Pulse Ox: Hardware vs. Software

[c1vrfox990]

Ok, I know everybody is getting sick of conjecture days before AW6 release, but this is more about current hardware and capabilities of the AW5 vs. future OS revisions......

I just bought an AW5 (first time AW owner!), but haven't opted to install the OS7 beta. Waiting for everyone ELSE to sort it out.

I've done alot of research, and cant' seem to get a straight answer on whether the current hardware/hear rate sensors have the ABILITY to measure Pulse Ox numbers???

Some say yes, others say no. My guess is, that AW6 WILL have this capability, and mark it as an upgrade to the new platform, in lieu of a shortage of other new and impressive features.

It wasn't a deal breaker for me, but I banked on future OS upgrades allowing for Pulse Ox measurement in the Health App.
I recently got over COVID, and this is something that has become important to me, in addition to bolstering my workout info and performance.

Anybody know something SOLID, in advance of AW6 release??

thank you!

 

[PaladinGuy]

I don’t think anyone has confirmed anything for certain for the series 6. I’ve always read what you mentioned, going all the way back to maybe the first Apple Watch series. The heart rate sensor apparently looks to have the ability to measure spO2, but it isn’t enabled for it.

I’d bet money that they will never enable it for older watches, even if it’s possible. They’ll claim that you need the new processor or something like that. I actually read a rumor this week that the series 6 might not even have an spO2 sensor. According to that rumor, it was nixed, along with blood pressure monitoring.

 

[c1vrfox990]

Thanks for the reply.
You just mirrored everything i've read. Now that I've immersed into the Apple-shpere, i'm impressed how tight-lipped they are pre-release.

And I agree, you're probably right about all your comments. I wasn't 100% on buying the AW5, but if history repeats itself, I don't think i'll be missing out on much with the 6.
Astounding how Apple (and all the others) continue to make such miniscule strides in the Wearables tech department.

As info, I bought myself a Garmin Fenix 6xSapphire, and just couldn't justify the expense vs. the lack of "smartwatch" compatibility. The Fenix6 was a tremendously capable Sport Watch, and I really liked the heart monitor and native fitness app, and GPS tracking was bar-none.
But at the end of the day, it just didn't do it all, and commanded a premium to do so.

I landed on the AW5 as a middle-ground to my need for balance between sport and smart.

Honestly, I like it -- but wish Apple offered a more rugged, less "pretty" version of their offerings.

I'm dying to see what the 6 ends-up being....or NOT being! 😄

 

[Apple_Robert]

I think the SPo2 rumored feature will be tied to new hardware. Apple needs a valid justification for people to buy or upgrade.

 

[DontGetTheCheese]

I don’t think anyone has confirmed anything for certain for the series 6. I’ve always read what you mentioned, going all the way back to maybe the first Apple Watch series. The heart rate sensor apparently looks to have the ability to measure spO2, but it isn’t enabled for it.

I’d bet money that they will never enable it for older watches, even if it’s possible. They’ll claim that you need the new processor or something like that. I actually read a rumor this week that the series 6 might not even have an spO2 sensor. According to that rumor, it was nixed, along with blood pressure monitoring.

Both of those are things that have, I think, regulatory hurdles. If they aren't ready, they aren't ready.

The thing is, absent those, is the S6 getting anything new?

 

[c1vrfox990]

THis is completely beating a dead horse, but if Garmin and others can add Pulse OX and Heart Rate (EKG) sensors to their watches, then so can Apple.

Why won't Apple offer a larger case/bezel, something closer to 50mm+, so they can increase battery size?
I personally have large wrists, and would REALLY like a bigger bezel as my damn 49 year old eyes get older.

The added battery capacity and physical SPACE in the case would allow for SO MANY MORE options and hardware!!

See Apple....that wasn't hard. 😄

 

[PaladinGuy]

THis is completely beating a dead horse, but if Garmin and others can add Pulse OX and Heart Rate (EKG) sensors to their watches, then so can Apple.

Why won't Apple offer a larger case/bezel, something closer to 50mm+, so they can increase battery size?
I personally have large wrists, and would REALLY like a bigger bezel as my damn 49 year old eyes get older.

The added battery capacity and physical SPACE in the case would allow for SO MANY MORE options and hardware!!

See Apple....that wasn't hard.

I actually had a Fenix 6S for a week. I was very drawn to the single platform for all fitness/health data, long battery life and always on screen, along with a better build quality for Garmin.

I ended up in a similar boat as you. I’ve had every Apple Watch series, and having the smart features completes the usefulness of the watch. Fitness alone isn’t enough for me. If I used an android phone, I might end up with a Garmin.

I will also say this, if the Garmin Fenix series loses a lot of battery from their PulseOX, that’s telling for what it would do to an Apple Watch!

 

[c1vrfox990]

One of the things that lead me to dump the Garmin, was how hard it was to integrate and utilize third party apps - like weather. And agreed: I'm not a full-on outdoor fitness junkie, and my main sport is tennis - and no built-in app for that with Garmin. In the end it was overkill for my needs.

The more I wear the AW5, the more i realize a smartwatch for me is like anything else in my life: No ONE device/tool/toy is going to do it all. You either compromise, or buy the specific item to match the mood or the need.

The right tool for the right job analogy.

Now where's that damn AW6 announcement?!?!