14 DAY TRIAL // Apple released today the watchOS 4 software update for all Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2 smartwatch devices, adding several under-the-hood improvements and optimizations, as well as some new features.
When Apple unveiled the watchOS 4 operating system earlier this year during the WWDC 2017 event, it said that it would bring new life into your old Apple Watch. Well, it looks like they kept on their promise and brought an extra layer of system-wide improvements and optimizations that will make apps faster and more responsive.
"A single process runs your app’s UI elements and code, decreasing latency and making your app faster and more responsive without the need to change your code," said Apple. Among other UI improvements introduced by watchOS 4, we can mention support for full-screen apps and overlapping layers.
Thanks to these UI optimizations, apps are now capable of displaying text over video animations. On top of that, watchOS 4 introduces new autorotate feature that lets users easily display content on their Apple Watch devices to another person, which might come in handy for payments or language translations.
Bluetooth support for more accessories, new background modes
Another interesting feature introduced in watchOS 4 is the ability for more accessories and apps to bypass the iPhone and access to core Bluetooth capabilities of the Apple Watch device directly, which allows for real-time information to be displayed on the screen as soon as you raise your wrist.
This also adds support for glucose monitors, as well as surfing and sports apps that are connected to surfboards, tennis rackets or baseball bats with embedded sensors or swing analyzers. watchOS 4 also lets more apps to run in the background, including turn-by-turn navigation apps, public transit apps, or tour guides apps.
In addition, audio recording apps will now be able to offer continuous voice memos. Under the hood, watchOS 4 comes with built-in support for SiriKit, which supports apps for payments, messages, fitness, and rides. watchOS 4 is available worldwide starting today and requires an iPhone device running iOS 11 or later. You can also download the firmware from our website.
