MUMBAI: Apple Inc had embarked on a trademark filing spree for its hugely anticipated iWatch fueling speculation of its imminent launch. Reports are flooding about the California based company filing for trademark for its iWatch in Russia, Jamaica and Japan followed by Mexico, Taiwan, Turkey and Colombia (at last count) generating a strong buzz in media and the internet.
While the exact nature of the iWatch- its functions, what it will look like and when it will be available- are still not clear, what is known is that it will run on the iOS software that has successfully served the iPad and iPhone.
According to a copy of Apple’s application submitted at Mexico's Institute of Industrial Property on 3 June, the company has applied under two categories pertaining to hardware and software of mobile devices.
The developments from the software giant seem to indicate that Apple might be ready to launch the iWatch soon ‘and wants to secure the iWatch moniker in markets across the globe, in line with its other devices that have been christened in the same manner, reports have said.
On the other hand, analysts said the filings did not necessarily mean that Apple planned to introduce a watch. The filings could simply be protective, an effort to prevent other companies from using the name. Or the iWatch name could be applied to an entirely different technology, like television.
Another report had said that the iWatch could be expected to be launched this year, while an insider report has said it could hit stores in 2014.
The iWatch project is undertaken by a team of 100 engineers headed by Apple design chief Jony Ive himself.
The watch will incorporate task capabilities as seen on the iPhone and iPad, including making calls, a caller ID feature, integrated pedometer for counting steps and sensors for monitoring health-related data, such as heart rates,
As good as the iWatch might be, rivals Google, Samsung, Microsoft and LG are already working to launch their own smart watches.
Sony has already launched its SmartWatch last year which lets users play games, check Facebook pages or send text messages simply by tapping their wrists.