Apple's fabled "iWatch" has been a favorite rumor around the blogosphere for the better part of a year. Leaked specs, "people with knowledge" and pure speculation have driven the idea of a computing device that runs iOS 7 and is worn on the wrist to a fever pitch. Company CEO Tim Cook didn't help matters when he teased about "game changing products" still in the pipeline prior to last months Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).
Now, things are getting more interesting. According to USA Today, on June 3 Apple filed a trademark in the Japan market for the "iWatch," which is categorized as a handheld computer or watch device. This information comes from the Japan Patent Office but so far, no one from the company has commented.
Furthermore, multiple sources including The Verge and Bloomberg have reported that this project is a favorite of Apple design chief Jony Ive. The man who has been the lead designer of some of the most popular Apple products including the MacBook Pro, iMac,MacBook Air, iPod, iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad, iPad Mini and iOS 7 has tremendous pull with the company, and if he is pushing for this to hit the market, you can bet it probably will. Also, it may not be a bad idea, as the profit margin in this market is expected to be rich.
"Apple can merge fashion with function," Marshal Cohen, an analyst at NPD Group, told Bloomberg. "An Apple watch could triple the size of the watch business in a year or two. They have the opportunity to get everyone that owns a cell phone to go out and buy another watch."
If this new innovation hits the market, you can bet companies will be looking for a way to take advantage. This is where an IT consulting company that specializes in Mac Integration can become a valuable resource.
