The media is abuzz this morning with reports about the forthcoming iWatch product, especially now that Bloomberg sources indicate the system could be in stores as early as this year. While the hardware of the iWatch is yet to be revealed, the same sources say that the Cupertino team will attempt a full version of the company's iOS, rather than the light version similarly seen on the iPod Nano.
Details from the Bloomberg article jive with The Verge's independent sources related to the matter, who add that the iWatch is currently headed by the company's enigmatic designer, Jony Ive, and a group of 100 engineers. The full iOS on the iWatch has already caused trouble in the battery life department for the team, as prototypes are falling short of the goal to put 4-5 days between charges. Of course, this harkens back to the old days of the iPhone, when the company molded OS X into iOS — it's unclear whether this challenge will force another, similar pivot.
TechCrunch, in their breakdown of the situation, notes that there are plenty of benefits to staying with a uniform iOS, including an instantly familiar system for users and more options for third party developers. But, by the same token, it could also present another software fragmentation — this time, instead of a co-opt of the Nano, the iOS would be a full, different experience on a much smaller platform.
Amid all the speculation, sources across the board say that the target date for this year is the bottom-line goal. Holiday 2013 is certainly shaping up to be an interesting season.
What do you think of the iWatch running full iOS? Let us know in the comments.
Lauren Hockenson is a tech reporter and 8-bit enthusiast who dreams of being a wizard. She can be found on MyIGN at lhockenson or on Twitter at @lhockenson.
Source : ign[dot]com
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