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Apple unveils watchOS 4 for Apple Watch with new fitness features

Apple debuted watchOS 4 alongside iOS 11, its new HomePod speaker and macOS High Sierra at its WWDC developers conference yesterday. The update is a substantial release for existing Apple Watch owners but it wasn’t accompanied by any new hardware for people not yet bought into the ecosystem.
Apple has updated the Watch’s Workout app with new options for people looking for more intensive workouts. Improved motion and heart rate detection algorithms allow the Watch to deliver High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts. Multiple workouts can be combined back-to-back, letting you train for demanding physical events like triathlons without having to return to the Watch between stages.

watchOS 4

watchOS 4
Apple


For more casual users, Apple has added new intelligent coaching features to the Activity app. These include tailored messages of encouragement that could give you the boost required to meet your daily goals. You’ll see a personalised notification in the morning if you’re close to earning a fitness achievement. There’ll also be advice on how to match or improve on yesterday’s activity.
The customisation doesn’t end with achievements. You’ll get alerts telling you how much longer to walk before you reach your target, congratulations messages when you complete long streaks and personalised Monthly Challenges. Apple’s intending to use the Watch as a fitness platform to get people moving. If the Watch notifies you that you’re close to reaching a target, the chances are that you’re more likely to do some more exercise to reach it.

watchOS 4

watchOS 4
Apple


In addition to the fitness capabilities, Apple has added a new intelligent watch face to the platform that connects with Siri on your phone. The Siri watch face dynamically updates with new information that’s contextually relevant to the time and your location. You could see activity reminders, breathing indicators or alerts from apps like Calendar, Alarms and Reminders. Siri will also provide news headlines from Apple News.
The Apple Watch will support iOS 11’s new peer-to-peer payment system. It lets you transfer money to your friends using Apple Pay in Messages or Siri. If you’re on the go and can’t reach your phone, you’ll be able to send funds to your contacts from the Watch. The money will end up in the recipient’s Apple Pay Cash account where it can be used anywhere Apple Pay is accepted. Alternatively, the contents of the digital wallet can be withdrawn to a linked bank account.

watchOS 4

watchOS 4
Apple


watchOS 4 is a substantial update to the Apple Watch that makes the device a more serious competitor to much cheaper fitness trackers. The features include options for everyone from the casual pedometer user up to amateur athletes training for serious sporting events. Apple said the additions and improvements are meant to reflect the individuality of Watch wearers.
“Apple Watch is the ultimate device for a healthy life and is now more intelligent than ever with watchOS 4,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer.
“We’ve created a truly individualized 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’re seamlessly bringing users their favorite music right on the wrist.”
watchOS 4 will launch this fall as a free update for all existing Apple Watch devices. To use the new software, you must have the Watch paired to an iPhone 5s or newer running iOS 11. This will also launch in the fall, bringing new features including augmented reality support and enhanced iPad multitasking abilities.

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