Apple iWatch release date, price, and final specs revealed before launch

Apple is taking part in ushering in new watches for this generation. Soon, the popular tech devices company will launch its own smartwatch to match Google's Gear S. There is no surprise that there's so much hype about this watch, and that plenty of Apple fans are waiting for updates and news about it.

The smartwatch from Apple was initially referred to as the iWatch. It was a fitting name given that all Apple gadgets start with the letter "i." But when Apple launched the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, this is when Apple announced that the real name of the gadget is Apple Watch.

While Apple's official website shows off the Watch's impressive features, the company has kept mum about its actual specs.  It has been a mystery what the Apple Watch has in store for everyone. Apple's been keeping it a secret, perhaps to make a huge splash when it's finally ready to roll out the gadget. Nonetheless, KGI securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared some very important final specifications for the watch, according to an earlier report by 9 to 5 Mac, published prior to the Apple Watch's unveiling.

Kuo said that the Apple Watch would come in two versions: a 1.3-inch display and a 1.5-inch display, which was later revealed to be 38 mm and 42 mm (with no specifics on actual display size as measured diagonally).  He predicted that both versions would pack 512 MB of RAM with 8 GB internal storage.  That still remains to be seen, but considering how tiny this gadget is, these specs are impressive if Kuo is correct with his prediction. As a point of comparison, Google Gear 2 smartwatch has 4 GB internal storage.

Kuo also deemed that the Apple Watch might be made of aluminum.  Although he was unsure about his news then, as well as if the smartwatch would have a sapphire display, he was partially correct.  The Apple Watch Sport has an anodized aluminum case and strengthened Ion-X glass, the Apple Watch has a stainless steel or space black stainless steel case and sapphire crystal, and the Apple Watch Edition has an 18-karat gold case and sapphire crystal.  

Kuo has been awesome when it comes to his Apple news. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch will be released in early 2015, with a base price of $349.

News
Church of England bishops were right to halt same-sex blessing plans - Bishop of Winchester 
Church of England bishops were right to halt same-sex blessing plans - Bishop of Winchester 

The Bishop of Winchester has defended the recent decision of the House of Bishops to pause plans to introduce standalone same-sex blessing services. 

Protecting girls and young women in the digital age
Protecting girls and young women in the digital age

It’s a missional priority for us as Christian communities to have open discussions about both the benefits and downsides of being online.

Rev Dr Richard Turnbull: former principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford
Rev Dr Richard Turnbull: former principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford

Richard Turnbull brought an unusual combination of skills to his life’s work. He died on 26 October, aged 65, having been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Church-run shop volunteers receive prestigious award for decades of service
Church-run shop volunteers receive prestigious award for decades of service

The local area suffered significantly after the closure of the Ravenscraig Steel Works.