There are increasing signs that Apple’s foray into wearable computing will begin in earnest on 9 September, alongside the company’s new iPhones, with a strong emphasis on integration with HealthKit and HomeKit.
Re/Code has reported that the device, a smartwatch, will appear alongside the two new 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone devices.
The move will no doubt step up the ante against Samsung and Google, as well as other smartwatch makers, including LG and Motorola.
The new smartwatch from the consumer tech giant will be equipped to integrate Apple’s HealthKit and HomeKit software families, Apple’s beachhead for the internet of things.
HealthKit is Apple’s move into digital health via wearable devices and the company has partnered with the venerable Mayo Institute among others to drive a whole slew of apps and services aimed at monitoring and managing healthcare.
Apple’s HomeKit is a software family derived to take advantage of the increasing number of connected devices in the home, another burgeoning area targeted by Samsung, which bought home automation firm SmartThings, and Google, which acquired home automation company Nest earlier this year.
Apple’s new technology reveal on 9 September will be preceded just days earlier on 5 September by a speech from Samsung president and CEO Boo-Keun Yoon at consumer trade show IFA 2014 in Berlin. He is expected to outline the Korean manufacturer’s vision for the home of the future.
Smartwatch concept image via Shutterstock
