Apple iWatch May Come Soon

  • May include Siri
  • "Beyond the experiment phase in its development"
  • Tim Cook is under pressure

Reports of an Apple iWatch say thata team of about 100 product designers are workingaway on a "watch-like device" that possibly performs some of the computing tasks currently undertaken by the iPhone

  • May include Siri
  • "Beyond the experiment phase in its development"
  • Tim Cook is under pressure

Reports of an Apple iWatch say thata team of about 100 product designers are workingaway on a "watch-like device" that possibly performs some of the computing tasks currently undertaken by the iPhone and iPad.

Two Apple employees in particular – James Foster, senior director of engineering, and Achim Pantfoerder, a program manager – are said to be part of the efforts, while other managers, marketing group members and software and hardware engineers who worked previously on Apple's phones and tablets are said to be involved.

The team has grown over the last year, the sources reported, and its size suggests the watch is "beyond the experiment phase in its development."

According to reports, the device is a "wristwatch-style computer" andit was alsosuggested that CEO Tim Cook is under pressure from investors to introduce something revolutionary and not merely evolutionary while rivals like Samsung gain greater traction.

Moreover, iWatch wouldreportedlyinclude Siri and Maps to offer features like walking directions, two iServices iOS users currently enjoy. That report centered around a distinct curvature for the glass.

The device could display notifications – including calls, text messages, and emails – transmitted from a pocketed iPhone. It could also potentially allow for FaceTime video chat, fitness tracking, and voice control.

A tap of the wrist and a few words could deliver nearly any information you ask for – even while driving, working-out, or hurrying to a meeting. It could allow for dictating messages, checking sports scores, setting meetings, and getting directions.

The iWatch release would be a perfect time for Apple to give Siri a big upgrade. Despite Apple's heavy marketing of the assistant with the iPhone 4S, Siri is still a beta product. Speed, more third-party app support, and less reliance on web searches are the most obvious ways Apple could improve Siri.