applepuree
macrumors 6502
except they are 64Gb with a deepfreeze type image on them that restores on power up (to speed up recovery from those time wasting idiots who put porno pics etc on the devices).
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Retail Apple Watches Still Have a Hidden Diagnostic Port [Updated]
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except they are 64Gb with a deepfreeze type image on them that restores on power up (to speed up recovery from those time wasting idiots who put porno pics etc on the devices).
I suspect syncing music will be wifi via iTunes, rather than a physical connection. Or just via iTunes Match/iTunes in the Cloud....
It syncs through the Apple Watch app on your phone.
Further solidifying the aspect that the watch is an extension of your phone.
mwickens
macrumors member
Iconoclysm
macrumors 68040
It's coming, the MophieWatch battery strap. 🙄
Isn't that essentially what the Microsoft band already does? It's bulky that way, nobody will like it.
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As far as I recall, many of the symbols have been allowed to be removed from the case so long as they are in the software somewhere.
Would be interesting if created a flexible band screen that connects through that port. They did patent a similar technology way back when. It was a continuos flexible screen that wrapped around your wrist.
I work at an apple store, the genius from our store that designed the new apple watch demo smart signs told us they'd most likely (not confirmed) use that port as a diagnostics check for genius bar appointments about the watch. Even if it's covered on the retail model they might still use it for diagnostics.
Also the watches that we have on display might all be on a loop, but they were fully functioning models- the demo is just a video that's we selected from the list of videos on the device when we were installing all of the new visuals the night of the 9th.
Also the watches that we have on display might all be on a loop, but they were fully functioning models- the demo is just a video that's we selected from the list of videos on the device when we were installing all of the new visuals the night of the 9th.
kdarling
Contributor
John Gruber tweeted that his port was covered up.
Neat. The photo gives the model number: A1554.
Just checked the FCC. No entry for the Apple Watch yet.
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Although... there are already entries for two magnetic charging cables: A1570 and A1598.
APPLE WATCH MAGNETIC CHARGING CABLE
MODEL NUMBER: A1598
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OH. And hmm, what's this? An entry for:
APPLE WATCH MAGNETIC CHARGING BRACELET
MODEL NUMBER: A1626
That's a bit different looking. Can't tell if that's a side view, top view or what it is. It also has an unusually small version above the larger more readable one.
The "Apple Confidential" is unusual for this document type, too. This is extra odd.
And why is it called a "BRACELET" ? Is it for store displays? For consumer use? Any guesses?
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This is believable. I was the first try-on customer yesterday and they totally didn't finish setting up the one (42 Space Gray Sport) I tried on first. The employee set it into demo mode once on my wrist with the double press, but it went to some weird backend menu system with tons of nearly identical options (like NVDib_1 through 60 or some large number). He quickly scrolled, clicked one, and demo loop started. There was also a flash of a menu that had Wifi, Bluetooth, Haptic, etc toggles. I think maybe what he did wrong was he double pressed both the crown and the lower button together, rather than just the lower button. Somebody try this while it's on your wrist!
I'm assuming there's a specific "video" that matches with each try-able watch config, yeah? And that's what I was seeing? Each watch demo loop was unique to the face that's in the promo pics (For example, SS with classic buckle only shows the mickey face).
Do you know any more about that table display/smart sign with functioning OS? It seems to be powered up all day but has no charging puck underneath. Is it powered through a flat cable running to the diag port?
magicschoolbus
macrumors 68030
I am pretty sure that today when I went for my try on appointment that the Apple Watch display board unit was showing relevant information depending on what the Apple Store employee selected from the watch home screen. I am guessing that this uses that port to garner information about what is currently being shown?
Definitely a diagnostics ports but could be utilise by bands in the future. Although I suspect it will be covered in the final version to add to the overall water resistance of the product.
A physical connection to the internal micro is required in order to update low level firmware and interrogate the device without requiring a wireless link. There's not many, if any, specialized micro's with built-in wireless therefore the external wireless chip needs to be controlled by a stable, self-contained micro.
A physical connection to the internal micro is required in order to update low level firmware and interrogate the device without requiring a wireless link. There's not many, if any, specialized micro's with built-in wireless therefore the external wireless chip needs to be controlled by a stable, self-contained micro.
http://9to5mac.com/2014/11/27/back-...ngs-as-e-label-act-signed-by-president-obama/
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That's a European Union label. FCC labeling is no longer required as of November.
CrazyForApple
macrumors 6502a
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
I believe that's the new USB3 Type D port. Adapters sold separately.
Rumors are that Type E will unify C & D. Adapters sold separately.
Type F is apparently 2X faster than E. Adapters sold separately.
Type G is apparently the same as F but just "thinner". Adapter sold separately.
😉
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According to the test documentation it is a "stainless steel magnetic charging bracelet which includes an inductive charging coil to charge the Apple Watch"
Come to think of it, the usable units in the Apple Store where charging, without the normal changer. Maybe this is it?
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kdarling
Contributor
I actually go into FCC documents the old way, but yep. Any ideas what it is?
I saw that. Interesting!
Yeah, that was my first thought; that perhaps it's part of the store exhibit with the Watch and iPad, although it would make more sense for the diagnostic port to be used for power as well as communications... assuming the port can pass power. Maybe it can't.
Glideslope
macrumors G3
Odds are this is the port for secured firmware upload and also an embedded developer port for loading the firmware into the watch during development and manufacturing.
As far an accessory port, Pebble beat them to the punch. Look at their color Pebble that raised $20M (yes, chump change by Apple standards) and you can see a port for smart bands for extra power, sensors, wireless and other fun stuff.
They even have an SDK for developing a smart band. Pebble may have patented the concept of a smartwatch with a power for making a smartband and that is why Apple's not endorsing it in their MFi program yet. Why hasn't Apple bought Pebble yet?
As far an accessory port, Pebble beat them to the punch. Look at their color Pebble that raised $20M (yes, chump change by Apple standards) and you can see a port for smart bands for extra power, sensors, wireless and other fun stuff.
They even have an SDK for developing a smart band. Pebble may have patented the concept of a smartwatch with a power for making a smartband and that is why Apple's not endorsing it in their MFi program yet. Why hasn't Apple bought Pebble yet?
Looking at the app, you can chose to sync playlists on your iPhone to the Watch.