Apple launches watchOS 4 for Apple Watch with improved Activity & Workout tracking, revamp...
The Apple Watch interface has been refined and improved with Tuesday's launch of watchOS 4, including a new vertically scrolling app dock, the ability to view installed apps in a list view instead of grid, and new watch faces including a Siri smart assistant and characters from the iconic "Toy Story" films.
watchOS 4 is now available to install via the Watch app on a paired iPhone. It requires an handset device running the newly released iOS 11.
Perhaps the biggest standout feature of watchOS 4 is the new Siri watch face, which proactively displays information relevant to the user throughout their day, ranging from weather to calendar entries to breaking news items.
Apple has also revamped the music app, focusing on tracks stored on the Apple Watch first and foremost -- a precursor for streaming music support coming next month with the LTE-equipped Apple Watch Series 3.
For those with current watch models, a new automatic sync feature will transfer curated Apple Music playlists, making sure users can listen to them when their iPhone is not nearby.
For those who play music stored on or streamed from their iPhone, watchOS 4 also introduces a new Now Playing view that automatically appears when a user raises their wrist. Now Playing appears regardless of the source of content, as long as they integrate with iOS default media playback controls.
Apple's Activity app has also been enhanced with personalized progress updates, letting the wearer know when they are closing in on achievements and sending reminders in the evening to close out rings. The Activities feature also has personalized monthly challenges, and offers more dynamic celebration animations when more impressive achievements are reached.
watchOS 4 makes the Workout app easier to use with new quick start capabilities, letting users start their workout immediately with just a tap. The update also adds support for high intensity interval training, featuring custom heart rate and motion monitoring.
Apple Watch also gains enhanced swim tracking, automatically tracking sets and rests, pace for each set, and distance for each stroke type.
watchOS 4 automatically enables Do Not Disturb when the wearer begins a workout, so exercise sessions won't be interrupted by texts, calls or push notifications.
Compatible gym equipment can automatically sync with an Apple Watch running watchOS 4, tracking metrics like heart rate, speed, and calories. And users can also switch between workouts quickly when doing activities like a triathlon.
Other new features include the kaleidoscope watch face, and another face featuring Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie from "Toy Story." The News app has also been brought to watchOS 4, and support for Apple Pay Cash and person to person transfers will arrive later this year.
watchOS 4 is now available to install via the Watch app on a paired iPhone. It requires an handset device running the newly released iOS 11.
Perhaps the biggest standout feature of watchOS 4 is the new Siri watch face, which proactively displays information relevant to the user throughout their day, ranging from weather to calendar entries to breaking news items.
Apple has also revamped the music app, focusing on tracks stored on the Apple Watch first and foremost -- a precursor for streaming music support coming next month with the LTE-equipped Apple Watch Series 3.
For those with current watch models, a new automatic sync feature will transfer curated Apple Music playlists, making sure users can listen to them when their iPhone is not nearby.
For those who play music stored on or streamed from their iPhone, watchOS 4 also introduces a new Now Playing view that automatically appears when a user raises their wrist. Now Playing appears regardless of the source of content, as long as they integrate with iOS default media playback controls.
Apple's Activity app has also been enhanced with personalized progress updates, letting the wearer know when they are closing in on achievements and sending reminders in the evening to close out rings. The Activities feature also has personalized monthly challenges, and offers more dynamic celebration animations when more impressive achievements are reached.
watchOS 4 makes the Workout app easier to use with new quick start capabilities, letting users start their workout immediately with just a tap. The update also adds support for high intensity interval training, featuring custom heart rate and motion monitoring.
Apple Watch also gains enhanced swim tracking, automatically tracking sets and rests, pace for each set, and distance for each stroke type.
watchOS 4 automatically enables Do Not Disturb when the wearer begins a workout, so exercise sessions won't be interrupted by texts, calls or push notifications.
Compatible gym equipment can automatically sync with an Apple Watch running watchOS 4, tracking metrics like heart rate, speed, and calories. And users can also switch between workouts quickly when doing activities like a triathlon.
Other new features include the kaleidoscope watch face, and another face featuring Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie from "Toy Story." The News app has also been brought to watchOS 4, and support for Apple Pay Cash and person to person transfers will arrive later this year.
Comments
Edit: My bad, have to update iOS first, duh.
Given the $10 monthly data fee, let’s see if AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and other carriers start promoting new generation watch in stores and online.
With enhanced Siri, boosted ecosystem, etc, etc. could be biggest incentive yet to convert Android users who wouldn't normally stroll into an Apple store.
“Why yes ma’am, instead of a Galaxy S8, you could buy this LTE watch, a new iPhone SE, and maybe still have some cash left for another band.”
Switchecd to app list right away, and am trying out Siri face.
Was sort of looking forward to fireworks when rings were closed, since I missed that from my old Vivosmart, but it did not happen. In fact, I got no notification at all.
Another possible reason is that if it is a small device, there is isn't much space available to move things around and the CPU and storage is pretty slow.
Everything put together means it is slow.
Also apparently there’s an issue with the LTE version of the Watch. WSJ reviewed the device and didn’t recommend it; The Verge had issues to and gave it a 5/10. Apple says will be fixed with a future software update but didn’t say when. Honestly I’m seeing less and less of a reason to get an LTE Apple Watch. The negatives outweigh the benefits and I’m rarely some place where I don’t have my phone with me. I’m not convinced the Watch can ever truely be a stand alone device. Certainly not when LTE is such a drain on the battery.
It's basically the worse (not just in sense of negativity) review I have ever seen ever. Just a complete turd of a review in form and content too.
Even now, they lie about how much effect the bug has (funny how only them actually mention it in their reviews).
So, they are certified LIARS with a distinct Patel is a clown and their site has the integrity of a mop.
The LTE watch has other advantages, that mitigates the drain, seemingly a better chip is one of them.
It has also more memory.
Its only $70 more than the GPS one, if your not using the LTE (until Apple fixes the software) you'd get a much longer standby time than with the Series 2.