Developers get their hands on Apple Watch development kits
Coders could have a busy Christmas as Apple has announced that its software development kit for the Apple Watch is now available for developers – enabling them to create Apple Watch apps for the first time.
The WatchKit SDK comes with the iOS 8.2 SDK and lets developers build to support Apple Watch features like the “digital crown” scroll wheel and “Taptic” feedback (which rather than simply rumble, will apparently feel like someone is tapping your arm).
“Fans crave real-time and personal information, and the ESPN app for Apple Watch gives us the ability to deliver live scores and information for their favorite teams,” said John Kosner, executive vice president of Digital and Print Media, ESPN. “Glances provide fans with a snapshot of live games, and if there is no game taking place, they’ll get valuable game-time information or the final box score. With actionable notifications, the experience becomes even more personal, as fans receive alerts on score changes, news and more.”
“Apple Watch allows us to make the Instagram experience even more intimate and in the moment,” says Kevin Systrom, co-founder and CEO of Instagram. “With actionable notifications you can see and instantly like a photo or react with an emoji. The Instagram news and watch list allows you to see your friends’ latest photos, follow new accounts and get a real-time view of your likes and comments.”
The Apple Watch is expected to launch in the spring – so at least we should have some apps to use on it by then.
