Apple Watch: First look at Apple's new wearable device (images)

Tim Cook said the company set out "to make the best watch in the world, one that is precise, that's synchronized with an international time standard." It is controlled by a dial, dubbed the "digital crown," and is highly customisable. You can tap the crown to return to the home screen, scroll and zoom in or out of applications.

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The Watch is available in three versions: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition. Each has a different finish; raw aluminium, polished gold and stainless steel. In addition, Apple plans to offer a variety of fittings and straps to keep the device as customisable as possible. Each one, however, has a sapphire display -- which is hard to shatter or scratch.

Also see: CNET: Apple Watch Preview | Special Report: Wearables: Fit for Business? | TechPro Research: Wearable deployment plans, anticipated benefits and adoption roadblocks | CNET live coverage |  Five ways Apple's iPhone 6, iWatch launches may transform its business model  

The Watch is a fitness tracker, and is equipped with a range of sensors -- including pulse detection, a gyroscope and accelerometer. Two dedicated apps will give you a "complete" overview of your fitness.

However, that's not the whole story. The Watch is also NFC-enabled, and a number of Apple partners already plan on functionality including hotel door security, smart lighting control systems and payments. 

Also see: CNET: Apple Watch Preview | Special Report: Wearables: Fit for Business? | TechPro Research: Wearable deployment plans, anticipated benefits and adoption roadblocks | CNET live coverage |  Five ways Apple's iPhone 6, iWatch launches may transform its business model  

The Apple device senses when you move your wrist upwards, and automatically activates the display as a result. Siri acts as the Watch's voice assistant, and users can use apps, find directions, search image libraries, scroll through favorite contact lists to call or send a message -- as well as "taps" and emoticons -- and the device will also be compatible with Apple Pay. Third-party apps will also be on offer from developers. 

Also see: CNET: Apple Watch Preview | Special Report: Wearables: Fit for Business? | TechPro Research: Wearable deployment plans, anticipated benefits and adoption roadblocks | CNET live coverage |  Five ways Apple's iPhone 6, iWatch launches may transform its business model  

The Watch is compatible not only with the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, but the iPhone 5, 5C and 5S.

The starting price for Apple Watch entry models is $349.

Also see: CNET: Apple Watch Preview | Special Report: Wearables: Fit for Business? | TechPro Research: Wearable deployment plans, anticipated benefits and adoption roadblocks | CNET live coverage |  Five ways Apple's iPhone 6, iWatch launches may transform its business model