The Apple Watch – wearable technology |18 August 2017

In September 2016, the Apple Watchwas launched by its American multinational technology company and following this, the local iShop in Seychelles, an authorised reseller of Apple products, stocked up and began sales in October the same year. The managing director of Seychelles’ iShop, Joel Stravens, explains what the watch has to offer local customers and gives a brief update on sales/reactions thus far.

“The ‘smartwatch’ is available in three models, the aluminum sport; stainless steel watch; gold watch edition and is for all audiences, including those in business as well as fitness fanatics. The watch straps are versatile as they can be changed according to your mood and activity,” says Mr Stravens.

He adds that “it is fairly easy to use - by just pairing it to your iPhone, you are ready to unlock all the possibilities that the watch affords”.

Sharing his knowledge on the functions of the Apple Watch, Mr Stravens explains that it is an extension of the iphone, ipad or Macbook. The watch does not only tell you the time, but acts as a phone and can remind you to stand up, meditate and set exercise goals. Full of features that help you stay active, motivated and connected, the Apple Watch Series 2 is designed for all the ways you move.

In describing the benefits that the watch offers for fitness and sports enthusiasts, Mr Stravens says that with a wide range of exercise options built in, including both pool and open ocean swimming, indoor and outdoor walking, running and cycling, built-in GPS and being water resistant for up to 50 metres, “it is the best exercise companion for anyone, from the hard core exercise enthusiasts to the novice. You can even listen to your favourite tunes directly from your watch while you exercise. The sharing application allows you to follow the progress of your friends and compete as to who can reach the most targets and achievements”.

The watch also has benefits for those keen on staying actively connected to others. As well as GPS, the watch has a new dual-core processor “that is definitely faster, which means you get emails and messages from your boss and significant other at the same time as it is received on your phone. It allows you to discreetly receive and send messages/emails without removing your phone from your bag or pocket. Messages can be clearly read from the screen, even in direct sunlight, thanks to the new display, which is two times brighter.”

“Another feature is that it allows answering calls and speaking from the watch itself, in the event that your phone is not close or you just want to feel like James Bond,” says Mr Stravens.

Customers of the local iShop range are from the young to the elderly and according to the managing director “feedback has been great since the Apple Watch was launched and to our surprise, the sales has been good especially on the Nike version”.

For further information, iShop can be contacted on 4 224 673.