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Major brands had no interest in smartwatch apps until the Apple Watch, says big developer

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Y Media Lab, which creates smartphone and tablet apps for thousands of clients, says that major brands showed no interest in smartwatch apps prior to the announcement of the Apple Watch. The company’s clients include big-name brands like the BBC, Sesame Street, eBay, Disney and Bank of America, reports Business Insider.

Marketing director Robbie Abed said that he couldn’t recall a single client request a smartwatch app before the Apple Watch debut, but some have “already decided” they want an app for Apple’s wearable, while others are asking whether it should form part of their marketing plans.

Even so, Apple may have some work to do to persuade brands that the platform makes sense for them. Abed wouldn’t reveal names or exact numbers, but said that “less that a quarter” of the company’s clients have so far expressed interest in an Apple Watch app.

We’re expecting to see some third-party apps today, with games developers among those hoping to be featured.

We’ll of course be bringing you full coverage of all today’s announcements.

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Comments

  1. 89p13 - 9 years ago

    But – Major Brands clients are paying attention to the “buzz” that Apple creates when they enter / define a market.

    Time and $$$ will tell how successful this will be.

  2. …but said that “less that a quarter” of the company’s clients have so far expressed interest…

    With “thousands of clients”, one quarter is still a big number.

  3. OneOkami (@OneOkami) - 9 years ago

    I guess I can’t say I blame them given Apple has a reputation for making a big splash when entering a new product category. I’m personally just not that optimistic about the first generation of this product, but boy am I anxious to see what the pricing is and how this product sells.

  4. jedimindtrick99 - 9 years ago

    Who cares? Homekit , enough said
    This watch will be another Milestone such as the iPod, iPhone & iPad

    • jrox16 - 9 years ago

      More than likely…
      Since the new age of Apple began over a decade ago, the doubters have been wrong every time.

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Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


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