Watch out, Dick Tracy. Apple's long rumored "iWatch" might be closer to coming true than we all thought.
Rumored to be in development since 2012, Techno Buffalo now theorizes that a series of trademarks applications filed by the Cupertino, California giant in the U.S. and Europe might serve as indicators of this becoming closer to reality.
These trademarks are apparently related to the app known as HealthKit, which will be launched in Apple's iOS 8 in the third quarter of 2014. It mentions classifications for watches, fitness sensors, and medical devices, covering every base as far as wearable items are concerned.
In the U.S., the Apple trademarks filed were for computer software, while in Europe, the filing covers goods and services concerning wearable devices.
MacRumors can only speculate what the wearable device will look like, going so far as to post mockup images or images of non-Apple products. The site has also started guessing the specifications and applications of the device.
The site notes that reports from sources such as Reuters and The Wall Street Journal are pointing toward multiple screen sizes for the "iWatch," with the biggest at about 2.5 inches diagonally. That would be approximately the same size as a current iPod nano.
Multiple sizes may also lead to multiple price points, and if Apple's past is any indication, the "iWatch" will be a fashionable accessory and will have different band and face options to make the device even more personal and customizable.
At least one of these wearable devices will likely have a durable sapphire crystal display owing to the deal between Apple and GT Advanced. This Apple partner is committed to producing large amounts of sapphire crystal to be used in various Apple products, hence the rumors.
The aforementioned HealthKit app on iOS 8 was supposedly developed with the "iWatch" in mind, and will likely measure several health-related items such as calories burned, heart rate, sleep quality, and others. Expect numerous sensors to assist in tracking health and fitness to be part of this device if and when it is released to the public.
Though some big companies are already in the smartwatch market, most eyes are eager to see what Apple's response will be and if their device will be as successful as its phone, laptop, and tablet innovations. Purportedly aimed at being a companion device to the iPhone and iPad, hopes are high that early images of the "iWatch" will be made available by October 2014 at the earliest.