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Apple Recruiting Pro Athletes to Test iWatch's Fitness Capabilities

Friday June 20, 2014 1:34 pm PDT by Juli Clover
Apple's iWatch is currently being tested by professional athletes from the MLB, NHL, and NBA to measure its fitness capabilities in rigorous training environments, reports 9to5Mac, citing a source with knowledge of the testing. Apple has reportedly invited several athletes, like LA Lakers player Kobe Bryant, to its Cupertino campus to discuss the iWatch.
Apple is said to be working with Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Kings right winger Dustin Brown, and a few other star athletes, including a player from the Boston Red Sox, on the testing project. The athletes are said to have signed non-disclosure-agreements regarding the existence of the upcoming Apple wearable device.
Kobe Bryant was seen on the Apple campus back in May and is said to have met with Apple's chief designer Jony Ive, who has a leading role developing the iWatch. The athletes are likely testing out the multitude of health and fitness sensors built into the device, said to measure everything from sleep quality to heart rate to provide an overall picture of health.

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Kobe Bryant at the Apple campus in May, image via 9to5Mac

The source also reiterates that Apple's iWatch will be "positioned as a fashion accessory," which is in line with previous reports from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo has predicted that Apple will release the iWatch at multiple price points and in a variety of materials, competing with low and high-end watches alike. At the higher end, the iWatch could retail for thousands of dollars.

Both former Yves. St. Laurent CEO Paul Deneve, who serves as a vice president, and Angela Ahrendts, in charge of retail stores, are said to be involved in marketing and strategies for selling fashion products at Apple locations.

According to recent reports from reputable news outlets, the iWatch will come in at least two sizes, with one device having a screen size of 2.5 inches. The design is said to feature a slightly rectangular face that protrudes slightly from a band to create an arch shape around the wrist. The iWatch, which may launch at an October event, is also said to include a sapphire crystal display, a touch interface, integration with existing iOS devices, and wireless charging capabilities.

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[ 215 comments ]


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Rogifan
54 months ago

"Apple is not cool enough... maybe if some cool people use our stuff more people will buy."

-Tim


You mean like this:





Rating: 46 Votes
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DTphonehome
54 months ago

Haven't worn a watch on my wrist in 20 years. No plans to start either.


Well, we better call Apple and have them cancel the whole project.
Rating: 21 Votes
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filmantopia
54 months ago
Do I remember correctly that both Swatch and Rolex gave Apple the finger as partners in the project?

If true, both companies are in for a rude awakening.
Rating: 15 Votes
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Tubamajuba
54 months ago
It would be very easy to spot someone wearing the iWatch in public. Just look for the duct tape.
Rating: 14 Votes
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Chupa Chupa
54 months ago

"Apple is not cool enough... maybe if some cool people use our stuff more people will buy."

-Tim


You are misappropriating this quote. It's from Steve Jobs. It's how he threaded the needle on the iPod phenom. You think Apple donated all those iPods for use in guest bags for Oscar, Emmy and Grammy award attendees just to be friendly? ;)

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On topic -- if Apple can make fitness band with all the rumored features AND make it look like a nice thin fashion watch it going to shock the world. That's a very tough sonata to play. I have high hopes, but I think we are a few generations off before it can fully mature into the watch of rumor maker's dreams.
Rating: 13 Votes
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losthorse
54 months ago
-- removed by user --
Rating: 8 Votes
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mrxak
54 months ago
It's a good marketing strategy, if nothing else. Get a whole lot of top athletes wearing the iWatch on day one, and people are going to take notice.

And hey, if Apple does want to market this thing for fitness, it doesn't hurt to get feedback from people who are very fit and know what they want from something like this.
Rating: 7 Votes
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556fmjoe
54 months ago
I never understood people who would buy something because they saw a celebrity or athlete using it.
Rating: 7 Votes
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Enabledobject
54 months ago
Haven't worn a watch on my wrist in 20 years. No plans to start either.
Rating: 7 Votes
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darkslide29
54 months ago
All I know is that I thought the iPad was a stupid idea when it was announced. Just iOS, no OSX? I could not imagine the need or use for a second iOS device, a larger iPhone. I already have an iPhone! GREAT GOING APPLE. :rolleyes:

Now I can't live without my iPad! Once you have it and use it, you just get it. And if they consulted with people first, it would never have been released.

So I have faith that Apple knows what they're doing once again. It may sound stupid in rumors, it may even sound like it's not must-have the day of announcement, but I think within months we'll all wonder, again, how we did without it.

I'm not saying go into it blindly. Just wait and see instead of knocking it before you even see it or try it. I think they've at least gained the benefit of the doubt to at least try without being talked to like they're some other company who puts out everything, good or bad, to see what sticks.
Rating: 6 Votes

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