Apple Watch

Stay up-to-date on the latest Apple Watch news, and learn how to get the most out of your device with our comprehensive tutorials. From updates to features to troubleshooting tips, we’ve got you covered.

Here is Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular support

Cody Lee ∙ September 12, 2017

We're covering Apple's iPhone X event in Cupertino this morning, and the first major product announcement is the Apple Watch Series 3. Apple's COO Jeff Williams has taken the stage to announce the third generation of Apple's wearable. Its has built-in cellular support (well there is cellular and non-cellular models), a 70% faster dual core processor, and it's 50% more power efficient.

Cellular

Williams demonstrated the Watch's cellular capabilities on-stage by calling Deirdre Caldbeck of the Apple Watch team from his Series 3 Watch (sans iPhone), using AT&T. Caldbeck was shown on video, paddle-surfing in the ocean, and it actually made for a really impressive live demo. The call connected quickly, and the audio quality was surprisingly clear given the conditions.

Here's more from Apple on cellular:

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) features a full LTE and UMTS cellular radio that switches seamlessly to cellular when it is away from iPhone. The watch shares the same number as iPhone so there’s no need to provide an additional number to family, friends or colleagues; and to help get customers started, participating carriers are also offering special introductory cellular plans at launch. Customers have the ability to make cellular calls directly with Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) and, when paired with AirPods, enjoy a seamless and fully wireless experience. Apple also pioneered an industry-first antenna design that uses the display itself as both a transmitting and receiving element for LTE and UMTS, while introducing a built-in eSIM that is over one-hundredth the size of a traditional SIM card, making over-the-air activation possible without compromising space.

Apple says that the Watch will also be capable of streaming Apple Music without an iPhone, although it doesn't sound like this feature will be ready at launch time.

Internals

Powering the Apple Watch Series 3 is Apple's S3 chip. It features a faster dual-core processor, which allows for quicker app launch times and smoother graphics, and, for the first time, enables Siri to speak using the built-in speaker. It also features a new W2 wireless chip with 85% faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and better power efficiency, and a barometric altimeter that assists with tracking activities, elevation gained, stairs climbed, and more.

Apple Watch Series 3 is the same size as its predecessor (Apple does say, however, that they extended the crystal that encases the heart rate monitor by two sheets of paper) and comes in a host of new case and band colors/designs. It will be available for pre-order on September 15, and start shipping on the 22nd, starting at $329. Apple also notes that carriers will be offering special introductory cellular plan pricing.

Read More

Elk’s smart use of a Live Wallpaper tackles your biggest peeve with currency converters

Steffen Reich ∙ September 8, 2017

Anyone having the pleasure (or obligation) of travelling overseas has likely had their share of exposure to currency converters on iPhone. Whether you have selected your travel companion on the basis of features, price or mindlessly downloaded the first search result, in my experience the common denominator across the board is an off-putting level of self importance. More often that not, currency converters lack an understanding of their role on your phone.

Read More

Boston Red Sox caught using Apple Watch to steal opponents’ signs

Cody Lee ∙ September 5, 2017

Investigators for Major League Baseball have determined that the Boston Red Sox executed a scheme to illicitly steal hand signals from opponents' catchers in games, reports The New York Times. Citing several people briefed on the matter, the outlet says a member of the Red Sox's training staff used his Apple Watch to communicate with video replay personnel and then passed the intel onto his players.

The inquiry began roughly two weeks ago, after the Yankee's general manager Brian Cashman filed a detailed complaint with the commissioner's office that included a video the team shot of the Red Sox dugout during a three-game series last month. The video showed the staff member looking at his Apple Watch in the dugout and relaying a message—possibly what type of pitch was going to be thrown—to players.

Spying on other teams to try and steal their hand signals has long been a part of baseball. It's frowned upon, but not illegal, as long as you don't use any electronic devices. When confronted by the commissioner's office, the Red Sox admitted the operation has been up and running for several weeks. They also said the Yankees were using cameras to steal their hand signals. No word yet on possible penalties.

Source: The New York Times

Top image: AP Elise Amendola

Read More

The best voice recording apps for Apple Watch

Steffen Reich ∙ Updated June 16, 2020

The potential of voice recording from your wrist is huge, as it certainly has been for years on iPhone and iPad. For that reason, Apple itself has equipped their iPhones with a stock memo app years ago, and here at iDB we have showcased the most compelling alternatives for iOS back in 2016. Alas, the Apple gods haven’t graced us with a similar stock app for Apple Watch yet and that’s in spite of the fact that for the longest time quality third party apps to fill the gap were few and far between.

Read More