News & Reviews:   Apple Watch specs

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.

Apple has announced that its latest premium offering, the Apple Watch, is available from 24 April 2015 and is now open for exclusive online pre-oder from its US store. Shipping for pre-orders takes about 4-6 weeks. It comes in 3 versions, the Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Sport and the Apple Watch Edition. The appeal of a variety of color, size and strap selections makes it highly versatile. The cheapest model which is a 38mm Sport version costs USD349 (RM1281) while the standard Watch version costs USD549 (RM2015) upwards. The costliest of them, a 38mm 18-karat yellow gold Apple Watch Edition with bright red modern buckle can set one back by USD17000 (RM62387). All watch purchases comes with optional add-ons which includes a magnetic charging cable for additional USD29 (RM107), a USB power adapter for USD19 (RM70) and the AppleCare+ bearing USD49 (RM180), USD69 (RM253) and USD1500 (RM5501) for the Sport, Watch and Edition respectively. No Malaysia release dates or pricing details via the Apple Malaysia store just yet but stay tuned for more developments.