While the Apple event Thursday was, for the most part, dedicated to all things new like the next-gen iPad, OS X Yosemite and Apple Pay, the Apple Watch also got a cameo appearance.
Apple will soon be releasing an app development tool, called WatchKit, for software makers jumping on the Watch bandwagon.
"We have been working with selected third-party developers on Apple Watch like BMW, like American Airlines, like Starwood, and they've created some really unique personal experiences for Apple Watch," said CEO Tim Cook at the event. "I'm pleased to tell you today that we have developed WatchKit, where many other developers can join this party.
This is great news for developers who want to take advantage of Apple's wearable before it is released and it is likely that developers will come up with a number of interesting ideas for the technology. This will be especially interesting considering the fact that smart watches in general are a new product category.
"We are rolling out WatchKit next month in time for developers to really do some fantastic work before we begin shipping Apple Watch. We can't wait to see what amazing experiences they'll come up with," continued Cook.
The Apple Watch is likely to thrust the smart watch area into the official public eye despite the fact that smart watches from other manufacturers have been around for a few years. Popular devices include the Motorola Moto X, the Samsung Gear and the LG G Watch. It will be interesting to see if smart watch sales from these companies grow because of the hype surrounding the Apple Watch.
Many consider the Apple Watch to be one of the more stylish smart watches to come into play. Not only that, but it is also highly customizable.
"It's the most personal device we've ever created. You can wear this powerful technology right on your wrist and it's just as much about personal expression as it is about functionality," said Cook, referring to the fact the device focuses on fashion as much as it does on technology. "We've had great reception from the tech community, but we've also had great reception from the health and fitness community and from people who know a lot about fashion and style."
The Apple Watch also made an appearance later on in the event, being used in the section of a presentation dedicated to Apple's continuity device philosophy. Continuity is essentially the ability to switch seamlessly among Apple devices in things like phone calls, texts, documents and so on. The Apple Watch was shown being used as a remote to an Apple TV, suggesting the device will play a larger part in continuity than previously expected.
