Technology research firm CCS Insight predicts Apple will release a wearable product as early as 2014, according to a Sept. 17, 2013, eWEEK article. The product, which many believe will be a "smart watch," will likely be launched alongside the next-generation iPhone. Speculation about the smart watch has been circulating since February, when Apple was granted a patent for curved glass that protects touchscreens. CCS Insight predicts the watch could feature health-related sensors, such as a heart-rate monitor, and offer mobile payment options. The company further speculates that Apple's entry into the wearable tech sector will force competitors like Google (GOOG), Samsung (SSNLF) and Microsoft (MSFT) to step up their wearable computing initiatives.