IN a not too distant future, “suit up” may have a different meaning in your daily life.
Since the age of the smartphones, we no longer channel our sense of style through fashion pieces; we “dress up” our phones too.
From the myriad of phone casing to the personalised wallpapers and locked screens – each and every part of our little smart devices is an extension of “who we are” as an individual.
With the trend of wearable devices gradually seeping through to the mainstream, we will slowly but surely define fashion a little bit more differently.
Remember the euphoria created by Google Glasses when it made its runway debut at the New York Fashion Week in collaboration with designer, Diane Von Furstenberg? While the concept of Glass did not take off due to perpetual concerns of invasion of privacy and essentially the practicality for everyday consumers, one cannot deny it is an exciting piece of technology – and I'm sure it will make a comeback, albeit in a different form.
This week is yet another exciting week because Apple Inc. is to make an announcement on the Apple Watch, the company’s latest product line since the iPad debuted in 2010.
Consumer is no stranger to the wearable technology market segment. There are already a number of players in the smart watch market, including Samsung Gear S, LG G Watch, Sony SmartBand Talk and more. For the health conscious and fitness enthusiast, there are Fitbit, Nike+, and Jawbone.
One may argue that Apple is entering a crowded marketplace by introducing the Apple Watch (it was first introduced to the public in September 2014). Will Apple be able to make wearable tech cool? Will it become a leader in this category and capture a significant portion of the market share? Apple has a solid and cohesive software and app ecosystem; will this help Apple Watch to become relevant to average consumers?
You may ponder and ask this: “I own an iPhone (and for some, an iPad), why on earth do I need a smart watch?” Wearable technology is not a new concept, but one cannot ignore the fact that it is still a considerably nascent market with a lot of potentials.
The iPhone, iPod and iPad, are products that Apple has successfully reinvent and re-imagine from existing product concepts; while the iMac and MacBook are product categories that Apple has enhanced and polished. Most of the early products failed to become a hit in the market until Apple comes along with products so appealing that new standards and expectations have been set in the consumers’ mind.
Apple has repeatedly proven that the company is committed to and has the capacity and ability to offer user experience so good that one would find it hard to turn their back away from its products. The company’s reputation for quality is undeniably strong.
When the iPad entered the market in 2010, users are blown away by its ease of use and how sophisticated the device looked. Would it be the same for the Apple Watch?
If we are already perceiving our smartphones as one part of our identity, one can only imagine how Apple may once again redefine the way we relate to and interact with smart devices once Apple Watch hits the market; because you and I know that when it comes to Apple, the design language is always equivalent to style, elegance and a fluid user experience.
Cherish Leow
Mon Mar 09 2015
One may argue that Apple is entering a crowded marketplace by introducing the Apple Watch. Will Apple be able to make wearable tech cool?
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.