Apple on Tuesday announced it has rolled out software development ‘WatchKit’ to let developers begin create apps for the upcoming Apple Watch, which will hit market shelves in early 2015.
The software development kit has two parts – WatchKit extension that runs on iPhone and a set of user interface resources that are installed on Apple Watch. The current WatchKit developer tools support the creation of Apps, Glances, and Notifications for Apple Watch.
Using the kit, developers will be able to create Apps that users can interact with directly from the watch and have a full user interface, notifications that will allow users to take an action or respond right from the device as well as Glances that will show up quick information like the latest news, sports scores, and more.
Commenting on the WatchKit SDK release, Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing 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 new apps, Glances and actionable notifications designed for the innovative Apple Watch interface and work with new technologies such as Force Touch, Digital Crown and Taptic Engine.”
Cupertino has also posted a 28-minute-long video on its website to help developers get started with WatchKit and begin building apps and more for the Apple Watch.
The WatchKit materials have also revealed details about Apple Watch’s screen resolution. The two different sizes of the Apple Watch will have different screen resolutions, while the smaller, 38mm watch will have a resolution of 272×420, the 42mm model will have a resolution of 312 x 390 pixels.
The WatchKit is included in the Xcode 6.2 with iOS 8.2 software development kit available for download at Apple’s developer website. In addition, Apple also launched a microsite with more details about Apple Watch.
