Apple Watch Release Date, News: Software Development Kit Rolled Out Offers Insights to Upcoming Device
Ever since the Apple Watch came out during the Sept. 9 unveiling event, not much has been known about the wearable device. That is of course with the exception of its release date, which, as reported, will be "early of 2015."
However, Apple just recently opened up its Software Development Kit (SDK) which was dubbed as Watch Kit, to registered developers on Tuesday (Nov. 18), CNBC reported.
The news publication stated that the SDK was rolled out for coders who are looking to create apps for the upcoming Apple Watch.
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But the most exciting thing that happened was when the Cupertino-based tech giant also released a set of public documents to go along with the kit. The "documents," as it turned out, details pretty much a lot about how the device works. Here's what has been found out.
First, the Apple Watch runs solely with an iPhone with its iOS software.
"A Watch app complements your iOS app; it does not replace it. If you measure interactions with your iOS app in minutes, you can expect interactions with your Watch app to be measured in seconds," Apple said in the documentation.
It was also found out that there will be three types of screens: Glance, Actionable Notifications, and the screen which displays all the apps.
The Glance, as suggested, offers a quick glance on the information needed from the device. The Actionable Notifications, on the other hand, allows users to gain access, respond and execute processes within the wearable.
Digital Trends further reported that the SDK roll-out also gave the developers the access to the iOS 8.2 code.
The code "allows for connections and notifications to cross over from iPhone to Apple Watch and vice versa," according to DT.
The site also stated that the Watch takes advantage to a lot of the new features offered by iOS 8. This includes the "Handoff continuity between devices and AirPlay" where users can easily manage their Wi-Fi-enabled speakers.
"Based on what's in the WatchKit SDK, it appears that the iPhone will take the lead and the Apple Watch will play second fiddle — for now. Of course, all this could change, as the platform continues to evolve and grow over time," the site concluded.
