Apple launches its second generation Apple Watch

Apple has launched its second generation smartwatch 18 months after it released original model which was the first all-new device to come out of the company after Tim Cook took over as CEO.

The Apple Watch Series 2 as it is called, sticks to the same basic design Apple came up with last year, albeit with several improvements and upgrades. The device is now capable of being submerged up to 50 metres making it swim proof and also features a built in GPS.

Apple says it has completely re engineered the device, equipping it with a new dual core processor that it claims is 50 per cent faster than the previous model. The GPU also provides twice the performance, while the display is the brightest ever fitted to an Apple device, with a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits.

Tim Cook at the launch event said that the original Apple Watch helped Apple become the second largest watch brand in the world in terms of revenue despite selling far less numbers than several of its competitors. With the new device, the company plans to grow its dominance of the smartwatch market, while continuing to compete with traditional watch makers.

Alongside the new Apple Watch, the company is also releasing WatchOS 3 with several new features and apps, including Pokemon GO. App makers will also be able to utilise the in-built GPS module to build apps for navigation, fitness, etc. It will also mean users will get to leave their iPhones at home while going for a run.

Apple is pricing the Apple Watch Series 2 starting at $369 but will continue to sell the previous generation watch, though the device’s CPU has been updated to the same one that’s in the new device. The older smartwatch will be priced at $269. Keeping up with its tradition of using new materials, Apple also said it will bring a ceramic version of the new Watch, while not revealing what it will price the device at.

Starting price for the Apple Watch Series 2 is Rs 32,900 (Apple Watch Series 1 will be available for Rs 23,900) and it will be available from October 7.