This year Apple Watch received a long-awaited design update with a slimmer body and a larger display. This makes the watch even lighter than before. They have received many functions, including the ability to make ECGs – the first among wearable devices. Here are the top 10 Apple Watch 4 tricks you should know about.
- 1. Large display with thin bezels
- 2. The tactile response of the Digital Crown
- 3. New, more informative dials
- 4. New processor Apple S4
- 5. Louder speakers
- 6. The heart rate sensor analyzes abnormalities
- 7. Application for ECG
- 8. Fall detection
- 9. New stylish colors
- 10. Backward compatibility of bracelets and straps
1. Large display with thin bezels
For the first time since the release of the first version, Apple Watch has been redesigned. Although the chassis is still square, the edges are rounded and the display-to-bezel ratio has increased. In addition, the display itself also received rounded edges, unlike the completely square one in previous generations.
The available dial sizes have also changed. Instead of 38 and 42 mm, there are now 40 and 44, but the Series 4 has a 40 mm display size larger than the flagship Series 3 by 42 mm. At the same time, the body has become a little thinner: 10.7 mm instead of 11.4 mm.
2. The tactile response of the Digital Crown
The new Digital Crown has a tactile feedback – the engineers Apple made it so that when you turn, you feel the clicks, like turning a mechanical wheel on a conventional watch. This works in the same way as the Home button on the 7th and 8th generation iPhones.
3. New, more informative dials
In watchOS 5 Apple changes the way you think about a smartwatch face. Now you can add up to 8 complications to one screen – additional blocks of information that “builds up” on top of the main dial called Infograph. In addition, three dynamic dials have been added: Fire, Water and Steam. The Breathing app also has its own watch face.
4. New processor Apple S4
Apple Watch Series 4 equipped with the latest S4 processor. This is a new 2-core 64-bit chipset that is twice as powerful as the processor in Series 3. Along with the processor, many sensors have been updated and added. For example, the dynamic range of the gyroscope and accelerometer has doubled, and the processing speed of user movement data has increased 8 times. It would seem that these are trifles, but it is thanks to such “little things” Apple Watch Series 4 makes the impossible possible.
5. Louder speakers
The fourth-generation microphone was relocated to the other side of the case and positioned between the Digital Crown and the side button. This reduced echo and improved the clarity of telephone conversations. In addition, the speaker has become larger and more powerful: its volume has increased by 50%. The difference is especially felt when dealing with Siri.
6. The heart rate sensor analyzes abnormalities
The watch will now be able to recognize when the heart rate remains too low for 10 minutes without activity. In this case, a low heart rate warning will be triggered on Apple Watch. This situation can be caused by bradycardia, a disorder that can lead to serious consequences if the heart does not supply the body with a sufficient volume of oxygenated blood. All information about such problems can be saved in PDF and shown to your doctor – data with Apple Watch is considered accurate enough to be used for medical purposes.
7. Application for ECG
Apple Watch are the first consumer wearables to receive this feature. Now only hours are enough for a full-fledged electrocardiogram. The fact is that the Digital Crown and the back of the case are covered with electrodes. Just put your finger on the Digital Crown for 30 seconds to scan. Unfortunately, this feature is still under development and will become available later this year.
8. Fall detection
This is another cool feature made possible by the improved sensors. The watch will now be able to detect when you fell and will offer to call for medical assistance. You can set your watch to automatically send your location to emergency services if you have a seizure-prone illness.
9. New stylish colors
Apple Watch are now available in three colors: gold has joined the usual silver and space gray, ideally suited to the new colors iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max.
10. Backward compatibility of bracelets and straps
If you decide to upgrade to Series 4 from an earlier version Apple Watch, you will be able to use all your straps and bracelets: Apple made sure that the fastening standard remains the same.
By the way, if you want to buy yourself Apple Watch, but are still not sure which generation is best for you, read our comparison of Apple Watch Series 2, Series 3 and Series 4.