Tag: wearable tech

Reports are indicating that the iPhone maker is looking to broaden its wearable technology offerings.

A recent report from Bloomberg has pointed to a serious possibility for Apple augmented reality glasses in the future. This is an area where several companies have attempted to make headway in the past, but where none have managed to reach mainstream success.

Primary among those efforts was Google Glass, which is no longer being sold.

Bloomberg cited unnamed sources who are “familiar with the matter” who asked to remain anonymous. That said, they also pointed out that the Apple augmented reality glasses remain in a phase closer to the exploration level. It doesn’t appear as though these devices are anywhere near being ready for the company to sell.

The concept would be a pair of AR glasses that would wirelessly connect to an iPhone. This would allow a wearer to see the device screen displayed in front of his or her field of view. This may be displayed in augmented reality, in standard format or it could take another direction altogether.

Apple augmented reality glasses have been a topic discussed between the company and possible suppliers.

The sources for the report also stated that Apple has placed orders for limited batches of near-eye displays from one of its suppliers. They claimed that the purpose for those displays was for testing. That said, they also underscored the fact that the iPhone maker has not ordered nearly enough parts to suggest that they have any intention to launch mass production at any time soon.

If Apple decides that it would like to move forward with wearable technology glasses, one source says the earliest unveiling would be in 2018.

It’s important to remember that the company is known for testing broad spectrums of technology. While it may move forward with some, it will completely recreate others before launch or may decide to pause them or drop them altogether.

Just because there are Apple augmented reality glasses being tested, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be added to the company’s product lineup. As is the tradition of the company, spokespeople declined to comment on unannounced projects or upcoming products.

Despite the fact that this wearable technology is designed to function cross-platform, iPhone 7 won’t pair.

The Apple Watch may be designed exclusively for iOS, but Android Wear smartwatches are meant to work regardless of the platform. That said, a growing number of reports have been submitted by consumers saying the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus won’t connect.

Mobile device users are able to pair the gadgets as far as the accept message screen on an iPhone 7.

That said, they seem to be unable to move beyond that point when pairing Android Wear smartwatches. This suggests that there is a failure in the Bluetooth pairing process at one point or another. Google has now released an official list of the specific devices that have been reported to have challenges connecting with iPhone 7 generation smartphones.

Among those on the list currently include the Moto 360 Sport, the Moto 360 2nd Gen, the Asus ZenWatch 2, the Fossil Q Founder and the TAG Heuer Connected. That said, unofficial lists are popping up all over the web which include other Android Wear based gadgets.

It is not yet known why this specific problem is occurring between Android Wear smartwatches and iPhone 7.

Current speculations are that it has to do with the smartphone, itself and not the new iOS 10 operating system. Google is investigating the matter and will soon release a fix for this problem.

It should be noted that while Android Wear based wearable technology devices will pair with iOS, they do so with limited functionality. This is especially true when it comes to the Google Now features. As Google Now is the primary draw to the Android Wear operating system, it does show a reduced appeal for iPhone users to begin with.

As of the writing of this article, Google does not yet know exactly when it will have the fix ready for the Android Wear smartwatches. It is required to determine the source of the issue before it can put together fix that will repair it. The goal is to have it available within the very near future.