Another key iWatch hire shows how Apple could put other smartwatches to shame

The smartwatch market has suddenly got very crowded over the last year, in good part thanks to the five different smartwatches Samsung has released in the last eight months alone. So how will Apple differentiate itself when the iWatch finally comes to market this fall? From what we’ve heard, it seems Apple is going to position the iWatch as the ultimate fitness tracking machine that will reportedly pack 10 different sensors you can use to check up on your health. And now Network World has spotted a recent Apple hire who could help make the iWatch even better than what we’ve been expecting.

Alex Hsieh, the former lead software engineer at Atlas Wearables, joined Apple this month and Network World points out that he spent his time at Atlas working on “a fitness tracker akin to other wearable devices, albeit on steroids.”

What made this device so special? Even though it hasn’t yet released, Network Worldsays that it “promises to measure a user’s calories burned, heart rate, and distance traveled during a particular workout” and can also “purportedly evaluate a user’s form during various exercises while also keeping track of reps and sets performed.” It seems that the device is also pre-programmed with popular exercises that it can teach you if you’re looking for new ways to work out.

Since Hsieh only recently came aboard, it’s tough to say whether we’ll see anything similar on the iWatch when it comes out. However, his hiring definitely an indication that Apple is looking at making this device much more of an all-purpose fitness tracker and not just a smartphone for your wrist.

Rumor: Apple's 'iWatch' to have 'slightly rectangular' 2.5" display, wireless charging

A fresh set of rumors about Apple's anticipated "iWatch" were supplied on Thursday by mainstream media outlet, which was told by an unnamed source that the device will boast wireless charging capabilities, and will sport a slightly rectangular watch face.

 "iWatch" concept by Martin Hajek.

The face of the watch will measure about 2.5 inches diagonally, according to Reuters, which cited a person familiar with the unannounced product. That face is expected to protrude slightly from the band and create an arch shape.

The display of the watch is expected to be a touchscreen supplied by LG Display, and Taiwan-based Quanta Computer Inc. is said to be planning to start production of the device in July.

The source also claimed that the device will include a heart rate monitor from Heptagon that will track the wearer's pulse. That aligns with rumors from over a year ago that said the device is expected to focus on biometrics for health and fitness feedback.

The so-called "iWtach" also expected to feature wireless charging — something The New York Times also claimed earlier this year.

Apple is said to be planning a media event for this October where it's expected to introduce the company's "first wearable device," which is widely believed to be a wrist-worn connected device. The "iWatch" is believed to tap into the new HealthKit tools for developers that Apple will include in the forthcoming iOS 8 mobile operating system, which is currently available in beta for testing.

Other recent reports have suggested the device will sport a flexible OLED touchscreen. Such technology could allow Apple to introduce unique designs not possible with traditional LCD panels. 

Samsung trademarks Galaxy Wear, could beits first Android Wear device

Microsoft's rumored "major restructuring" looks set to be unveiled by July 1st. All Things D reports that the reorg, which will focus on the devices and services vision, is being led by CEO Steve Ballmer without the consultation of all Microsoft's executives. 

The upcoming changes are said to be major, leaving some executives worried for their own positions and the plans for the company as a whole. All Things D quotes one insider as saying they're "titanic" changes, noting they might be attached to Ballmer's legacy at the company. "It’s the first time in a long time that it feels like that there will be some major shifts, including some departures," says the alleged insider. 

Could Windows and Windows Phone move closer together? Ballmer is reportedly considering a new structure that would create four separate divisions: enterprise business, hardware, applications and services, and an operating systems group. Bloomberg reported earlier this month that the OS group could be jointly led by Windows Phone chief Terry Myerson and head of Windows engineering Julie Larson-Green. 

Sources familiar with Microsoft's plans have revealed to The Verge that the new structure would see a significant focus on further aligning the Windows and Windows Phone operating systems. Microsoft moved to a shared Windows 8 kernel in October for Windows Phone, but applications that run on both platforms still need tweaking by developers, and the two Windows stores remain separate. Microsoft is heading to San Francisco on Wednesday to host its annual Build developer conference. 

The software maker will unveil improvements to its Windows 8 OS in the form of a Windows 8.1 update that will enter public preview this week. Microsoft plans to finalize and ship the Windows 8.1 update in time for new 7- and 8- inch devices later this year. It's also expected to play a role in new Surface devices expected for the holidays. Any reorg news, internally at least, would likely come during the Build conference as Microsoft switches to its new financial year on July 1st. 

If Ballmer's rumored reorg takes places then it will be the first company-wide structural change at Microsoft under Ballmer's leadership. The 57-year-old took over the CEO role from co-founder Bill Gates in January 2000, and made some significant changes in 2008 ahead of the company's Windows 7 software. Ballmer recently let former Windows chief Steven Sinofsky go, in an unexpected move just weeks after the company shipped Windows 8. 

It's clear a significant change is underway at Microsoft, and Ballmer has detailed a "fundamental shift" in Microsoft's business as it moves to a combination of hardware and software.