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So wait, it can or can't accept phone calls outside of Bluetooth range? 30 ft doesn't even cover me being upstairs and phone charging downstairs. I need a watch because my phone got too big for my pocket
 
So wait, it can or can't accept phone calls outside of Bluetooth range? 30 ft doesn't even cover me being upstairs and phone charging downstairs. I need a watch because my phone got too big for my pocket

According to Kevin Lynch yes, according to the instruction manual no.

I'm going with "yes" - Lynch has worked on the watch for 2 years, unlikely he'd make a mistake like this, the instruction manual writers may have simply overlooked this feature.

Guess we'll find out tomorrow?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHcsziE3duE
 
Yea, I think the words taken out of the manual are being taken out of context. Kevin Lynch clearly states that you don't need to be within bluetooth range to take calls. I should have known to immediately distrust anything posted by an April 2015 creation newbie.

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This actually is a bit disappointing, especially in regards to accepting phone calls. I wouldn't want to use that function in the gym (people will probably want to kill me), but this would have been useful in a workplace and especially at home. You can just leave the phone charging in the bedroom or downstairs and handle all tasks from the watch. 30-foot range is tiny.

I don't understand the apologists in the forum. In the keynote, they said that all Handoff functionality would be available. It works fine on the iPad and Mac, no need to be within bluetooth range. Why not the watch?

I don't get the apologists either, but to be fair, your iPad has an extremely capable battery with different wifi capabilities, and the Mac is plugged into a power source and also with different wifi capabilities.

Then again, the speculation by the OP appears to be incorrect and based on invalid inference.
 
According to Kevin Lynch yes, according to the instruction manual no.

I'm going with "yes" - Lynch has worked on the watch for 2 years, unlikely he'd make a mistake like this, the instruction manual writers may have simply overlooked this feature.

Guess we'll find out tomorrow?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHcsziE3duE

The manual did not say "no".

It just wasn't listed under that part of the manual. The OP believed this to mean that any feature that isn't listed is a feature that isn't accessible, which is definitely not case.
 
According to Kevin Lynch yes, according to the instruction manual no.

I'm going with "yes" - Lynch has worked on the watch for 2 years, unlikely he'd make a mistake like this, the instruction manual writers may have simply overlooked this feature.

Guess we'll find out tomorrow?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHcsziE3duE

Keep in mind, Lynch also said that there are different taps for directional turns. Not the case as per the reviews.
 
For those that keep asking why the 30ft (+/-) bluetooth connection won't work...my house is really big, and I've setup my wifi network to blanket the forested area in our backyard, to include a picnic table that we have setup about 150ft out from our back deck.

Sure, I try to always have my iPhone in my pocket, but sometimes I don't and it would be nice to have all of the basics if you're still on your local wi-fi network. I guess we'll see shortly!
 
Keep in mind, Lynch also said that there are different taps for directional turns. Not the case as per the reviews.

There are different taps, its tells you about them in the user manual:D

Follow directions. After you tap Start and head off on your first leg, Apple Watch uses taps to let you know when to turn. A steady series of 12 taps means turn right at the intersection you’re approaching; three pairs of two taps means turn left. Not sure what your destination looks like? You’ll feel a vibration when you’re on the last leg, and again when you arrive.
 
This makes no sense....even your iPad can take phone calls over the same wifi network if your phone is on the same network. No Bluetooth required.

And using Bluetooth has such a limited range. If you live in a bigger place it would be so freeing to plug your phone in to charge while you walk freely around your wifi range and answer phone calls / txt etc.

I am almost certain you can take calls through WiFi without needing Bluetooth - JUST like the iPads can.
 
I think you will be able to receive calls as long as you are on the same network.. Same with the mac.. Your phone needs to be on the same wifi network to make the phone call. The watch will be no different. You won't be able to send SMS unless you are on WiFi
 
I just read the Apple Watch Users Manual and if you are not connected via Bluetooth but the watch and phone are on the same wi-fi network, the only functions available are iMessage, Digital Touch Message and Siri.

I am devastated by this.....I can't believe that you can't receive phone calls or e-mail if both devices are on the same network.

This could be a deal breaker for me and my watch is scheduled to deliver tomorrow. I was so excited..... Talk about a disappointment.....

Not sure I am going to keep the watch now.....

Yes. Where did you get the manual? Would love to read it before mine comes tomorrow. [never mind. found link on page 2]
 
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I highly doubt all of this is Bluetooth only — I'm sure being on the same wifi will open up a lot more options. I can't say for sure, but I find it hard to believe they'd tout the abilities of the watch when most of the communication range is limited by a mere 30 feet.

Yes, the first Apple Watch is the beta project, but that seems extremely limiting even moreso than originally thought of.

Still excited regardless, I don't really call people on my phone anyway.
 
I just read the Apple Watch Users Manual and if you are not connected via Bluetooth but the watch and phone are on the same wi-fi network, the only functions available are iMessage, Digital Touch Message and Siri.

I am devastated by this.....I can't believe that you can't receive phone calls or e-mail if both devices are on the same network.

This could be a deal breaker for me and my watch is scheduled to deliver tomorrow. I was so excited..... Talk about a disappointment.....

Not sure I am going to keep the watch now.....
This is what he's probably read in the online Apple Watch User Guide:

Apple Watch uses Bluetooth® wireless technology to connect to its paired iPhone and uses the iPhone for many wireless functions. Apple Watch can’t configure new Wi-Fi networks on its own, but it can connect to Wi-Fi networks you’ve set up on the paired iPhone.

If your Apple Watch and iPhone are on the same network but aren’t connected by Bluetooth, you can also do the following on Apple Watch without iPhone:

Send and receive messages using iMessage

Send and receive Digital Touch messages

Use Siri


User guide can be found here:

http://help.apple.com/watch/#/apd0443fb403
One of the reviews noted those three features worked on the watch (after getting a wifi connection from the phone) even when the phone was flat-out powered off. I think the language of the Apple manual is misleading, and would be more clear if it read, "If your Apple Watch and iPhone have once been on the same network, then the following features will work without iPhone".

I do not believe you lose all Watch functionality apart from those three listed features once stepping outside bluetooth range. As others have mentioned your iPad and Mac can receive phone calls from the phone just by being on the same wifi network. If I'm wrong then I'll be returning my Watch.
 
Going to meetings at work.....walking on the treadmill in my basement....

One of the key benefits to this watch was being free from having to carry my phone everywhere.

It's an accessory to the iPhone. If you want a phone replacement, right now only Samsung and LG are making them, and even they still depend on a phone for setup. My guess is that adding too many wi-fi features would take a toll on the battery life. We may see it in future versions, but they had to strike a balance between functionality and battery life because the watch is so much smaller than competing devices.
 
Just be aware that WiFi provided by many businesses do not allow devices to communicate with each other. At my work the iPhone and Apple Watch could both be on the WiFi but they will not be able to see each other.
 
IMO anyone who is going to leave it connected via Bluetooth while at home (if you have Wifi) is a freaking dolt.

The WiFi will give it such greater range - as long as your phone is ON and also connected - you have access to everything.

It is impressive that if your phone is OFF - you can receive imessages over wifi, use siri, etc but not emails or phone calls.
 
On that Christy Burlington blog on the apple site, in week 5, she mentions this.

"Now I can leave my iPhone at my desk and roam the office without worrying about missing a call.".

It doesn't specifically mention wifi, but it alludes to moving beyond bluetooth range.
 
What surprised me is that you don't need to have your phone with you to use Apple pay.

I believe the watch (or iPhone) is just used as authentication (to prove you are you) — the actual transaction is still performed by the store (which sends it to the outside world).
 
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