As we noted last week, Apple is perfectly primed to enter the wearable computers market. Over the weekend, we've seen further speculation from the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, both of whom cite anonymous sources indicating the existence of such a "watch-like device."
A wrist-worn computing device made by Apple would rely on curved glass technology to differentiate itself from the competition both in appearance and usability, according to the Times. While the project is likely in the very early testing and experimental phases, Apple has also reportedly reached out to manufacturing partner Foxconn about the production possibilities of something wearable beyond its current smartphone or tablet offerings.
It's worth noting that Apple has a legendary skunkworks process. Apple is constantly experimenting with all sorts of devices and device designs, but only a few ever actually see the light of day. Apple's oft-rumored television set would be another member of this group -- a product that likely exists in some form, in some windowless Cupertino laboratory, but may or may not ever hit store shelves.
While Apple doesn't typically comment on future product plans, Forrester analyst Sara Rotman Epps has asked the company if it would consider entering the wearables space. "From Apple’s perspective, they're actually already in this market," Rotman Epps told Wired in a phone interview last week. Products like the Jawbone UP, Nike+ FuelBand, and Lark watch are accessories that sync with iOS devices, and are currently sold through Apple's retail outlets.
On an interesting and related note, Nike's popular FuelBand accessory is staying iOS only for the time being, despite initial reports that an Android version would be coming in summer 2012. Tim Cook has been a member of Nike's board of directors since 2005.
