As we reported yesterday, Apple has announced its watchOS 11 software update, unveiling important changes including enhanced health tracking. Other additions include the Apple Translate app on the Apple Watch. This update was part of the larger presentation at WWDC 2024, where updates for several other Apple platforms were also revealed.
Translate Functionality Comes to Apple Watch
Originally launched with iOS 14 in 2020, the Apple Translate app will now be available on Apple Watch. It supports translations in 20 languages, such as Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Ukrainian, and Portuguese. Users can perform text and spoken translations, as well as typing on the watch’s keyboard. The app also allows language downloads for offline usage, enhancing its practicality.
Bringing the Translate app to watchOS 11 aims to increase accessibility for users who need quick translations without pulling out their iPhone. This move is geared towards providing immediate language assistance right from the user’s wrist, streamlining the process.
Smart Stack Widget and Travel Enhancements
Among the new features in watchOS 11 is the Smart Stack widget tailored for the Translate app. This widget can automatically detect when users are traveling to countries with different languages and prepare the app for instant translation. This feature is expected to be particularly useful for frequent travelers.
The update also includes enhancements to the Photos watch face, making it easier to create personalized watch faces. The operating system will examine a user’s photo library to suggest images that fit well for watch faces based on composition and facial expression. Users can further customize by cropping and zooming photos. There’s also a Dynamic mode that changes the displayed photo each time the wrist is raised.
Fitness Analytics and New Metrics
watchOS 11 introduces a new metric called Training Load, designed to provide insights into the impact of workouts on a user’s body. Workouts receive an effort rating on a 1 to 10 scale, taking into account factors such as age, weight, heart rate, and GPS data. Users can fine-tune this rating for stress and other variables, with long-term data indicating if body strain is increasing, stable, or decreasing.
The latest update allows users to pause Activity rings for rest days or injuries without affecting their streaks. Ring targets can also be customized based on the day of the week. Additionally, new workout types have been added, including Soccer, American Football, Lacrosse, Cross Country Skiing, Golf, and Outdoor Rowing. Custom Workouts functionality is now available for pool swimming.
A new Vitals app will centralize various health metrics, enabling users to keep track of their heart rate and compare current readings with their typical values. The app flags anomalies and provides potential reasons for deviations, with notifications possible if multiple metrics fall outside normal ranges.
Expanded Check In Feature
Previously only available on iPhone, the Check In feature is now available on the Apple Watch. This function allows users to inform selected contacts upon reaching their destinations, essentially enhancing personal safety. Integration with the Workout app and Messages allows it to be useful even during activities like late-night runs.
The watchOS 11 update will extend support to Apple Watch Series 6 and newer models, including the Apple Watch Series 7, Series 8, SE (2nd gen), Ultra, Series 9, and Ultra 2. Older models such as Series 4, Series 5, and the first-generation Apple Watch SE will no longer receive updates. A public release is planned for this fall, while a developer beta is available now.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 7:41 pm CET