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Apple Releases watchOS 5.1 With New Color Watch Faces and Updated Emoji

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Apple today released watchOS 5.1, the first major update to the watchOS 5 operating system that runs on modern Apple Watch models. watchOS 5.1 comes more than a month after the release of watchOS 5 and a few weeks after the launch of watchOS 5.0.1, a minor bug fix update.

watchOS 5.1 can be downloaded for free through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General --> Software Update.

applewatchseries4watchfaces-800x659.jpg

To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery, it needs to be placed on a charger, and it needs to be in range of the iPhone.

watchOS 5.1 introduces support for the Group FaceTime feature also coming in iOS 12.1 and macOS 10.14.1, but in an audio-only capacity on the wrist. You can answer Group FaceTime calls using FaceTime Audio, and switch over to the iPhone for video. Group FaceTime is designed to let you chat with up to 32 people at one time.

Today's update introduces a new full-screen "Color" watch face option for the Apple Watch Series 4 models, with users able to choose between dozens of shades. There's also a filled-in circular option for older Apple Watch models that joins the standard Color clock face.

applewatchcolor-800x557.jpg

Alongside iOS 12.1 and macOS 10.14.1, watchOS 5.1 introduces support for more than 70 new emoji characters, like face with hearts, red hair, gray hair, curly hair, super heroes, kangaroo, peacock, parrot, lobster, cupcake, mango, and more.

emojifacesios121.jpg

The watchOS 5.1 update also includes several bug fixes, as outlined in Apple's release notes:
This update includes improvements and bug fixes:

- Apple Watch Series 4 automatically contacts emergency services if you are immobile for about a minute after detecting a hard fall. The watch will also now play a message that informs the responder that the Apple Watch has detected a fall and shares your location coordinates when possible.
- Fixes an issue that could cause an incomplete installation of the Walkie-Talkie app for some users.
- Resolves an issue that prevented some users from being able to send or receive invitations on Walkie-Talkie
- Addresses an issue where some previously warned Activity awards were not showing in the Awards tab of the Activity app for some users.
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For a full look at all the emoji available in the new software updates, make sure to check out our dedicated emoji article. For more information on watchOS 5, our watchOS 5 roundup has all of the details you need to know.

Article Link: Apple Releases watchOS 5.1 With New Color Watch Faces and Updated Emoji
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2018/10/30/apple-releases-watchos-5-1/
spazzcat said:
It is kind of important that it is right when then release it... So when it is ready, it will be turned on.
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They really should stop announcing things before they’re ready; it’s getting annoying. At the very least, announce a release date and stick to it.
 
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The Verge reported that 5.1 includes the ECG function but I can’t find any mention of ECG in the Heart Rate app after updating my Series 4.
 
Apple have just told me that they are getting calls from other people with the same issue. They have said that it may take 2 to 3 hours to upgrade and i should leave it. I think i am being fobbed off. Its bricked.
 
I LOVE the max complication display, wish for only two things;

1- The bold time hands completely block the small central complications at times, since these are "virtual" hands why not use technology, make the portions of the hands that pass over complications shift to an alias color? This way you can see the hands and the data under them as the hands pass over the small dials. No need to fully mimic a metal hand!

2- As many have asked, allow other app maker's complications to use this screen as well!
 
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Birkan said:
Are you using a Bluetooth 5.0 capable device like an iPhone 8/X/Xs? Or maybe the series 4 AW defaults to WiFi when updating :)
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I upgraded via Xs but I’m talking about the time it actually performed the upgrade once it was copied over to the watch.
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Bazooka-joe said:
Apple have just told me that they are getting calls from other people with the same issue. They have said that it may take 2 to 3 hours to upgrade and i should leave it. I think i am being fobbed off. Its bricked.
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Ouch. I guess don’t have much of a choice but to wait it out. Does the watch feel warm to the touch? Warmer than usual?
 
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RemE said:
I LOVE the max complication display, wish for only two things;

1- The bold time hands completely block the small central complications at times, since these are "virtual" hands why not use technology, make the portions of the hands that pass over complications shift to an alias color? This way you can see the hands and the data under them as the hands pass over the small dials. No need to fully mimic a metal hand!

2- As many have asked, allow other app maker's complications to use this screen as well!
Click to expand...

I like the semi-translucent hands idea.
 
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