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Watch it! App helps prayer

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It has not even gone on sale yet, but the new Apple Watch has already attracted the attention of a software producer rushing to make the first Jewish app for the device.

New York-based technology firm RustyBrick is preparing to launch an app which will alert wearers of the watch to prayer times and the where-abouts of kosher restaurants.

It is hoped the software will be ready to launch alongside the Apple Watch on April 24.

RustyBrick owner, Barry Schwartz, told the JC that the free software "will enhance Jewish life.

"It alerts people minutes before prayer times by vibrating and flashing. If you're coming out of the bathroom and you want to say the blessing, you can find it on your watch."

Mr Schwartz plans to expand the app's capabilities by adding geolocation software which would know when the user entered a synagogue and instantly provide them with the relevant blessings and any special prayers for the day.

"I guess it makes us pioneers in Jewish tech," he said. "People are going to find it very useful for their daily lives as observant Jews. It's exciting. Being observant Jews ourselves, we look for ways to make our lives more efficient."

Mr Schwartz's company previously created the first Jewish app for the Google Glass device.

There is, of course, one drawback to the RustyBrick plan - the company's target market will only be able to use the product six days a week.

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