Finally, the much awaited iPhone 7 has been launched, and on its sidelines, the Apple Watch series 2 has also been introduced. The new Apple watch features not just an updated OS but also a host of functional, performance related and visual enhancements. Will the Apple watch Series be able to find the love its predecessor somewhat missed? Let’s find out!
The Apple Watch series 2 comprises of four new variants – the standard Apple Watch, Apple Watch Nike+, the Hermes edition, and the Ceramic edition. While the core mechanics and the OS remains the same on all four, there are visual changes and a few add-on features. The first gen Apple Watch has been upgraded as well and will now go by the name Apple Watch Series 1. We will talk about that in a bit.
Check out our detailed video about the new Apple Watch Series 2 below
Before we get to anything else, one of the very first news that gathered whistles and howls at the Apple event was about Pokemon Go app made available on the Apple Watch. John Hanke from Niantic – the developers of the Pokemon Go app said that the app will give users extra motivation to get outside, exercise and have fun with friends. Now you can very well play, catch and hatch your Pokemon characters through Your Apple watch. The app will be up for grabs later this month.
Design and build
There isn’t any design upgrade done to the core. The Series 2 Watch with Aluminium case looks identical to its predecessor. As before, it is available in a Stainless steel case as well. Along with these two, the watch will also be rolled out with a Ceramic case. The Ceramic version is said to be 4 times stronger than stainless steel. Also to make things more outgoing and funky, the watch will be available in Hermes models that will get stylish bands.
The fitness-centric Apple Watch Nike + will be one more addition to the series that will feature an aluminium case with Nike Sport Band. This model will get the same fluoroelastomer as the original Apple Watch Sport Band and is made especially for runners. As said by the folks at Apple, the Nike Sport Band reduces weight and improves ventilation via row after row of compression‑moulded perforations. The Watches with Stainless steel and Ceramic cases get Sapphire Crystal on the display whereas the Aluminium case gets the standard Ion-X strengthened Glass.
Speaking of firsts, these new Apple watches are have received a new mechanics inside that seal the core so well that now the device is properly water resistant and can now survive dips up to 50 metres. Well, that’s not it; the Apple watch series two has a unique speaker construction as well that saves its insides from water when a user goes for a swim or the device comes in contact with water. Apple has worked on its speaker that now the watch lets water in and then uses sound vibrations to eject the water out; ultimately making this smart timepiece a swim-proof device.
Tech specs
The Series 2 watches are loaded with Apple’s S2 dual-core processor chip that is said to be 50% faster than the previous gen. This coupled with the new GPU unit takes the graphics performance to a whole new level. As said at the event, developers are making apps that can run on the watch with a frame rate of 60fps. All of this faster hardware will be run by the Watch OS3 that is known to have been loaded with new, more intuitive features. The series two also features a new Second-generation OLED Retina display with Force Touch that is more than 2 times brighter than before. In fact, it is said to be the brightest display Apple has ever shipped on any product.
Watch OS3 and Fitness features
Apple has pumped up the Watch OS3 with a lot of interesting features that add a zing to your daily device routine. You can set off fireworks in the background in any of your text conversations, stick a sticker or even Share a secret with invisible ink. Users can even reply in their own handwriting or scribble letters on the display and let Apple Watch turn it into text.
Along with such features, the OS also gets a whole gamut of interactive health apps and now with the addition of GPS to the Watch the fitness features can do a lot more than before. So now you can leave your iPhone at home and hit the roads for a run without losing any accuracy on your workout data. If you are out for a run the GPS will provide real time stats on the watch and at the end of the workout, you can see a map on your iPhone showing a route map colour coded to show your varying speeds.
To help achieve your fitness goals the Watch provides a choice of 12 indoor and outdoor workouts — including swimming, biking, running, and elliptical. The device can measure every movement of yours with its new activity tracker. The tracker reads all of your movements throughout the day regardless of you walking running playing or hiking it tracks all and adds all.
Ultimately, all of the movements are represented in through the activity rings as seen on the previous Apple Watch. The app also motivates you by prompting msgs and notifications. Just like the social platforms through this feature users can also share and compare their Activity rings with friends and family. Users can receive notifications on the progress of their family and friends and can also easily respond right from the notification. And once you reach your personal best, the Apple Watch celebrates with you by rewarding you with a distinctive badge that can be shared with friends as well.
Along with keeping a tab on the pulse with the help of a Heart rate sensor, the Watch OS3 also comes pre installed with the Breathe App to help you practice mindfulness. An animation helps users to sync their breathing with it and relax as well. The OS can also accurately record Activity metrics for wheelchair users. And there are two wheelchair-specific workouts to choose from. Apart from Apple’s own health app the Apple watch can also harmonise with third party fitness apps.
The Apple Watch Nike + comes with the Run Club app that helps users to connect with runners worldwide. It gets Exclusive Nike Watch faces that features Nike’s iconic Volt colour and boldly displays the time in both digital and analog styles. There’s also a permanent setting for launching the Nike+ Run Club app. The app lets users share their latest run with friends, join them on leaderboards, and give them a virtual fist-bump as thanks for inspiring them. As We said before the Hermes Models will come with stylish leather bands including Double buckle cuff, Single Tour or Double Tour Deployment Buckle. Also will be on offer an exclusive Hermès Sport Band that will be Light, flexible, and water resistant.
Earlier in this video We mentioned about the first gen Apple Watch as well. For 2016, Apple has upgraded the CPU of the same and now will be sold as the Apple Watch Series 1. These Watches will be available for pre-order from September 9 and will ship a week later. The Nike+ model, however will be made available from late October.
