I'm coming to hate that render, because it looks so feasible, yet common sense tells me that Apple won't be able to make anything that cool looking that is also usable, has reasonable battery life, and isn't as delicate as a snowflake.
I think I understand why you (and many others) like the design but it's quite horrible for an actual product. It really belongs as a prop and CGI in a flashy sci-fi movie/TV show that only needs to maintain a visibly appealing veneer and not actually consider how something might actually be utilized.
This is essentially the problem I have with most of the people that create these mockups. They usually go for some cheap wow factor in aspect of the design that it isn't even remotely feasible while at the same time un-creatively keeping with some old standard that would be completely pointless with the product. You can look at mockups of a 5" iPhone, the original concepts of the iPhone based on whatever iPod was currently shipping, and slapping Mac OS X on the iTablet for a lack of inspiration.
This monstrosity appears to pair the Nike FuelBand with the way a band of the iOS GUI but then takes the already large Nike FuelBand bracelet and brings it much closer to being a perfect circle for reasons that escape me. Even if we could correct and get past any ergonomics and usability of the HW so that it does't constantly roll over your wrist as you try to slide your finger on it you still have what appears to be a very large, high-res non-eInk color display for the size of the device. Even with curved battery tech will it be enough? I don't think so. What about the curved logic board? Have they even tried this with other shipping devices before? I suppose it could a series of small segmented straight boards that are use ribbon connectors but this has its own issues, including maximizing space for the battery.
I've never had one, but how does the nike fuelband design work? Would Apple use a similar design?
As you can see it's not a perfect circle. I'd say the height is about 60% that of its width, and that's still a bit much for how the average watch and fitness band fits on the wrist. The way its used is also vastly different than in this mockup. There is physical button on the top so you actually press down on it to interact. That is, press it down into wrist, you don't swipe your finger on it like with iOS and you have a raised button you can feel so you don't need to be looking at it to do basic tasks.
Not "a report out of the Far East" but "Korea". Nice going. Looks like someone just got a map. " src="http://forums-files.appleinsider.com/images/smilies//lol.gif" />
This design would only appeal to the tech crowd. Apple will not design something like this. Why do you think they have hired all these fashion types over the last one to two years? They will design something that will have interchangeable bands. Fashion brands will come out with their own watch bands to compliment the iWatch face. Apple will not come up with a niche product that only the techies like. It will have to have mass appeal so it will have to easily mesh and fit with people's lifestyles and fashion choices.
Glad the article said RUMOR.
From a fashion viewpoint - elegant - not multiple gender friendly per the pic shown in the article.
From a tech viewpoint - non functional.
Mainstream will buy if functional.
I still have this "voice command to activate" thing in my head - then a hologram floating above to allow for a larger view space then a flat or curved surface can give. The watch only needs enough space on the arm to function (charging/transmitt/receive, so interchangable wrist bands of varying designs could be possible.
Apple's products, to me, have always been elegantly designed & highly funtional.
Comments
I think I understand why you (and many others) like the design but it's quite horrible for an actual product. It really belongs as a prop and CGI in a flashy sci-fi movie/TV show that only needs to maintain a visibly appealing veneer and not actually consider how something might actually be utilized.
This is essentially the problem I have with most of the people that create these mockups. They usually go for some cheap wow factor in aspect of the design that it isn't even remotely feasible while at the same time un-creatively keeping with some old standard that would be completely pointless with the product. You can look at mockups of a 5" iPhone, the original concepts of the iPhone based on whatever iPod was currently shipping, and slapping Mac OS X on the iTablet for a lack of inspiration.
This monstrosity appears to pair the Nike FuelBand with the way a band of the iOS GUI but then takes the already large Nike FuelBand bracelet and brings it much closer to being a perfect circle for reasons that escape me. Even if we could correct and get past any ergonomics and usability of the HW so that it does't constantly roll over your wrist as you try to slide your finger on it you still have what appears to be a very large, high-res non-eInk color display for the size of the device. Even with curved battery tech will it be enough? I don't think so. What about the curved logic board? Have they even tried this with other shipping devices before? I suppose it could a series of small segmented straight boards that are use ribbon connectors but this has its own issues, including maximizing space for the battery.
As you can see it's not a perfect circle. I'd say the height is about 60% that of its width, and that's still a bit much for how the average watch and fitness band fits on the wrist. The way its used is also vastly different than in this mockup. There is physical button on the top so you actually press down on it to interact. That is, press it down into wrist, you don't swipe your finger on it like with iOS and you have a raised button you can feel so you don't need to be looking at it to do basic tasks.
I personally wouldn't have any relationship with a Korean company in any way, shape, or form!
Best.
Not "a report out of the Far East" but "Korea". Nice going. Looks like someone just got a map.
" src="http://forums-files.appleinsider.com/images/smilies//lol.gif" />
Apple’s jumping to new energy, free-energy which never has to be renewed. Tesla would be pleased.
Sadly, Tim and company will then all have to be murdered, so be first to order and stand vulture-like by your mailbox.
Have wife watch back.
This design would only appeal to the tech crowd. Apple will not design something like this. Why do you think they have hired all these fashion types over the last one to two years? They will design something that will have interchangeable bands. Fashion brands will come out with their own watch bands to compliment the iWatch face. Apple will not come up with a niche product that only the techies like. It will have to have mass appeal so it will have to easily mesh and fit with people's lifestyles and fashion choices.
Glad the article said RUMOR.
From a fashion viewpoint - elegant - not multiple gender friendly per the pic shown in the article.
From a tech viewpoint - non functional.
Mainstream will buy if functional.
I still have this "voice command to activate" thing in my head - then a hologram floating above to allow for a larger view space then a flat or curved surface can give. The watch only needs enough space on the arm to function (charging/transmitt/receive, so interchangable wrist bands of varying designs could be possible.
Apple's products, to me, have always been elegantly designed & highly funtional.
Looking forward to the endgame.