New Apple Watch that can make calls turns comic book fantasy into reality

More than two years after releasing the Apple Watch, Apple Inc has finally been able to replicate 1940s comic strip technology, an advance that analysts say will spur sales.

The Series 3 of the Apple Watch, released on Tuesday along with the much-anticipated iPhone X, features wireless LTE connectivity. That means customers will be able to make phone calls or send text messages from the watch without needing to have an iPhone nearby, as they do with earlier models, Reuters reports,

The ability to make calls with a wristwatch has captured the imagination of tech enthusiasts at least since it was prominently featured in “Dick Tracy,” the comic about a private detective who, starting in 1946, used calls from his wrist to help bust bad guys.

“This has been our vision from the beginning,” Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams said at the launch event.

“Now you can go for a run with just your watch and still be connected. It’s really nice to know you can be reached if needed.”