It’s fairly obvious that Apple’s going to try to make the rumored iWatch as powerful as possible. That’s why it’s not that surprising to learn that the company has reportedly started to tap experts with experience working in fitness and medicine. After all, Apple will surely want to try to bump Jawbone and Fitbit out of the market as much as possible. Each of those companies offers fitness products, including the UP and Flex respectively. Nike is also in the industry, though Apple CEO Tim Cook is a member of Nike’s board of directors and the two firms have a long established relationship.
9to5Mac said it learned of Apple’s search for the experts and that Apple may be looking to build the tech not only into a smartwatch, but into other gadgets – such as the iPod nano – that can be attached to a jogger, for example.
Apple hasn’t been shy about its interest in wearable technology and Cook said he believes Apple has the ability to change the industry. Apparently several executives are already wearing existing products, including the Nike FuelBand and Jawbone UP, likely in an effort to see what works and what doesn’t.
The latest rumors suggest that the iWatch team, which already has 100 engineers on board, is aggressively seeking new talent – possibly through future acquisitions. The iWatch reportedly will pack a 1.5-inch screen and will run a full version of iOS and is currently expected to launch sometime next year.
Source: 9to5Mac