Samsung beat Apple to market with their Galaxy Gear smartwatch a few weeks ago. Unfortunately for the Korean tech giant, the device was met with a ton of criticism from tech experts. Described by some as fat, ugly, expensive and relentlessly inessential, it would seem that Samsung missed the mark entirely with their debut smartwatch offering.

According to analyst Brian White from Cantor Fitzgerald, Apple isn't going to make that same mistake. Instead of the rumored iWatch being an arguably pointless smartphone companion, he believes - based on discussions with Taiwanese and mainland China suppliers - it will instead be a device used to control all sorts things inside the home.

His contacts suggested iWatch will be a multi-purpose gateway allowing wearers to control things like music, the temperature in your home, a home security system, lighting, energy use, entertainment and perhaps much more.

Given the recent push in home automation with products like the Nest Learning Thermostat and Protect smoke detector as well as the Kwikset Kevo deadbolt, the market is certainly ripe for the picking. What's more, tasking a smartwatch to control the Internet of Things sounds much more appealing and practical than having it simply be an extension of your smartphone.

We suspect things like personal fitness will also be baked into Apple's wristwatch. Even the long-rumored iTV could easily be controlled by such a device. Could this be the next market that Apple dives into with a truly game-changing idea?