As part of its Worldwide Developer Conference today, Apple announced watchOS 4 - the latest version of its Apple Watch operating system.
One of the key new features is a Siri-powered watch face that uses machine learning to dynamically provide you with relevant information based on your usage habits and the time of day. This can include calendar appointments, traffic information, weather, photo memories, traffic information, and relevant passes from your Apple Wallet.
In addition, Apple is adding a somewhat psychedelic "kaleidoscope" watch face, and three Toy Story watch faces to complement Mickey and Minnie.
Fitness tracking is the other major area of improvement for watchOS 4, with both the Activity and Workout apps getting a plethora of new features.
For example, Apple Watches will be able to sync with gym equipment for a two-way data exchange. Tapping an Apple Watch on compatible machines in the gym will allow NFC pairing where the machine gets heart-rate information from the Watch, and the Watch gets speed and incline information from your equipment of choice. This will increase the accuracy of data at both ends.
Other new fitness features will include smart coaching to help you close your rings each day, monthly challenges, the option to start a new workout during an existing workout, tracking for high intensity interval training, and playlists that automatically start with your workout.
A developer preview of watchOS 4 will be available today, ahead of a free spring release later this year.
Alex Choros
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