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'Activity' Companion App for Apple Watch Found Hidden in iOS 8.2

praetorian909 said:
That's what I was thinking at first, but then wouldn't you need the app to pair the watch? I honestly don't know, but I figure that could be the reason.
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My guess is that the app is vital to the pairing of the watch because there is much more present than a simple bluetooth pairing.

I'll wager that the watch can only be paired to one phone at a time and is done so in an Activation Lock-style way - that is to say, if someone steals your watch, they cannot simply wipe it and activate it on their phone. This is very important for Apple Pay as well.

Then there is the configuration and management of the watch from the app, which probably has a decent amount of complexity that they want to step you through. Handling all of this through a single app/experience makes more sense.

Pair it in Settings > Bluetooth, then wait for this app to appear somewhere on your home screen, go find it, launch it, and follow directions there.

vs.

Open app you've been staring at for a month > tap "Start Pairing"
 
I don't really need a computer to tell me when to run and work out. I think it's quite rewarding on it's own. Still, if it helps some people getting into better shape, I can only welcome it.

jacobh101 said:
they shoulda made the "Apple Watch" app hidden in iOS as well until you connected to your watch via bluetooth.
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It's basically just very cheap advertisement. Apple needs to make sure that everybody knows that the watch exists.
 
rcalderoni said:
Why is the apple watch app icon so ugly and un-appley, they should have just made it be a shot of the homescreen circles of the apple watch face.
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Or a simple abstract representation of the watch's home array. Get the gal/guy who did the fitness goal icons to redo the Watch app icon!

Agreed--it's pretty ugly at present.
 
bushido said:
influenced by the beats music app? :D could it be any darker? sometimes I don't understand apples UI decisions
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Perhaps it's to match the watch UI? The watch UI is dark to take advantage of OLED's ability to mask the edges of the display and bezel. I think Apple's UI decision is pretty sound... at least, it makes good sense to me.
 
Coolmatt49 said:
Not sure how it was "found" hidden in iOS 8.2, the release notes even say it's there until you pair an Apple Watch:

"New Activity app for viewing fitness data and achievements from Apple Watch; appears when Apple Watch is paired"

Source: https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1794?locale=en_US
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It has to exists on the phone prior to activation of the watch as it's probably a little large to dynamically download to the phone. And customers don't want to wait for that after they threw down 17000 for their rose watch. lol
 
MeFromHere said:
So Apple should set everyone's phone up just the way you like your phone? You like weather, messages, phone and email, so everyone else should be locked into those apps as well. Thanks a lot!

Except (maybe) for the phone app, I'm sure there are people who never use each of your "necessities".
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Sure. I see no reason they can't make that something you can hide. Or something that is only shown once you turn it on or download it. Wouldn't be hard, and would hardly be the inconvenience you try to make it. It's much worse to not be able to get rid of them AT ALL.
 
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AppGate

Even though I have plenty of money and will buy the (gold) Watch Edition, I dislike the practice of forcing users to have the app on their phones. For non-Watch buyers this app is purely marketing that they can't remove. I used to feel bad for the Android users who had bloatware forced upon them from their carriers (like the Blockbuster Video app). #appGate #whatsUpWithThat #WatchEdition
 
dontwalkhand said:
The heart rate monitor does show you your BPM. The Garmin Fenix starts at $599, whereas the Apple watch starts at $350. We are comparing Apples to Apples here.
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As a activity tracker apple's main competitors are fitbit and jawbone. I have the fitbit charge HR. Its a heart rate monitor, tracks activity, sleep, last 7 days, and sells for $150. Basic activity trackers like fitbit flex and UP are under $100. The Fenix is a activity tracker not a smart watch. The apple watch will attract some of these users but not much. The low battery life and requiring to have the iPhone is a big downside for me. When running or working out I use my fitbit and a nano for music. I rather not have a phone strap onto me or bouncing around in my pocket.
 
JCrz said:
Even though I have plenty of money and will buy the (gold) Watch Edition, I dislike the practice of forcing users to have the app on their phones. For non-Watch buyers this app is purely marketing that they can't remove. I used to feel bad for the Android users who had bloatware forced upon them from their carriers (like the Blockbuster Video app). #appGate #whatsUpWithThat #WatchEdition
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Apple just likes forcing apps that are from Apple instead. I'm still wanting to get rid of Game Center and Stocks.
 
I can see the Apple Watch fitting your lifestyle very well. I agree that people should not change others people life, interesting view.

I hope you can report back if you buy an iWatch.

Cheers

technosix said:
I only hang with fit, active people. Time is so valuable that on weekends I'm always outdoors, even if it's raining. Those in my group are all at the top of their game, so fit that others simply cannot keep up. And that IS_NOT a criticism.

We all have things we love to do and I have the same respect for those who have other interests. I have an appreciation for many things in life, it's just that I choose to maximize my free time by doing fun, challenging and often very dangerous sports. If I crash and burn...Oh well I was doing what I love. I'm just not a person that can sit around.

I can tell you one thing in no uncertain terms. I have no interest in changing others. It's their life. I find people who want to change others, repulsive. Why stick your nose in other people's business. We've already got a person who's taking away our freedoms, racing towards socialism, but enough of that.

It'll be interesting to see what becomes of Apple and others smartwatches.
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