Waterproof Apple Watch Case Of Catalyst Displayed At IFA

Catalyst started to accept preorders for the waterproof Apple Watch case last month. The case was also displayed during the IFA Consumer Electronics Fair, which opened its doors to participants recently.

The sides of the watch are covered by the case, including the digital crown and buttons. It also replaces the strap of the watch since it covers all the attachment points of the watch. The case is only available for the 42 mm watches, and has a preorder price of $59.99.

The back of the watch remains open to allow users to charge the device without taking the case off. It also allows the heart rate sensor to continue working. The case does cover the touch screen display as well, which means the device remains fully functional. However, it should be noted that capacitive touch screen displays do not work while it is underwater. Swimming tests conducted by triathlete Ray Maker showed that the heart rate data offered by the uncased Apple Watch is not quite accurate while swimming.

Catalysts said the waterproof rating of its case is at IP68, which means it protects the device from dust and water immersion beyond one meter. Company representatives said the case is waterproofed by at least five meters for thirty minutes.

Catalyst Waterproof Apple Watch Case - image credit: catalystlifestyle.com

The Apple Watch has an out of the box waterproof rating of IPX7. Due to this, the device can be exposed to water for up to one meter for thirty minutes, which means it will continue to function whenever users wash their hands, take a shower or are caught in rain. While Apple does not recommend its use while swimming some users have used the device while swimming and it continued to function properly.

The test conducted by Ray Maker included jumping off a diving platform, swimming in a pool, and using a waterproof testing chamber. The Apple Watch Sport continued to function even after going through these tests. The device was also tested by Craig Hockenberry in the ocean and in pools. While the watch continued to function, he encountered similar issues on using the touch screen display, which did not work underwater.

A swimming app is currently being developed by Active in Time for the watch, which is ported through the Pebble. However, the developer said the warranty of the device may be voided. The app will be released with the launch of watchOS 2, but it will be necessary for Apple to approve it. However, the developer has concerns on the possibility that the app may not be approved until the release of the Apple Watch 2. The next model of the device may be more water-resistant compared to the current model.

Since the Workout app on the device does not function properly when it is used in water or when the hands of the user is wet, Hockenberry thinks there are issues with software interaction when the device is wet. If developers, such as Active in Time can create an app allowing interactions using the Digital Crown, the Apple Watch may be considered an ideal swimming tool, particularly when it is used with the waterproof case of Catalyst.

Posted by Melanie Mendoza on Friday September 04 2015, 9:46 AM EST. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Shopping. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0