Apple is testing a smartphone watch with iPhone features

GIZMO DESIGNER Apple reportedly is testing an electronic watch that has some of the functions found on its iPhone.

Apple has been widely tipped to have a television in the works but now the firm is said to be testing an electronic watch as well. According to the Wall Street JournalApple has talked to Foxconn about assembling a wearable electronic device.

The newspaper's source claims that Foxconn has been working on technologies for wearable computers and improving the power efficiencies of displays. In recent months Foxconn has shown interest in investing in Japanese LCD maker Sharp and might acquire part of the display maker.

Apple's decision to at least consider a so-called smart watch seems to be plausible, as a number of firms, Samsung included, are looking at pliable electronic materials for parts such as smartphone displays with the goal of making wearable devices. Last year Google generated interest with its augmented reality Project Glass spectacles, showing that there is interest in such devices.

The Wall Street Journal's source didn't say what iPhone features Apple is looking to integrate into any smart watch, however it would be unlikely to supplant the need for an iPhone completely for revenue reasons. That means it could be little more than a second display or microphone for those Apple fans that feel the need to carry another of the firm's products at all times.