The iWatch is one of the wearables that is intended to introduce a new product category for Apple. It is expected to have the basics of the Nike Fuel Band and the FitBit but do more to measure the biometrics of the wearer. There is a subtle feature of the iWatch that has not been discussed and that is the issue of how to charge the device.
If Apple seals the unit as it is expected to do, the device becomes waterproof and can be used by swimmers, etc. so the sealed concept is in line with how Apple releases other devices. The question now becomes how do you charge a sealed device. Well, two methods: 1) Induction charging, or 2) Solar and Eco-Drive (motion) charging.
Induction charging has been used in many consumer devices and involved the placing a device on a charging pad so that the batteries can be charged. For the Solar option, Apple has filed a patent on the Solar-enabling of the desktop. For the immediate 3Q2014 release expectation, a motion based charging concept is another feature. No mater what charging method is chose, the device WILL be sealed.
The final question is "Why is the device delayed?" There are two observations: 1) The problem is hard, and/or 2) Tim Cook is allowing Nike to transition. Creating a watch that changes the game is complex. If the device is close to being a medical device, it must be cleared by the FDA, potentially. Rumor has it that Apple has been visiting the govt. agencies on the healthcare device topic.
The subtle reason that Apple is delaying is that Tim Cook is on the Board of Nike. While Nike does not derive a significant amount of revenue from the wearable Nike Fuel Band, Tim Cook is respecting the relationship. Apple would not do to Nike what Google did to Apple with Android and the cross Board leaking of information.
When the iWatch ships, it will again be MAGICAL. At least, based upon the expectations.
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