Apple fans and fit-tech lovers unite. Apple have just unveiled their new Apple Watch Series 4 alongside the new Watch OS 5. So what's new?
Design
First up, Apple have increased the screen size by a whopping 30% reducing the bezel around the edges of the watch. The casing has been reduced, resulting in an overall thinner watch on both the 40mm and 44mm sizes.
Current Apple Watch users may also notice a difference with the digital crown... No longer is the obscure red dot present on cellular models, being replaced with a less obtrusive red ring, the digital crown now provides the user with haptic feedback when using the wheel.
The new watch also boasts a 50% increase in volume and additional 'complications' for the home screen with a claimed 18 hours of battery life, which is the same as the Apple Watch Series 3.
HEALTH
An area in the market Apple are aiming to champion, the introduction of the OS 5 interface and new health-related features in the newly unveiled Apple Watch Series 4 take a huge step personal in personal health monitoring and tracking.
Heart Monitoring
The watch has a new electrocardiogram sensor meaning users can take an ECG reading straight from their wrist utilising the new electrodes built into the crown and the updated electrical heart rate sensor on the back of the watch. The watch can classify your heart beat as to whether it is in a normal pattern or whether there are signs of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). The recordings can be saved in your health app for future reference with medical professionals.
Apple Watch Series 4 will also monitor your heart regularity in the background and highlight any spikes or drops in your heart rate.
*ECG app will be coming later this year initially to the US.
Fall Detection
Another brand new feature to the Apple Watch Series 4 is fall detection, utilising the new accelerometer and gyroscope; falls can be detected when wearing the watch, shoudl a fall be detected an alert is sent to the user. The alert stays active for 60 seconds giving the option to dismiss or quick dial emergency services should help be required, if no response is given within 60 seconds the watch will automatically dial emergency services providing them with details and your location. Pretty nifty!
Fitness
How have Apple improved their workout companion? Apple have added several new features for fitness fanatics to enjoy.
Kicking it off with auto-detection, the watch will now keep an eye on activity and if it thinks you are exercising, the user will receive an alert asking if you would like to begin a workout. Don't worry, any exercise you did before confirming your workout will be tracked too!
The new addition of workout competition is a welcomed one and something fitness watch rivals have offered for a long time. You can now challenge other Apple Watch wearers and see who comes out on top each week. We love a bit of competition here at Gymshark!
Running or adventure enthusiasts can now take advantage of an extended battery life during workouts with up-to 6 hours of tracking. Apple have also added yoga and hiking to the workout options to accurately track calories burned and exercise minutes during the activities.
Staying Connected
The long awaited podcast app has landed on the apple watch giving users to listen to their favourite Apple Podcast's through their Apple Watch.
The introduction of the Walkie-Talkie feature allows Apple Watch users to connect and communicate from just a tap of their wrist.
A more intuitive Siri watch face has been added with more proactive and predictive behaviours that also incorporates more third-party apps.
Talking of third-party apps, the addition of the new complications and watch face improvements allow apps such as Dexcom to display live glucose monitoring systems and Streaks to show daily tasks on the watch face for easy accessibility.
How Much?
Apple Watch Series 4 is available for pre-order on Friday 14th September and will go on sale a week later on 21st September. Prices start from $399 for the GPS model and $499 for the GPS + Cellular model.
See more on the Apple website.
