Apple today announced watchOS 4.0, a refresh of its wearable platform.
One of the fist items to be added to watchOS 4.0 is a new Siri watch face that includes the owner’s personalized data, such as commute times, calendar appointments, reminders, photo memories, weather updates, and more. It is rather like the Google Assistant on Android devices, and it even relies on machine learning to gather this data. The kaleidoscope watch face changes over time, and a wider selection of Disney characters are being added a watch faces.
Apple says activity notifications will be more personalized, such as goal achievements, and adds monthly challenges with new “celebrations” for hitting milestones. The new workout app makes it quicker to start workouts, such as swims, hikes, runs, and more. Apple Watch will be more compatible with gym equipment for counting reps.
The music service now supports multiple playlists and a wider selection of album art for workouts when using Apple EarPods. Moreover, music functionality will be much more accessible within workout apps. Other features include a new flashlight, a blinking light for nighttime visibility, and support for other sensors, such as glucose monitors.
WatchOS 4.0 is available in beta to developers today and will reach all consumers in the fall.
