Apple has never stopped improving their devices—for one, they are preparing the next generation of Apple Watch. But the company may face a tight competition with the smartwatch pioneer Pebble's new Time Round.
There are rumors that Apple Watch 2 will be released in mid-2016. Apple's new smartwatch will feature a thinner size and better performance according to Cowen and Company research memo based on a recent tour of Asian suppliers, Apple Insider has learned.
However, the report suggests that Cowen's claims about the features of Apple Watch 2 might be purely speculative or could be based on research since there is only limited information about the device. There were reports last July claiming that the new hardware will keep the external design to make room for a bigger battery.
But some observed that the company often goes for thinner designs and in the process sacrifice potential battery gains. However, Apple might also be inclined to meet the demand for a better battery life for their device, the type that can last for 24 hours or more on a single charge. There are already few major smartwatches with battery capacity more than the aforementioned and they often depend on technologies like e-ink or disposable batteries to accomplish it.
While the talks about Apple Watch 2 aren't final yet, a competitor is on the rise. According to Yahoo! Tech, Time Round is "one skinny and sexy smartwatch." The device is the thinnest and lightest smartwatch in the world, Pebble claims.
It has been praised for its long battery life and a multitude of apps. According to the report, Pebble is a leader in the smartwatch race. However, their design did not win the crowd who prefers the traditional round watches because their wearables often come in squarish faces.
Pebble's new smartwatch is about design and it sacrifice endurance for its slim profile. However, the Round can last up to two days of battery life, versus up to 10 for the Pebble Time Steel.
The slick device will come in two band sizes, 14mm and 20mm. It will also come in three colors: Black, Silver and Rose Gold. The rose gold in particular is a detectable piece of wrist candy. Leather and stainless steel bands are also available. The Round is 7.5mm thin and weighs 0.99 ounces, indeed very light. It looks perfect in rose gold paired with a white leather 14mm band.
The Round will feature an always-on color e-paper display and will be compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Over 8,000 apps are available in the Pebble app store including Uber, Misfit, Swarm by Foursquare and ESPN to name a few.
The Round will be available in retail stores early November for a starting price of $249. Reservation can be done at Pebble's website.
