Here’s a look at the earliest version of the Apple Watch’s Digital Crown… from IBM
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xjvVbeUn80&channel=grc15r]
If I told you about a touchscreen smartwatch with a crown-driven interface and a UI based on circles (despite the square display) that can allow you to view your contacts, calendars, and more, you’d probably have a pretty good idea what I was referring to: the upcoming Apple Watch.
But actually, you’d be wrong. I’m really referring to the 2001 WatchPad from IBM, seen in the video above. It seems Apple’s latest creation isn’t nearly as original as they’d hoped.
Maybe IBM should take out a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal saying “Welcome, Apple. seriously.”