WatchOS
*Disclaimer * This is a DEVELOPER BETA version. Meaning, it is NOT a public software update and there may be BUGS. This can be obtained via instructions in my other post or wait for the public beta to be released in July.
New Watch Face - in the watch face app, there is now a bit of an update to the “Photos” face. You can select “people,” “pets,” “nature,” and “cities” and watchOS 11 will find the best photos and use them. You can also now edit the font, a few more colors, and there is now script support for different languages.
Full Screen Videos - This is now optional, when playing a video it will not longer start as full screen, it is still optional, though, with a single tap of the crown.
Notifications - now instead of scrolling you, you can now scroll down for notifications (makes in easier for me since I always scroll the wrong way anyway 🥲)
Sleep Tracking - you no longer have to be in sleep more for Apple Watch to track your sleeping cycles. So yes, now your naps will be recorded as well without having to put your phone into sleep mode.
Sleep Mode - you can now exit sleep mode with a single tap of the crown instead of pressing and holding. It will go to watch face then another press will take you to the home screen.
Change Notification Tones - Now you can select which tones you want for whatever notifications (no custom ones, unfortunately).
Fitness - you can now “pause” your rings for Rest days which can be done by simply pressing the rings and hitting pause and you will maintain your streak. There is also now a Training Load section which contains an “effort” section that tells you the possible body changes over time. Also there is a “post-workout reminder” setting that will automatically give you an effort score if turned on.
Fitness App - you can now move and add sections in your view. ( yes this is for iPhone, but it affects the watch as well). New metrics for different exercises. There are new metrics for running, cycling, swimming, and more.
New App! - There is now a Vitals app. This one is pretty self explanatory, it tells you your vitals in a bit more detail than usual.
ANOTHER New App - The next new app is Translate! There is support for 20 languages, it works the same as on your phone. There is also now a widget for this app in the Smart Stack (basically if your watch detects you going to another country or whatever, this widget will automatically pop up for conveinience).
Last New App - We now have a Shazam app for Apple Watch! I love Shazam so I’m happy for this! It works the same as the phone app so nothing crazy new or anything.
Smart Stack - widgets are now automatically added depending on certain things. For example, if it’s about to storm or rain and you’re out it will automatically pop up in Smart Stacks so that you are aware.
Live Activities - There is now a widget available for Live Activities, so you can have the widget there, have it set to automatically pop up when needed, or you can just cut it off altogether.
Uber Eats - There is now also Live Activities for Uber Eats.
There are new home widgets for - Vitals, Translate, Photos, Sever Weather, and 3rd Party Apps.
Ultra Wideband home keys - you can now unlock your doors as you are coming up to it instead of having to tap and hold.
Check-In- now available on the app, you can notify a friend when you’ve arrived at your destination by telling a friend via message where you are going and/or when you will arrive. You can also check-in for workouts, if you like to take night runs.
Double-Tap - now upgraded to work for all apps (mainly scrolling). The double tap API is also available for third-part apps.
Maps - now includes all U.S. National Parks. You can download maps for offline use right to your watch and use voice guidance for directions. Custom hikes are also able to be set up.
Enhanced GPS routes - Now available for hiking and swimming. Your watch will guide you through work intervals and recovery while swimming, haptics will inform you when it’s time to start the next interval. There is also a “Up Next” section, custom workouts, and current interval timing.
Cycle Tracking - now tracks pregnancy when you add it into the health app. This will be tracked across all of your devices (watch iPhone, iPad).
Wallet - now has enhanced ticketing. You can see info via the tickets such as directions to parking, showtimes, etc. This will also be displayed as a Live Activity in Smart Stack.
Tap to cash - same as the iPhone. You can put your watch close to another users watch or iPhone and send cash via a tap.
Available on - Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen and up.
- Not all features are available on all devices.
If I missed anything or you have any question, feel free to let me know or ask. 🙂
#tech #technology #techfinds #lemon8challenge #Apple #AppleWatch #watchos #lemon8 #ios #iPhone
Okay, so I have to tell you, one of the features in WatchOS 11 that genuinely blew me away and I can't stop talking about is the new Translate app! As someone who loves to travel, the idea of having a powerful translation tool right on my wrist is a game-changer. I remember fumbling with my phone in a busy market trying to ask for directions or haggle prices, and it felt so clumsy. Now, with the Apple Watch Translate app, it’s going to be so seamless. When you open the app, the first thing you notice is how clean and intuitive the Apple Watch Translate app screen is. It’s designed for quick use, which is exactly what you need when you’re in a foreign country or just trying to communicate quickly. You'll see direct options for selecting your source and target languages, often displayed as clear, tappable buttons like "English" and "Spanish" as seen in some of the early screenshots. This makes switching between common languages incredibly fast. But the real magic happens with that prominent microphone icon. It's strategically placed, usually at the bottom or center of the screen, indicating its primary function. Tapping it instantly activates listening mode. You just speak naturally into your watch, and it processes your words. I've tested it out, and the transcription appears almost instantly, followed by the translated text. It’s super responsive! For example, if I'm in France and want to ask for the 'nearest bakery,' I tap the microphone, say my phrase, and boom—my watch displays 'la boulangerie la plus proche' and can even play it aloud for the person I'm speaking to. No more awkward pauses or trying to pronounce things perfectly myself. What's even cooler is how it integrates with the Smart Stack. The article mentioned that the Translate widget can automatically pop up if your watch detects you're in another country. Imagine landing in a new city, and your watch proactively suggests the Translate app—that’s next-level convenience! It truly feels like Apple is anticipating your needs. Beyond the Translate app, another feature in WatchOS 11 that adds to the overall health and wellness experience is the Vitals app. While the original post briefly touched on it, I think it deserves a bit more attention. The Vitals app screen, from what I've seen, is really well-designed to give you a quick overview of key health metrics like your respiratory rate, heart rate, and even sleep duration. It moves beyond just showing raw numbers and aims to give you context, helping you understand changes in your body over time. For instance, it uses a graphical interface to show trends, so you can easily spot if your resting heart rate has been consistently higher or lower than usual. This kind of detailed, yet accessible, health tracking directly from your wrist is incredibly empowering. It's not just about collecting data; it's about providing actionable insights to help you stay on top of your well-being. Coupled with the enhanced sleep tracking that now includes naps without specific sleep modes, your Watch is becoming an even more comprehensive health guardian. And let's not forget the improved Watch Faces! Being able to select "people," "pets," "nature," and "cities" and have WatchOS 11 intelligently pick the best photos is such a fun, personalized touch. My watch finally feels even more 'me.' The ability to customize fonts and colors further allows for that personal flair. These small but impactful updates truly elevate the everyday user experience on my Apple Watch. It makes me excited for the official release!