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Apple Watch apps: Instagram, ESPN and American Airlines sign up to developer tool
Apple wants developers to start building apps for its forthcoming Apple Watch – and it is providing them with the tools to do it.
WatchKit is a piece of software that gives developers the tools to create apps before the smartwatch becomes available.
The standard Apple Watch is set to start at retail a price of around £300 and is expected to be available in early 2015.
Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, said he hoped WatchKit would be used to develop “breakthrough” apps.
Schiller said:
Apple Watch is our most personal device ever, and WatchKit provides the incredible iOS developer community with the tools they need to create exciting new experiences right on your wrist.With the iOS 8.2 beta SDK, developers can now start using WatchKit to create breakthrough apps.
A number of developers at a range of recognisable brands have sounded their enthusiasm to get to work on the WatchKit.
Instagram believes the Apple Watch will make its experience “more intimate and in the moment” while American Airlines say it will be able to send notifications of important updates and information for air travelers.
John Kosner, executive vice president of digital print media at ESPN, said the company could use Apple Watch to provide people with personalised score updates.
Kosner said:
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 favourite teams.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 more.It’s worth noting that these app features are subject to change before release, and may not be available in all regions.