Apple Watch update will fix sluggish performance, launching apps much faster
Apple dived right into the 2016 WWDC by taking the wraps off watchOS 3, the operating system that drives the Apple Watch.
First they demonstrated how much faster watchOS 3 is compared to the previous version. In a live demo, the new OS launched a dedicated Apple Watch app 7x faster than watchOS 2.
Also, Apple added a Dock, mimicking the dock (in function) on Mac OS. The Dock allows you to more easily scroll through your apps and is activated by using the side button (the lower one).
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Another new feature is Control Center, which gives you a quicker look at multiple functions, just like on iOS.
Additionally, Messages now offers Smart Reply options that allow you to create more tailored responses when replying to messaging via Apple Watch. But if you don't want to use Smart Reply, you can use Scribble, which allows you to draw your words right on the Apple Watch face. This includes Chinese characters, a feature that will likely drive even more interest in Asia.
On the style front, Apple gave Mickey Mouse back his historic companion by adding a Minnie Mouse watch face. Along the same lines, there's a new watch face called Numerals, which is a simplified, artistic watch face composed of just one number.
There's also now an Activity Face which offers both an analog and digital version watch face that includes a more prominent look at your Activity rings.
Another standout app shown off at the event was a meditation app called Breathe. The app prompts you to take time out of your day and slow down to focus on your breathing. You can even enable a function that offers haptic feedback to help you pace your breathing, and when you're done, you'll get a report that offers a summary of your session, including your heart rate.
The update will be available as a developer preview today and to the public as a free upgrade in the fall.
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Topics Apple Watch
