The question of "what the heck is this for?" has not gone away with the Apple Watch. And now, any iOS developer can use the WatchKit tools to answer this question. Apple has started accepting applications for registration of Apple Watch apps.
In the past, only limited partners were given the opportunity, and those who had the opportunity only offered apps in limited areas such as news, social, shopping, travel, fitness, etc. rice field.
But now any developer has a chance to make this wristwatch device attractive.
Watch App and How to Submit It
First of all, Apple recommends updating XCode to the latest version 6. It includes an SDK that includes the WatchKit framework for iOS8.2. See Apple's Watch App Guidelines for more details.
All the 3rd party apps work as other components too, presumably to provide a seamless user experience. Here's how Apple's components work:
Glances is a tidbit of information, much like the "Today" in Notification Center on the iPhone. Actionable notifications allow users to reply to notifications or perform some task. The WatchKit app provides a UI for navigating and managing apps in a manner unique to the Apple Watch.
Basically, the Apple Watch works as an extension of the iPhone, and works with apps running on your phone. Apple is expected to offer a native app development kit for the Apple Watch later this year, which will also allow Apple Watch-specific app development.
Of course, just because the GO sign is given to register an app doesn't mean that everyone can register. Apple's scrutiny remains rigorous. To ensure the success of this device, the standards may be stricter than ever before.
Until End Users Set Up and Use
End users will have the latest iPhone updates until the Apple Watch launches on April 24th.
With this in hand, users can use the Apple Watch in three steps:
1: Pair the Apple Watch with the iPhone (Open the "Apple Watch" app on the iPhone, press "Start Pairing", and bring the Apple Watch in front of the iPhone's camera. iOS8.2 (requires iPhone 5/5c/5S/6/6Plus with
2: Open "App Store" for Apple Watch in this app
3: Download the App
And a fourth or fifth step, which Apple hasn't made public: Decide if these apps are worth the high price tag, and evaluate if they're worthy of what you'll soon be wearing on your wrist.
Image Credit: Watch App Screen Image: Adriana Lee Other Images: Apple
*This article is reprinted from ReadWrite Japan. Please see here for the reprint source.
