Apple Inc. is testing designs for a watch-like device that will perform some functions of a smartphone, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people briefed on the matter.
The iPhone-maker has discussed the experiment with manufacturing partner Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., or Foxconn, the newspaper quoted one of the people as saying.
Apple has been exploring the idea for some time now, and has hired people with experience in sensors and related technologies, the Journal said.
Analysts and investors who have been tracking the field predict that the company would release a product with many different functions that would work closely with the iPhone, the newspaper said.
Separately, The New York Times reported that the company was experimenting with the design of a device similar to a wristwatch that will operate on the same platform as the iPhone and would be made with curved glass.
