AW4 Heart Rate Sensor for Fitness

[rcarter3636]

yes, exactly. I imagine the algorithm says, "external sensor connected - priority" "no external sensor-onboard OCR"

I Do expect the AW4 to have a better OHR sensor. There are about 60% more actual sensors (not including the ECG ring) than prior models. I would imagine some level of sensing optimization has been done.

Where are you getting info about 60% more actual sensors on the 4?

 

[tivoboy]

Where are you getting info about 60% more actual sensors on the 4?

Well, we had apparently 4 sensors on the AW3, and it appears from the visuals that they have now made it with ONE large central sensor paired with a satellite of SIX sensors. We don't know if they are all OHR (in the past some were some weren't, don't know which).

If they are all involved in the HR sensing, maybe apple found this format yields better sensing or error correcting?

I rounded down the 60% number.

 

[Brazilano]

Maybe HR sensor (AW Series 3) is working better on WatchOS 5. I went for my morning walking and it didn't lose my heart rate - not even once.

 

[Nozuka]

Well, we had apparently 4 sensors on the AW3, and it appears from the visuals that they have now made it with ONE large central sensor paired with a satellite of SIX sensors. We don't know if they are all OHR (in the past some were some weren't, don't know which).

If they are all involved in the HR sensing, maybe apple found this format yields better sensing or error correcting?

I rounded down the 60% number.

I also noticed that it's only one LED now. But which are the sensors? Those 8 little bars around it?

 

[jhfenton]

In the Apple Watch setting, go to Bluetooth and you’ll be able to pair it. You have to pair it each time you use it, it doesn’t automatically pick it up.

I don't have to pair my Polar H10 each time. It automatically reconnects when I put the H10 on.

Two or three times in 18 months, I've had to remove and re-pair it because the Watch wasn't using it, but that's not typical.

 

[rcarter3636]

Maybe HR sensor (AW Series 3) is working better on WatchOS 5. I went for my morning walking and it didn't lose my heart rate - not even once.

I did strength training without chest strap and noticed no drop outs also. Who knows how accurate. I will say compared to other strength training workouts with a chest strap the calorie count and average hr were spot on with each other.

 

[iBought]

Question on OS 5- what if you go cycling and your heart rate monitor is talking to your AW and your Bike Computer? Your Bike computer uploads the ride to Strava, which feeds Apple Health. During the ride Apple health is also taking HR data from your monitor. The question - what is the smoothest way to prevent double data, so your cals for the day are accurate?

 

[rcarter3636]

There is definitely a change on how the optical heart rate sensor works during workouts after the software update. While I did have a few dropouts here and there for tennis, it was the first day I used the Watch only (no external heart rate monitor) ever.
I’ve had the Watch since its inception. Now using AW3. The graphs show and don’t give me the “chart unavailable” due to limited readings by the Watch.
I did compare to other tennis workouts just as I did with strength training and found very similar numbers. I’ll compare for the next week and if the numbers hold up I’ll cancel my AW4.
The only downside is battery is down around 50% after update compared to 75% after 12 hours use.

 

[matrix07]

That’s good news. Can’t wait to try it out. HR monitor starting to struggle with my runs lately to the point I’m considering Polar chest strap. Let’s see how watchOS 5 improves.

 

[iFan83]

I don't have to pair my Polar H10 each time. It automatically reconnects when I put the H10 on.

Two or three times in 18 months, I've had to remove and re-pair it because the Watch wasn't using it, but that's not typical.

That’s interesting... I have to pair it each time

 

[actcyclist]

HRM on my cycle to work was far more consistent. I normally have it drop a few times, especially in the cold.

Maybe I don't need the Apple Watch 4 arriving in two days..

 

[iFan83]

I’m interested to see if the AW4 heart rate senors is better than AW3. Must say, I’m loving the automatic workout detection, great for when I go for walks, just go and the watch picks it up.

 

[Nozuka]

I also noticed that it's only one LED now. But which are the sensors? Those 8 little bars around it?

yeah looks like it's those 8 bars. looks futuristic somehow