The watchOS 3 release date is upon us. That is, with the new Apple Watch Series 2 and watchOS 3, Apple is admitting that it had no idea what it was doing a year ago. Apple touts that watchOS 3 will bring instant launching of your favorite apps, new performance and navigation enhancements, and tools for fitness, graphics, media and more.
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That’s a massive gain over the first-generation device and one that is likely to appeal to those wanting more than a Fitbit, but who are scared by an all-powerful, athlete-focused watch from Garmin or Polar. Like Best Buy, Target is also issuing a $50 credit – but we haven’t heard yet when customers should expect their delivery. One of the new features is the side button. So whenever you access them, they’ll just spring to life. A Nike+ version of the watch, scheduled to launch in late October, will offer coaching and motivation features linked to the Nike running community.
And speaking of making things easier, you can now write with your finger to spell out words when replying to messages, etc. That will make the Watch faster to use, eliminating the frustrating wait for apps to load and indicating that Apple has learned from the past 18 months with the Apple Watch. The all-new Breathe app encourages users to take moments in their day to do short deep breathing sessions.
Two other goodies include the watch (in combination with MacOS Sierra) can be used to automatically unlock a Mac laptop if it is in its vicinity and it allows physically active people to share their current activity-related statuses with friends and families (which is hoped will also get them to be more active). Tapping either Disney face makes the character say the time out loud. The only real selling point would be the improved speed on the Watch, though watchOS 3 for the most part fixes that. You can access it by swiping right on the Activity rings view of the Activity app. Stein also claims that though the larger battery is meant to make the device work longer, using Global Positioning System is what limits the wearable’s longevity.
This app is similar to Time to Stand, found on the previous versions. Breathing exercises can be done for one to five minutes. The lovely, calming visualization and haptic cues guide users through deep, full breaths in sessions lasting one to five minutes and on completion, they will receive a heart rate summary.
The Messages app now has a bunch of new features, like the ability to animate your texts with balloons, fireworks, and shooting stars. Smart lighting, locks, blinds and thermostats can all be controlled by the Watch.
Dock: The Apple Watch’s side button, which in WatchOS 2 would surface a list of contacts when pressed, now brings up a dedicated Dock that has been created to surface your favourite apps and recently used apps. Now you tap on outdoor cycle, indoor run or whatever and if it’s a mode you’ve chosen before, you’re off, right away. SOS can also be configured to send an emergency message to select contacts.
Users are advised to install the iOS 10 on their paired iPhone device and to have at least 50 percent battery life on the Apple Watch device before downloading and installing the watchOS 3.
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Apple says you’re good to go in saltwater or a chlorinated pool and there are two types of swim workouts inside the Watch’s Workout app.
