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troop231

macrumors 603
Original poster
Jan 20, 2010
5,822
553
Not sure if this was posted, but looks like it will be shipping with the 6 pin connector after all? :)

CnS5TtE.jpg
 

Maleption

macrumors member
Sep 15, 2013
39
42
Anyone noticed the 6 small holes in the band slot of the case?

Check the screenshots, they are form the official Apple Watch videos on youtube.
The holes only exist in one of the two slots.
Do they have some rumored reserved function? For third-party accessories?
 

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Armen

macrumors 604
Apr 30, 2013
7,405
2,274
Los Angeles
Are you guys sure you're not talking about the lightning port data connector that hides under the band?
 

troop231

macrumors 603
Original poster
Jan 20, 2010
5,822
553
Are you guys sure you're not talking about the lightning port data connector that hides under the band?

That's what I'm talking about, but it was largely debunked a few days before the event.
 

Runt888

macrumors 6502a
Nov 17, 2008
841
32
That's what I'm talking about, but it was largely debunked a few days before the event.

Was it really debunked though? All we know is that the test models had them, and "some guy" said the release versions wouldn't.
 

troop231

macrumors 603
Original poster
Jan 20, 2010
5,822
553
Was it really debunked though? All we know is that the test models had them, and "some guy" said the release versions wouldn't.

Right, and yet no one in the media has talked about it today for some reason; I think this is a big deal.
 

jsharpe

macrumors newbie
Feb 25, 2010
28
9
Check the screenshots, they are form the official Apple Watch videos on youtube.
The holes only exist in one of the two slots.
Do they have some rumored reserved function? For third-party accessories?

It's for the security link to the bands so the watch can shut itself down if detects that you are trying to use a non-Apple authentic (i.e., less expensive) strap. ;)
 

Armen

macrumors 604
Apr 30, 2013
7,405
2,274
Los Angeles
That's what I'm talking about, but it was largely debunked a few days before the event.

There has to be some kind of mechanism to restore to factory. Wonder if that can be done without a data cable?

Edit: my Pebble watch can be reset to factory settings without a data cable but then again it's firmware doesnt seem as complex.
 

dacreativeguy

macrumors 68020
Jan 27, 2007
2,032
223
It's probably a firmware installation interface. How else would they load firmware at the factory without a physical connection? Wifi and BT can't work without an OS. Whether it will be used for other features is another question.
 

Armen

macrumors 604
Apr 30, 2013
7,405
2,274
Los Angeles
It's probably a firmware installation interface. How else would they load firmware at the factory without a physical connection? Wifi and BT can't work without an OS. Whether it will be used for other features is another question.

exactly my thoughts. Question is does this leave the watch open for smartbands that actually jack into the watch as you install them to offer additional sensor or other functions?
 

tagy

macrumors 6502
Feb 3, 2003
254
44
UK
It's probably a firmware installation interface. How else would they load firmware at the factory without a physical connection? Wifi and BT can't work without an OS. Whether it will be used for other features is another question.

They load the firmware before they seal the back?
 

troop231

macrumors 603
Original poster
Jan 20, 2010
5,822
553
They load the firmware before they seal the back?

Exactly, firmware can be loaded before the S1 is even put inside the case which would negate the need for 6 drilled holes, unless they're loading firmware after assembly of the Watch.

In any case, someone will figure this out and probably will hack the Watch. :)
 

tagy

macrumors 6502
Feb 3, 2003
254
44
UK
I wonder if the 6 holes are to do with how the strap is retained in the watch? The holes are in line with the button to release the strap.

Although 6 holes just to hold the strap in place does not seem likely, but who knows.
 

troop231

macrumors 603
Original poster
Jan 20, 2010
5,822
553
I wonder if the 6 holes are to do with how the strap is retained in the watch? The holes are in line with the button to release the strap.

Nope, because the 6 holes would be on both sides in that case. :)
 

PowerBook-G5

macrumors 65816
Jul 30, 2013
1,243
1,179
"Diagnostic" Port

Remember that article from a few days ago that said a "diagnostic" port would be included on the Apple Watch? Well it appears to be in the videos of how they machine the cases. Maybe it isn't in the final product, and the cases being made in the video (this one, at the 1:41 mark) are just prototypes, but there is that possibility, you now? I personally think that the port will be included in the final product.

Picture for reference: ERMAGERD! DIAGNOSIC PORTS!.png

What do you all think?
 

troop231

macrumors 603
Original poster
Jan 20, 2010
5,822
553
Remember that article from a few days ago that said a "diagnostic" port would be included on the Apple Watch? Well it appears to be in the videos of how they machine the cases. Maybe it isn't in the final product, and the cases being made in the video (this one, at the 1:41 mark) are just prototypes, but there is that possibility, you now? I personally think that the port will be included in the final product.

Picture for reference: View attachment 533869

What do you all think?

You're late https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1853605/

Front page too.. :D https://www.macrumors.com/2015/03/09/apple-watch-diagnostic-port-spotted/
 

lakaiordie

macrumors 65816
Jun 17, 2008
1,446
263
for everything other than mac's, diagnostics are done with a wifi connection when you go to the genius bar.
 

Brien

macrumors 68040
Aug 11, 2008
3,665
1,282
Maybe an undocumented (for now) expansion port to add more sensors to the straps?

Or perhaps it's purely for the watch to know if a strap is attached or not, for security purposes or something.
 
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