Apple Watch OS 2.0 News, Details: Latest Smartwatch OS Gives Developers Access on Key Hardware Components
Despite the fact that Apple's first wearable tech product, the Apple Watch, is still not available for quick purchases at Apple Stores, a new version for its Watch OS has already arrived to bring a host of updates for the device.
A report from GSM Arena offers updates on the recently-held Apple WorldWide Developers Conference in California, and one of them points out to the new Watch OS version 2.0.
Among the core changes being explained at the event is the ability of the smartwatch to run apps natively with the main app logic executed on itself instead on its companion iPhone device.
With the new OS iteration, the Watch should now be able to connect directly to known Wi-Fi networks without having to share the connection with the parent device.
The update would also allow developers to access the hardware components of the said device. For example, users can now make use of the Watch mic to add voice or text inputs for messenger apps like WeChat. Video app Vines can now also be watch through it thanks to its video playback support.
The native HealthKit support will now also allow apps like Strava to monitor heart rate in real time.
Developers are now also given access to the device's accelerometer hardware which tracks and analyse hand gestures and swings for sports games.
Users, meanwhile, can further customize their Watch faces with the new OS. Now they can select images from their gallery to put up as a wallpaper or watch face. Stock short-looped timelapse videos are also available for use.
