California – After a first failed release because of a bug still present in the system, Apple Inc. (NYSE:APPL) has relaunched its WatchOS 2 operating system, addressing many of the customer criticism.
The biggest improvement in the upgrade is the introduction of native apps. This means apps no longer depend on your iPhone and can operate independently on the watch. This makes for less lag waiting for things to happen, and opens the device up to developers attempting to create logical user experiences.
WatchOS 2 can only be downloaded on phones that are running iOS 9 that came out last week. It can be downloaded through the Watch app on the phone, which will then push it onto the wearable itself.
The hardware itself isn’t changing, apart for some new colors and wristband choices. Promised battery life remains at 18 hours, something Apple will need to address in upcoming generations given that rival smart watches are promising more.
Between the most relevant new features:
Wi-Fi networks
The Watch will connect to open Wi-Fi networks when your iPhone isn’t around, so it can use Siri and send emails. This includes the ability to receive iMessages and calls, as well as keeping the phone more secure by allowing it not to be paired with a new phone without a password.
The Mail App
At last, you can reply to emails without using your phone, although you only have up to 20 preset replies which you can customize. When you respond your message will have a “Sent from my Apple Watch” slogan at the end, which could at least explain the brevity of your response.
Activation lock
Now that the Watch is independent Apple has been able to give it its own Activation Lock, which means you need to enter your Apple ID and password when you activate your Watch. Without these details no one can use your Watch if it is stolen.
Health Kit
Alongside making more metrics visible, Apple’s personal health app gains a real-time heart monitor that streams from your wrist, so medical professionals can use the data.
Source: The Washington Post