Apple iWatch Could Feature Ultraviolet Light Sensor [Report]
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Posted April 8, 2014 at 6:51am by iClarified
Apple's rumored iWatch could feature an ultraviolet light sensor, according to Barclays’s chip analyst Blayne Curtis.
Barrons relays a report from Curtis which suggests the smart device could feature a new sensor from Silicon Labs.
Silicon Labs recently announced a family of products featuring the industry’s first digital ultraviolet index sensors. These chips measure UV exposure to aid those with elevated risk of sunburn or just a general concern about excessive sun exposure, and we believe they may be of appealing to OEMs looking to differentiate in a crowded market. To that end, while these products have seen little public hype thus far, we believe SLAB has a win in Apple’s upcoming iWatch (late 2H14 or early 2015). Timing of the iWatch seems in flux, but if it comes this year, we estimate it at an opportunity worth $2-4M in revenue ($0.01-0.02 in EPS) in 2H, assuming an ASP of ~$0.40 and 5-10M iWatches.
Previous reports have suggested that the iWatch will use optoelectronics to monitor a wearer's heart rate and blood oxygen levels. It's also said to feature other sensors that would monitor a user's fitness and vital signs. Data from these sensors will reportedly feed into a new Healthbook app for iOS 8.
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it's funny because i've been waiting for a iwatch to come out for so long that my taste for it has changed. first, the idea of an iwatch came into fruition with the popularity of fit bracelets. smart watches existed for awhile but never caught on. before i thought i would wear an iwatch to replace my sexy luxury watches. but now that has passed. i love the look, feel and sound of a good mechanical watch. but i do have room on my arm for trivial piece of technology.
before i wanted everything and the kitchen sink. now i would be fine with a notification repeater and being able to communicate with siri(send messages, ask questions, control music, etc). i don't need a camera or heart rate. keep the size down and the price down to disposable tech items(200usd?). that's why fit bracelets are popular. it's cheap and doesn't look like a tech device. the common man has to want one, not nerds for it to be successful.
that's very true. but still i think price might be the ultimate factor people consider in purchasing. i didn't really need an apple tv but it's so cheap so why not. i'm fine if they can stuff everything tech possible inside as long as it's doesn't surpass the 200usd price point. i accept that the fact that not everyone is as rich as me or as handsome as me. so i think 200usd is the ceiling. what i am afraid of more is that apple won't release anything because everyone complained about the gear. price sucked, battery sucked, look sucked and so on. well apple can't just add all that tech and not expect a profit. so it's possible to be pricy. battery technology doesn't exist now for a watch that has so many features. it's gonna be the power saving e-ink or power hungry. can't have it both ways. i have no doubt that apple wants the perfect product out but that's gonna take how long? i still think they shouldn't bother trying to surpass what's out there. just make it cheap, beautiful and well integrated with the iPhone functions.