Apple Watch update in the works, more secure and more ‘Complicated’
Less than a month after shipments of Apple Watch started, Apple is seemingly working on the next iteration of its smartwatch operating system along with a hardware update for the next generation of Apple Watch. A reputable source told 9to5Mac that the software and hardware updates will focus on improved security for Apple Watch and the connected iPhone, additional health and fitness features, enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity and third-party app integrations.
Here is what you can expect to see on your Apple Watch sometime in the future:
Where’s my Apple Watch?
Similar to ‘Find my iPhone’ for iOS devices and ‘Find my Mac’ for OS X devices, Apple is said to be working on a ‘Find my Watch’ feature for the Apple Watch. The feature will allow Apple Watch users to locate their Watch and lock or remotely wipe the device if it is lost or stolen. Apparently the ‘Find my Watch’ feature has been in development for some time, but was not included in the current Apple Watch model as it lacks a capable wireless chip.
Using a technique referred to internally as “Smart Leashing”, future Apple Watches will use a wireless signal to track their location relative to users’ iPhones. Apart from the ability to locate a missing Apple Watch, the feature will also tap the wearer on the wrist if it suspects the paired iPhone is accidently being left behind.
More health and fitness features… eventually
Apple dropped certain health and fitness features from the Apple Watch due to inconsistent results from sensors during testing. Subsequently the Apple Watch shipped only with a heart rate monitor, but the company has not given up. The source told 9to5Mac that Apple is working on functionality that will allow the current heart rate sensor to detect and alert a wearer of an irregular heartbeat. Citing liability concerns and regulatory issues, the source said this feature may not make it to market.
Health and fitness features more likely to arrive on Apple Watch includes a blood pressure monitor, a sleep tracker and glucose/blood sugar sensors. Apple already has a roadmap for health and fitness features it wants to add to Apple Watch in coming years.
More ‘Complications’
The source also claimed that Apple is working on allowing third-party app makers access to watch face “Complications.” Current Complications display information related to activity levels, battery life, upcoming calendar events, temperature, and more on Apple Watch clock faces.
According to 9to5Mac, Apple is already testing a new version of Watch OS that includes Twitter Complications. Ostensibly a user would be able to see Twitter notifications – and eventually those from other apps – directly on the clock face as a Complication.
Image created via placeit.net
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