Apple Watch 4 Update: More Fitness Features

With a new platform Apple smart watch Watch will become even smarter than before, Apple says.

Apple is especially proud of its Siri watch face, which predicts important information for the user and shows it throughout the day. Among other things, watchOS 4 introduced personal tips by activity and new music functions. The update includes an improved Workout app and new platform GymKit with technology that synchronizes workouts with cardio equipment.

1. Smart features

Intelligent Siri capabilities Apple Watch now has a new Siri watch face. Every time you raise your wrist, the display dynamically displays information for the current time of day and your schedule, as well as important data from apps like Activity, Alarm, Breath, Calendar, Maps, Reminders and Wallet, and headlines from the new Apple News app for Apple Watch.

In watchOS 4, the Activity app gives personal advice and tips that will help you close activity rings more often. Every morning you will receive personal notice, if you are close to a new achievement, or tips on how to repeat yesterday's successes. And if necessary, later in the evening the application will tell you how much more you need to walk to close the activity rings before the end of the day. The app also sets individual monthly goals for each user.

The updated Music app is even more personal, automatically syncing a mix of your new music, your favorites, and the music you listen to most. Now have even more songs on your wrist: just pair your Apple Watch with AirPods headphones and listen to music while training and on the go.

2. Fitness

The updated Workout app adds new settings for pool swimming workouts, as well as new movement and heart rate measurement algorithms for high-intensity interval training (HIIT). For those who do dual workouts or triathlons, watchOS 4 introduces the ability to combine multiple workouts to track your total time and calories burned.

GymKit will help those who train on cardio equipment: soon they will be able to pair Apple Watch with treadmills, steppers, exercise bikes and elliptical trainers from major manufacturers such as Life Fitness and Technogym with one touch. Data that has never been transferred before smart watch and exercise machines - calories, distance, speed, number of floors climbed, incline and pace - will be synchronized automatically for the first time. This will allow you to get the most precise measurements, with almost no device configuration.

3. Dials and straps

In addition to the Siri watch face, the system features new Toy Story watch faces featuring beloved Pixar characters including Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear, and a Kaleidoscope watch face that transforms static images into fascinating patterns. There are also new Now Playing and Apple News extensions.

Apple also introduced straps in new summer colors - now customers have more more ways highlight your style. This season features vibrant sport bands, a bright yellow classic buckle strap, and Nike sport bands to pair with the Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit Day to Night collection. As a sign of commitment to the principles of equals Apple capabilities also offers a Pride Edition strap made of rainbow-colored woven nylon.

4. Money transfers with Apple Pay

With watchOS 4 Apple users Watch will be able to quickly and securely exchange money transfers with friends and family via Apple Pay in Messages or Siri. Upon receipt of the transfer, the money is credited to new account Apple Pay Cash, and you can send it instantly to someone, pay for purchases with Apple Pay in stores and apps, or transfer it to another bank account.

Apple releases new betas for watchOS. All updates when installing the appropriate profile should come automatically and the installation process should go smoothly, but new Beta versions of WatchOS are not so easy to install... Sometimes it's a connection problem. Sometimes there is a validation error. Some users note a reboot when trying to update. It also happens that the device simply does not respond.

If you're having trouble installing or updating to watchOS beta, here are a few things you can try.

Apple occasionally offers beta updates for watchOS, tvOS, and MacOS firmware as closed developer previews or public betas for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac (unfortunately, there is no public beta for Apple Watch). While betas contain new features, they also contain pre-release bugs and bugs that may interfere with the normal use of your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV or Mac, and are not intended for everyday use on the main device. This is why we strongly recommend staying away from Developer Seed Betas unless you need them for software development, and we also recommend using public betas with caution and reading reviews from users who have already updated in advance. If you have one device and work with it every day, it is better to wait for the final release.

1: Check connection

Before attempting to search for an update, check the Wi-Fi connection on your watch and phone, and make sure your watch is connected to your iPhone.

2. Force shutdown and restart

Still not working? Try closing all applications and restarting your Apple Watch.

3. Erase and re-sync (pairing)

If neither of the above two steps worked, then it's time to bring out the big guns: steaming and re-pairing your watch.

Note: Your Apple Watch can automatically create backups a lot of information, but you may lose access to certain functions, for example credit cards in Apple Pay. The device will also be removed from Find My iPhone and the lock will be disabled.

So let's get started!

1. Open the application Apple Watch on your iPhone.
2. Click on yours Apple Watch, then click Disconnect.This should automatically disconnect the watch and pair it with the iPhone. If the clock itself has not been reset, this can be done through the built-in functionality.

Backup:

1. Go to application settings on your Apple Watch
2. Click General > Reset > Delete Content and Settings .
3. Enter your Current Password .
4. Click Continue. Your watch will now be reset to factory settings. (IOS will remain the same version)
5. Select language and region on your Apple Watch.
6. Click Start Pairing (create a pair)
7. Reopen the app on your iPhone and tap create a couple .
8. Complete all points standard setting watches and restore them from backup

We hope this instruction Helped you.

Still have watchOS beta troubleshooting questions?

There are still problems with Apple update Watch before watchOS 4 or 4.1? Describe the problem in the comments - we will try to help!

In version operating system For apple watch Watch 4.2.2 there is a problem with updating for the first versions of gadgets:

1. The update freezes—the progress wheel freezes or blinks. Solution: wait. An outdated processor takes longer to process new firmware; the process can take up to 3 hours.
2. The watch gets very hot - this is due to peak loads when updating, also valid for Series 1.

Date: 01/12/2018 Time: 16:50 51315

Exit smart watch Apple Watch Series 4 is already on the horizon, although the third generation model was presented relatively recently - on September 12, 2017. What you can expect from the new product, what its design and new functions will be, you will read in our review.

Before we talk about when the Watch Series 4 will be released, let's remember the chronology of the appearance of wearable devices:

• Apple Watch (first generation): April 24, 2015
• Apple Watch S1 and S2: September 16, 2016
• Apple Watch S3: September 22, 2017

Considering that all wearable devices were released one after another at approximately the same intervals, the release date for the next model could be September 2018 along with the new iPhone.

There were rumors that the company might release an update version of the S, which would presumably be the Series 3S. This will be the version with additional parameters the current Watch 3, and it will be released before the 4th generation successor. However, there is no evidence of this.

Design

Apple has largely kept the same design in its smartwatches for three generations in a row. But if we take into account the addition of the function cellular communication into a wearable device in 2017, it won't be surprising that the company might focus on a new design in 2018.

Let's take a closer look at some of the options.

Round dial

What would the Apple Watch 4 look like? There are many watches on the smartwatch market with a round display, but many users don't like how this form factor affects the interface Android Wear: the text at the top and bottom is cut off and doesn’t look very aesthetically pleasing in the middle. However, many smartwatches, such as the Huawei Watch 2, Moto 360 2 and LG G Watch R, look like traditional ones, having round shape dial. And such gadgets are very popular among users.

One of the corporation's patents shows images of a wearable device with a round display. But given the company's focus on strap design technology, we can assume that it is using generalized images for the patent project to provide broader coverage. And that doesn't have to mean a round design for the upcoming wearables.

There is a high probability that all four models will not change the traditions of the corporation and will have a square dial.

Modular bracelets or smart bands

One of the most common rumors online is the consumer electronics giant's idea to consider creating new multifunctional smart bracelets that will be sold using watches.

By placing some technology inside the straps, the company will be able to add various features, not limited by the small size of their body. This will allow you to supplement it with functions such as a camera or a larger battery.

A number of patents confirm these rumors, including the one discussed above. In a document released in 2015, the company demonstrated a belt with a built-in battery. In addition, the bracelet has the ability to incorporate other components into its modular design, with each link performing a separate function. Users will be able to change modules depending on their requirements.

Another patent, filed in 2015 and discovered by PatentlyApple in May 2017, describes " Display module And system applications" The device is a one-piece bracelet with a built-in display running along the entire length of the strap. The description talks about a flexible display panel integrated into the smartwatch, which covers both the watch face and the entire bracelet.

The patent describes the possibility of integrating into the strap both a processor and memory, and a module for communicating with global network, including cellular network data transfer.

Brand new design

There are also patents that cover the design of the belt. For the first time in 2016, such a document was discovered by AppleInsider. An American corporation has submitted an application for a magnetic bracelet, which details the AppleWatchBand with a built-in set of magnets that allows the strap to fold tightly.

When removing the watch, it can be twisted so that the watch face is inside the strap, which is ideal for protecting the device during storage or transport. In addition, such manipulation can allow the bracelet to be used as a stand. To understand how it works, look at the illustrations.

New features

Having a good idea of ​​what the third generation watch looks like, we can look at the possible hardware features of the Series 4. With each purchase, users demand more and more new features, which include a whole list of requirements:

• correction of predecessors' errors
• performance
• mobility
• comfort
• wide functionality
• health tracking
• reasonable price

In this regard, manufacturers try to invest as much as possible in their product, developing innovative technologies and turning ideas into reality.

Built-in camera

The company's existing smartwatches have the ability to be remotely controlled iPhone camera, but they can't actually take photos or make video calls. However, if the rumors about modular straps are true, the camera could very well find its way into the upcoming Apple Watch soon.

There are also patents for a wearable device with front camera, which was rumored to be included in Series 2 and 3. But this did not happen and perhaps we will be able to see this feature in the next iteration.

Whether it will be designed for FaceTime technology, selfies, or just video and photo shooting is difficult to say. According to the documents, new camera should be integrated into top part watch cases.

It sounds tempting, although we don't know how many people will actively use FaceTime through the watch, given that they have to keep their hand still long time. First of all, it's inconvenient.

However, the company has already made its watches partially ready for FaceTime: watchOS 2 provided support for FaceTime voice calls. And does this mean that the next step is to switch to video calls? Maybe.

Focus on health

In the lead-up to its initial release back in April 2015, there was a lot of talk about the corporation's plans for wearables and, in particular, that they would be equipped with health sensors. But over time, user complaints emerged about the inaccuracy of heart rate sensors and health tracking.

In an interview with The Telegraph in November 2015, Tim Cook said:

A company could make a medically approved device, but it wouldn't be Apple Watch. The corporation is unwilling to let hours pass through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection process. This may affect the development of many innovations that are incompatible with certain medical and health principles, be it some applications or something else

Tim Cook

In December 2015 and January 2016, the corporation published two articles that featured biomedical engineers with experience working with medical, health and fitness sensors, devices and applications. While there is no mention of the watch specifically, it is widely believed that this listing may be related to the development of fitness software that is designed specifically for the Apple Watch.

It is also known that the company has started recruiting employees from all medical faculties and is exploring ways in which the watch can non-invasively monitor blood glucose levels. To achieve this, the tech giant has hired 200 health science PhDs to help it innovate in the field.

ECG sensor

In December 2017, Bloomberg reported that Apple was working on incorporating sophisticated ECG technology into watches (which, by the way, brings back the issue with the FDA). Considering that current watches are capable of monitoring heart rates in real time and comparing them with past data, this feature will make them more capable of predicting upcoming heart problems.

One of the company employees explained how the tested version works:

The user needs to squeeze the frame of the Apple Watch with two fingers of the hand that is not wearing the device. The watch passes an imperceptible current through the human body to monitor electrical signals in the heart and detect any abnormalities such as arrhythmia

These symptoms can increase the risk of strokes and heart failure and develop in about a quarter of people over 40, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Such an innovation could mean that the new watch will become not just a luxury accessory, but also a device aimed at medical diagnostics, and not for sports and fitness. Apple watches related to medicine can be very useful in identifying problems, and will also help avoid wasting doctors' time in case of false alarms.

User Expectations

It would be a good idea for the Apple giant to stick with Series 4 strengths smartwatch: better tracking performance and fitness, more intuitive software and better Siri integration.

It's too early to talk about any technical specifications new 4th generation smartwatches, but there are a number of user requests that the manufacturer tries to fulfill from year to year.

Liquid Crystal Polymer Antenna

KGI Securities analyst Ming-chi Kuo, who accurately predicts the characteristics of upcoming Apple devices, published a report that predicts the presence of liquid crystal polymer (LCP) printed circuit board technology in smartwatches. It is currently used in the iPhone X and iPhone 8 and will be rolled out to the Mac and Apple Watch ranges. In the case of the next watch, the technology will be used in a cellular antenna.

LCP is more resistant to heat and moisture than other technologies, and when used in an antenna it adds the benefit of more stable transmission frequency signal. The technology will allow high speed transmission low latency data.

According to Kuo, Android developers will not be able to integrate such technologies into their devices until 2019, which gives a big Apple advantage over your competitors. New PCB won't reveal much about future Series 4s, but it does give an idea of ​​what we can expect.

Connection

With each new model The electronics giant is trying to provide users with everything more reasons purchase your own wearable devices. Series 3 provided LTE support, allowing you to receive and respond to text messages, voice calls, chats, emails and more while leaving your iPhone at home.

For many consumers this is not a big deal, but some people really need complete freedom. LTE users who pay a monthly service fee, according to at least, should have the freedom to access internet content on your watch without worrying about the health of your iPhone. The Apple Watch Series 4 should offer a solution to this problem.

Best battery life

Calls for longer battery life have been answered with the release of the Watch Series 2, which has a battery that lasts two days from charge to charge. Let us remind you that the first watch must be charged daily.

If the company achieves better time battery life battery, this will also have a positive impact on providing more functionality to the device, mainly in relation to sleep tracking.

One problem was that users who charged their Watch Series at night would lose the ability to monitor sleep. Therefore, longer battery life will allow you to use the watch at night and get accurate statistics sleep. And this - important information, quite popular among lovers of fitness, sports and a healthy lifestyle.

According to Economic Daily News in January 2017, the corporation is focusing on this task too.

Android support

Cross-platform compatibility is one of the reasons why some people choose Fitbit over Apple Watch. But Android compatibility of Apple watches is very risky for the company. It is clear that if Android users can use this product, Apple will surely see an increase in sales.

However, there is a high probability that many users will leave its ecosystem. If the company offers Android compatibility on the Watch Series 4, the device will become the first choice for many non-iPhone customers.

Software

watchOS 5 will be announced at WWDC in June 2018 and will be released as free update For compatible watches in the fall (possibly September) 2018. There are prerequisites that these compatible devices will also include the 4th generation Watch Series.

Between these two dates, a series of beta versions will be available for those who want to test the system before release. But this will most likely be limited to developers only.

Many have noticed Apple's trend: if new feature appears in one of the company's products, one can predict that it will appear in all the others. Hence the company's patent for installation in iPhone digital crowns Digital Crown, and rumors about compatibility with Apple Pencil. Following the logic, now all other gadgets of the corporation should receive Face ID facial recognition technology.

Can Face ID work on Apple Watch? It is clear that this is possible, but, like on the iPhone X, it will require special update hardware. Apple's wearable currently doesn't have a camera, but if one were to be added to the Apple Watch Series 4, it could be combined with necessary set sensors that this technology requires.

But the problem is that the watch needs much less biometric technology unlock than iPhone. The watch does not have Touch ID; they are simply unlocked with a code, or with a paired iPhone. Face ID will be used to unlock once a day, which hardly justifies inclusion in a small device large quantity expensive high technologies.

Price

At the time of writing average price Apple Watch 3 started at $457.

Depending on how radically the company rethinks the 4th model, we expect prices to remain the same or almost the same when new models are released, and previous generation watches that remain on sale will receive sharp decline prices

Let us remind you that the Apple Watch of the third series was included in

Apple presented new version operating system for its smart watches – watchOS 4. Novika received a whole series awesome features like Siri, Kaleidoscope and Pixar watch faces, the ability to transfer money to another person with using Apple Pay, fitness tracker functions, etc.

WatchOS 4 will be available to everyone Apple owners Watch already this fall. In the meantime, you can install the developer beta on your gadget (unfortunately, Apple does not release public beta versions of watchOS 4), but for this you will need account Apple developer. If you don’t have one, don’t worry - below we’ll tell you how you can install watchOS 4 beta without a developer account.

Before installing the watchOS 4 beta, make sure your iPhone is running (you can install it) and connected to Wi-Fi, and your watch battery has at least 50% charge. Additionally, for the installation process to complete smoothly, the Apple Watch must be connected to a charger.

ATTENTION! Keep in mind that Apple does not allow you to roll back to whatchOS 3. At the same time, it can be noted that watchOS 4, even in beta, works quite stable.

1 . Open Safari browser on iPhone, with and click on this link.

2 . On the page that appears, click the button Download". A pop-up notification will appear asking you to continue the process. Click on " Allow».

3 . A window will appear specifying which device you want to install the configuration profile on. Select Apple Watch.

4 . Click " Install» in the upper right corner and enter the passcode.

5 . Click " Install" in the upper right corner, then to " Install» below to confirm.

6 . In the pop-up window, select " Restart».

7 . As a result, on the way to iPhone: application Watch -> Basic -> Profiles-> there should be two profiles like this:

It is expected that this year Apple will start a new clock. The company is also updating the operating software watchOS systems, offering new features for existing models.

We got our first look at watchOS 4 at WWDC 2017 on June 5th. Read on to learn about all the new features.

When will Apple release watchOS 4?

On June 5 at WWDC 2017 we looked preview watchOS 4. After the announcement, watchOS 4 entered the beta testing stage, which will last several months. It will finally be available for everyone to download around September 2017.

However, if you have registered as a beta tester, you can download earlier version watchOS 4 sooner - perhaps by the end of June 2017.

What's new in watchOS 4?

Here is a summary of the new Apple features Watch, which will be presented to us in next version watch operating system.

Siri WatchFace

We'll start with some new watch faces. This may be a little superficial - but it really isn't. At least, definitely not the first dial.

The new "Siri face" will display information personally to you, using self-learning similar to the predictive features and contact suggestions in iOS. (Which, in our experience, works pretty well, but is far from perfect, although these things are getting better all the time.) Does this mean Siri on Watch will work when you're offline? Or could it be based on information available solely on the device?

Siri on Watch displays information using machine learning to fit your daily activities. Therefore, on the display you will see information and application shortcuts that are most relevant to your current needs.

You can turn the Digital Crown to scroll vertically various notifications and applications.

Other new watch faces

Apple has also released two other groups of watch faces. First of all, there is a kaleidoscope-style watch face that you can rotate using the Digital Crown, creating a hypnotic effect. The visuals rotate and change shape, just like those weird toys everyone seemed to love in the sixties.

There are also new watch faces with Disney characters, including the most popular Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, which are already available. Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear (from Toy Story) are also gradually appearing on Apple Watch, and are now available to those who have access to iOS beta versions 11.

Visually they seem a little more advanced than the previous ones. Mickey and Minnie were animated, but in a fairly limited way - they mostly just sway back and forth in time with the clock. But the new watch faces include slightly longer animations that behave differently each time you rotate your wrist.

Apple called them "vignettes." For example, one of them is a character climbing up from the bottom of the screen onto a clock dial.

Along with Woody, Buzz and Jessie, you'll find Bullseye, Hamm, Rex and the aliens from Planet Pizza.

You can make the heroes appear randomly on your watch by selecting the Toy Box option in the settings.

Activity and training

Activity (and what we consider its companion app, Workout) are almost certainly the most popular applications on the clock. So we were pleased to see that Apple continues to improve and expand these apps. As elsewhere, Apple is gradually increasing the impact of personalization and machine learning.

Activity notifications are now more personalized - for example, they let you know if you're close to completing an achievement. “Smart learning” has also appeared, which is again tailored specifically for you. It will offer monthly challenges based on your history and records.

The watch now has a lovely new colorful animation to commemorate filling up your Activity rings (it looks nice, but can get boring after a few months...) and guide your swimming workouts in the pool. Apple says resting at one end of the pool will automatically be captured and marked as the end of one lap and the start of another, useful for precise timing.

We're thrilled to see Apple implementing two-way communication with gym equipment. (The hopeless inaccuracy of treadmill training for a long time was annoying - and yet a device with more accurate data recording is right there!)

You just need to click on NFC tag to connect the watch with exercise equipment. Although, obviously, you will need to find a gym that supports this feature first. We believe it will take some time to establish this system outside of California.

There is a new Interval training with high intensity. This is a challenging and highly effective form of training that uses your heart rate to make you perform to your maximum. We really enjoyed testing this workout with the Moov HR Sweat activity tracker.

Apple also realized that notifications aren't as important during a workout, so Do Not Disturb is automatically activated when you start a workout. Of course, the watch will automatically turn it off after finishing your workout.

Oh, and last change in the workout interface: You can swipe left from the workout menu to access music controls. (Why wasn't this there from the beginning?)

Music

The Music app on Apple Watch has been redesigned and looks much better than before. Appeared quality covers albums - you can scroll through them using the Digital Crown.

(The Digital Crown seems to become much more useful in watchOS 4, which is great because it felt like an underused control in watchOS 3.)

New music app also tries to anticipate your needs - you'll automatically see the music and playlists you listen to regularly added to your watch. It also includes recommended playlists from Apple, including Featured, My Favorites, and New music. Of course, you will need an active subscription to .

Apple Watch also supports multiple playlists for the first time.

Other changes

There's a new, redesigned Dock interface - you can scroll vertically latest apps using the Digital Crown. (It's that wheel again!)

There is an assumption that it is new News app for watchOS is based on the watchOS 4 demo, but we don't have exact information. This may just be a redesign of the interface.

The Control Center has a new flashing light that is useful for staying safe in the dark.

Apple says you'll be able to watch more fast work applications and better performance background mode work.

You'll also be able to pay for things with Apple Pay on your Apple Watch through your Apple Pay Cash account, although this feature was initially only available to US users.

Glucose monitoring is finally coming to the Apple Watch, although there isn't much data yet on the accompanying hardware it's likely to require.