All attention to your health. The watch has a built-in GPS module
At its presentation, September 7, at the Graham Ball Civic Auditorium, Apple introduced a new generation smart watch– 2. The gadget received several major changes. The most important thing that appeared in the new watch:
- Integrated camera
- Built-in GPS module
- Waterproof
- Wireless charger
- Oval shape display
- Increased performance and autonomy
- New dual core processor, now 50% faster.
The design of the "old" from the "new" does not significantly differ. An interesting innovation is complete water resistance. If the previous version of the watch was protected only from accidental splashes, then the new watch can be taken with you, for example, to the pool.
Apple said that it was especially difficult to block the external speaker of the device from water. They found a very strange way - the speaker will literally spit out water. According to the Apple company, with the watch you can dive to a depth of 50 meters.
Apple's collaboration with Nike was also particularly interesting. Buyers will be presented additional version Apple Watch Nike Edition. According to Nike, the watch will motivate the wearer to go to a running workout.
Start date Apple sales Watch 2 in the US - September 16th. You can pre-order three days before. Only two types of watches will be available for purchase. Device prices: Apple Watch 2 - $369 and Apple Watch 2: Nike edition $269.
It was also pointed out that all previous Apple models Watch will be updated and will be sold again. Here is Apple's official statement, also about prices in Russia:
“Apple Watch Series 1 is available in an aluminum color case “ pink gold», « gray space”, gold or silver with a sports strap, priced from 24,990 rubles. on Apple.com/ru; Apple Watch Series 2 will be available in rose gold, space gray, gold or silver aluminum, or space black or silver stainless steel with a choice of straps, starting at $33,990 . on Apple.com/ru; and the new ceramic Apple Watch Edition is available at a price of 115,990 rubles. at Apple.com/en. For local availability, please visit locate.apple.com. Apple Watch Nike+ available starting at Rs. on the website Apple.com/ru, and Apple Watch Hermes - at a price of 102,990 rubles on the website Apple.com/ru.”
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This year, Apple plans to hold two presentations. At the first, presumably on September 7, the corporation will introduce the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The second, in October or November, will show new macbook Pro. With a high degree of probability, we can assume that during one of the events, the Apple Watch of the second generation will also be presented.
According to well-known industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who receives information from component manufacturers, new Apple Watch will not differ significantly from the previous model. The expert calls the new watch "Apple Watch S", referring to the usual practice of Apple to update the design iPhone times at 2 years old.
Kuo's sources indicate that the new watch will retain the dimensions of the previous model. The device will receive more powerful processor, a barometer to determine the height above sea level and a GPS module for self-tracking of the distance traveled. Apple will keep 2 main versions of the Apple Watch with a diameter of 42mm and 38mm.
Apple Watch 2 battery won't last more than a day
According to Apple's philosophy, the user should charge the device regularly - once a day, once a week, etc. If it is impossible to put a battery in the gadget that can last a week, then it is better to leave the battery for 1 day and save space. Thus, the user develops a daily ritual - before going to bed, the iPhone needs to be charged.
Recently, the Apple Watch has been added to this ritual, and with the release of the second model, this will not change. Corporation engineers will insert more than powerful battery, to compensate for the loss of charge for the operation of GPS and a reinforced processor, but no more.
Will Apple Watch get LTE support?
Most likely, this will happen, but not in this year, but in 2017. Cellular carriers in the US report Internet of Things (IoT) device traffic revenues growing much faster than user-generated traffic mobile devices and PC. According to BI Intelligence, over the next 5 years, the total amount of investment in IoT solutions in the world will be $5 trillion. Part of this investment will come from Apple.
Creative Strategies analyst Ben Bajarin believes that Apple will create its own LTE module built into the Apple Watch chip. The corporation does not intend to use Qualcomm or Intel cellular technology, as is the case with the iPhone.
What will happen to the first generation Apple Watch?
Most likely, after the release of Apple Watch S, the price of the previous model will drop to $200. Older models may get upgraded hardware, such as a beefed-up processor, as long as battery life is not greatly affected. Here, however, we are entering the territory of fantasy and speculation, so there is no certainty in the last forecast.
The object of the presentation was the Apple Watch. The model was called Apple Watch Series 2. In my opinion, this is exactly what the model that came out (it's scary to say!) 2 years ago should have been like.
AWS 2 has a built-in GPS module. Now, for running and hiking, you don’t need an iPhone to accurately calculate distance, pace, speed. The watch will handle it on its own.
AWS 2 features a new dual-core S2 processor that is 40% faster than the Apple Watch processor. Important point- the models of the first series, which will remain on sale, will be equipped with a new dual-core S1P processor.
The screen of the new generation of watches is 2 times brighter.
The back of the Apple Watch is made of composite material, while the Apple Watch Series 2 is made of ceramic glass.
Apple Watch Series 2 is waterproof. In tests, they were submerged under water to a depth of 50 meters. Now with smart watch from Apple you can safely swim. The new design of the speaker allows water to pass through, but due to sound vibrations, it immediately pushes it out.
AirPods - new wireless headphones Apple can be connected to AWS 2 and listen to music while working out even without an iPhone right from the watch.
In addition to aluminum and steel, ceramic watches appeared. Their price won't make you happy.
There is a new branded version of the Apple Watch Nike.
The weight of the watch has increased. From 25 to 28.2 grams (38 mm model) and 30 to 34.2 grams (42 mm model).
The release date for Apple Watch Series 2 in Russia is September 23. All models will come with Apple Watch OS 3 preinstalled. AWS 2 is available for pre-order in the US and select countries on September 9th and will be available on September 16th.
Prices in Russia (prices in brackets for similar models of the first series, which partially remained on sale, but received a dual-core processor):
- Apple Watch Series 2: aluminum, 38 mm - from 33,990 rubles (24990)
- Apple Watch Series 2: aluminum, 42 mm - from 36,990 rubles (27990)
- Apple Watch Series 2: steel, 38 mm - from 48,990 rubles
- Apple Watch Series 2: steel, 42 mm - from 60,990 rubles
- Apple Watch Series 2: white ceramic, 38 mm - from 115,990 rubles
- Apple Watch Series 2: white ceramic, 38 mm - from 119,990 rubles
How do you like the watch? Already ran to look for money for a ceramic model? :)
The Warm Up, Mobility, and Exercise rings visually show you how active you are throughout the day. You will immediately understand that you are stuck. Find out how many calories you burned. See how many minutes you spent exercising. At the same time, your friends can follow your rings if you give them access. In addition, there appeared new feature"Competition in Activity". And the tips of the virtual coach will further motivate you.
How to close Activity rings on Apple WatchBoost your workouts.
You can measure the performance of all popular types of training. For example, there are modes for yoga, swimming, cycling, and interval exercises. Runners will love advanced features such as cadence and pace alerts. In the fitness club, the watch can be connected via wireless communication to compatible trainers. And your favorite playlists from Apple Music create the right mood.
All attention to your health.
Apple Watch helps you monitor your heart and alerts you if your heart rate suddenly gets too high or too low. The watch also tracks irregularities in your heart rate, which can be a sign of atrial fibrillation. Function " Emergency call- SOS" will allow you to quickly call the rescue service. With the Breathing app, it will be easier for you to cope with everyday stress. You can also use many applications to maintain a healthy lifestyle, diet and sleep.
Exit smart Apple watch Watch Series 4 is already on the threshold, although the third generation model was introduced relatively recently - September 12, 2017. What can you expect from the novelty, what will be its design and new features, you will read in our review.
Before we talk about when the Watch Series 4 will be released, let's remember the chronology of the appearance of wearable devices:
- Apple Watch (first generation): April 24, 2015
- Apple Watch S1 and S2: September 16, 2016
- Apple Watch S3: September 22, 2017
Considering that all wearable devices have been released one by one at roughly the same time intervals, the release date of the next model could be September 2018 along with the new iPhone.
There were rumors that the company may release an update version of the S, which will presumably be the Series 3S. This will be a version with additional parameters of the current Watch 3, and it will come out before the successor of the 4th generation. However, there is no evidence for this.
Design
Apple has pretty much kept the same design in smartwatches for three generations in a row. But given the addition of cellular connectivity to the wearable in 2017, it's no surprise that the company may be focusing on a new design in 2018.
Let's take a closer look at some of the options.
round dial
What would an Apple Watch 4 look like? There are many watches on the smartwatch market with a round display, but many users do not like how this form factor affects the Android Wear interface: the text on the top and bottom is cut off and does not look very aesthetically pleasing in the middle. However, many smartwatches, such as the Huawei Watch 2, Moto 360 2 and LG G Watch R, look traditional with a round dial shape. And such gadgets are very popular among users.
In one of the corporation's patents, there are images of a wearable device with a round display. But given the company's emphasis on strap design technology, it's safe to assume generic images for a patent project are being used here to provide a broader reach. And that doesn't have to mean the circular design of upcoming wearables.
There is a high probability that all four models will not change the traditions of the corporation and will have a square dial.
Modular bracelets or smart bands
One of the most circulating rumors on the web is the consumer electronics giant's idea to consider creating new feature-packed smart bands to be sold with watches.
By putting some technology inside the straps, the company will be able to add various features to the smartwatch, not limited to the small size of their case. This will allow you to supplement it with functions such as a camera or a larger battery.
A number of patents confirm these rumors, including the one discussed above. In a paper released in 2015, the company showed off a belt with a built-in battery. In addition, the bracelet has the ability to incorporate other components into its modular design, with each link performing a separate function. Users will be able to change modules depending on their requirements.
Another patent, filed in 2015 and discovered by PatentlyApple in May 2017, describes a "Display module and system applications". The device is a one-piece bracelet with a built-in display that runs along the entire length of the strap. The description refers to a flexible display panel integrated into the smartwatch that covers both the watch face and the entire bracelet.
The patent describes the possibility of integrating into the strap both a processor and memory, and a module for communicating with the global network, including cellular network data transmission.
Brand new design
There are also patents that apply to belt design as well. For the first time in 2016, such a document was discovered by AppleInsider. The American corporation has filed an application for a magnetic bracelet, which details the Apple WatchBand with a built-in set of magnets that allows the strap to fold tightly.
When removed, the watch can be twisted so that the watch face is inside the strap, ideal for protecting the device when storing or transporting it. In addition, such manipulation may allow the bracelet to be used as a stand. See illustrations to understand how it works.
New opportunities
With a good idea of what the third generation watch looks like, you can consider the possible hardware features of Series 4. With each purchase, users demand more and more new features, which include a whole list of requirements:
- fixing previous bugs
- performance
- mobility
- comfort
- wide functionality
- health tracking
- acceptable price
In this regard, manufacturers are trying to invest as much as possible in their product, developing innovative technologies and turning ideas into reality.
Integrated camera
The company's existing smartwatches have the ability to be remotely controlled iPhone camera, but they can't actually take photos or make video calls. However, if the modular strap rumors are true, the camera could very well find its way into the upcoming Apple Watch soon.
There are also patents for a wearable device with front camera, which, according to rumors, should have been implemented in Series 2 and 3. But this did not happen and perhaps we can see this function in the next iteration.
Whether it will be for FaceTime technology, selfies, or just video and photo shooting, it's hard to say. According to the documents, new camera must be integrated into the top of the watch case.
Sounds tempting, although it's not known how many people will be actively using FaceTime after hours, given that you have to keep your hand still for a long time. First of all, it's inconvenient.
However, the company has already made its watch partly FaceTime-ready: watchOS 2 brought support for FaceTime voice calls. And does this mean that the next step is the transition to video calls? Maybe.
Emphasis on health
Ahead of its initial release, back in April 2015, there was a lot of talk about the corporation's plans for wearable gadgets and, in particular, that they would be equipped with health sensors. But over time, users complained about the inaccuracy of heart rate sensors and health tracking.
In an interview with The Telegraph in November 2015, Tim Cook said:
The company can make a medically approved device, but it wouldn't be Apple Watch. The corporation is unwilling to put watches through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection process. This can affect the development of many innovations that are incompatible with certain principles of medicine and health care, whether it be any applications or anything else.
Tim Cook
In December 2015 and January 2016, the corporation published two articles featuring biomedical engineers with experience in medical, health and fitness sensors, devices and applications. And while it doesn't specifically mention the watch, it's widely believed that the listing could be related to the development of fitness software that's designed specifically for the Apple Watch.
It is also known that the company has been recruiting employees from all medical faculties and is exploring ways in which the watch will be able to non-invasively monitor blood glucose levels. To do this, the tech giant has hired 200 PhDs in health sciences to help it innovate in the field.
ECG sensor
In December 2017, Bloomberg reported that Apple was working on incorporating sophisticated ECG technology into the watch (which, by the way, brings back the FDA issue). Given that the current watch is able to monitor heart rate in real time and compare rates with past data, this feature will make it more capable of predicting upcoming heart problems.
One of the employees of the company explained how the tested version works:
The user needs to pinch the frame of the Apple Watch with two fingers on the hand that is not wearing the device. The watch sends a subtle current through the human body to monitor the electrical signals in the heart and detect any abnormalities such as arrhythmia
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these symptoms can increase the risk of strokes and heart failure and develop in about a quarter of people over the age of 40.
Such an innovation could mean that the new watch will become not just a luxury accessory, but also a device aimed at medical diagnostics, rather than sports and fitness. apple watch related to medicine can be very helpful in identifying problems, as well as helping to avoid wasting doctors' time in the event of false alarms.
User expectations
It would be a good idea for the Apple giant to stick with Series 4 strengths smartwatch: better health and fitness tracking, more intuitive software and better Siri integration.
It's too early to talk about any technical specifications new smart watches of the 4th generation, but there are a number of user wishes that the manufacturer tries to fulfill from year to year.
Liquid crystal polymer antenna
KGI Securities analyst Ming-chi Kuo, who accurately predicts the performance of upcoming Apple devices, has published a report that predicts the presence of liquid crystal polymer (LCP) circuit board technology in the smartwatch. It is currently used in the iPhone X and iPhone 8 and will be rolled out to the Mac and Apple Watch bands. In the case of the next watch, the technology will be used in the cellular antenna.
LCP is more resistant to heat and moisture than other technologies, and when used in an antenna, it adds the benefits of a more stable frequency signal transmission. The technology will enable high-speed data transmission with low latency.
According to Kuo, Android developers will not be able to integrate such technologies into their devices until 2019, which gives great advantage Apple over its competitors. New printed circuit board won't reveal much about the upcoming Series 4, but gives an idea of what we can expect.
Connection
With each new model The electronics giant is trying to give users more and more reasons to purchase their wearables. Series 3 provided support for LTE, allowing you to receive and respond to text messages, voice calls, chats, emails and more while leaving your iPhone at home.
For many consumers, this is not so important, but some really need complete freedom. LTE users who pay a monthly fee for the service should at least get the freedom to access internet content on their watch without having to worry about the health of their iPhone. The Apple Watch Series 4 should offer a solution to this problem.
Best battery life
Calls for longer battery life have been answered with the release of the Watch Series 2, which has a two-day battery life from charge to charge. Recall that the first watch must be charged daily.
If the company achieves a better time battery life battery, it will also have a positive effect on providing more functionality to the device, mainly in relation to sleep tracking.
One issue was that users who charged their Watch Series at night were unable to monitor their sleep. Therefore, a longer battery life will allow you to use the watch at night and get accurate sleep statistics. And this is important information, quite popular among fans of fitness, sports and a healthy lifestyle.
According to Economic Daily News for January 2017, the corporation is focusing on this task too.
Android support
Cross-platform compatibility is one of the reasons why some people choose Fitbit over Apple Watch. But the Android-compatibility of the "apple" watch is very risky for the company. It is quite clear that if Android users can use this product, Apple will surely see an increase in sales.
However, it is also likely that many users will leave its ecosystem. If the corporation offers Android compatibility on the Watch Series 4, the device will be the first choice for many non-iPhone customers.
Software
watchOS 5 will be announced at WWDC in June 2018 and will be released as free update for compatible watches in fall (probably September) 2018. There are prerequisites that the 4th generation Watch Series will also be among these compatible devices.
Between these two dates, a series of beta versions will be available for those who wish to test the system before release. But most likely it will be limited to developers only.
Many have noticed Apple's trend: if a new feature appears in one of the company's products, you can predict that it will appear in all the others. Hence the company's patent for installing the Digital Crown in the iPhone, and rumors about compatibility with Apple Pencil. Following the logic, now all other gadgets of the corporation should receive Face ID facial recognition technology.
Can Face ID work on Apple Watch? It is clear that this is possible, but, like on the iPhone X, this will require a special hardware update. Currently, Apple's wearable doesn't have a camera, and if one is added to the Apple Watch Series 4, it could be paired with the necessary array of sensors that the technology requires.
But the problem is that the watch needs a lot less biometric unlock technology than the iPhone. The watch does not have Touch ID; they are simply unlocked with a code, or with a paired iPhone. Face ID will be used to unlock once a day, which hardly justifies incorporating a lot of expensive high technology into a small device.
Price
At the time of writing average price The Apple Watch 3 started at $457.
Depending on how radically the company rethinks the 4th model, we expect prices to remain the same or close to the same when new models are released, and the previous generation watches that remain on sale will receive a sharp price reduction.
Recall that the Apple Watch of the third series fell into.
