Apple Watch was introduced last month and the wearable won't hit the market until 2015. While the Cupertino-based company can wait, Microsoft decided to take everyone aback with a wearable of its own to be released sooner than expected, and apparently better than the ones in existence.
Microsoft may be planning to slide through the holiday shopping lists as Forbes reported that the software giant is gearing up for the wearable's release "within the next few weeks." The Apple Watch, however, won't be available until next year.
Little is known about the two wearables but the details available are enough to put these two upcoming breakthroughs to the test. And it's only proper to start the ball rolling with battery life. Why? Microsoft promises a ridiculously impressive 2-day usage of the watch. That is two-fold better than Apple's 24-hour battery capacity.
Another feature that can catapult the earlier smartwatch to the top is its power and compatibility. While Apple Watch syncs exclusively to its sibling devices, Microsoft's smartwatch pushed its limits by having it work across different mobile platforms, according to Forbes. This is new to the wearable category but not necessarily a new stunt for Microsoft. The same company has managed to have Microsoft Office integrated into iPad devices. This is nothing but a solid indication that it can do the same thing for the second time with its own wearable.
Apple Watch will come in two sizes to allow consumers to pick one that goes with their lifestyle. Users may choose from the 38 mm model and the 42 mm model in standard, sport and luxury edition. On the other hand, The Verge, via Gotta Be Mobile, describes the Microsoft Smartwatch as a "fitness band with smartwatch features." This denotes that the timepiece has built-in features comparable to Nike's Fuelband and FitBit's Flex. It can track steps, monitor heart rate and measure burned calories. Both watches, however, have detachable wristbands and health-monitoring sensors.
Apple Insider reported that the Microsoft Smartwatch will be housed in Oxynitride Aluminum or transparent aluminum, three times more durable than glass. The Apple Watch on the other hand, will come with Ion-X glass cover.
Regarding the price, IDigital Times is betting on a $350 shell out for the Sport Edition of the Apple Watch, while Microsoft Smartwatch may be priced similar to the Android wearables in the market, which will probably start at around $200.
