Staying fit and connected
The new version of Apple Watch does not just allow users to lead a healthy lifestyle but also acts as an independent communication device, writes Izwan Ismail
I’VE been using the Apple Watch for a few years now and frankly it has, in a way, influenced how I look at fitness. From a person who has never really cared about fitness, I’ve turned into one who is more aware of how much walking or steps I should take in a day to stay fit.
The watch has become a “personal” motivator and trainer to me and to many other people as well.
The beauty of using this watch lies in its ability to help people live a healthier lifestyle. The simple Activity Rings — Move, Exercise, Stand — give users a simple and fun way to live a healthier day.
The watch goes beyond just counting steps or tracking calories. Instead, it focuses more on overall health.
It tracks dozens of exercises, including new ones that people never thought could be measured, like yoga.
NEW CAPABILITY
In the new Series 5, Apple has made a number of significant upgrades to the watch. It now has an LTE model which allows users to use the watch independently of their iPhone to make/receive phone calls, text messages and emergency assistance.
However, the LTE model only works if you’re a Digi postpaid subscriber as currently only Digi is offering AirSIM service.
There are a few steps you have to take before you can use the watch independently.
Make sure you update your iPhone to the latest iOS 13.2 and the watch to WatchOS 6.1. Besides that, you also need to subscribe to Digi Postpaid 90 plan and use the 4G SIM card.
When you have all these in place, you’re good to use the watch without your phone.
This means you can do activities like jogging, hiking, marathon or anywhere that you feel it’s a hassle to bring the phone along. You can also pair the watch with Apple AirPods for better audio quality.
It worked really well. It gave me some freedom from looking at the phone screen.
Just make sure you are more than the WiFi range from the phone or else your watch will still be connected to the phone.
ALWAYS ON DISPLAY
Until recently, users of Apple Watch had to raise their hand or tap on the display to look at the time. In the Series 5, Apple is debuting an always-on Retina display.
This means the watch screen will not go completely dark if you don’t raise your hand. Instead it becomes dim so that you can still see the time and other information without having to raise or tap the display.
The watch will return to full brightness with a raise of the hand or a tap on the screen.
Several advanced technologies work together to deliver this new feature, including the industry’s only low-temperature polysilicone and oxide display (LTPO), ultra-low power display driver, efficient power management integrated circuit and new ambient light sensor.
This combination of hardware innovation and software design allows Apple Watch Series 5 to offer all-day 18-hour battery life.
For me, the ability to use the watch from the start of the day until you go to sleep is good enough in terms of battery life. To extend battery life, you can always turn off the always-on display in the settings.
MORE FITNESS TRACKING
In the Series 5, additional health and fitness features come with watchOS 6, including the new Cycle Tracking app, which gives customers the ability to log important information relating to their menstrual cycles, and see predicted timing for their next period and fertile windows.
There is also the new Noise app which helps users understand ambient sound levels in environments such as concerts and sporting events that could negatively impact hearing.
Another new update that I like about this new watchOS 6 are the dynamic new watch faces, including Meridian, Numerals Duo Modular Compact and Solar Dial.
I love the modern look of the Numerals Duo, which is simple and impressive.
These watch faces can also be customised for quick access to my favourite apps.
Besides having new always-on display, I also find the Series 5 watch hardy despite its all-glass design. The watch is water resistant up to 50 metres and is designed for swimmers.
Recently, I took it for a kayaking activity. The watch performed flawlessly. In the pool, it can even recognise your stroke. I also used it to track my yoga routine.
MODELS
For the Series 5, Apple is introducing a new case material made of titanium, a prized material in watchmaking that has a better strength-to-weight ratio and is lighter than stainless steel.
Available in two beautiful brushed finishes, the natural titanium has a custom-engineered surface which helps maintain its colour and resist staining. The space black titanium achieves its deep colour from a diamond-like coating.
Meanwhile, the classic styles like the stainless steel case in gold, silver and space black remain, while the aluminium case in silver, gold and space grey is now made for the first time from 100 per cent recycled 7000 series aluminium.
The Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS) starts at RM1,749. The Series 3 (GPS), with builtin GPS, optical heart rate sensor and water resistance, is priced from RM849.