Apple Watch 2

[pigoo3]

In case most folks haven't yet gotten their minds wrapped around the relatively recent launch of the Apple Watch…not even to speak about gotten their hands on one if they were thinking of purchasing one. Here's an article on some of the expected features to be in the Apple Watch 2!

Apple Watch 2: Apple plans FaceTime camera, iPhone-free Wi-Fi, $1000+ models, similar battery | 9to5Mac

- Nick

 

[dbm]

There will always be a second gen device, unless something is a complete flop, of course!

Having had the watch for a few days now, I can say that I wouldn't use a FaceTime Camera if it had one. Holding your wrist in a specific pose for an extended period is uncomfortable; audio calls don't need this, but video would.

In terms of extending the capability of the watch without an iPhone, I think this will come to the Gen 1 watch too, as it is more a function of expanded Continuity and Handoff capabilities being talked about in general, rather than something specific for the watch. Soon, you will be able to make calls via your iPhone from your Mac, iPad etc. as long as they are both attached to the internet, rather than needing to be attached to the same wifi network. I understand that this can already be done with Wifi Calling, it just isn't as robust as you would want. iOS9 and El Capitan should be bringing stability improvements to the feature.

If they do improve the watch's ability to connect to Wifi my guess is it will be through providing 5GHz capability.

 

[chas_m]

I wouldn't take that report too seriously if I were you. The Apple Watch as sold today isn't going anywhere in the foreseeable future.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

The next Apple Watch is going to be solar powered which should help with any battery life/charging every night concerns.

It is also going to be stand-alone as the article suggests..

 

[dbm]

Not sure where you are getting that from? The article doesn't mention solar charging; quite the opposite, it says nightly charging will stay.

And the article also says that an iPhone will still be needed, just that more features will work without an iPhone present. And most of the features it mentions are the ones I was referencing as an expansion of Continuity and Handoff, so there is a very strong probability they will come to gen 1 hardware, too.

 

[pigoo3]

Since solar power and the Apple Watch was mentioned. I came across this article & website regarding a solar watchband for the Apple Watch:

The band that boosts the Apple Watch battery: $89 wiPowerBand DOUBLES the wearable's power | Daily Mail Online

wipowerband | Apple Watch Battery Extender

- Nick

 

[vansmith]

I can maybe foresee a solar option but not as the primary source since it would be so unreliable not only for low light areas but, given that a watch may live underneath clothing, it would prove to be utterly useless as the sole option. However, using it as a supplement to regular charge could be helpful.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

I'm getting my information from the people in the know, can't say much more than that..

While the solar charging might not be a primary mode of charging, it's going to be a good option to extend the life of the battery during the day to not have to run to the charger at the end of the day..

 

[vansmith]

While the solar charging might not be a primary mode of charging, it's going to be a good option to extend the life of the battery during the day to not have to run to the charger at the end of the day..

That would certainly be a great addition if it's true. It may not add a lot but if it doesn't detract from functionality elsewhere, all is well.