Apple has announced the release of watch OS4, the next version of its smartwatch operating,and it is expected to be made public inthis fall ( around September). It includes new features for watch faces and a Siri-based watch face that filters information shown based on the priority arrived using machine learning.
Jeff Williams, chief operating officer, Apple said in a statement, “Apple Watch is the ultimate device for a healthy life and is now more intelligent than ever with watchOS 4.” He added, “We have created a truly individualised experience with the smartest Activity and Workout apps, the Siri watch face that shows you the information you need when you need it, and we are seamlessly bringing users their favourite music right on the wrist.”
The highlights of the OS4 are that have showcased at Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2017 are as follows:
Siri Watchfaces
Siri intelligence expands further with new proactive Siri Watch Face. With each rise of the wrist, the information user needs the most throughout the day will be dramatically updated and displayed based on the time of the day.
The watchOS4 activity App will deliver intelligent, personalised activity coaching and will give progress update from the moment one puts on the watch.If needed, towards the end of the day they will be told how much more push will help to close the activity ring for the day and will offer a specific suggestion to help while you do so.
Listening to music is expected to be more personal with the designed Music App. You have the music world in your hands. It automatically syncs your New Music Mix, Favourite Mix and Most ListenedMusic so that you will listen to your favourite music and more of it. Watch paired with Airpodmakes listening to music ideal for workouts or else.
Fitness
The updated workout app for Apple Watch will auto set notifications for activities like pool, swim, exercises and has a new motion and heart rate algorithm for High-Intensity Interval Training. With watchOS 4 four you can accurately count down all the calories, you burned during your toughest workouts.
With GymKit, according to Apple, customers using their favourite cardio equipment will soon be able to pair their Apple Watch directly to treadmills, ellipticals, indoor bikes or stair steppers from global manufacturers such as Life Fitness and Technogym with a simple tap. In an industry first, data not previously communicated between smartwatch and fitness machine will sync seamlessly — including calories, distance, speed, floors climbed, incline and pace — resulting in the most accurate measurements possible with less device management.
Watch Faces and Brands
In addition to Siri Watch Face, Apple has developed a kaleidoscope Watch Face with new characters to give Micky and Minnie Mouse some company. The new editions are from Toy Story. It includes famous animated movie characters Woody, Jessy, and Buzz Lightyear.
Apple also introduced new summer Band colours, giving customers more options to choose from. This season’s offering includes vibrant Sports Bands, a bright yellow Classic Buckle and Nike Sport Band options that colour-match with the Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit Day to Night Collection. As a celebration of diversity and inclusion, Apple is also offering a Pride Edition Woven Nylon in rainbow stripe.
Pricing and Availability
As per a statement by Apple,watchOS 4 will be available this fall ( September) as a free update to Apple Watch paired with iPhone 5s and later on iOS 11. WatchKit for watchOS 4 is available immediately for iOS Developer Program members at developer.apple.com.Apple Watch is available in two different case sizes, 38mm and 42mm. Apple Watch Series 1 is available in gold, rose gold, silver or space grey aluminium cases paired with a Sport Band and price start at Rs 23,900; Apple Watch Series 2 is available in gold, rose gold, silver or space grey aluminium, or silver or space black stainless steel cases paired with a wide variety of bands starting at Rs 32,900; and the ceramic Apple Watch Edition starts at Rs 11,0,900 I. Apple Watch Nike+ starts at Rs 32,900.