Main topic: Apple Watch set to receive a major redesign in 2022.
Key points:
1. The upcoming Apple Watch, called "Watch X," will be the 10th edition of the device.
2. Apple plans to introduce the most significant redesign of the Apple Watch since its launch in 2015.
3. Previous annual updates to the Apple Watch have been minor, with only small changes or additions.
The main topic of the article is the availability of emergency features on different smartwatch brands.
The key points are:
1. Apple Watch offers fall detection, emergency SOS calls, and satellite messaging for emergencies.
2. Google Pixel Watch offers emergency SOS calls and fall detection, but only the LTE version allows direct contact with emergency services.
3. Garmin watches offer emergency contacts, emergency assistance calls, and satellite messaging through InReach devices.
The latest update to One UI Watch 5 has replaced the movement reminder animations on Galaxy smartwatches with a new minimalist design featuring arrows and a green checkmark, which some may consider to be of lower quality compared to the previous version.
Samsung's One UI Watch 5 update brings new features to older Wear OS Galaxy smartwatches, including the ability to organize apps in folders for improved accessibility and organization.
The Apple Watch Series 9 and second-generation Apple Watch Ultra will have upgraded sensors, components, and a focus on speed, efficiency, and accuracy, including a new version of the heart rate sensor and an all-new "U2" ultra wideband chip for improved location tracking.
Apple will announce its next generation of mobile products, including the iPhone 15 and the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra, at its upcoming Wonderlust event, with the Ultra expected to have significant design improvements and both watches potentially featuring upgraded sensors and processors.
Apple is expected to announce new products, including the iPhone 15 lineup and the Apple Watch Series 9, at its Wonderlust event, with iOS 17 likely to be available shortly after the event and featuring new features such as StandBy mode, Open Camera app modes with new Shortcuts actions, a 72-hour passcode grace period, improved autocorrect, a new Journal app, enhancements to Messages, Contact Posters, automatic deletion of password verification messages, grocery list creation in Reminders, Conversation Awareness on AirPods, a simplified activation for Siri, back-to-back Siri requests, improved sharing with AirDrop and NameDrop, and sensitive content warnings.
The Apple Watch Series 9 features a new S9 chip that enables faster performance, on-device Siri processing, and a new gesture called Double Tap, enhancing the user experience of the smartwatch.
The Apple Watch has transitioned from a luxury fashion accessory to a highly popular health and fitness tracker, leading the global smartwatch market with 22% of shipments in Q2 2023.
Apple's recent advertising strategy focuses on the potential lifesaving capabilities of its products, including the Apple Watch and iPhone, featuring scenarios where these devices have saved people's lives from various dangers, such as low heart rates, blizzards, and car accidents. These safety features, along with new additions like satellite connectivity and Roadside Assistance, not only differentiate Apple's newer devices but also have the potential to generate revenue as part of their growing services sector.
iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and watchOS 10 offer new features and functionality to the Shortcuts app, including the ability to transcribe audio, delete alarms, scan documents, and create Time Machine backups.
The Galaxy Watch 6 is the first smartwatch with WearOS 4 and offers a range of features, making it a smooth operator.
Garmin is expected to release the Vivoactive 5, a new smartwatch with an AMOLED display and improved battery life, making it a strong contender against the Apple Watch Series 9.
Apple has released watchOS 10.0.1, a minor update that includes bug fixes and security updates for the Apple Watch, and can be downloaded for free through the Apple Watch app on an iPhone running iOS 17.
Apple's watchOS 10 introduces a new feature in the Mindfulness app that allows users to log their feelings and moods directly on their watch face, and also provides the option to view and share these logs with medical professionals.
Apple's WatchOS 10 update has rendered first-generation Apple Watches nearly useless due to a major change that disabled the side button and moved essential controls to it without an option to remap or customize.
The Pixel Watch 2 is expected to have advanced health features, a safety check feature, faster internals, and new watch bands, making it a significant upgrade over its predecessor.
Apple launched watchOS 10, which includes features such as Night Mode, multiple timers, access to the App Switcher, adjustable flashlight brightness, and the ability to find your iPhone and hiking trails, among others.
Xiaomi has announced its first smartwatch running Wear OS, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, which offers high-end features and health tracking capabilities at a lower price compared to Samsung's Galaxy Watch 6 Classic.
The Apple Watch Series 9 brings new features such as the S9 chip and improved performance, making it a worthwhile upgrade for users with Series 6 or older models, while Series 7 and Series 8 users might not see significant benefits; however, discounted models from previous generations are a good option for those looking to save money.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a similar physical design to its predecessor, but it offers notable improvements in features and performance, such as a faster processor, increased storage, a brighter display, longer battery life, and new features like double tap gesture support and on-device Siri with health access. However, these upgrades may not be compelling enough for those who already own the previous model.
Early adopters of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 can now access the new double tap gesture with the public beta of watchOS 10.1, which allows users to interact with their watch without touching the display, making it more convenient for tasks when the other hand is occupied.
The second watchOS 10.1 update for Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 devices introduces a new feature called Double Tap, which allows users to interact with their watch using one hand by double tapping their finger and thumb together.
The Apple Watch Series 9 offers upgraded internals and new features like Double Tap gesture controls and onboard Siri queries, making it a promising device for iOS users and a worthy upgrade from previous models.
Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that the 2024 Apple Watch will not offer significant innovative experiences, such as a micro-LED display or blood glucose monitoring, but there may still be the possibility of a high-end "Apple Watch X" that offers more changes.
Apple has released the third developer beta version of iOS 17.1, watchOS 10.1, and macOS 14.1, which feature new Apple Music and AirDrop updates, a Double Tap feature on Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, and enhanced StandBy mode controls.
The Pixel Watch 2 offers incremental improvements over its predecessor, with a focus on health tracking and integration with the Fitbit platform, but lacks compelling features to justify an upgrade from the original model, making it one of the best smartwatches available but not a significant leap forward.
Google has updated its At a Glance watch face app to support additional complication styles, including circular and top slot complications, providing users with more options for displaying information on their watches.
