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Smarter Always on Display

maxwell6312

maxwell6312

macrumors newbie
Original poster
May 11, 2023
15
6
I've always wondered why Apple Watch doesn't have a smarter AOD. On iPhones the AOD will turn off if it is inactive for a while, or it is in your pocket, why isn't it the same for Apple Watch? Like for example if your wearing something long sleeved shirt that's covering you watch you don't need it on therefore it would be great if it could turn off. Obviously you would probably need a proximity sensor to do this but it could possibly work with the ambient light sensor.
 
maxwell6312 said:
I've always wondered why Apple Watch doesn't have a smarter AOD. On iPhones the AOD will turn off if it is inactive for a while, or it is in your pocket, why isn't it the same for Apple Watch? Like for example if your wearing something long sleeved shirt that's covering you watch you don't need it on therefore it would be great if it could turn off. Obviously you would probably need a proximity sensor to do this but it could possibly work with the ambient light sensor.
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It gets extremely dark underneath a sleeve already. Also, this is the only situation I can imagine right now where a „smarter AOD“ would be useful at all; at all other times the exact point of AOD is that the displayed information is glanceable even if your wrist is not moving.
 
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You do make a great point about the AOD already being very dim under a sleeve. But i still think there's value in exploring smarter AOD options. Battery life is a general concern for smart watch users, and even small optimizations can make a difference. I agree that the core function of the AOD is glanceability, but there could be a middle ground; For example, the AOD could remain active in most situations, but intelligently deactivate under specific conditions, like being under a sleeve for an extended period. And yes there are not that many applicable situations but little tweaks can make it worth it looking into.
 
OCS12 said:
How do you know it isn't already shutting itself off under your sleeve? It's sort of like Schrodinger's Apple Watch. Is the AOD really on or not?
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I asked a little gnat that flew up there, but he refused to answer even under intense grilling. I would try again, but unfortunately I became frustrated by his lack of cooperation and smunched him.
 
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AOD shutting off under a sleeve is a good idea, maybe shutting off after a certain amount of time with no movement, which would happen, say taking a nap could work as well as long as the ability to enable and disable that function exists. Any improvement in battery life is a good thing.
 
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