Apple Watch 3: time for a new vocation
It’s time to talk to the doll. Apple has launched its new line of Series 3 watches complete with cellular capability.
The new smartwatches are on sale now, just in time for holiday shopping.
Apple Watch fans will find the Series 3 to be the complete replacement for the Apple Watch 2. It features many upgrades, including the ability to make calls from your wrist.
The watch allows you to make cellular calls to all major carriers in the US. The device supports data and voice and uses the same number as your iPhone.
The calls come at a price, they’ll add about $10 a month to your current wireless rate, but imagine the fun and options of chatting like comic detective Dick Tracy.
Apple’s new W2 wireless chip helps make calls work. Switch between Bluetooth, Wi-Fi networks, and the watch itself by always looking for your iPhone first.
Calls can be dialed directly using the watch keypad or by tapping on an existing contact. Actual message typing is limited to scribbling letters, tapping emoji, or dictating.
You can also have a voice conversation with Siri. It is no longer limited to just on-screen text responses. However, interacting with Siri without an iPhone nearby can be problematic.
While the watch is designed to free you from your phone, it does require your iPhone to assist with setup and app installation. Calls will not work with Android phones.
Most use the Apple Watch as a fitness tracker. New with the Series 3 is a barometric altimeter with an additional sensor on the GPS watch. Built-in GPS records the distance, speed, and route of your outdoor workouts.
The altimeter tracks elevation during the hilliest rides and highest climbs. It is also “seaproof” and safe to 50 meters.
Heart rate monitoring has been improved. More graphs are listed for all-day averages in resting heart rate and walking heart rate. Other charts and averages for workouts are also listed, as are fitness offerings from Samsung’s Gear watches.
Workouts are easier to start and stop, or change on the fly. Executions can be paused automatically. Music controls appear in workouts with a quick swipe, and music playlists can be set to turn on automatically.
Those who want to listen to music to accompany their workout will find improved synchronization with the WatchOS 4 operating system. Playlists can be added while the watch is charging. Most songs can be downloaded from your iTunes library.
Like most newer Apple products, wireless headphones are required to enjoy audio. AirPods are a good match for the watch.
While the Apple Series 3 has additional capabilities, it’s not a complete replacement for the iPhone. Responding to emails and messages is not easy and there is no camera. Your phone is still needed to set everything up and to add apps and other information.
Battery life can be an issue. Due to limitations, phone calls may be severely restricted, as may GPS-assisted workouts. Wireless service and Apple Music costs add to the expense.
Apple Watch 2 users will find little difference in appearance between the old and new devices. The 3 has a red dot on the crown, the 2 does not. The size is almost the same. You can use your older bands associated with earlier models.
The cellular version of the Series 3 will cost around $400. A stainless steel model will cost close to $600 and then there are the more luxurious Hermes and ceramic edition models priced at over $1,200.
Apple continues to improve its smartwatch offerings. While not revolutionary, the Series 3 is the first to offer cellular capability with enhanced fitness apps. The tech giant hopes consumers will find that now is the right time to buy one.