Posted on 04/30/2015 12:32:28 AM PDT by Citizen Zed
SYDNEY - Early adopters of the Apple Watch are complaining that a number of its key functions are disrupted by their tattoos.
Users of the watch, which went on sale last week, took to social media on Thursday under the hashtag #tattoogate to air their frustration with the flaw from Apple's renowned design house.
One anonymous user on Reddit, an entertainment, social networking, and user-generated news website, said the device's locking mechanism, which should disengage when the watch detects it is being worn, failed to work on decorated skin.
"My hand isn't tattooed and the Watch stayed unlocked. Once I put it back on the area that is tattooed with black ink, the watch would automatically lock again," the user wrote.
This Reuters reporter, who has a black tattoo on his left arm, also found that the watch locks on tattooed skin and does not deliver the soft pings that alert a user to incoming messages. The heart rate readings were also significantly different on the tattooed and untattooed wrists.
An Apple support article says the watch uses green LED lights paired with light-sensitive photodiodes to detect the amount of blood flowing through the wrist and calculate the frequency of heart beats.
A website support page from the company says tattoos can interfere with readings from the heart rate monitor, but does not mention interference with other functions.
"Permanent or temporary changes to your skin, such as some tattoos, can also impact heart rate sensor performance. The ink, pattern, and saturation of some tattoos can block light from the sensor, making it difficult to get reliable readings," it said.
A spokesman for Apple in Sydney declined to comment on Thursday, but three Apple employees at its flagship Sydney store, including a senior advisor, said they were unaware of any issue.
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
I think the question is: should I get a tattoo in order that I can never own an Apple Watch?

My watch stopped.
iBeast...coming in 2017.
“When I put up party decorations or Christmas decorations they dont become permanently affixed to my house.”
My neighbor’s did!
Damn thats a bad tat and ive fixed some bad ones !!
Ha ha
Apple Is too busy spouting out against Christianity to design a product that works.

"I'd like to return this Apple Watch. It doesn't work for me."
The first thing I check when I develop a new product is: How does this work with tattoos? /s
How is this a "flaw"? Seriously... you alter your skin, don't be surprised when it interferes with life....
Consequences? That’s so pre-1965.
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