Apple Watch among all the other smartwatches were tested for scratch resistance, water-resistance, accuracy of step counter, heart rate monitor, readability in different lighting conditions, and ease of usability. Apple’s watch performed well in all tests however, there were a few areas where other smartwatches performed better.

The stainless steel version of the Apple Watch with sapphire crystal display could withstand the hardest pick (number 9) in the abrasion tester.Whereas the Apple Watch sport model scratched when pick number 8 was used.

To test the step counter accuracy the results from smartwatches were compared with a manual step counter and Consumer Reports found that LG G Watch R was the most accurate.

When tested for readability in different lighting conditions Apple Watch performed well in low light conditions but in very bright light it performed poorly however, Pebble watch performed very well in very bright light but didn’t do so well in low light conditions.

Both Apple Watch and Sport models were immersed in a pressurised water tank for over 24 hours and passed the test. It’s worth noting that the at first Apple Watch Sport model that was tested failed the test so Consumer Reports tested two more Sport versions and both passed the test.

Apple Watch heart rate monitor also passed with flying colors when the results were compared with Polar H7 heart rate sensor as it produced very accurate readings.

Consumer Reports rated Apple Watch stainless steel version the highest at number 1 and Sony Ericsson’s SmartWatch 3 the lowest since it failed the water immersion test.

Checkout the video below and let us know what you think in the comments.

With all the attention Apple Watch is getting even Siri didn’t want to feel left behind. Apple has updated Siri’s quirky responses to show that even Siri is involved with Apple Watch preparations.

If you ask Siri “what are you doing right now?” you’ll get various responses related to Apple Watch. Some of the responses we got:

I was just chatting with the Apple metallurgists about Apple Watch. Those guys get the gist of metals.

Oh, you know, just helping to gather Zn-Mg “eta prime” precipitates for the 7000 series aluminium Apple Watch. The usual.

I’m helping to round up jellyfish for the Apple Watch. Ouch!

Since the introduction of Siri as a personal assistant in iOS, it has always been projected as an assistant with a certain “personality”. Sometimes you get moody responses and at other times Siri doesn’t hesitate to show disapproval of something negative you might say.

It’s always fun to discover new responses Siri comes up as it continues to make itself appear as a very intelligent personal assistant who is well aware of what is happening around you.

Siri even poked fun at Google Glass which used the catch phrase “Ok Glass” to get tasks done. If you said “OK Glass” to Siri it would respond with:

Glass? I think you’ve got the wrong assistant,

Siri is certainly excited about Apple Watch pre-orders going live today. Did you pre-order your watch? Let us know if you encountered any other unique Siri responses in the comments section below.

Apple has been meticulously planning the launch of Apple Watch, with advertising in full swing, getting print ads in top magazines, integrating fitness blog page by top model Christy Turlington Burns and also giving third-party app developers access to the hardware much before the launch.

Unlike the iPhone that launched without the App Store, the Apple Watch just like the iPad will launch with many third-party apps available on launch day. Apple has been showcasing apps like Target, American Airlines, Instagram, Twitter, ESPN and many more.

YouVersion the developers of The Bible app for iOS earlier today announced the availability of The Bible app for the Apple Watch. The app will be available when the Apple Watch ships.

The Bible app for Apple Watch includes features from its iOS app specifically reimagined for the watch. The app will bring Verse of the Day, Friends Notifications, Trending Verses and Your Verse Images, Bookmarks, and Highlights.

The developers state that their mission with the app is to simply, “help you engage with the Bible.”

Because we’re convinced that when you spend time with the Bible, either reading or listening, and then carefully reflect on what it’s saying to you, God’s Spirit will do something inside of you. His words will change you, make you into a new person. Ultimately, His words will draw you closer to Him.

Seven years ago when the App Store for the iPhone was launched YouVersion’s Bible app was amongst the first 200 apps approved for the launch day. Just like the iPhone version, the Apple Watch version will also be available on launch day.

Have you pre-ordered the Apple Watch yet? Share the model you’ve ordered in the comments section below.

‘Spring forward’ banners have been put up at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts ahead of todays media event. The banners show the same Apple logo that was sent in the invite. Some onlookers also noticed an additional temporary building being constructed which is believed to be Apple Watch demo area. The temporary structure was seen guarded by security staff at all times.

Apple is expected to announce Apple Watch launch date for the U.S. alongside a few other chosen countries. We know that the Sport model will cost $349 however, the price for the Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition has been unknown all this while. According to John Gruber of Daring Fireball here’s what the Apple Watch pricing could be:

Apple Watch Sport (all colors, with Sport Band): $349/399
Apple Watch, steel, Sport Band: $749/799
Apple Watch, steel, Classic Buckle: $849/899
Apple Watch, steel, Milanese Loop: $949/999
Apple Watch, steel, Modern Buckle (38mm only): $1199
Apple Watch, steel, Leather Loop (42mm only): $1299
Apple Watch, steel, Link Bracelet: $1499/1599
Apple Watch, space black steel, Link Bracelet: $1899/1999
Apple Watch Edition, Sport Band: $7499/7999
Apple Watch Edition, Modern Buckle (38mm only): $9999
Apple Watch Edition, Classic Buckle (42mm only): $10,999

According to another rumour Apple’s new SVP of Retail and Online sales Angela Ahrendts and SVP of Design Jony Ive collaborated to transform Apple retail stores to create new shopping experience for customers coming in to buy the company’s first wearable device. It is possible that Ahrendts makes her first appearance on stage to talk about the state of Apple retail.

Visit Apple’s website to live stream the media event. What are your expectations from today’s event? Do you think Apple will announce the Retina MacBook Air or new Apple TV? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

A photo posted by Dieter Bohn (@backlon) on Mar 9, 2015 at 7:46am PDT

Apple is providing a live stream of the special event. The event will go live at 10 a.m. PDT on March 9. Live streaming video requires Safari on OS X or iOS. Streaming via Apple TV requires second- or third-generation Apple TV.

It is widely expected that Apple will announce the release date of Apple Watch and share more details about the upcoming wearable device. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, has already hinted at April launch of the device however, we will get to know the exact launch date during the event.

Apple is also expected to showcase third-party apps developed for the Apple Watch, provide information on battery life and other features which weren’t showcased during the iPhone 6 event last year. Most importantly the event will finally end the suspense over Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition pricing. So far all we know is that Apple Watch Sport will be priced at $349.

Apple Watch has been a topic of much discussion since its official announcement last year. Apple has worked closely with high-fashion media outlets such as the Vogue magazine to feature the upcoming Apple wearable device.

Are you excited about the Apple Watch event? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

During the launch event the watch was showcased to the conference attendees however, it was programmed to play a looping video. Over the last five months Apple has strategically partnered with premium media outlets to talk about the upcoming Apple Watch.

Apple Watch will be available in three collections, Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition. The company  over the past few months has focused on high fashion media outlets and events to promote its upcoming watch. In September,  Apple teamed up with Parisian fashion boutique Colette to showcase the watch at the retailer’s gallery at Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris. Popular fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue, featured model Liu Wen wearing the Apple Watch for the cover page of Vogue China.

Aside from the I-want-to-be-Candice quality of our new March cover, notice anything else about the photo? The Apple Watch is getting a star moment, too, as Candice is the first woman to wear one on a magazine cover in the US. With the device starting at around $349 available next month, it’s on our wishlist.

Apple now wants to turn focus to fitness capabilities of its watch as Self Magazine features model Candice Swanepoel wearing the Apple Watch Sport on the cover page of the magazine. The magazine also covers details about the devices’ ability to track heart rate and use GPS & WiFi sensors to offer a whole range of fitness and health features.

Apple Watch released date is expected to be sometime in April. Are you excited about the new device from Apple? What do you think about Apple’s marketing strategies for the watch? Let us know in the comments below.