instantly use is a nice touch. The Pebble Steel also has another trick up its sleeve, though. Like more grown-up' timepieces, the Steel is water-resistant to a depth of 50 metres, which is a good deal more than its more technologically sophisticated brethren.

Pebble Steel -Verdict

In today's world of QHD screens and touch control, the Pebble Steel is something of an oddity. It's a charming one, however, and there's an awful lot to love about this quasi-throwback.

If you're not bothered about having any of the high-tech frills of Android Wear, then the Pebble Steel will suit you down to the ground. On top of that, the battery life is long enough to put most smartphones to shame.

WINNER -LG G Watch R

We hummed and hawed between this and the Moto 360 for ages. They're both exceptionally capable devices, with distinct and appealing visual flair. However, in the end, the G Watch R just managed to cinch it.

It's got better battery life, which is always a winner. It's also got a faster processor than the 360, which was occasionally a little sluggish, and we think it looks just that little bit more dashing. The Rolex-esque bezels made us feel appealingly Bond-like when using the voice command, and we're suckers for the cool factor'.

Runner-up: Pebble Steel

The astonishing battery life and waterproofing coupled with a feather-light weight make this little beauty a strong contender for our favourite smartwatch ever. I could be a little cheaper, considering the age, but those that splash out will likely be glad they did.

Honourable mentions

Many of these watches could be old news in a few months. LG already has a successorthe G Watch Rin the form of the LG Watch Urbane, while Pebble's suspiciously Familiar Pebble Time is set to ship to its Kickstarter backers in May. Motorola may also have a second-gen Moto 360 on the way, according to a possible slip-up by the company's CEO.

Tag Heuer has launched an Android Wear smartwatch in conjunction with Google and Intel.

The announcement marks the high-end Swiss watchmaker's entrance into the wearables market in a bid to fight off the challenge from Apple Watch and other smartwatch makers.

According to a Reuters report, the device will be a version of its Carrera watch, but will offer smartwatch functions such as geolocation, distance walked and altitude. The display will be a digital replica of the original black Carrera, which itself retails at around 3,500.

Biver gave no details of the price of the smartwatch or any further details of the watch itself.

"People will have the impression that they are wearing a normal watch," Tag Heuer CEO Jean-Claude Biver told Reuters.

Biver appeared unconcerned by the arrival of Apple into the luxury watch market and said that Apple's appearance would "increase the cake" for the industry.

"Apple will get young people used to wearing a watch and later maybe they will want to buy themselves a real watch," Biver added.

With the main workings or engine of the watch being a processor manufactured outside of Switzerland, the watch itself will not be able to be marketed as "Swiss Made". Biver said that "Assembled in Switzerland" could be used instead.

The partnership marks the first time that Google has worked with a traditional watch maker. Biver told the BBC that rather than develop a smartwatch OS itself, Tag Heuer chose to work with the tech firm.

"It would be absurd, it would be arrogant to believe that we could develop our own [operating system]. It would be a catastrophe to believe such a stupid thing," he said.

"There is no doubt that we could eventually go to Apple, but why should we do a partnership with Apple, who is producing watches? On the one side they would be partners, on the other a competitor."

Analysts said the buzz around Apple Watch meant that traditional watchmakers could no longer ignore this emerging trend.

"With Apple Watch hitting the market it's no longer viable for Swiss watchmakers to bury their heads in the sand," said Ben Wood, chief of Researchat CCS Insight. "Now Tag Heuer has signalled its intention to enter the smart watch market we are certain others will follow."

The as yet to be named smartwatch should be available before Christmas.

Apple's first foray into the wearables market, the Apple Watch, will boast a variety of business and consumer apps designed specifically for your wrist.

With pre-orders for the wearable availabled from April 24, plenty of developers and companies are taking advantage of the new platform, and a slew of apps have also been unveiled ahead of the watch's release.

Here are some that have stood out so far.

Uber

There's nothing worse than being stranded in the middle of nowhere at some ungodly hour and having to keep your phone out, constantly checking it for the status of your Uber taxi, so having the app on your Apple Watch seems like a great idea, and one of the most obvious choices for the device.

Instagram

An image-based app like Instagram might not be the first thing you think of when imagining how the Apple Watch could be utilised, but the new app gets around the obvious problems by streamlining its functionality, to allow users to quickly browse their feed, favourite particular photos and leave emoji comments.

Twitter

Possibly best for those who keep their 'Following' count to a minimum, this simplified version of Twitter's app lets users view individual tweets on the device, retweeting and favouriting as they please.

It can also notify you of a new tweet with a small tap, and tweets can be composed with dictation.

eBay

Instead of checking your current auction on the web or your phone every few hours (or minutes), the eBay app for Apple Watch will make keeping on top of purchases and bids so much easier.

Wherever you are, you'll see alerts and notifications about auctions, ensuring you can act fast if someone outbids you at the last moment.

Evernote

Evernote is in many ways the perfect app for the Apple Watch, with users able to make notes by simply speaking into the device when they need to record a note, random thought or task for a later time. Designed as a companion to the iPhone app, it'll add convenience and productivity.

Todoist

With this to do list app, users can sync their tasks and errands with the cloud and have instant access to Todoist at all times. When you're busy, digging out your phone or tablet can be more trouble than it's worth, and so its inclusion on Apple's wearable platform is ideal.

Salesforce

One of the most enterprise-specific app packages to be highlighted so far, Salesforce for Apple Watch brings a snapshot of customer analytics, sales opportunities and more available on the app, making it easier to create graphs, get updates and more from the three apps the company has made available so far.

Invoice2go

Tracking time is easier with a watch, of course, and so the presence of something like Invoice2go on the Apple Watch is the perfect evolution of that for freelancers paid by the hour.

When starting a job, users can begin tracking time, before sending their invoice and getting a notification when payment is received.

OPINION: I am thoroughly unimpressed with smartwatches. Admittedly, in reviewing Android Wear watches for IT Pro's sister title Computeractive, I've seen glimmers of potential in features like Google Now.

For the most part though, the clunky software design and appalling battery life have left me pining for my trusty analogue Seiko. Apple, however, works on its own terms. At no point does Apple ever use the term smartwatch' to describe its simply-named Watch both semantically, functionally, aesthetically and in terms of price, Cupertino is trying to set the Apple Watch apart from all other wrist-worn computers.

My smartwatch scepticism stems from their complexity and lack of purpose. Apple is all about simplicity and elegance. Watches are already supremely simple and elegant timepieces that track the time very well. Then there's purpose. To put up with battery life of a day or two, compared to years for a standard analogue or digital watch, a smartwatch has to offer something truly, profoundly useful.

Android Wear, thus far, has fallen far short of this lofty goal. Google Now is too imperfect. The constant flood of notifications from a paired smartphone is infuriating rather than useful. The selection of apps is anaemic and hardly more convenient than using your phone. The available selection of watch faces are hideous looking and barely functional attempting to find a watch face with minute markers and the date which wasn't butt ugly proved impossible.

Convenience is the key word here. The Cupertino Cook crew is betting that the series of little conveniences offered by the Apple Watch will make it indispensable in your everyday life. Using it for contactless payments (at stores that support Apple Pay). Literally opening doors at hotels and airports by using it as a wrist-worn replacement for boarding passes and room keys. Sending quick messages, either text, audio, drawings or even heart beats taken using its built-in heart rate sensor, to loved ones. Notifications from your iPhone, but those heavily customised to your exact preferences. Apps from the likes of Salesforce, giving you quick snippets of information when you need them most.

It's a bold, daring bet by Apple. Especially as many consumers, the intended market, have yet to be convinced by smartwatches never mind businesses. It's an especially bold bet given the cost. The cheapest Apple Watch costs 299 with an aluminium casing and a rubber strap.

This quickly escalates though. There are too many variants to list here, but the cheapest version with a steel casing and band costs 819. This is pricey by the standards of other smartwatches, but pocket change for moneyed watch aficionados who dismiss Rolexs and Omegas as chav chaff.

Then there are the limited edition gold versions with prices that quickly reach four and even five figures. These would be small prices to pay for those that can afford them and want an heirloom to pass onto their progeny. That's conceivable for a timeless Patek Philippe or Christian Jacques.

Technology ages fast though and it's very hard to imagine an Apple Watch holding its value for decades like a luxury Swiss watch does especially for a product with chips and screens that can and will stop working and will likely be irreparable.

Still, if any technology company can pull off this delicate balance between technology and fashion then it's Apple. The Apple Watch is nothing if not physically beautiful. The straps and bands alone are intricately eye-catching. The ease with which they can be interchanged with each other makes the fiddly jeweller's tools needed for standard watch straps and bands seem antiquated in comparison.

I remain to be convinced by smartwatches. If the rest of you share my scepticism, then Apple has a lot of hard sells to make. Still, a product as bold and risky as the Apple Watch is exactly what I've come to expect from Cupertino. The future of the Apple Watch is murky but it'll be damn interesting to watch unfold.

LG has announced both the LG Watch Urbane and the LG Watch Urbane LTE at Mobile World Congress (MWC) this week.

The latter device is essentially an LTE-enabled variant on the base model, but there's a few other important changes present too.

For example, the Android Wear OS that most smartwatches run on is nowhere to be found. The LTE device instead runs on a proprietary platform, based partially on the company's WebOS system, which likely means a much more limited selection of apps and watchfaces.

The LTE capabilities included with the beefed-up model mean that the phone can handle tasks such as calling, texting and using apps without needing to be tethered to your smartphone, though, instead using its own 4G connection.

It's also equipped with NFC, meaning it can handle the increasingly prevalent world of mobile payments.

In terms of specs, it's carrying a quad-core processor, a 1.3in touchscreen, and a heartrate monitor. It's likely to be more expensive than the standard, non-LTE version as well.

LG is positioning both devices to compete with Apple's own high-end smartwatch, the Apple Watch.

The LG Watch Urbane will be available to consumers in both silver and gold variations, and will continue the company's approach of designing wearables to resemble traditional items, such as the current G Watch R.

Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG's mobile division, said: "The LG Watch Urbane's classic design and smart features make it the perfect smartwatch to complement our G Watch and G Watch R, which were designed as more casual and active devices.

"LG Watch Urbane is an important part of our strategy to develop wearable devices that are worn and viewed as everyday accessories, not electronic gadgets."

As Cho states, while previous smartwatches released by the company have a fitness and activity focus, the Urbane watch will lean towards "more formal" use, as the company describes it. The thinner profile also makes it suitable for both men and women, "for wearers looking to add both style and high-tech flare to their everyday lives."

Like the G Watch R, the new device will also sport a PPG sensor for users to measure pulse and heart-rate while exercising.

The watch will have a 1.3in full circle P-OLED display, stainless steel body, natural leather strap, and will be powered by a 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chip.

It will be compatible with phones running Android 4.3 and above, with pricing to be confirmed later.

According to The Verge, the LG Watch Urbane LTE will have a 700mAh battery, NFC and smart wallet functionality, a heartbeat sensor, GPS and more.

This article was originally published on 26/02/2015, but was updated most recently on 02/03/15 to reflect the latest news.

Nationwide and IBM have teamed up to offer the building society's banking app on smartwatches running the Android Wear platform.

The service is available for everyone using the app on their Android phone and offers the same functionality - checking balances, transferring money, managing overdrafts and opening savings accounts - while on the move.

Customers can use it to look up their account balance just by speaking to the device and, although smartwatches are still in the early stages of commercialisation, Nationwide thinks they spell the future of mobile payments.

Tony Prestedge, chief operating officer at Nationwide, said: "Providing customers with a variety of ways to manage their money, whenever and how ever they want is a priority for us. Giving those members who want and have the technology the ability to check their balance on their watch provides them with even more choice as to how they interact with us whether it is online, through an app, face-to-face or over the phone. Our customers have the peace of mind that they can do business with us on their terms, not ours."

The company was one of the last high street financial institutions to start offering contactless payments cards, only introducing them this year. Barclaycard issued cards with the technology integrated back in 2008.

David Terry, Nationwide programme director at IBM Global Business Services in the UK and Ireland, said: "Financial services providers are increasingly realising how technology can be leveraged to help them become more agile and customer-focused."

Nationwide and IBM joined forces to create the innovation centre so ideas could be explored that provide additional choice and value to Nationwide members.

"Android Wear is a great example of where the research conducted in the Innovation Centre led to a fully working wearable solution within a week of the first devices being launched. This enabled refinement and testing prior to the Nationwide customer launch," he added.

Samsung's mission to establish a dominant position in the smartwatch market continues with the firm announcing its latest product, the Gear S.

The Gear S aims to mimic the look of a traditional watch with the inclusion of a curved 2-inch Super Amoled display (360 x 480). It's powered by a dual-core 1GHz processor, with 512MB of RAM and has 4GB of on-board storage.

A key differentiator between the Gear S and other smartwatches is its wireless connectivity.

Many devices are restricted to Bluetooth, but Samsung has squeezed in 3G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities. This means users will be able to send/receive messages or make calls even when it's not paired up with a handset.

Other sensors include an accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, ambient light, UV, barometer and heart-rate monitor.

A headset accessory known as Gear Circle will also be made available, allowing users to carry out voice commands or phone calls.

A report from SamMobile has suggested that the Samsung Gear S would be delayed until mid-November in the UK, thought to be due to manufacturers struggling to produce enough units of the device. No official reason has been confirmed. Pre-orders for the smartwatch began back in September.

Widgets

With Samsung shunning Android in favour of Tizen, the firm has had to draft in partners to help boost the feature set of the device.

The Gear S will include turn-by-turn pedestrian navigation provided by HERE, a 24-hour news service from The Financial Times called fastFT', and have Facebook integration.

Health tracking

Health monitoring capabilities are used as a key selling point for smartwatches. The Gear S includes a heart rate monitor and GPS to track activity.

Samsung has pre-loaded its own S Health app, which is able to monitor steps and track calories. The Nike+ running app is also installed.

Battery life

A 300mAh battery pack powers the device. Battery life remains one of the biggest obstacles for smartwatch manufacturers - and the Gear S has an estimated uptime of two days with "typical usage" before it needs to be recharged.

Release date and pricing

The Gear S and Gear Circle was said to start shipping globally in October, though it has been rumoured that UK customers may have to wait unti November. Pricing is set at 340.

A survey by Kronos has revealed that the UK wearable scene is lagging behind the average, with Mexico and China eclipsing our use.

According to the research, only 27 per cent of the nation is using wearables in their personal life - way below the international average of 48 per cent and shocking in comparison to China and Mexico where 73 per cent and 70 per cent are using devices respectively.

However, 38 per cent of UK workers say they've used wearable technology. This may be a better proportion than those who use wearables at home, but it's still way below everyone else. 82 per cent of Mexicans are using some sort of wearable at work, while 81 per cent in China have taken up devices such as smart watches and glasses.

The things Brits cite as deterrents include that employees are having to provide their own devices to use with wearables. They said that should companies start providing the hardware, they would be much more receptive to the tech.

Of the 38 per cent of workers using technology already, the majority said they find wearables improve the efficiency of the work, while 41 per cent also said it gives them a better work/life balance.

Unsurprisngly, one of the reasons the UK is so behind is because Google Glass isn't available in the country, despite gaining a lot of media attention, Kronos said. Only 25 per cent of the UK adults surveyed said they would use Google Glass once it became available, with many of those saying they would rather request a more traditional headset.

Joyce Maroney, director of the Workforce Institute at Kronos said: "There's a strong belief that wearable technology will take off in the workplace before the home because devices such as smart watches, intelligent ID badges, and fitness and health monitors can provide organisations with uncharted data collection points to greatly improve safety, productivity, collaboration, and overall workplace effectiveness.

"This survey shows a marked difference in how wearable devices are used and perceived around the world, and people who use new wearable technologies in their personal lives tend to see more potential benefits in the workplace. The more comfortable we become with wearables, the more apt we are to leverage these technologies in the workplace."

Microsoft is planning to imminently launch a smartwatch, as the firm is keen to ensure it does not miss out on the next big mobile trend.

The as-yet unnamed device is expected to offer two-days' of battery life and multi-platform support, sources have told Forbes.

Microsoft hopes these two features will help its device stand out in what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive sector. An exact unveiling date has yet to be confirmed, with sources claiming the smartwatch will be launched within the "coming weeks".

Rival products like the Apple Watch, Moto 360 and Gear devices all need charging on a daily basis and are locked into the iOS and Android platforms, respectively. When released in 2015, the Apple Watch will also need to be connected to an iPhone as it cannot function as a standalone product.

News of a Microsoft-based smartwatch started to circulate earlier this year after the firm filed multiple patents with the United States Patents and Trademark Office.

Based on the patents, the device is expected to include heart rate monitor, speech input, as well as provide notifications and directions.

Microsoft is slowing gaining traction in the smartphone market with its Windows Phone operating system sitting comfortably in third place. However, according to figures from IDC, Microsoft has only 2.5 per cent of worldwide market share.

The firm has also gone on the record to admit it only has 14 per cent of the total device market share when PCs, smartphones and tablets are counted, showing that the firm has some work to do.

Pop star and music producer Will.i.am has launched the Puls smartwatch - a device that can operate without being connected to a smartphone.

Manufactured by Will.i.am's own company i.am+, it's being marketed as a 'smart cuff', which sounds much more fashionable than a 'smartwatch'.

Like a smartphone, the Puls can make phone calls, send texts, track exercise with an integrated pedometer and accelerometer, find your location with GPS and connect wirelessly to a pair of Bluetooth headphones for music listening purposes.

The pint-sized device features 3G connectivity with its own SIM card, has speakers if you want to play your music out loud and on the front there's a 2-inch touchscreen.

Additionally, it ships with its own voice assistant, so you don't have to tussle with the awkwardly-small touchscreen when you want to do anything.

Inside there's a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with 1GB RAM, 16GB of storage and it runs on Android 4.1, although it has to be assumed it'll be upgraded at a later date.

Sadly, there's no Google Play access for downloading more apps, but i am+ does say it's working on rolling out its own app store sometime in the future when the API has been developed.

The device will come first to the UK with O2 and Nina Bibby, marketing and consumer director at the network, said: "Music and technology are in O2's DNA, which is why we're so excited to be giving O2 customers the opportunity to exclusively get their hands on the Puls in the UK. We're committed to bringing our customers the latest and most innovative devices and with Puls they will be able to explore a whole new level of connectedness.

"By combining cutting edge technology with music and fashion, the Puls has the power to revolutionise wearable technology."

Sony has unveiled the SmartWatch 3 with Android Wear, reports The Verge, ahead of Apple's iWatch announcement and HTC's apparent cancellation of the HTC One Wear.

The wearable is the fifth generation of Sony's smartwatch, and sports a 1.6-inch display held in removable silicon straps.

It has a 320 x 320 resolution, 4GB storage and a quad-core 1.2 GHz processor with 420mAh battery. It runs on Google's Android Wear platform.

In addition, Sony is releasing the SmartBand Talk, a 1.4-inch device with HD Voice support, with the company touting it as the ideal choice for making phone calls and remotely controlling music playing on other devices.

It also boasts various fitness tracking features, and both will be available with Bluetooth and NFC connectivity. They are expected to land on shelves in the autumn.

Meanwhile, according to a report from Pocket-lint, HTC has seemingly abandoned its own plans to enter the competitive smartwatch market with the HTC One Wear.

Quoting "sources familiar with the matter," a delay in the company releasing a smartwatch or smartband is due to a need to save costs and a lack of belief in their offering. The watch was supposed to be a re-jigged version of the Qualcomm Toq, rumours suggested.

Rapidly increasing competition from the likes of LG, Samsung, Motorola and more has seemingly made HTC reluctant to enter the arena with a less than perfect product, and it is thus being reported that the smartwatch has been abandoned for the time being.

US retailer Best Buy has revealed the forthcoming Moto 360 smartwatch will be priced at $250.

In an online posting, screen grabbed by Droid Life, Best Buy also revealed the specifications of the device.

The watch has been confirmed to have a 1.5in backlit LCD touch screen (320 x 290) made from Gorilla Glass 3. Motorola has built in an optical heart-rate monitor, pedometer and vibration alert. The device will also be waterproof up to 3 feet for 30 minutes, with owners able to wear the device while swimming.

Users will be able to control the device using the touch screen or through voice commands. The Moto 360 can also be synced with other devices via Bluetooth 4 connectivity. Best Buy claimed the watch will be compatible with "most devices with Android 4.3 or later" although none were specified.

Details on battery life and processor were kept to a minimum. The specification page simply stated the smartwatch will come with a built-in lithium-ion battery pack and a Texas Instruments processor.

The $250 price makes the Moto 360 the most expensive Android Wear smartwatch to-date. The LG G Watch costs $229 and the Samsung Gear Live retails at $199.99.

An official release date was also missing from the page, with the listing claiming the device was "coming soon".

Motorola's website did say the Moto 360 would be coming in Summer 2014. The firm has confirmed it is an holding event in Chicago on 4 September where details about the Moto 360 shipping date are expected to be announced.

Amazon's wearable electronics store has opened in the UK, with more than 100 devices available, including activity trackers, smartwatches, smart glasses and wearable cameras.

In addition to more unusual wearable devices - such as charging trousers - articles from manufacturers including Sony, Samsung, Garmin, Jawbone and Gopro are all available to purchase.

Amazon's director of consumer electronics Andrew Milliken said: "Sales of wearable technology devices have taken off in the last year with many customers already using them on a daily basis. With designs continually becoming simpler, smaller, and more stylish, devices have become increasingly useful and fit seamlessly into everyday life."

Although the online shopfront looks just like Amazon's regular store and its groceries section, the retailer is also using it as an opportunity to educate people about the potential of wearable electronics. Its Learning Centre includes compatibility information, images, videos, reviews and buying guides to help users make the most of their devices.

The online retailer said in the launch statement: "Customers will be able to learn about devices which are 'coming soon' and be amongst the first to purchase the latest technology by pre-ordering new releases, including the A. Sauvage Wireless Charging Trousers."

Milliken added: "The focus is also on providing customers with all the information they need to understand these new devices and make the best possible choice."

Amazon's US wearables store launched in April, with its director of Wireless and Mobile Electronics, John Nemeth, commenting: "We're thrilled to bring our customers a store with the largest selection and great prices that helps eliminate the guesswork when deciding which wearable devices best fit their needs -- whether that is tracking activity, staying connected through smart watches, or capturing their next adventure with wearable cameras."

A sales director of Swiss watch maker Tag Heuer has reportedly left the firm to join Apple. The move will further fuel rumours of an imminent launch of a smartwatch by the Cupertino company.

According to a report by CNBC, the unnamed executive in charge of sales at the luxury watch brand left to help Apple with the launch of what has been dubbed the "iWatch" in October.

The move was confirmed by Jean-Claude Biver, head of LVMH's watch brands, which include Tag Heuer, Hublot and Zenith.

"If it had been a direct competitor, I would have felt a bit betrayed, but if he goes to Apple I think it is a great experience for him," Biver told CNBC.

Biver said the executive left late last week "to take a contract with Apple" in order to help the iWatch launch.

The report said that Apple had made a number of advances to executives from Swiss watch makers over the last few months with no success - until now.

Apple is reported to be starting up production of the iWatch this month with Chinese manufacturer Quanta expected to make the devices on its behalf. Sources say Cupertino is expected to shift 50 million iWatches in the first 12 months of the release.

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is calling on wearable tech users to ensure data collected by their devices is processed in line with the UK's data protection laws.

This week alone has seen details emerge about new smartwatch technology from LG and Android, as well as the UK release of Google Glass to developers and beta testers, as the wearable tech trend continues to gain momentum.

In the midst of this, the ICO has published a blog post, reminding users of the technology to be wary of the privacy implications of using it, and the laws surrounding the sharing of data created by wearable devices.

Andrew Paterson, the data protection watchdog's senior technology officer, said it is imperative the way wearable tech devices collect, process and share information is in line with the requirements of the UK Data Protection Act.

"If you are using a wearable technology for your own use then you are unlikely to be breaching the Act. This is because the Act includes an exemption for the collection of personal information for domestic purposes," Paterson explained.

For instance, if someone wears a devices that tracks health data that remains on the device, or is only viewable from a private computer, that is fine in the eyes of the Data Protection Act.

"But, if you were to one day decide that you'd like to start using this information for other purposes outside of your personal use, for example to support a local campaign or to start a business, then this exemption would no longer apply," he added.

Further complications may also emerge if the health tracking device above shares details of the jogging routes people have taken or publishes details of users' performance online to compare with others.

This type of data must be processed in line with the Data Protection Act, warns Paterson.

"This includes making sure that people are being informed about how their details are being collected and used, only collecting information that is relevant, adequate and not excessive and ensuring that any information that needs to be collected is kept securely and deleted once it is no longer required," he explained.

And it's not just the Data Protection Act wearable tech users and device makers risk falling foul of, as the CCTV Code of Practice also comes into play for tools that capture pictures and videos.

"The rise of wearable technology brings exciting new possibilities and is set to become widespread in the years ahead," he added.

"But organisations must not lose sight of the fact that wearables must still operate in compliance with the law and consumers' personal information must be looked after," Paterson concluded.

LG has launched the LG G Watch - set to be one of the first devices powered by Android wear, at Google's I/O developer conference.

The Android Wear Project was launched in March, along with a new developer section on the Google website, encouraging developers to create applications for the device.

Sundar Pichai, SVP, Android, Chrome & Apps said at the launch: "Watches powered by Android Wear aim to show you the right information and suggestions you need, right when you need them. It's been great to work with LG on the launch of the G Watch especially given its simple, easy-to-use design."

The LG G Watch runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor clocked at 1.2GHz. On the front of the device is an always-on 1.65-inch IPS display with 'true to life' colour reproduction. It's dust and water resistant with an IP67 rating and will be available in both black and white.

The strap can be customised with any 22mm band available on the market although it will ship with a silicone strap, while the face is made from Physical Vapor Deposition coated stainless steel.

LG's watch connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and can display information such as messages, who's calling, which music track you're listening to and other information relayed from your Android device.

The watch's interface is built upon cards, surfacing relevant information to the user when it's needed, with voice recognition controlling the device. Instead of integrating buttons on the watch that interfere with its design, most functions can be carried out using the 'OK Google' command and then speaking the action you want it to do - such as composing a text message or firing up the music player.

Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company said: "As one of the first to market with Android Wear, LG wanted to develop a product that functions as an essential companion device but most importantly, was simple to use. We wanted a device that would be simple to learn and so intuitive that users wouldn't even have to think about how to use its features. That's what the LG G Watch is all about."

The LG Wear is already available for pre-order on the Google Play Store, although a price hasn't yet been announced.

COMMENT: Since it was announced in 2012, Google's pioneering wearable kit, Google Glass, has been met with equal amounts of awe and ridicule.

Will it change the way we view the world forever? Is that a good thing? Is anyone even going to wear a pair of funky' glasses or they merely a short-lived gimmick?

Privacy fears have since cropped up as well as a concern about the hefty $1,500 (900) price tag for early adopters and, now, just as Google Glass clutches onto its place in the public consciousness, rival products have begun to emerge to challenge its position.

One such product is ChipSiP's Smart Glass, SiMEye, which was recently unveiled at Asia's biggest tech show Computex by the Taiwanese company. It now looks set to provide some genuine competition to Google's augmented reality glasses.

Wearable tech is an exciting and fast-growing market and, despite some dubbing new products now daring to emulate Google mere copycats, it has to be noted that the Smart Glass boasts features that are either absent or underdeveloped in Google's offering. It's an imperfect product, even if it has been tempting to think that the race was already over.

The ability for users to download Android apps directly from the Play Store rather than via another device (as with Glass), video capture up to 1080p (four times the resolution of Glass) are attractive propositions. What's more, a significantly lower price tag of $500 (300) is the thing that could surely entice customers to SiMEye the most. It might look like the ugly stepsister now, but that could change in a heartbeat.

Because, while style can be important to the average consumer, and Google Glass while still rather clunky and obvious-looking, has that over its various rivals power, ability and convenience are much more valuable in the long-term. For business use, for example, it's clear that the competition is far from over.

Virgin Atlantic also underwent a successful trial of wearable tech including Google Glass, and is currently creating plans for a wide-scale rollout.

The potential benefits of a hands-free, voice activated device with the capabilities smart glasses claim to have are huge, with businesses around the world expected to utilise it in the future. But what does the emergence of rival products like SiMEye tell us? Does this signal that Google has something worth copying, or simply that it can be done better by a different company?

In addition to the new product from ChipSiP, an early prototype for wearable technology from Dyson, much like Google Glass, was also revealed last week.

Despite these genuine rivals to Google Glass now gaining interest, the fact still remains that the launch of wearable tech glasses has been far from seamless.

With smartwatches gaining on the idea with increasing speed, it could be that the time for both Google Glass and SiMEye is over before it has even begun.

Image credit: ChipSiP

Microsoft's forthcoming smartwatch will sync with Android, iOS and Windows Phone devices as the firm fights to establish its presence in the market.

The unnamed device is said to have a full-touch colour screen much like Samsung's Galaxy Gear Fit. However, the display is placed on the inside of the wrist to make it easier to use and provide privacy, sources have told Forbes.

The smartwatch is expected to monitor metrics like heart rate and have a battery life of two days, making it similar to Samsung's Gear range.

Engineers from the Kinect division have been working together with data scientists to optimise the sensors and create a comprehensive software platform.

With the smartwatch market yet to take off, Microsoft's decision to make its device cross-platform could prove crucial when it comes to establishing a user base. Windows Phone has less than 4 per cent of worldwide market share whereas Android and iPhone devices are expected to account for 95 per cent of the market.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has been pushing the cross platform strategy in an attempt to reinvigorate the tech giant.

There is no word on the release date, but Microsoft could launch its smartwatch in the summer to get a jump on arch-rival Apple, who is widely tipped to reveal the iWatch later this year.

A patent filing from Microsoft has been spotted suggesting the company has designs on releasing its own biometric smartwatch.

The patent outlines a central device, fitted into the band of a watch, which boasts a touchscreen display on top and an optical light sensor underneath. The sensor will be used to measure exercise-related metrics from a user's skin, which can be manipulated on the device's display.

Images alongside the release show three modes of interactive biometric data: a running man, which displays the length of the current run, a heart for heart rate, and a small flame, for showing the amount of calories burned. To avoid any possible corruption of the data, the watch will include gaskets to prevent unwanted light reaching its sensors.

Though the patent makes a lot of noise about the biometric potential of the smartwatch, other features will include a cloud-based music player, alarm clock, telephone app and messaging platform.

The central device can be removed from the watch and mounted into a compatible dock for charging the display or storing information. According to the patent, the plurality of the frame means it will be compatible with other electronic mountings, like gym equipment.

This isn't the first time Microsoft has made a move on the wearables market. The company launched Smart Personal Objective Technology (SPOT) watches back in 2002, with the project ultimately falling short and being discontinued in 2008.

A patent report does not mean a product is definitely on the cards. Though with Samsung's Galaxy Gear and Google's Android Wear already released, and rumours around Apple's iWatch growing stronger, Microsoft might just be preparing to throw its hat into the ring before it falls behind in the market.

Google has announced Android Wear its own smart watch platform that will fit under the Nexus branding.

Using Google Now's voice-recognition tech at its core, Android Wear allowing users to use the accessory without touching it.

LG, Asus, HTC, Motorola, and Samsung were all announced as hardware partners, while Broadcom, Imagination, Intel, MediaTek, and Qualcomm will manufacture chips for the devices.

Fossil will introduce branded watches in late 2014.

Google's Sundar Pichai, SVP of Android, Chrome and Apps said that this was just the beginning.

"We've barely scratched the surface of what's possible with mobile technology. That's why we're so excited about wearables they understand the context of the world around you, and you can interact with them simply and efficiently, with just a glance or a spoken word," he noted in a Google blog.

The range of watches will be released with a new catalogue of apps, operated by your voice. Users will be able to their watch a question, launch the music player, transmit films to TVs or launch apps just by saying OK, Google'.

A health and fitness suite will be available for the watches to monitor your exercise regime, with promises that all your favourite fitness apps' will be coming to the device. Twitter, Facebook and Google Hangouts will also be integrated to help you keep up with your social networks even if your phone is out of reach.

Developers will be able to create new apps for the small screen with the ability to tailor app notifications for their existing apps and a whole new range of APIs will be released specifically for the wearable.

"We're always seeking new ways for technology to help people live their lives and this is just another step in that journey. Here's to getting the most out of the many screens you use every daywhether in your car, in your pocket or, very soon, on your wrist," Pichai added.

Google will release a developer software development kit (SDK) within the next two weeks to make it easier for organisations to create wearable Android devices.

The announcement was made by Google's SVP of Android and Chrome, Sundar Pichai, at the SXSW conference in Austin, Texas, which is taking place this week.

"We want to develop a set of common protocols by which [wearable devices] can work together," said Pichai.

"They need a mesh layer and a data layer by which they can come together," he added.

According to Pichai, the launch of the first developer SDK for Android, which will happen before the end of the month, "will lay out the vision for developers in how we see this market working".

Pichai made no reference as to whether or not Google is intending on making any wearable devices itself, beyond its existing Google Glass product, saying it is "for partners and developers to figure out".

However, it is rumoured the company is working with LG to build an Android-powered smartwatch.

Allegedly, plans for its smartwatch-focused operating systems will be unveiled towards the end of this month, possibly at the same time the SDK is released, with the LG device being unveiled at its June Google I/O conference.

Nevertheless, Pichai indicated Google was not just focusing on wrist-mounted computers.

"When we say wearables, we think about it much more broadly. It could be a jacket...with sensors I don't know," he said.

Samsung has unveiled its second generation smartwatch devices, with the firm opting to ditch Android in favour of fellow Linux-based operating system Tizen.

The Korean firm has released two watches - the Samsung Gear 2 and Gear Neo. Most of the hardware specifications are identical to each other and also the original smartwatch, which was launched six months ago.

The Gear 2/Neo ship with the same 1.63in Super Amoled screen (320 x 320), 4GB of internal storage and 512MB of RAM. Samsung has beefed up the processor to a 1GHz dual-core chip, and improved the camera to 2-megapixels with auto-focus. The Neo does not feature a camera. Both carry a IP67 rating - meaning they are resistant to dust and water.

Samsung has shrunk the power pack to 300mAh, but is claiming better battery life. Users will be able to get up to three days of typical usage on a single charge, according to Samsung. In comparison, the original Gear struggled to last for 24 hours with its 315mAh battery.

The biggest change comes on the software side. Samsung has invested heavily to get Tizen off the ground along with firms such as Intel - and this could mark the start of its decision to slowly move away from Android.

Samsung is keen on pushing the health-related features of the second generation Gear devices. The smart watches have a built-in a heart rate sensor, to accompany the existing pedometer and there is an app to monitor "sleep and stress".

Other features including the ability to accept calls via Bluetooth, take pictures (Gear 2 only), receive text, email and app notifications, control music, and use Samsung features such as S-Voice and ChatON.

The Gear 2 and Gear Neo will start shipping worldwide in April, but the firm is yet to disclose pricing. The original retailed at 299 on launch and we expecting pricing to be in the same ballpark. Upon launch the smartwatches will work with "dozens of Samsung Galaxy smartphones", but a list has not yet been released.

Despite Samsung releasing its first smartwatch just six months ago, uptake for these devices has been poor. In November 2013, it was reported that the Korean giant had sold just 50,000 units, despite dominating the smartphone market.

Samsung claimed that it had shipped 800,000 devices to retailers in two months, but keep tight-lipped on actual sell-through to customers.

The Galaxy Gear was met with disappointing reviews across the tech world, with complaints including the fact it only worked with the Note 3 and 10.1 on launch and the poor battery life. It appears that Samsung has improved on these weaknesses, but it remains to be seen whether this will transfer into sales.

The iWatch, Apple's rumoured first foray into the wearable computing market, could feature sensors that monitor the sounds made by blood vessels to predict heart attacks, according to reports.

Research into the technology is allegedly being led by Tomlinson Holman, the audio engineer who invented the THX audio system and 10.2 surround sound. He joined the Cupertino giant in 2011.

Citing an anonymous source, the San Francisco Chronicle reports Apple is exploring noise "turbulence" with regard to blood flow. Specifically, it is looking to develop technology that can identify the sound blood makes as it tries to pass through a plaque-constricted artery.

Adding credence to this theory, Apple was awarded a patent at the end of 2013 for an embedded heart rate monitor.

Originally filed in 2009, the technology can detect both the user's cardiac activity and their cardiac electrical signals and could be used to "identify or authenticate the user and perform an operation based on the identity of the user. In some embodiments, the electronic device can determine the user's mood from the cardiac signals and provide data related to the user's mood."

This is not the first time the iWatch has been put forward as a health monitoring device.

In January, 9to5mac reported iOS 8 will include an application currently codenamed "Healthbook" that will monitor and store fitness statistics such as steps taken, calories burned and miles walked, as well as tracking weight loss.

It has also been noted Apple has been recruiting a number of doctors and lawyers with experience in lobbying the US Food and Drug Administration to the firm.

The iWatch had been expected to be a direct challenger to Samsung's Galaxy Gear Smartwatch.

However, if the health-monitoring rumours turn out to be true, the new technology will take Apple head-on into competition with companies like Fitbit, Nike and Jawbone, whose wrist-mounted Flex, FuelBand and Up devices fulfil many of the same functions.

Apple's expected foray into wearable computing also pits it against rival Google, whose Android operating system powers the Galaxy Gear and Google Glass. The company also recently announced a health-focused offering of its own - a contact lens that can help diabetics monitor their blood sugar levels.

While much of the tech industry talk of 2013 centred on the hype surrounding big data, wearable technology and the internet of things, it was news of surveillance scandals, failed products, web censorship and vendor spats that kept IT Pro readers riveted over the past 12 months.

Here we take a look back over 10 of the year's biggest stories. If there are any you think we've missed, feel free to list them in the comments box below.

1) BlackBerry crumbles

It has certainly been an eventful 12 months for ailing smartphone maker BlackBerry, with the low points outnumbering the high ones by some quite considerable margin.

The year started off well enough for the vendor, as it geared up for the launch of its highly-anticipated and much-delayed Z10 and Q10 smartphones by undergoing a major corporate rebrand that saw it ditch the name RIM in favour of BlackBerry.

Sadly, despite its new crop of smartphones garnering favourable reviews (with IT Pro awarding both the Z10 and Q10 devices four stars), sales of the devices failed to live up to the hype.

So much so, the firm was forced to swallow a $934 million inventory charge over unsold Z10 devices in September. It also had to delay its BBM software for Android and iOS users after an unofficial version was leaked in the run up to its official release.

Even so, the software was a hit for the firm, chalking up 20 million downloads during its first few weeks of release.

Earlier in the month, BlackBerry's largest shareholder Fairfax Financial Holdings set out plans to acquire the firm for $4.7 billion, a move the analyst community had been broadly supportive of.

Unfortunately, the deal fell through at the 11th hour in November, with reports at the time suggesting Fairfax had struggled to secure funding for the deal because of concerns BlackBerry was beyond saving.

Shortly afterwards, it was confirmed that CEO Thorsten Heins was stepping down as an alternative means of securing its future is pursued.

2) Microsoft CEO says cya later

Thorsten Heins wasn't the only high-profile CEO to head for the exit doors this year, as Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer announced his retirement in August after 13 years in charge.

Industry watchers have been quick to blame Ballmer for Microsoft's relatively slow response to the tablet and smartphone revolutions of recent years, and for the downbeat reaction Windows 8 received (more on that later). So much so, shares in the company shot up by around nine per cent in the aftermath of his retirement news.

At the time of writing, the hunt for Ballmer's successor was still ongoing, with former Nokia CEO Stephen Elop and Alan Mulally, CEO of Ford Motor Company, widely tipped to takeover.

3) Windows hate

Even before Windows 8 dropped in October 2012, market watchers expressed concerns over how the operating system's radically different user interface would be greeted by end users.

And they were right to be wary, with figures released in the wake of its release suggesting sales of the operating system were lagging behind Windows 7, while user complaints about the lack of Start button started to gather pace.

As result, hopes the release of Windows 8 might give PC sales a well needed boost were quickly dashed.

In February 2013, rumours about an update to the operating system (codenamed Windows Blue) started to surface, and - in the months that followed - gave way to concrete information from Microsoft about forthcoming improvements it was planning to introduce.

Microsoft's declarations about Windows 8.1 (as the update went on to become) bordered on the contrite, as it promised to make good the mistakes made with Windows 8.

The free update was released in October 2013 and saw Microsoft bring back the Start Button, and make it easier for users to re-size the software's flagship live tiles. To boost its enterprise appeal, its security and collaboration features were also much improved.

However, recent figures from Net Applications seem to suggest the release of Windows 8.1 has had little impact on the combined market share of Windows 8.x.

4) Dell goes public with plans to go private

No-one ever claimed it would be easy to take a publicly listed company as well known as Dell private, but it's unlikely anyone would have predicted just how long and drawn out this process ended up being.

Back in February, the company's chairmen and CEO Michael Dell set out plans to take the company private in a $24.4 billion deal (initially) involving Microsoft and private equity house Silver Lake. And that's when the fun really started.

The months that followed saw a series of shareholder disputes take place, with quibbles about the company's market value and shareholder voting procedures regularly being aired.

Activist investor Carl Icahn also sought to have Michael Dell's bid blocked, on the grounds he felt it undervalued the company, delaying the process even further.

Finally, on 12 September, Michael Dell won shareholder approval for his privatisation plans, allowing the PC vendor to complete its transformation into a provider of enterprise IT services away from prying eyes. And not before time.

5) BDUK bashing

The Government's Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) scheme, which aims to bring superfast internet services to rural communities, has been a surprisingly contentious topic this year.

MPs have repeatedly slammed the initiative, with both the National Audit Office and Public Accounts Committee taking issue with the costs involved and time take to deliver on its aims.

For example, an NAO report on the project claimed in July the Government was 22 months behind on its goal of providing 90 per cent of premises in the UK with superfast broadband services by 2015.

Fujitsu excused itself from bidding for BDUK projects in March 2013, leaving BT as the last remaining bidder. This prompted further concerns about the BDUK procurement process being uncompetitive and poor value for money.

BT has done an admirable job of hitting back at its BDUK detractors during 2013, but - with each deployment undertaken through the scheme having its own coverage target and deadline - there is unlikely to be much let up for the telco on this issue in 2014.

6) Banking on IT

The financial services sector is often cited as a highly regulated industry that has to invest huge amounts in IT systems for compliance, security and resilience purposes.

However, the last 12 months has brought with it numerous headlines about banking systems going down, leaving customers out of pocket and with no access to the funds.

Nationwide and Natwest have both been blighted in this way in 2013, while Barclays and Santander have both found themselves as the centre of security breaches in recent months.

Criminals attempted to gain remote access to computer systems in London-based branches of both banking firms with the intention of stealing millions of pounds.

The ruse was made possible through the use of a Keyboard Video Mouse device, which is thought to have been installed in both branches by someone posing as an IT engineer.

In the Barclays case, 1.3 million was stolen from customer accounts, although it was later returned and several arrests made. Thankfully, the Santander plot was foiled before any money was taken.

7) Google Glass safety fears

For a product that's not gone on general release yet, Google Glass has clocked up an impressive number of headlines and column inches in 2013.

For the uninitiated, Google Glass is essentially a pair of spectacles featuring a built-in Android computer that users can draw on to take pictures, record videos, search the web and find directions.

Since news of the devices first emerged, concerns have been raised - most noticeably by the Information Commissioner's Office - about the privacy implications of Google Glass.

Particularly, as the nature of the devices could make it easy for users to furtively record the actions of others without their knowledge and permission.

For this reason, a restaurant in Seattle announced an outright ban on the devices, while safety fears recently prompted the UK's Department for Transport to announce plans to ban the technology from being used while driving.

8) Nobody likes smart watches

Wearable technology has been hyped as one of the trends to watch in 2013, with the likes of Samsung, Qualcomm and Sony all taking steps to beef up their offerings in this area by releasing smart watches.

The devices are being positioned as companion devices to smartphones and tablets, and can be used to receive messages, calls and even take pictures.

Now, just because a vendor says their product is going to be the next big thing, doesn't always guarantee its success, and that certainly seems true of smart watch sales at the moment.

Market watcher Gartner released a scathing report in November that claimed sales of the devices will continue to stall while they remain so expensive and ugly to look at.

With Apple rumoured to be entering this space sometime next year, all this could be set to change. But - as it stands right now it will be interesting to see if they make it on to many Christmas lists in 2014.

9) Edward Snowden reveals all

The summer of 2013 was dominated by headlines about government surveillance programmes, thanks to (the now infamous) National Security Agency (NSA) whistleblower Edward Snowden.

His revelations were exclusively revealed by the Guardian newspaper, and began in June with Snowden's admission that the US government had forced telco Verizon to hand over the phone records of millions of Americans.

Shortly after, details of the PRISM surveillance programme came to light, which allegedly provided the NSA with direct access to user data held by Google, Facebook, Apple and Microsoft. This claim was later disputed by the tech firms.

The months that followed saw further leaks and revelations about GCHQ's involvement with the PRISM programme, as well as claims it set up the Tempora scheme to monitor the traffic passing through undersea fibre optic cables.

In fact, it's probably fair to say stories about the NSA, Prism or Tempora have been featured on IT Pro at a rate of about one a week since the Guardian started publishing Snowden's claims.

Furthermore, privacy campaigners and civil rights groups (as you would expect) have regularly voiced their concerns about the impact of these surveillance activities in recent months.

So much so, Privacy International made formal complaints against several of the UK's largest telcos back in November for allegedly assisting GCHQ with its Tempora activities.

10) Web porn clampdown

One issue that riled IT Pro readers like no other in 2013 were the Government's plans to introduce online pornography blocks in every internet-connected home in the UK.

The measures were announced in July with the intention of making it harder for children to access adult content online. However, industry watchers widely panned the initiative, and claimed it could pave the way for wider censorship of the UK web space.

Then, in November, both Google and Microsoft confirmed plans to tweak the algorithms of their search sites to make images depicting child abuse harder to uncover online.

Once again, the reaction to this news wasn't wholly positive, as critics pointed out that very few criminals use the searchable web to look for and distribute illegal content.

Dell isn't planning on rushing into the wearable technology market in 2014, with the firm questioning the productivity benefits of forthcoming companion devices.

"We're not absolutely convinced that you need to have a wristwatch with notifications popping up or that people need to start wearing glasses," Sam Burd, vice president and general manager of Dell's PC group told IT Pro.

"Wearable technology starts getting appealing if it's the primary device users can interact with. We're looking at things in the space, but we don't think it will displace PCs in the next year or that that it's a must-have for everyone."

Despite the PC market experiencing shrinking sales, Burd said that Dell's business customers continue to ask for big screen devices such as All-in-Ones or 15in laptops.

"There's a lot being written about the death of the desktop but a lot of PCs are being sold. We continue to do things around form factor - from AiOs to small form factor designs. There's still good innovation happening in the laptop market with really thin and compact designs," he continued.

"There are instances where smaller 2-in-1s and tablets make sense [but] business users want big screen devices for productivity purposes."

Asked about his vision of the future, Burd said it could be possible that users will not have to carry around devices.

"Imagine a world where you're not having to carry around a device around - there's [display] glass connected to infrastructure and it serves up content from secure data centres around the world. We could be sitting here with devices that are not ours, but which recognise us through our voice or facial recognition.

"We see the world moving that way, that's why we invested in Wyse - around thin client, things like VRTX infrastructure capability and our software and services. Is it three years, five years, 10 years? It always takes a little bit longer than you think."

Apple has purchased 3D sensor specialist PrimeSense, an Israel-based firm which provided the technology behind Microsoft's Kinect motion sensing device.

The deal is worth $360 million, according to sources. The iPhone maker declined to comment directly on the acquisition, and instead released a generic statement.

"Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans," said Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet.

Apple is likely to use the technology within its long-rumoured Apple TV product. With PrimeSense having developed smaller sensors, it's also possible the rumoured iWatch could also utilise gestures.

Primesense's sensor technology was used in the original Microsoft Kinect motion camera for the the Xbox 360. This allowed players to use gestures and voice commands to navigate the interface and play games.

Microsoft has since switched to using its own in-house technology for the the latest version of the Kinect for the newly-launched Xbox One.

This marks Apple's second acquisition of an Israeli company. The vendor purchased Anobit, a firm which designs flash memory controllers, for a reported $500 million in January.

Smart watches are unlikely to make it on to many Christmas lists this year, with Gartner predicting "lacklustre" sales of the devices over the festive period.

The high cost of smart watches means consumers are more likely to spend their money on tablets and fitness bands this Christmas, according to the market watcher.

Smart watches are being positioned as companion devices for users' smartphones and tablets, and can be used to receive calls, view incoming texts and emails, and even take photos.

Tech firms, including Samsung and Sony, have released devices this year to capitalise on the hype surrounding the wearable computing trend. But Annette Zimmermann, principal research analyst at Gartner, said the products have failed to win over customers.

"Samsung and other well-know vendors have recently entered the smart watch space, yet the products we have seen so far have been rather uninspiring in terms of design, available apps and features," said Zimmerman.

For example, most smart watches have a bulky and unstylish design, which is why the devices have so far failed to achieve mass-market appeal, Gartner said.

The look and feel of the devices is unlikely to be a barrier for early adopters, the research firm added, but will put off mainstream consumers.

"The convenience aspect of using a watch for interaction while leaving the larger-screen phone or tablet in the bag or pocket is something that users can relate to and probably recognise its value," explained Zimmermann.

"[But] users expect more than just more convenience from a new product category that claims to be innovative and priced at $200 to $300."

Particularly as users could buy a basic tablet for the same kind of price, which is what they're more likely to splash the cash on this Christmas, Zimmermann added.

As a result, Gartner said it expects wearable devices to maintain their status as companion devices to mobile phones and tablets until at least 2017.

However, vendors that limit their wares to interacting with smartphones and tablets are unlikely to be successful, said Angela McIntyre, research director at Gartner.

"Even though smart watches place a supporting role' to smartphones, designing the smart watch only to act as a secondary device will consign it to failure," she said.

"Sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscope, infrared, microphones and cameras, will give software developers greater flexibility to create apps for a broad range of usages."

Google is gearing up to launch its first smartwatch at the end of October, a year after the firm snapped up Android smartwatch maker WIMM Labs.

The web giant is expected to reveal its smartwatch the same day as Android Kit Kat 4.4 (31 October). Little is known about the specifications of the wearable device, but sources indicate the firm's Google Now software will be heavily integrated.

The Google Now personal assistant software debuted in Android Jelly Bean 4.1 and is able to make recommendations, provide information based on your location and answer queries.

The integration of Google Now into the smartwatch would allow it to display messages, traffic information, reminders and appointments. But if this is the primary feature, the watch may have limited standalone functionality and will need to be tethered to an Android smartphone.

Google has not hidden its desire to lead the wearable technology market. The web giant has already announced its Google Glass product, which is currently being tested by developers.

The launch of a Google Watch would be the fourth high-profile smartwatch to be launched this year following on from the Pebble, Sony Smartwatch 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Gear the latter of which received a critical mauling.

Most major technology vendors are actively developing a wearable device including Apple. The firm is expected to ship its iWatch in 2014, but is taking a different approach to competitors.

Supply chain sources told financial investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald that Apple wants to make its device a standalone product which has the ability to control heating, lighting, audio and video.

Apple is expected to launch a larger version of the iPhone in 2014, supply chain sources have told financial investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald.

iPhones are offered with a 4in display at this time, but it looks like the one-size only rule is going to be relaxed just like it was for Apple's iPad devices.

"Our meeting with a tech supply chain vendor during our China/Taiwan Tech Tour today highlighted a bigger iPhone is in the works, and our contact expects a launch in the 2Q:14/3Q:14 time frame," noted Brian White, global head of technology at Cantor Fitzgerald in a blog.

"We are confident a larger iPhone will be launched in 2014."

The lack of screen size choice was seen as a missed opportunity in our review of the iPhone 5s and it looks like Apple is actively addressing this issue.

White also shared details about Apple's iWatch, noting the firm is aiming to position it as more than just a companion device.

"As an Apple supplier, our contact offered insight into the iWatch' and described this potential new device as much more than an extension of your iPhone but as a multi-purpose gateway in allowing consumers to control their home (i.e., heating/cooling, lights, audio, video, etc.)," White continued.

"In our Apple initiation report dated 9/4/13, we estimated that Apple would launch the iWatch' before the end of CY [calendar year] :14, and we continue to stand by this view."

Apple has had success with being first to market in the smartphone and tablet categories, but has not rushed out a smart watch.

The smart watch market is still in its infancy, with devices seen as a novelty rather than a necessity like a smartphone. So far the most popular device appears to be the crowd-funded Pebble watch, which shipped 85,000 units between January and July 2013. However, Sony claims to lead, with the firm stating that it has sold a total of 500,000 smart watches.

Samsung entered the market in 2013 with the Galaxy Gear, but the Korean firm's device received a critical mauling. Many reviewers gave the device two stars and labelled it as an expensive, ugly and unnecessary device.

Samsung's Galaxy Gear smartwatch the wrist-mounted connectivity device that was confirmed in March is due to launch on 4 September.

However, despite the South Korean company's traditional secrecy around product launches, images of what claim to be the finished product have appeared online.

Technology news site VentureBeat claims to have had a first look at the device, which it reportedly received from an anonymous Samsung insider.

While no actual photos of the smartwatch have been made available, the website has published what it claims are stills from internal marketing videos.

The electronics giant had manage to keep most of the details of the Galaxy Gear under wraps until specs were leaked to AmongTech late in August.

The reporter claims it is more of a fitness device than anything else, bringing to mind Nike+'s take on wearable technology.

According to VentureBeat, Galaxy Gear features an integrated 4-megapixel camera, voice command functionality, preloaded social media and health apps, call logging and over 10 hours of battery life.

Wearable technology is being hailed as the next big thing in consumer technology. Nike+ has been a pioneer in this field.

Nevertheless, the technology has also sparked concerns around data security and privacy.

The Telegraph has reported that popular health and fitness-focused third-party apps, such as WebMD and MapMyFitness, have been selling personal information collected through the apps to insurance and pharmaceutical companies.

However, the companies that own the apps have denied the allegations.

The ferocious rivalry between Apple and Samsung is set to spill over into another battleground as the firms gear up to launch wearable devices in the coming months.

There are a handful of smartwatches on the market at present including the Sony SmartWatch 2, Nike Fuelband, MotoActiv and Pebble Watch. However, such devices are still seen as novelty purchases and Apple and Samsung are expected to drive the market forward. So what can we expect from the companies which are dominating everything else mobile related?

Samsung

Indications suggest the Korean manufacturer is almost ready to go to market with its smartwatch dubbed the Samsung Galaxy Gear.

In its patent filing, Samsung describes the Galaxy Gear as a "wearable digital electronic device in the form of a wristwatch, wrist band or bangle capable of providing access to the internet and for sending and receiving phone calls, electronic mails and messages."

Diagrams filed with the patent application also appear to suggest a flexible display is used.

GigaOM claims to have got hold of the specification list from sources.

Name: Samsung Galaxy Gear

Display: 2.5in display (320 x 320)

Processor: Samsung Exynos 4212 dual core 1.5GHz with Mali-400 MP4 GPU

Software: Android 4.x, Twitter + Facebook integration, Samsung Watch Manager App

Connectivity: Bluetooth 4 and NFC

Launch date: 4 September has been set as a tentative unveiling date.

Apple

After popularising the smartphone and tablet form factors, Apple has been uncharacteristically slow to enter the smartwatch race. Reports indicate this is because Apple has had trouble with the development of its iWatch.

Cupertino was reported to have been aggressively hiring engineers to work on the project to help iron out design issues. Most recently, Apple has hired Jay Blahnik, a fitness-industry consultant who was involved in the development of the Nike Fuelband.

Name: iWatch

Details about specifications are scarce. Reports suggest Apple is trialling a 1.5in display with some form of flexible glass. Little else is known about the iWatch, but it is expected to include Bluetooth connectivity, use some form of iOS and interact with other Apple devices including iPhones.

Reports about the launch date vary wildly too. The iWatch was originally expected to be available at the end of 2013, but the common consensus is that the device will be revealed in 2014. Some sources even suggest Apple could be as far away as 12-months from a finished product.

Samsung has filed a document with the US Patent and Trademark Office, which suggests it might be planning to launch a smartwatch called the Galaxy Gear.

The filing describes the device as a "wearable digital electronic device in the form of a wristwatch, wrist band or bangle capable of providing access to the internet and for sending and receiving phone calls, electronic mails and messages."

The device could also be used for "the wireless receipt, storage and/or transmission of data and messages and for keeping track of or managing personal information; smartphones; tablet computers; portable computers," the filing states.

A separate filing by the company, this time with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, detailed features of a phone that can be wrapped around the wrist.

"This design is of a body made of flexible displays and elastic materials that can be used while wrapped around a wrist or flattened out," the document said.

More details on the Galaxy Gear may be revealed at the IFA electronics tradeshow next month. Apple is also expected to officially reveal its own smartwatch later this year.

Microsoft is also thought to be developing a smartwatch using a translucent material called Oxynitride Aluminum. The material is said to be three times harder than glass. Its Surface team is developing the device to run a version of Windows 8 and sport a 1.5-inch touchscreen, it has been claimed.

According to technology blog AmongTech, the device will be available in a variety of colours - including blue, red, yellow, black, white and grey - and is expected to sport removable wrist bands.

It is also thought to have 6GB of internal storage and will connect to Microsoft's Skydrive for cloud storage via a 4G LTE connection.

Motorola is attempting to boost its ambitions in the wearable technology space, with the firm actively recruiting a senior exec to head up a specialised team.

The Google-owned hardware firm is looking for a senior director for its Industrial Design Team. Key responsibilities will include recruiting designers and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the "wearable design team".

"We believe in ourselves, in our future with Google and our heritage in Motorola. We believe we can do anything," Motorola proclaimed in the job post.

"The wearables design team will lead the establishment of our brand in the massive competitive and growing space of wearable connected products."

Motorola and Sony already produce smartwatches, with the Japanese firm declaring itself as the market leader and claiming to have shifted 500,000 of its smartwatches worldwide.

With startups such as Pebble arriving on the scene and shipping around 15,000 units per month, the wearable computing market looks to be the next market technology giants will tap into.

Google has already released its Glass device to developers and the public can expect to get their hands on the Android-based product in 2014. However, there are concerns about cost, privacy and security.

Technology heavyweights including Apple and Samsung, meanwhile, are said to be working on their own smartwatch designs as sales of their popular iPhone and Galaxy devices begin to plateau.

Despite falling behind rivals in the smartphone market, it appears that Motorola could be ahead of the curve when it comes to wearable technology. Motorola's head of advanced technology projects, Regina Dugan showed off a couple of interesting ideas the firm is working on at the All Things D conference in June.

Dugan debuted a non-permanent wearable tattoo made up of tiny stretchable sensors the aim of which is to be used for authentication purposes. The firm is also working on making tablets with sensors embedded in them that could help monitor health as well as negate the need for passwords.

Apple is aggressively hiring people to work on its forthcoming iWatch, but there are concerns the wearable device will not be ready until late 2014.

Sources told the FT the creation of a smartwatch is not proving to be straightforward as hoped and that"engineering problems" have held up development. There are no details as to what the trouble could be, but given the small form factor the device is expected to take there could be issues with any number of components ranging from the display to its power source.

According to another unnamed source, a senior member of the iWatch team also considered leaving Apple, but opted to stay after being awarded a substantial pay rise.

Rumours that Apple is producing the iWatch have been circulating for months, but these reports appear to confirm Apple is actively working on the product. However, the firm appears to be at least 12 months from bringing out the finished product, which could be worrying for investors especially as the smartphone market has started to show signs of a plateau.

Rival such as Samsung will no doubt welcome such news. The Korean firm is also said to be feverishly working on its own smartwatch, and if sources are correct about Apple's struggles, Samsung is likely to beat its nemesis to market.

The wearable technology market is relatively untapped. Sony claims to lead the way, stating at the launch of its Smartwatch 2 at the end of June that it has sold 500,000 devices worldwide.

Meanwhile, the Pebble smartwatch, which started as an idea on crowdsourcing website Kickstarter, has also shipped a healthy 85,000 units since January 2013. Even tech giants such as Dell are looking into diversifying into the wearable computer market as revenue from traditional markets such as PCs continues to slump.

Microsoft is contemplating releasing a smartwatch as the firm aims to expand its footprint in the mobile market.

Redmond has asked suppliers in Asia to ship components for a potential watch-style device, but is still debating whether to release a product, according to the Wall Street Journal.

With Gartner expecting the wearable smart electronics to become a $10 billion industry by 2016, it would be a surprise if Microsoft did not try and grab a piece of the market.

Apple and Samsung are dominating when it comes to smartphone sales and the firms are actively looking to build on their user base by branching out into the wristwatch market also. The firms are expected to release watches which will run on the iOS and Android platforms, respectively. This will allow them to communicate with devices such as the iPhone 5 and Galaxy S4.

Additionally the watches are also expected to include sensors to detect body temperature, location and possibly even include NFC.

Meanwhile, web giant Google is going in the opposite direction with its Project Glass initiative.

This will allow users to interact with a display built into glasses, as well as incorporate augemented reality and allow users to take pictures and videos of what they see. Although Google's devices are likely to have more functionality, privacy concerns will also be a bigger problem.

With Microsoft remaining coy on its plans, it remains unlikely that it will beat its competitors to market as it has been slow in embracing mobile technologies.

The firm's Windows Phone platform was released in 2010, three years after the launch of the first iPhone.

Microsoft also dallied when it came to the tablet market, with the Surface RT device debuting two and a half years after the first iPad, which now dominates the market.