News & Reviews:   Apple Watch announce

Continuing from yesterday's iOS 10 news, this article will be about the new watchOS 3 on the Apple Watch software platform. The beta programme is already out for registered developers, and we've also gathered some information about what's new in the new watchOS. Without further ado, here are some of the features.

Some people have too much time on their hands. Or maybe in this case on their wrist, as a user has successfully installed Windows 95 onto his Apple Watch. It runs as slow as a bad mamak restaurant, but it runs reasonably well all things considering.

The Reserve Strap is a wristband made to extend Apple Watch battery life, from barely a day to almost a week long of usage. The wristband uses the Watch accessory port, to charge the battery while also acting as the wristband. However, unfortunately, Apple decided to close the port by making changes in the External Accessory Protocol on their WatchOS version 2.0.1 update, which has disabled Reserve Strap functionality completely.

So just a few hours ago, Apple has already announced the long rumoured Apple iPhone SE and 9.7-inch iPad Pro in the USA. But that's not the only thing they've announced too, there are new Apple Watch accessories and other new features as well.

Today, all Apple Watch models - Apple Watch Sport, stainless Steel Apple Watch, and a limited edition of Apple Watch (PRODUCT) RED model are now officially available in Malaysia. The limited edition Apple Watch is exclusive for the upcoming Chinese New Year festival next month until 22 February.

Like most wearables, Apple watch allows the user to receive and respond to incoming notifications and messages, it tracks your daily healthy lifestyle, has its own wallet and boarding pass feature for convenience, and lets you customize the watchface and bands as you wish. It’s also operating on the latest watchOS 2.

Griffin Technology, a digital accessory manufacturer from USA will be presenting a new Travel Power Bank, a wireless compact Apple Watch charger, and new strap bands for the Apple Watch during the CES 2016 which will take place tomorrow.

We first reported about Apple Watch smartwatch clones appearing at CES 2015 with the Hyperdon Smart Watch, but now it appears that the other clones have also arrived here in Malaysia. A quick search for 'smart watches' on Lazada.com.my reveals quite a few of them featuring the same rounded metallic body and dial control as the Apple Watch. Pricing for these variously named smartwatches range from RM145 ($38) to RM350. Do bear in mind that the original Apple Watch starts from $350 (RM1327). Tech specs for these Apple Watch clones include Bluetooth connectivity and compatiblity with iOS and Android devices but since they are cheap knockoffs you can expect some decrease in build quality and other features. However, there may be those who would cheat you by selling these clones as the original Apple Watch. One of the easiest ways of seeing if it is a clone is to check the underside. The real Apple Watch will have various sensors underneath it (like a heart rate monitor) while the clone will likely be just steel. Lazada and other major online sites require sellers to sell these clones with different names from the Apple Watch so it should be safe to get them from online sources, but if you're window shopping in real life best be wary.

While it looks like the Apple Watch may not be coming to Malaysia officially anytime soon, third-party sellers like SatuGadgetDotCom and DirectD are now selling it here in Malaysia. Granted, choices are limited to the Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch versions but both sellers provide fairly good aftersales services. Pricing starts from RM1769 and both the 38mm and 42mm size versions are also available but you can probably find cheaper pricing at other lesser known sellers. Originally, pricing for the Apple Watch began from $349 (RM1263) but you have to expect this kind of price increase for something as premium as the Apple Watch. No news yet on an official Malaysia release date or pricing details, but if it does come, it will likely be at the end of the year with the new Apple iPhone.

There are still not that many apps for the Apple Watch but Hong Leong Bank Berhad have just announced the extension of their Hong Leong Connect mobile banking app for the Apple Watch. While Malaysian users may have to wait a while for the official release here, those that have gotten their hands on Apple Watch can quickly install the Hong Leong connect app for Apple Watch. As the first bank in Malaysia to do so, the app allows Hong Leong Connect mobile banking customers to view balances of their Savings, Current and Credit Card accounts along with receive TAC notifications. Other features are coming soon. Here's what Hong Leong Bank Berhad had to say about it:

“It came to our attention that some of our customers were already wearing the Apple Watch even though it is not yet available here, and we wanted to ensure that they would be the first customers in Malaysia to enjoy the convenience of Hong Leong Connect from their wrist.” Galvin Yeo, General Manager for Digital Innovation & Transactional Banking, Hong Leong Bank Berhad.

“Technology adoption is evolving and we take it very seriously. We believe that this digital offering will provide Hong Leong customers with the next level of convenience.” Tan Kong Khoon, Group Managing Director/CEO, Hong Leong Bank Berhad.

While it has been announced, the pricing and release date for the Apple Watch wasn't actually revealed, until now. While international pre-orders start from 10 April 2015 and ship on 24 April 2015, we should be able to expect the Apple Watch in Malaysia a few months afterwards. Pricing begins with the aluminum alloy Apple Watch Sport with the 38mm version going for $349 (RM1285) while the 42mm version will go for $399 (RM1470). The stainless steel Apple Watch 38mm version will be priced from $549 (RM2022) whille the 42mm version will start from $599 (RM2207). The 18k gold Apple Watch edition 38mm version will go from $10000 (RM36847) while the 42mm will start from $12000 (RM44216). While it isn't unusual for someone to wear a watch priced the same as a small car here in Malaysia, it is the most expensive price for a smartwatch yet. Too bad that it only works for Apple devices for now.