Apple Watch launches April 24, starts at $350

During today's press event, Apple took the lid off the upcoming Apple Watch. When the device launches on April 24, you can expect a number of features working in congress with the company's iOS and Mac ecosystem. And prices range from $350 USD/£299 GBP/$499 AUD  all the way to a staggering $10,000 USD/£13,500 GBP/$14,999 AUD.

Apple claims every Apple Watch is super accurate, within 50 milliseconds of UTC. And speaking of speed, the new "Glances" feature allows you to check notifications, the weather, or even your heart rate, with just a quick swipe.



Of course, Apple Watch will also contain a number of communication options, working with the just announced iOS 8.2. You can receive iMessages, as well as answer voice calls like Dick Tracy. But one of the newest features is Digital Touch, which allows you to communicate with friends from Apple Watch to Apple Watch, even sending doodles you make on the watch face. Apple Watch will communicate with your iPhone either through WiFi or Bluetooth. An Apple Watch app for iPhone will be available via the App Store.

Apple played up the health and exercise benefits of Apple Watch during today's event, pointing out how the device will send helpful reminders for your exercise routine. Of course, the workout app will track your daily movement, and deliver stats like calories burned and miles traveled.



But Apple Watch's biggest conveniences likely come from its use of notifications and its sense of place, making it easy to do things like check into a hotel and even use the watch as your room key. Be sure to check out IGN's coverage of all the apps for Apple Watch discussed today.

Apple claims the Apple Watch should last for about 18 hours. And charging the watch is simple, thanks to a magnetic charger.

Apple Watch Sport



The Apple Watch, as previously announced, will be available in more than one flavor. The Apple Watch Sport features an aluminum body, and will be available in Space Grey and silver. The Sport is $350 USD/£299 GBP/$499 AUD for a 38mm version, or $400 USD/£339 GBP/$579 AUD for a 42mm version.

Apple Watch Steel



The stainless steel variety of the Apple Watch is 80 percent harder, and more resistant to scratches. The model, available in Space Black, will retail for $550 USD/£479 GBP/$799 AUD to $1050 USD/£899 GBP/$1549 AUD, or $600 USD/£519 GBP/$879 AUD to $1100 USD/£949 GBP/$1629 AUD, depending on the watch band associated with the model.

Apple Watch Edition



Finally, the--"very limited"--third version of the Apple Watch is clearly not for the general public. Boasting an 18K solid gold body, the Edition will start at $10,000 USD/£8,000 GBP/$14,000 AUD. Yowza.

Pre-orders of the Apple Watch will begin on April 10. The device will launch in Australia, Canada, United States, Japan, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, and United Kingdom on April 24.

Source: IGN