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A smart watch

First Look: The Apple Smart Watch

The Apple Watch smartwatch is one of the most hyped gadgets to hit the market in recent years. Before you decide whether you want this technology on your wrist, you should understand the features that Apple has built into its trendy timepiece.

Design

One of Apple's biggest selling points for its smartwatch is that it is incredibly customizable. The watch will come in two different sizes, with 38mm and 42mm height options.

The Apple Watch will also come in three separate styles. The cheapest model, known as Apple Watch Sport, has an aluminum body and lightweight colorful fluoroelastic bands. The more professional Apple Watch version has a stainless steel body instead of lightweight aluminum, and its wristband options vary from leather to metallic link bracelet bands. The premium model, known as Apple Watch Edition, features an 18-karat gold body with sapphire crystal face. The company will also allow third party manufacturers to create their own wristbands for the Apple Watch.

Health and Fitness

The Apple smartwatch will take your fitness routine to the next level by giving you the ability track and monitor your heart rate, steps taken, and sleeping patterns. It will do this by using infrared sensors and LEDs to collect data that the watch will then translate into a collection of health statistics. You will also be able to set goals each week and award yourself for reaching daily and weekly achievements.

Compatibility

Because this is an Apple product, the smartwatch will only be available to people who own and use Apple iOS devices, such as an iPhone. Sorry, Android and BlackBerry users!

Price and Release Date

The starting price for the Apple smartwatch varies based upon size, band, and style level. The cheapest style, Apple Watch Sport, has a base starting price of $349 for the 38mm size and $399 for the 48mm model. The Apple Watch style begins at $549 for the smaller version and $599 for the larger. The pricey Apple Watch Edition has a steep starting price of $10,000. Preorders for the smartwatch begin on Friday, April 10th. The Apple Watch will then be released for sale online and in stores on April 24th.

Last Updated: March 10, 2015