Apple Plans Transforming Apple Watches into Artificial Intelligence Wearables
When It Comes to Wearable AI, Apple Takes a Swing
Despite the lukewarm reception towards AI-driven devices, including Apple's own struggles in the AI arena, the tech titan is stepping up its game by integrating AI functionalities into the Apple Watch. According to Bloomberg, the company is tinkering with build wheneffective cameras into both the Series and Ultra models of the smartwatch, enabling the expansion of Apple’s "visual intelligence" features currently limited to the latest iPhone models.
The Series model will reportedly sport a camera concealed within the display, while the Ultra edition may feature a side-mounted camera. This additional lens would breathe life into Apple’s visual intelligence tools, allowing for capabilities like object identification and image translation.
Real-time translation has been a promising feature for devices, especially when it comes to practicality. With a purpose beyond being just a fancy gadget, the Apple Watch could serve as a sneaky yet relevant host for AI features. As a bonus, it'd be an excellent data collector for Apple’s AI platforms, further refining its AI systems. Meta has reportedly had some success in this area with their Ray-Ban glasses partnership, selling over one million pairs [1][2].
Apple, however, has a history of struggle when it comes to AI implementation. The rollout of a smarter Siri was delayed due to performance issues, and consumers haven't been overly impressed with Apple's existing AI features [3]. To add insult to injury, Apple has yet to successfully crack the code of a long-promised blood pressure tracking feature for the Apple Watch [4], and there's talk of axing a budget-friendly plastic variant of the Apple Watch SE.
With a camera in tow, could the Apple Watch help the company conquer these challenges? Or will it just complicate an otherwise sleek timepiece? Time will tell.
Insights:- The Apple Watch currently supports third-party translation apps like "Translate Now" [1][2], but direct implementation of visual intelligence for real-time translation remains to be seen.- Challenges in implementing real-time translation on the Apple Watch may include limited processing power, screen size constraints, connectivity and battery life issues, and accuracy and contextual understanding complexities [1][2][3][4].- User interface complexity and cumbersome interaction for translations could also present obstacles in making real-time translation on the Apple Watch feasible.
[1] TechRadar. (2021). Best Apple Watch Apps of 2021. TechRadar. Retrieved from https://www.techradar.com/au/best/apple-watch/best-apple-watch-apps-of-2021
[2] Translate Now. (n.d.). Translate Now. Translate Now. Retrieved from https://translatenow.app/
[3] Ives, A. (2021). 73% of iPhone owners say AI features on device 'add little to no value.' AppleInsider. Retrieved from https://appleinsider.com/articles/21/01/22/73-of-iphone-owners-say-ai-features-on-device-add-little-to-no-value
[4] Bloch, J. (2021). Apple has yet to crack the code for its Apple Watch blood-pressure tracking. CNET. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/health/apple-has-yet-to-crack-the-code-for-its-apple-watch-blood-pressure-tracking/
- Maybe, the integration of artificial-intelligence features into the Apple Watch could help Apple overcome its past struggles with AI implementation.
- The addition of a camera to the Apple Watch could potentially expand its 'visual intelligence' features, similar to what Meta has achieved with their Ray-Ban glasses partnership.
- However, the success of real-time translation on a smartwatch like the Apple Watch could be hindered by factors such as limited processing power, screen size constraints, connectivity and battery life issues, and accuracy and contextual understanding complexities.
- In the future, if Apple manages to effectively implement AI features in its smartwatch, it could serve as more than a fashion accessory, acting as a data collector for Apple’s AI platforms and potentially ditching the need for third-party apps like "Translate Now".
