Apple is scheduled to launch the new WatchOS 9 in September, and there are a bunch of new features that the Apple Watch users, or should we say runners, are excited about. The new upgrade brings new features such as new watch faces, upgraded sleep tracking, and advanced tracking for runners.
For runners especially, it is going to be a big leap because the features are being updated big time since its launch. New features also include new workout views, enhanced custom workouts, heart rate elevation, zone tracking, multiport features, and much more. So, what does Apple Watch do with these new features? Let’s find out.
Fresh Workout Views
When you are working out, the new OS will allow you to shift between several tracking views with the in-built Workout app. It has two configurable metric views and both of them have room for four metrics, which you can swap out for pieces of information such as distance, cadence, duration, pace, and more. These metrics are going to be important for runners.
With this upgrade, Apple will introduce four fresh metrics such as stride length, vertical oscillation, ground contact power, and time. The new WatchOS 9 will also have a new heart rate zone view. There is going to be a color-coded bar that represents your current heart rate on top. This feature is like having your own OrangeTheory Fitness. It is a workout class that shows your heart rate level on display during the workout.
Other than heart rate zones, the new OS will also support different workout views for splits, segments, and elevation gain. All these views can be switched on or off and adjusted for all workouts. Ergo, if you repeat a workout, it saves the layout every time it is used.
Our Take: It would be nice to see third-party app metrics integrations in these workout views. For people with type 1 Diabetes, it would be great to see their blood sugar levels from the Dexcom app as it is an important stat during a workout.
Improved Custom Workouts
The current WatchOS allows you to set running guidelines for calories, distance, or time. However, the WatchOS 9 will give you, even more, control and customization options.
By tapping on the “…” of any workout, you’ll see a list of custom workouts. Now you can configure your workouts with warm-ups, intervals for workouts, cooldowns, and recovery. You can even repeat these intervals. Moreover, you can create voice and haptic alerts to help you move through various stages of the workout.
Multisport Auto-detection
So, what does an Apple Watch do to help you train for a triathlon? Or just switch between swimming, biking, and running during your workout? Earlier, you had to manually add another workout by swiping and hitting ‘new.’ However, with the new Multisport feature on the WatchOS 9, you don’t have to.
With the dedicated Multisport workout, you can program workouts such as biking, running, or swimming. The Watch can also auto-detect when you switch the activity.
To Conclude
The new WatchOS 9 has some interesting features for people who work out and include different activities in their workout regime. It can help them enhance their performance and provide metrics to track their workout as well as their progress. Especially for runners, this new update has a lot of features such as heart rate zone tracking, multisport auto-detection, vertical oscillation, stride length, and ground contact power and time.
FAQs
1. What exactly does an Apple Watch do?
The Apple Watch can do a lot of things such as make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages, track your heart rate, track your sleep, fall detection, notifications when your heart rate drops or elevates, emergency SOS, and a lot more. You can also share your location with people, which is an easy way to stay connected to your family.
2. Can I FaceTime with Apple Watch?
Yes, you can FaceTime with an Apple Watch. Go to Contacts and scroll with your Digital Crown. Click on the contact you want to call and click on the phone button. Click on FaceTime Audio to start a FaceTime audio call.
Or, you can use WristCam to start a FaceTime video call from your watch. The 2MP front camera on WristCam allows you to make video calls to friends and family right from your wrist.
3. Can you make calls on Apple Watch without a phone?
Yes, with a Wi-FI or a cellular connection, you can make calls even if you don’t have your iPhone with you. Other than that, you can use Siri to send or receive messages, get directions, and make and answer calls.
