Here’s everything that’s new, improved and enhanced in watchOS 2

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 21, 2015

Following a slight delay in launching watchOS 2 due to a critical bug discovered at the last minute, Apple on Monday released the first major update to the operating system powering the Apple Watch.

In addition to executing your favorite apps directly on the device rather than on your iPhone, watchOS 2 lets native apps take advantage of hardware features such as built-in mic, the Digital Crown and the Taptic Engine.

For the full list of changes, check out Apple's official release notes further below detailing everything that’s new, improved and enhanced in watchOS 2.

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How to update to watchOS 2

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

As of a few minutes ago, watchOS 2 is now available for download. If you own an Apple Watch, you can upgrade from watchOS 1 to watchOS 2 and enjoy many of the Apple Watch's new features. These features include native apps, third-party complications, and much, much more. In this post, we'll show you how to update your Apple Watch to the latest and greatest.

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Apple releases watchOS 2

Jeff Benjamin ∙ September 21, 2015

After a nearly week long delay, Apple has released watchOS 2 to the public. The update is a big one, and brings new features like custom complications, photo-based watch faces, and native apps to the Apple Watch. To update, simply head over to the Watch app on your paired iPhone running iOS 9, and check for new updates.

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New tweak lets older iPhone hardware mimic 3D Touch

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated June 12, 2018

A new jailbreak tweak called Force Touch Activator was recently released on Cydia's BigBoss repo, and it lets users on older hardware running iOS 8 mimic the 3D Touch effect that's headlining the launch of the iPhone 6s.

Real 3D Touch requires a pressure sensitive screen, which is a part of the new hardware found in the new iPhone 6s. Older hardware, like the iPhone 6, lacks the pressure sensitive screen, so jailbreak tweak developers have to look for unique ways to try to bring similar functionality to older devices.

I'll be honest and say that Force Touch Activator is pretty much nothing like 3D Touch—you don't have the nuanced sensitivity levels, you don't have haptic feedback, and most importantly, you lack a true pressure sensitive screen—but it's an interesting tweak for jailbreakers to try nonetheless. Watch our hands-on video walkthrough inside, and see for yourself.

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Shazam update brings support for iOS 9’s enhanced Spotlight Search and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 21, 2015

Shazam, the popular music and media identification software, has rolled out a brand new 9.0 update to its iPhone and iPad application in the App Store, bringing out support for Spotlight Search on iOS 9, improved Bluetooth listening and other tidbits.

Shazam songs and artists can now be searched from the Home screen on iOS 9 and tapping a Shazam result takes you directly into that content within Shazam's mobile app.

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iPad mini 4 has iPhone 6-class display tech with record-low reflectance for improved readability

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 21, 2015

A thorough analysis of a much improved screen utilized on Apple's fourth-generation iPad mini conducted by DisplayMate has determined that the tablet's display technology is comparable to the iPad Air 2, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The long story short, its screen has richer colors and better color accuracy with a 36 percent better reflectance versus the iPad Air 2 for improved readability.

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What’s Pebble launching on Wednesday?

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 29, 2016

Pebble is teasing a new product launch on Wednesday, September 23, at 10am Pacific, 1pm Eastern Time. The countdown timer on the Pebble website invites fans to register their interest in order to “see what's next”.

Although Pebble has been feeling the heat following the April 205 Apple Watch launch, the startup has managed to roll out the new Pebble Time smartwatch lineup while releasing a few software updates for the original Pebble.

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Samsung about to copy iPhone Upgrade Program

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 21, 2015

As major U.S. carriers have been moving toward killing smartphone subsidy and long-term contracts, the true cost of the iPhone will become more visible than ever before.

That's why Apple's decided to let you choose a carrier and get an unlocked iPhone 6s/6s Plus with the opportunity to get a new iPhone annually and AppleCare+ on the new iPhone Upgrade Program.

Not to be outdone by Apple, Galaxy maker Samsung is now looking to bring out a smartphone leasing program of its own in the United States, reports Forbes.

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Apple: more than 50 percent of devices are already using iOS 9

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

It's been less than a week since iOS 9 was released, but it's already being used by more than 50 percent of iOS devices, according to an Apple press release. The 50%+ adoption rate in less than a week is, as Apple puts it, the fastest iOS adoption ever.

In addition, Apple reiterated its upcoming launch of the iPhone 6s, stating that customers may come to their local Apple Store on Friday, September 25th, as it will be fulfilling walk-in orders. Customers are thus encouraged to arrive early, as supply will no doubt be limited, especially if there's a specific color/size/carrier combination that you simply must have.

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Some Skype users experiencing issues with calling and messaging, Microsoft working on a fix

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 21, 2015

Are you plagued with various Skype issues, such as the inability to place VoIP calls, update your status or send instant messages? Are all of your Skype contacts showing as offline? Don't worry, you're not alone.

According to a support document published Monday morning, many people are reporting issues with Skype status and calling and Microsoft is working on a fix.

“We're doing everything we can to fix this issue and hope to have another update for you soon,” the company wrote. “Thank you for your patience as we work to get this incident resolved.”

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Sky review: a game that is as simple as its name

Lory Gil ∙ September 21, 2015

With all the new features in iOS 9, it is quite a frenzy of excitement around here. It can sometimes be hard to remember to appreciate the simple things in life, like the smell of summer rain or the first leaves of fall, or a cool minimalist game.

Sky is a simple tapping game with an appealing minimalist visual aesthetic that relaxes and invigorates at the same time. I know I sound like I'm talking about soap, but if you play the game, you'll know what I mean. We've got a game review of Sky for you today.

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