Apple Watch Screen Resolutions: 312 x 390 for 42mm Version, 272 x 340 for 38mm Version ift.tt/14GrEJ5 With the WatchKit SDK now in the hands of developers, some new information about Apples wearable device is coming out, including its display resolution, which was not previously disclosed by Apple. According to Apples human interface guidelines, the two separate Apple Watch models have different screen resolutions. The smaller 38mm Apple Watch has a resolution of 272 x 340, while the larger 42mm Apple Watch has a resolution of 312 x 390. Apple directs developers to provide image assets for different screen sizes as needed. Developers can use the same image resources as long as they look good on both screen sizes, but if not, developers will need to provide separate image resources for both devices. Content displayed on Apple Watch should be the same regardless of the devices screen size, and Apple says developers should let items expand or contract naturally to fill available space. Icons on the Apple Watch will have variable sizes based on screen size and type. For example, the Notification Center icon should be 29 pixels for the 38mm Apple Watch, and 36 pixels for the 42mm Apple Watch. A home screen icon on the smaller device should be 172 pixels, while a home screen icon for the larger Apple Watch should be 196 pixels. In addition to unveiling information on the devices resolution, Apples WatchKit guidelines give some insight into how Apple views the device. Apple asks developers to be mindful of certain concepts when creating content for the Apple Watch, including its deep personalization and connection to people via heart rate and activity monitoring. According to Apple, the Apple Watch aims to blur the boundaries between physical object and software through the Digital Crown navigation tool, the Taptic Engine for subtle alerts, and Force Touch, a new touch control system. Thoughtful design, says Apple, should contribute to this experience of hardware and software feeling indistinguishable. Apple suggests that all content created for the Apple Watch should be lightweight, as the device is designed for simple interactions that are accessible and dismissible quickly and easily, for both privacy and usability. Apps must respect the context in which the user accesses them, briefly, frequently, and on a small display. Apples WatchKit development software became available earlier today, as part of the iOS 8.2 beta. The beta can be downloaded from Apples developer site, and developers are able to immediately begin creating actionable notifications and Glances for the Apple Watch. Tools for creating full Apple Watch apps will be made available next year. ift.tt/1oZHl73
Posted on: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 19:49:34 +0000