Apple Seeds Fourth Beta of watchOS 3.2 to Developers

[MacRumors]

Apple today seeded the fourth beta of an upcoming watchOS 3.2 update to developers for testing purposes, one week after seeding the third watchOS 3.2 beta and more than a month after the release of watchOS 3.1.3, the current public version of the operating system.

The watchOS 3.2 beta can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General --> Software Update after installing the proper configuration profile on the iPhone. To install the update, the Apple Watch must have 50 percent battery, it must be placed on the charger, and it must be in range of the iPhone.

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watchOS 3.2 requires an iPhone running iOS 10 to install and will only be available to developers. Apple does not make watchOS betas available to the public as there is no way to downgrade the software on an Apple Watch.

watchOS 3.2 includes a "Theater Mode" designed to let customers quickly mute the sound on the Apple Watch and disable Raise to Wake, preventing the screen from lighting up with arm movement.

Customers are still able to receive haptic feedback-based notifications, and information can be viewed by either tapping the screen or pressing down on the Digital Crown.

watchOS 3.2 also brings SiriKit to the Apple Watch, allowing customers to ask Siri to do things like send messages, send payments, book a ride, log a workout, make a call, or search through photos. SiriKit has been available on iOS devices since the release of iOS 10, but is new to the Apple Watch.

Article Link: Apple Seeds Fourth Beta of watchOS 3.2 to Developers

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

Not sure if this has been said previously or not, but Theater Mode makes a lot of sense when imagining series 3 having an always on display....

 

[BruceEBonus]

Apple can't seed Betas any more, my arse!

 

[TurboPGT!]

Not sure if this has been said previously or not, but Theater Mode makes a lot of sense when imagining series 3 having an always on display....

It makes more than enough sense for the series 2. It is handy to turn off Raise to Wake and Sounds in 1 toggle from the Control Center.

Besides, Apple watch is not getting an Always-On display. Anyone who told you otherwise is wrong.

 

[macduke]

Not sure if this has been said previously or not, but Theater Mode makes a lot of sense when imagining series 3 having an always on display....

I must have missed that story. I highly doubt that would be ready for version 3. Perhaps if that new lithium battery tech that doubles energy capacity is used combined with a chip that uses a smaller process and other energy efficiency improvements such as new display tech. Running a display all day in an enclosure that tiny is no small feat. Then there are also thermals to consider. You'd have an always running display and a chip that's constantly drawing to the display, which could make it uncomfortably warm to wear. It will happen someday, but I'd be pretty shocked to see it in the next few years. Maybe if they make the display bigger, as the increase in display size usually doesn't outweigh the increase in volume to hold more battery capacity.

 

[jonnysods]

I hope it improves batter life. 3.1 got me 2 days of battery life. 3.1.3 made that go away.

 

[341328]

the only new feature I really care about is being able to sync more then 1 playlist to the apple watch. Does it have this?

 

[jonnysods]

I'd like the watch to work with the AirPods too. Mine aren't playing nice with each other at all.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

It makes more than enough sense for the series 2. It is handy to turn off Raise to Wake and Sounds in 1 toggle from the Control Center.

Besides, Apple watch is not getting an Always-On display. Anyone who told you otherwise is wrong.

Sure, it can absolutely be handy for series 0-2, but it would be supremely useful on an always on display.

I must have missed that story. I highly doubt that would be ready for version 3. ... Maybe if they make the display bigger, as the increase in display size usually doesn't outweigh the increase in volume to hold more battery capacity.

I haven't necessarily heard a specific rumor of an always on display, but I've heard rumors for series 3 that screen technology is changing and that a focus is on battery life. Take these rumors, combine them with the fact that there are several other smart watches that have this feature and there appears to be significant desire for this feature (at least in these forums, granted not the most fully represented demographic), and I would argue that it's certainly plausible. And I would argue that the feature would lend even more credence to that as a possibility.

Additionally I think I would welcome a small increase in size. Maybe either move from 38mm/42mm to 40/44? Or perhaps keeping 38/42 and adding a 46mm? For me (and I have small-to-medium male wrists), 42mm is fine, but I honestly think I would prefer something more in the 45mm range, both for added screen size and battery life.

 

[44267547]

I must have missed that story. I highly doubt that would be ready for version 3. Perhaps if that new lithium battery tech that doubles energy capacity is used combined with a chip that uses a smaller process and other energy efficiency improvements such as new display tech. Running a display all day in an enclosure that tiny is no small feat. Then there are also thermals to consider. You'd have an always running display and a chip that's constantly drawing to the display, which could make it uncomfortably warm to wear. It will happen someday, but I'd be pretty shocked to see it in the next few years. Maybe if they make the display bigger, as the increase in display size usually doesn't outweigh the increase in volume to hold more battery capacity.

I agree and disagree.

I agree that always on display won't be ready by Series 3, pending Watch OS updates.

Although, I disagree that it's Based on processor. Because if that's your argument, the first Generation Moto 360 Sport and Pebble Watch had always on display years ago. Both of which, which were underpowered, albeit, the Pebble had a weeks worth of battery.

And, the Apple Watch uses OLED, which draws more power, which will require a processor efficient or more than the current Series 2 processor.

 

[MrGimper]

the only new feature I really care about is being able to sync more then 1 playlist to the apple watch. Does it have this?

No it doesn't, but then again there has never been any implication this would be a feature

 

[341328]

No it doesn't, but then again there has never been any implication this would be a feature

The watch is supposed to be for exercise. This is the dumbest oversight ever.

 

[xDKP]

It makes more than enough sense for the series 2. It is handy to turn off Raise to Wake and Sounds in 1 toggle from the Control Center.

Besides, Apple watch is not getting an Always-On display. Anyone who told you otherwise is wrong.

Wow would love a crystal ball like the one you have - must be amazing!

Looking forward to this - think it might be better than do not disturb mode for meetings - I use that at the moment but it should still have all notifications in the menu so a quick glance after the meeting would update me - but it doesn't

 

[44267547]

I'd like the watch to work with the AirPods too. Mine aren't playing nice with each other at all.

I would initiate a re-pair with the Watch/Airpods or disable Bluetooth, then re-enable.

 

[andreigherghe]

There is a new sound when unlocking a Mac with the WATCH - sounds like an actual mechanical lock now.

 

[macduke]

\Additionally I think I would welcome a small increase in size. Maybe either move from 38mm/42mm to 40/44? Or perhaps keeping 38/42 and adding a 46mm? For me (and I have small-to-medium male wrists), 42mm is fine, but I honestly think I would prefer something more in the 45mm range, both for added screen size and battery life.

I'd love a 46-48mm size. I remember being worried about the 42mm being too big when I preordered my Series 0, but turns out that I apparently have weird body image issues when it comes to my wrists, lol. I always thought my wrists were small, but turns out they're a little bigger than average for a guy. I would love to have just a little extra room to navigate on that display—and a little extra width for things like meeting complications at the bottom. I'd also accept a round display that could fit the current display inside the circle—so whatever the math comes out to on that diameter. That way it can display the same amount of info, but be round with some new watch faces and complication locations. I've always been a round watch guy myself.

I agree and disagree.

I agree that always on display won't be ready by Series 3, pending Watch OS updates.

Although, I disagree that it's Based on processor. Because if that's your argument, the first Generation Moto 360 Sport and Pebble Watch had always on display years ago. Both of which, which were underpowered, albeit, the Pebble had a weeks worth of battery.

And, the Apple Watch uses OLED, which draws more power, which will require a processor efficient or more than the current Series 2 processor.

To be fair, the W1 and W2 chips blow the pants off of whatever is in the Pebble. The Pebble was also hugely helped out by the fact that the display wasn't backlit, and I don't expect Apple to move to a display like that. I mean, I think they added a back light later on, but it's not the same as an LCD or OLED. I'm finding it difficult to quantify. As for the Moto 360, I'm unsure how it's performance compares, but I would be interested to see what the battery life was like, and how big of a battery it fit inside what is probably a much larger enclosure. I remember seeing some Android watches and they were freaking enormous and thick. Again, there are a lot of limits on Apple being able to do this in a slim enclosure. I'm hoping that new lithium battery tech goes mass market this year and we will eventually see it in our Apple gear. Double the capacity would go a long way towards an always on display, but I suspect Apple would use some of that budget to beef up the specs a little, make it a little thinner, and make it brighter in direct sunlight. Perhaps some of the budget could also be put towards a more sensitive, higher-end accelerometer that would more accurately detect wrist raises. In my personal use, it's fairly accurate, but could use some work.

Any time I accidentally leave up an app that keeps the display on longer, I get annoyed because my wrist is lit up so bright and it draws attention to the fact that I'm wearing a smart watch. I like the lower profile of having the display off, but perhaps they could get around battery issues by leaving the display always on at a lower brightness and have the brightness increase when looking at it?

 

[Shredliotti]

There is a new sound when unlocking a Mac with the WATCH - sounds like an actual mechanical lock now.

The new taptic feedback is pretty a nice touch to the new sound as well!

 

[TurboPGT!]

Sure, it can absolutely be handy for series 0-2, but it would be supremely useful on an always on display.

Which is not happening in the lifetime of the product.

Wow would love a crystal ball like the one you have - must be amazing!

No crystal ball necessary when you have common sense.

1. It is already a proven part of the product. It works (Raise to Wake). There is no pressing need to change this.
2. Battery life will always be the reason. No matter much how battery technology improves over time, keeping the display On will always use exponentially more than keeping it OFF + Raise to Wake. Tons of wasted battery that could instead be used to power other features and lengthen usage.
2. OLED displays cannot have static or nearly static images burning them 24hrs a day.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

1. It is already a proven part of the product. It works (Raise to Wake). There is no pressing need to change this.
2. Battery life will always be the reason. No matter much how battery technology improves over time, keeping the display On will always use exponentially more than keeping it OFF + Raise to Wake. Tons of wasted battery that could instead be used to power other features and lengthen usage.
2. OLED displays cannot have static or nearly static images burning them 24hrs a day.

1. I disagree It works-ish, but there are many downsides. There are many times raise to wake doesn't activate. Additionally there are plenty of times that you might now want to lift your wrist at all, but instead just glance down at it. Lastly, there is still lag even when working 100% correctly. Raise to wake is "acceptable" but not ideal.

2. While true that keeping the screen on will use battery life, I think that could be a worthwhile tradeoff. Similar to iPhone I think the goal for charge time is 1 day. Anything beyond a day is most often unnecessary (yes, I know there will be extenuating circumstances at times). I think as soon as Apple can get the same battery life on an always on display as they did on watch series 0 they'll make the switch. Whether that's series 3, 4 or 5. And Apple can always slightly dim the display when not being used or when covered (by a sleeve).

Second 2. That seems like a temporary hurtle if anything. Screen tech is always changing. Rumors indicate it will change in series 3. Also, there are many other smartwatches which appear to have this problem solved. Even if this is unsolvable from the h/w side, I'm sure Apple is smart enough to utilize some clever s/w that imperceptibly prevents the burn in (ex. subtly shifting the display by 1 pixel every few minutes).

 

[xDKP]

1. It is already a proven part of the product. It works (Raise to Wake). There is no pressing need to change this.

I'm with you a lot of the time - but often when sitting at my desk, lying in bed or other non-standing situations, it doesn't light up when flipping the wrist all the time - I would love a low beam always on