With the introduction of smart watches, the tech world and the watch world have fused. Or have they clashed? To see how the two sectors are getting along, and to stay up to date with tech trends in the watch world, check out our weekly feature every Thursday.

This Thursday, we bring you an up close and personal look at the Apple Watch.

After all the hype over the last months (and even years) we already knew what the watch would look like: the three different lines are Sport (made from aluminium), Collection (stainless steel) and Edition (18-karat gold). Each comes in either a 38mm or 42mm case, with the larger one costing approximately $50 more, as well as interchangeable straps.

We also had a good idea about the functions it would have, including apps for: e-mail, calendar, photos, messaging, weather, and maps. Also, a music app to remotely control an iPhone’s music, and fitness-tracking apps including a heart-rate monitor and built-in sensors to track activity and calories burned. Of course, Siri would be there too, with the functionality of voice control.

But theory and practice are two different things. Fortunately, the team at Tech Crunch took the Apple Watch for a test drive, to see what its software is actually capable of. Consider it a look into the functioning of the “movement” of the Apple Watch.

And after seeing the Apple Watch in action, it appears (to me personally, at least) that it’s more of an “iCompanion” than a “watch”, more of a complement than a stand-alone piece. So be sure to keep your iPhone near by, and keep your eye on that battery life! (VJ)