Apple iWatch release pegged for late 2014 full of biometric goodness


Apple iWatch release rumours are back, with industry analysts predicting the heavily rumoured wrist-worn gadget will touch down in late 2014 brimmed with biometric technologies.


A device that has become the subject of much rumour and speculation in recent months, the Apple iWatch had previously been tipped to make an appearance this autumn, with latest reports now claiming an Apple iWatch release date will not be held until the end of next year, a decision that could see Apple fall behind its competitors.


As well as pointing to a later than expected launch, repeated Apple tipster and KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, speaking in a note to investors, has suggested the Apple iWatch will play host to a “secure user identification mechanism” alongside biometric functionality.


A claim that falls in with recent Apple rumours, previous reports have suggested Apple could add a fingerprint scanner to the iPhone 6. According to Kuo, the iWatch biometric capabilities would see the wearable computer secured against undesirable access to private data.


Adding fuel to the fire of recent Apple iWatch rumours, Kuo has claimed that, as reported earlier this week, the Apple branded wristwear will feature a 1.5-inch touch panel display, seemingly dispelling past claimed that it would sport a wrap-around flexible screen offering.


Looking to clear up some uncertainties about the mooted Apple iWatch, Kuo’s note added: "Investors shouldn’t be misled by the word ‘Watch’. We think iWatch will not be positioned as a time-telling device, nor as a device that displays information from other Apple products.”


He added: "We are positive on the iWatch because its wearable design is helpful for offering more secure user identification and biometrics functionality."



Apple iWatch Rumours


Although it has been claimed that Apple has assigned a 100-strong team to work on the currently unconfirmed Apple iWatch, a team made up of “managers, members of the marketing group, and software and hardware engineers who previously worked on the iPhone and iPad,” it is believed Apple is not alone in plotting wrist mounted computers.


With designs for a Samsung Galaxy Watch having previously leaked, LG recently failed to rule out getting back into the smartwatch sector, stating: “We will look at any opportunities that are possible.”


Speaking with TrustedReviews on the company’s possible smartwatch plans, LG’s Head of Mobile Planning, Dr Ramchan Woo added: “Any sort of opportunity we are looking at. It is not just simply yes, but it is simply not no. We are looking at different opportunities.”



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