Apple Watch Overview Updated September 22, 2017
Apple’s first entry into the wearable market is Apple Watch ($269 and up), a smartwatch that pairs with the iPhone and sports an all-new user interface. Users can choose between numerous watch faces that will display whenever the watch is lifted for viewing, access a Home screen full of apps, and see notifications pushed from the iPhone.
A traditional watch dial on the side of the device has been repurposed as a Digital Crown, allowing you to scroll, zoom, and navigate through apps without covering the display. Light and heavy “Force Touch” inputs are sensed by the Retina display, and the Watch includes haptic feedback capabilities via a “Taptic Engine.” An inductive wireless charging solution based on MagSafe will recharge the watch every night.
The Apple Watch is designed to interact with an iPhone, running light apps that depend upon the iPhone for data, as well as playing limited standalone content stored on the Watch itself. All Apple Watch models run the same watchOS software and work with the iPhone 5 or newer.
The Apple Watch includes a collection of sensors that can measure your pulse and other health data, plus fitness apps that can share data with the Health app in iOS. Also, the haptic feedback and biometric sensors allow for interesting new messaging features that let users tap and draw to communicate; users can record and send their heartbeats to one another.
Apple Watch Stories Yesterday
AAPL: 151.89
It’s iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus release day, and CNBC caught up with Apple CEO Tim Cook during his ritual Apple Store visit to check in on the launch. Despite the both new iPhones not selling out across the board like previous models (because the iPhone X is coming in November), Cook says ‘we really like what we’re seeing’ with today’s launch. He also acknowledged the reported LTE connectivity bug affecting some Apple Watch Series 3 models.
While I’ve never seen myself as a key target for Apple’s fashion-oriented approach to the Apple Watch, I have been surprised. From initially wearing the black sport band full-time, I’ve actually come to enjoy having a variety of bands to change up the look.
I do have one of Apple’s woven nylon bands, as well as a third-party copy of the Space Black Link Bracelet (not available in the U.S. unfortunately), but mostly I like leather bands.
I do like Apple’s blend of the modern and traditional in its own range, but also appreciate more traditional craftsmanship in premium third-party bands. I previously reviewed one from Burkley, and this time I tried out a range of bands from German company BandWerk …
Apple Watch Stories September 21
AAPL: 153.39
As the clock turns to Friday, September 22nd around the globe, people are slowly starting to receive their new iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, Apple Watch Series 3, and Apple TV 4K devices. As is always the case with Apple preorders, customers in Australia and New Zealand are the first to receive their preordered devices…
Apple Watch Stories September 20
AAPL: 156.07
The first Apple Watch Series 3 reviews are out, and while the device is generally well-received, it also seems the LTE model is not without issues.
The headline feature of the LTE model – the freedom to leave your phone behind while jogging, working out in the gym or heading to the beach – is what’s selling it to most reviewers. The snappier performance is also appreciated.
But some are also reporting short battery-life and connectivity issues, with Apple acknowledging one problem currently affecting the device …
When the first generation Apple Watch debuted in 2015, people often called it the Dick Tracy watch because you could make phone calls from your wrist like the comic book strip detective known for his 2-way wrist radio. Apple Watch wasn’t fully there yet, however, because it needed a nearby iPhone to actually carry those phone calls. Answering the phone on your watch could be convenient, but it was mostly just a neat demo since you had to carry the iPhone anyway.
Fast forward to today and Apple Watch Series 3 finally lets you make phone calls without carrying your iPhone thanks to optional LTE, but calling is only a part of what cellular enables for the watch. Apple Watch Series 3 can be your dedicated tour guide on your wrist with Maps, your connection to friends and family with Messages, and your always-present personal assistant with Siri — and now even when you’re away from your iPhone.
After using Apple Watch Series 3 for several days, it’s clear to me that LTE largely fulfills the promises made by the original Apple Watch. If the idea of getting away from your iPhone without being totally disconnected gives you peace of mind, Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular is for you. Even without LTE, Apple Watch Series 3 delivers performance improvements and new features that can change how Apple Watch is used.
Apple Watch Stories September 19
AAPL: 158.73
watchOS 4 is out today as a free update for all Apple Watch models. The latest version brings three new watch faces including Toy Story and Siri, new versions of Music and the Heart Rate app, enhancements to the Activity and Workout apps including High Intensity Interval Training, and much more.
