With WWDC 21 underway, we’ve seen the news for all devices with the bitten apple logo and of course the Apple Watch was no exception. With the new version of watchOS 8, several new things are coming to the Apple smartwatch operating system, with features that include alternatives for meditating, relaxing, working out, and new options for interacting.
watchOS 8 focused on keeping us more connected, active and healthy than ever
A new sphere for photos
Apple h as redesigned the Photos watch face on Apple Watch, adding a special design that creates a deeper, layered look when viewing photos in portrait mode. At view photos taken in portrait mode on iPhone
Likewise, the Photos app on the watch is updated with a new design and the ability to share photos directly through Messages or the Apple Mail app
New apps to focus and relax
Apple introduced a new mindfulness app, an extension of the Breathe app that encourages users to breathe throughout the day. For its part, Breathe has been updated with new visualizations and tips that help you focus, focus and connect as we breathe. Both updates are designed to provide a holistic approach to health and fitness.
Mindfulness’s new Reflect feature helps establish a meditation practice by focusing on a short, stimulating topic, with beautiful animations to view over the minutes. Both lThe Breathing and Reflection sessions end with a summary of the total Conscious Minutes achieved, as well as the state of the average heart rate, to strengthen the body-mind connection.
Workouts focused on “conscious movement”
With new styles like Tai chi and Pilates, The Fitness application receives more and more exercises. The Health app on Apple Watch will explicitly track your breathing rate and notify you if it is outside your normal patterns.
The standby function is now more precise
Apple now offers a report on our breathing rate during sleep. By calculating the number of breaths per minute while we sleep, also known as the respiratory rate while sleeping, we can better understand general well-being.
Home for a smarter watch
With this update, the Home app, which lets you control smart home devices from the Apple Watch, is now will have more shortcuts to commonly used devices and the ability to view images from security cameras. For example, if someone rings the doorbell that is connected, they can see options like opening the door or turning on the hall lights.
Set multiple timers
With watchOS 8, Apple will finally allow you to set different timers in the Timers application. Each specific timer can be assigned a label, such as a kitchen or study timer, and they will be displayed in a single list.
New features in watchOS 8
While this is a fairly understated update from previous years, watchOS 8 also includes other cool new features such as:
- Revised photo app with highlights and memories.
- Scribble now allows you to include emoji in handwritten messages.
- The apps shelf in iMessage includes image search and quick access to photos.
- Find My now includes items (including AirTags).
- The weather includes precipitation in the next hour.
- Apple Watch can create multiple timers for the first time.
- Always On works with music, maps and the calculator.
- Music can be shared from Apple Watch via Message.
How can I start testing watchOS 8? What devices are supported?
Update watchOS 8 will be available on Apple Watch Series 3. For developers, today it is possible to access a beta version through the Apple Developers Portal, which you can install through the iPhone with iPhone 6s or later with iOS 14 or later.
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