Analyst Believes iWatch Will Feature Home Automation, Be More Than iPhone CompanionThe much-rumored iWatch may be more than a simple iPhone companion and instead be a gateway device to allow customers to control various functions within their home, according to a new research note by Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White. As an Apple supplier, our contact offered insight into the “iWatch” and described this potential new device as much more than an extension of your iPhone but as a multi-purpose gateway in allowing consumers to control their home (i.e., heating/cooling, lights, audio, video, etc.).This functionality would mirror the abilities of apps by Philips and Nest to power their Hue lightbulbs and Nest Thermostat, allowing users to control lighting and temperature from simple commands on their device. However, as those services require additional accessories it would likely mean Apple would have to manufacture these accessories themselves or create some kind of licensing program for third parties, like AirPlay. While it's not surprising the iWatch could be more than an iPhone companion, as evidenced by repeated reports that the iWatch may have some Nike Fuelband-like health sensor technology built in, it is surprising the new product would integrate with users' homes. White himself has not shied away from surprising reports, claiming that an Apple television set with an 'iRing' motion control remote would be coming this year and that the iPhone 5s would come in multiple sizes. Although he did also predict there would be multiple color choices for the next iPhone. Two iWatch models, with 1.3- and 1.6-inch 320x320 AMOLED screens, are rumored to be arriving at some point next year. Recent Mac and iOS Blog Stories • Apple Releases EFI Firmware Update 2.7 for Mid-2013 MacBook Air • Fitbit Force Activity Tracking Wristband Launches with Built-In Altimeter, Phone Notifications for iOS 7 • Apple Set to Open First Turkish Retail Store in January 2014 • 'XCOM: Enemy Unknown' Updated with Asynchronous Multiplayer and More, On Sale for Half Price • 'Final Fantasy VI' Coming to iOS Devices This Fall, 'Final Fantasy VII' Mobile Release Possible • Regulatory Agency Grants Apple Authorization Needed to Sell iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c in Brazil • Best Buy to Offer $100 Gift Card for Purchase of iPhone 5s or 5c with Trade-In of Any Working Smartphone • U.S. Carrier T-Mobile Offering Unlimited International Texting and 2G Data in 100 Countries
http://www.macrumors.com/2013/10/11/analyst-believes-iwatch-will-feature-home-automation-be-more-than-iphone-companion/
