Apps Apple Watch 3 Compass App

[romanobstuder]

Hi all

I tried a few compass apps. None do anything useful on the watch.
I would like to see a rose, direction, elevation. (GPS based, true North)
Same as on the iOS phone.

Just changed over from a Tissot Touch Solar.
Shows magnetic North and barometer based elevation.

Regards
Romano

 

[CobraPA]

The iOS compass is actually based on a different chip, a magnetic field sensor. I don't believe the Watch has one of those. A gps based compass is somewhat painful to use, as it will not update direction until after you walk a certain distance, generally on the order of 10-60 ft, depending on the present gps reception.

 

[romanobstuder]

Thank you for the explanation. I had no idea that the phone compass was magnetic.
I went swimming with the new Apple Watch for the first time this morning. It is able to differentiate freestyle vs breaststroke no problem (VERY IMPRESSIVE). I would have thought all these sensors would be able to work out compass directions somehow. Maybe not.
Sidenote: Will give the watch to my daughter (she swims in the squad) for a set and see if the watch can differentiate fly vs freestyle vs backstroke.
Thanks

 

[cfc]

I'm not sure if it is possible to have a magnetic compass in the watch because of the magnetic charger and the magnets used in several of the straps.

I have written an app called WorkOutDoors which shows a compass using the GPS. As CobraPA says this isn't perfect because you need to move in order for the app to know what direction you are moving in. However my app also shows a map with a breadcrumb trail of where you have been, which makes it easier to orient yourself than just displaying a simple rose.

 

[Marcpek]

Hi all

I tried a few compass apps. None do anything useful on the watch.
I would like to see a rose, direction, elevation. (GPS based, true North)
Same as on the iOS phone.

Just changed over from a Tissot Touch Solar.
Shows magnetic North and barometer based elevation.

Regards
Romano

Hi

I have an app that supports that functionality. It shows north but it doesn’t have a full rose (I could add that functionality, if needed). It can also direct to predefined places.

https://appsto.re/fi/IESCkb.i

 

[lukebbb22]

Hi
try this app Compass for Watch

Regards
Luke

 

[BeefCake 15]

It is able to differentiate freestyle vs breaststroke no problem (VERY IMPRESSIVE).

Sidenote: Will give the watch to my daughter (she swims in the squad) for a set and see if the watch can differentiate fly vs freestyle vs backstroke.
Thanks

That really is cool! Didn't know it was possible, please let us know the outcome with your daughter's test.

 

[cdleighton]

Hi
try this app Compass for Watch

Regards
Luke

Its a sundial. No use at night or when overcast.