Apple Watch officially announced

APPLE has officially announced its smart watch, simply named the 'Apple Watch”, at an event in San Francisco today.

For the first time in his three years as Apple CEO, Tim Cook used Steve Jobs infamous ‘one more thing' catchphrase to announce the launch of the watch, the first piece of wearable tech Apple has ever created.

The Apple Watch announcement came on the same day as Apple launched two new phones — the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus — as well as Apple Pay, a system which the company says will mean the end of the wallet as we know it.

Speaking in front of a rapturous audience, Mr Cook laid out the new device's specifics:

A digital crown will translate movement into digital data to control the watch, allowing users to interact with the watch's display without getting in the way of the screen.

The display is flexible and made out of sapphire, the second hardest transparent material, behind diamond.

Apple is presenting the watch as a timepiece, communications tool and a health and fitness device all in one.

The rear of the device has four lenses which detect pulse rate. The watch includes a gyroscope and accelerometer so that the watch can provide a daily picture of your level of activity and reward fitness goals.

The watch face is gorgeous. The crown on the side controls most things. Source: Supplied

Much like the iPhone, apps are going to be a key feature of the Apple Watch. Apple showed off transport and hotel apps that allow you to check in from your wrist and a BMW app that will let you see where you parked your car and direct you back to it.

Apple Maps is on board too, giving you directions straight from your wrist. The watch will even vibrate to indicate when you need to tu left or right at a coer.

Apple Maps in action on the Apple Watch Source: Supplied

There will be six different straps available, ranging from something glamorous to wear out to something a bit more suited for exercise.

There were no official announcements on a waterproof design, but Apple did show this image. Source: Supplied

There are new fitness and workout apps to follow your fitness activity and set goals for yourself. Apple is pitching the Apple Watch to everyone from the casual runner to the professional athlete as the ultimate physical activity device.

The three activity tracking rings on the Apple Watch. Source: Supplied

A fitness app lets you set training goals. Over time, Apple Watch gets to know you, and works like a personal trainer — suggesting ways to improve your workout.

The activity app shows three rings that display your daily progress and try to provide you motivation to get your on your feet and exercising more.

Different designs and watch faces available. Source: Supplied

Apple says that due to its position on your wrist, the watch is an ‘intimate' device, and should be used in intimate ways. You can even send a quick sketch or heartbeat to a nearby friend who is also wearing an Apple Watch.

There will be three different Apple Watch's, the standard version, Sports model and Edition model. The sports model is for, as the name suggests, sports and exercise and features a slightly less fancy but more durable design. The Edition model is the premium watch, built with 18 carat gold, which no doubt will cost a lot more.

The basic UI for the Apple Watch. Source: Supplied

Tim Cook decided to throw another 'one more thing” style announcement with the Apple Watch, revealing the ability to pay for products with Apple Pay directly from your wrist.

There was no word on expected battery life, but interestingly, the Apple Watch will use a wireless charger with magsafe tech to replenish its juice.

As expected, an iPhone 5 or later is required to use the Apple Watch, with no support for Android or other mobile phones. Prices start at $349 USD and will be on sale from early 2015.