Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), released a new operative system for its lackluster Apple Watch. They say WatchOS 3 will triple the speed of the device and make it a better competition against the likes of the Samsung Gear.
The speed improvements are best when opening apps. DarkSkies, the famous wheatear app took nearly three seconds to open on WatchOS 2, while calendar app Fantastical took 5 seconds. On the updated OS, both apps will open almost instantaneously.
Users should not expect lighting-speeds in apps that are slow on the smartphone. However, the improvements also came with functionality upgrades, like a smoother home screen, quick access settings, and new messaging features.
To green-light the update, the watch has to sync with an iPhone or iPad running iOS 10, then enter the Watch App, hit General, Software Update and wait around an hour for the upgrade.
The new OS comes with new features aside from the speed improvements
WatchOS 3 will let users have multiple faces of the watch active at the same time. Owners should only have to swipe left and right to activate them, instead of looking for them in a confusing menu like they used to.
Customers can also create and edit watch faces in the Watch App on the phone, in the section “My Faces.” The bottom tab Face Gallery will display the faces made by Apple, and anyone can customize them as they want.
The program will recognize each letter even if the user writes as fast as he wants. Instead of using Scribble, the Tapback is a panel of bubbles and effects to reply quickly to any message. Users can long press a chat and select a proper Tapback like say, a thumbs up.
Application Log is a shortcut to the favorite apps. Users should only press the side button to access the widget. The Apple Watch will identify recently used apps and keep them in the dock, but users may further select and remove the apps in the panel.
Owners can also disable screenshots via the Watch App in the smartphone. (General->Enable Screenshots->Off).
The Control Center is within each of one swipe. It will work similar to the iOS and give shortcuts to battery level, Airplane Mode, silent mode, do not disturb mode, ping a lost iPhone, lock the watch, and Airplay for music playback.
For the users of Apple Watch in a wheelchair, the company added a new wheelchair setting that changes how the device calculates tracks and activity. The feature is in the Health section of the phone app.
The SOS mode allows the Apple Watch to display dial emergency services. The iPhone’s app will allow to set up three SOS contacts and a link to the user’s current location. The feature is in General->Emergency SOS.
Finally, WatchOS 3 can sync with MacOS Sierra, so the device automatically unlocks the computer when nearby.
Source: CNET