The TOPIC of the Apple + Tesla Discussion - iWatch - Solar and Induction Charging

 

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.

Tim Cook Memo to Apple Employees

Team,

This holiday season, tens of millions of people around the world, from all walks of life, are experiencing Apple products for the first time. Those moments of surprise and delight are magical, and they’re all made possible by your hard work. As many of us prepare to celebrate the holidays with our loved ones, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve achieved together over the past year.

First and foremost, we introduced industry-leading products in each of our major categories in 2013, showing the breadth and depth of innovation at Apple. We extended our lead in the smartphone market with iPhone 5s; launched iOS 7, an extraordinarily ambitious project; released OS X Mavericks for free to our customers; introduced the iPad Air and the iPad mini with Retina display; and this week began shipping the Mac Pro from a manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas. We also marked our 50 billionth download on the App Store – a milestone no one could have predicted we would reach so quickly.

Together we’ve shown the world that innovation at Apple goes beyond our products to the way we do business and how we give back to our community. This year, Apple raised and donated tens of millions of dollars for important charities and relief efforts like Red Cross aid to typhoon victims in the Philippines, and we continue to be the largest contributor to (PRODUCT)RED, supporting the Global Fund in its fight against the spread of AIDS in Africa. Just a few weeks ago, Jony Ive led an unprecedented effort that brought money and awareness to eliminating the transmission of AIDS from mother to child.

And finally, Apple is standing up for what we believe is right. We know that equality and diversity make our company and our society stronger, so we’ve urged the U.S. Congress to support workplace protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We are also laser focused on our contribution to several environmental initiatives and we will increase our efforts even more in this area in the future.

We have a lot to look forward to in 2014, including some big plans that we think customers are going to love. I am extremely proud to stand alongside you as we put innovation to work serving humankind’s deepest values and highest aspirations. I consider myself the luckiest person in the world for the opportunity to work at this amazing company with all of you.

Happy Holidays,

Tim