Underwhelmed by always-on display

[PatrickNSF]

We’ve had at least two AWs in the family since the launch in 2015, and upgraded one of our three S4s to an S5 on Friday. I’m pretty underwhelmed by the always-on display.

A few things I’ve noticed –

There seems to be a delay while switching from the always-on mode to full brightness. This feels longer to me than the delay for the screen waking in the S4. I haven’t done side by side measurements, but it’s just my perception.

I’m also disappointed that the always-on feature isn’t available for third-party workout apps. When I run without my Garmin I prefer using iSmoothRun or the app because the formatting for those is better than Apple’s built-in Workout app. Also, I rely on a Stryd footpod for pace and distance since I find that to be more accurate than GPS. Sadly, when you use a third-party workout app the always-on display reverts to just showing the time of day in a thin font over a blurred screen which is difficult to read in full sun. Even the Workout app (which I can’t use for hard or interval running workouts) is difficult to read when in always-on mode. It seems adequate if your just going for a walk, but inadequate for running or even indoor cycling.

Indoors I can read watchfaces on the always-on display when they’re not active, but outdoors the dim screen makes this difficult. I’m still experimenting with the different watchfaces to figure out which is the easiest to read outdoors when the screen isn’t active.

I think I’m finding on day #3 that the AOD is “ok” I guess, but not nearly the game changer that so many of the tech reviews made it out to be. At this point, I’m glad we only decided to upgrade one of our S4’s. YMMV

 

[Macalway]

Sure. My only concern would be, is the 5 is as good as a 4 with AOD turned off. It should be identical.

Certainly AOD is good to have, but not if they cut corners elsewhere.

 

[avkam]

Maybe they have cut some other corners too.
Youtube DC Rainmaker (about 10:45)

 

[VideoFreek]

I’m also disappointed that the always-on feature isn’t available for third-party workout apps. When I run without my Garmin I prefer using iSmoothRun or the app because the formatting for those is better than Apple’s built-in Workout app. Also, I rely on a Stryd footpod for pace and distance since I find that to be more accurate than GPS. Sadly, when you use a third-party workout app the always-on display reverts to just showing the time of day in a thin font over a blurred screen which is difficult to read in full sun. Even the Workout app (which I can’t use for hard or interval running workouts) is difficult to read when in always-on mode. It seems adequate if your just going for a walk, but inadequate for running or even indoor cycling.

I think there are likely 2 reasons for this behavior--privacy and battery life. Developers need to modify their apps to use the AOD, for example Apple's Workout app drops the 1/100th seconds display when in low power mode to reduce needed screen refreshes to 1 per second. I don't know whether Apple provides API "hooks" to developers to opt to allow their apps to display in AOD, but we'll find out soon enough.

 

[PatrickNSF]

Maybe they have cut some other corners too.
Youtube DC Rainmaker (about 10:45)

I saw that yesterday and it's a bit disappointing. The one advantage the AW had over Garmin (for my usage) as a training tool for running is a better HR sensor. I do my easy runs by HR and not by pace, so arguably the AW was better for those (but for the lack of an always-on display).
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I don't know whether Apple provides API "hooks" to developers to opt to allow their apps to display in AOD, but we'll find out soon enough.

I believe I read (maybe from Stryd on Facebook?) that developer's won't have this option. I think that's fine for many apps, but it doesn't make sense for workout apps.

 

[VideoFreek]

I believe I read (maybe from Stryd on Facebook?) that developer's won't have this option. I think that's fine for many apps, but it doesn't make sense for workout apps.

Agreed. If true, this could eventually change if there is enough demand.

 

[indychris]

Maybe they have cut some other corners too.
Youtube DC Rainmaker (about 10:45)

The problem is this is one person’s experience with one run and new software. We have NO idea if they actually cut any corners on the heart rate accuracy in order to preserve AOD.

 

[deeddawg]

The problem is this is one person’s experience with one run and new software. We have NO idea if they actually cut any corners on the heart rate accuracy in order to preserve AOD.

DC Rainmaker is pretty experienced at this stuff though, so his assessment bears more notice than some other random reviewer.

That said, it seems he had to go into analysis software to notice the difference. If that is truly the case, then perhaps the differences won't be meaningful to the majority of runners.

I don't see it mattering to me - as a non-competitive (slow) grand-masters runner I've found I just don't need all the data that I used to obsess over. Yes I pay attention to HR, but if it blips or drops out a little here or there in a way that I'd have to use analysis software to really notice, that's just not going to make any difference for me.

... but thats just me. Others may need the data for their training to hone their competitive edge so they can win their races and keep the sponsor $$$ flowing.

 

[The Game 161]

So always on display works with apples fitness apps?

 

[deeddawg]

So always on display works with apples fitness apps?

Yes. They remain on, although the screen update drops to 1-second intervals vs. displaying the hundredths

 

[indychris]

DC Rainmaker is pretty experienced at this stuff though, so his assessment bears more notice than some other random reviewer.

That said, it seems he had to go into analysis software to notice the difference. If that is truly the case, then perhaps the differences won't be meaningful to the majority of runners.

I don't see it mattering to me - as a non-competitive (slow) grand-masters runner I've found I just don't need all the data that I used to obsess over. Yes I pay attention to HR, but if it blips or drops out a little here or there in a way that I'd have to use analysis software to really notice, that's just not going to make any difference for me.

... but thats just me. Others may need the data for their training to hone their competitive edge so they can win their races and keep the sponsor $$$ flowing.

He may well be good at testing, but the fact is it is ONE test for ONE event with NO knowledge if Apple actually cut corners. It could be a problem with a singular watch. It could be an issue of hardware/software compatibility. OR, it very well could be that Apple made some changes that impacted the accuracy of the monitor for all series 5 watches. I just have a difficult time thinking they would have compromised on the heart monitor of all things given how much emphasis they’ve put on it for medical purposes. It would make no sense to me.

BTW, I’m in no means attempting to argue or disparage the tester or your post in any way. I’m urging caution against drawing conclusions on such limited experience.

 

[boy-better-know]

I think always on is a massive upgrade, I get all the 'why should I care if it's on when I'm not looking at it' comments BUT watched are not always designed with function in mind. The always on display makes the Apple watch look a lot better.

I caught a glimpse of someone with the Cali watch face when there arm was resting and it looks really good. much better than a blank screen.

It's not for everyone though, and that's fine.

 

[deeddawg]

He may well be good at testing, but the fact is it is ONE test for ONE event with NO knowledge if Apple actually cut corners. It could be a problem with a singular watch. It could be an issue of hardware/software compatibility. OR, it very well could be that Apple made some changes that impacted the accuracy of the monitor for all series 5 watches. I just have a difficult time thinking they would have compromised on the heart monitor of all things given how much emphasis they’ve put on it for medical purposes. It would make no sense to me.

I didn't deny any of this in what I wrote. My point was solely that DCR is pretty experienced at this stuff, so we can be relatively assured that the drops he saw were in fact there. On that one run on that one watch.

Not time to go all chicken-little about the matter. Time and further testing by DCR should provide more detail.

 

[Monkswhiskers]

Maybe they have cut some other corners too.
Youtube DC Rainmaker (about 10:45)

Yes, I use the AW4 mainly for workout data so more than happy to stick with the 4!

 

[Monkswhiskers]

He may well be good at testing, but the fact is it is ONE test for ONE event with NO knowledge if Apple actually cut corners. It could be a problem with a singular watch. It could be an issue of hardware/software compatibility. OR, it very well could be that Apple made some changes that impacted the accuracy of the monitor for all series 5 watches. I just have a difficult time thinking they would have compromised on the heart monitor of all things given how much emphasis they’ve put on it for medical purposes. It would make no sense to me.

BTW, I’m in no means attempting to argue or disparage the tester or your post in any way. I’m urging caution against drawing conclusions on such limited experience.

He is doing a full review soon so we shall see.

 

[oeagleo]

He may well be good at testing, but the fact is it is ONE test for ONE event with NO knowledge if Apple actually cut corners. It could be a problem with a singular watch. It could be an issue of hardware/software compatibility. OR, it very well could be that Apple made some changes that impacted the accuracy of the monitor for all series 5 watches. I just have a difficult time thinking they would have compromised on the heart monitor of all things given how much emphasis they’ve put on it for medical purposes. It would make no sense to me.

BTW, I’m in no means attempting to argue or disparage the tester or your post in any way. I’m urging caution against drawing conclusions on such limited experience.

I can say that with my AW4, the "rounding of corners" is also present, always has been. It makes for a "smoother" track, albeit less accurate. The Garmin (Fenix 5+) track is more wobbly, but that's due to the 1 second update, and the inherent variation of the GPS system, which can and often does have a variation of around 15 feet. So, 15 feet one way on one reading, and perhaps another 15 feet the other, you can begin to understand the "Drunken man" type tracks that the Garmin gives. Question is, do you want pretty smooth tracks that show where you may or may not have been, or do you want actual GPS pings?

 

[indychris]

I can say that with my AW4, the "rounding of corners" is also present, always has been. It makes for a "smoother" track, albeit less accurate. The Garmin (Fenix 5+) track is more wobbly, but that's due to the 1 second update, and the inherent variation of the GPS system, which can and often does have a variation of around 15 feet. So, 15 feet one way on one reading, and perhaps another 15 feet the other, you can begin to understand the "Drunken man" type tracks that the Garmin gives. Question is, do you want pretty smooth tracks that show where you may or may not have been, or do you want actual GPS pings?

My comment was regarding the heart monitor. I honestly couldn’t care less about what the ‘path’ looks like, as long as the distance is fairly accurate. I use RunKeeper and it does an adequate job at both distance and path in my experience.

 

[deeddawg]

the inherent variation of the GPS system, which can and often does have a variation of around 15 feet. So, 15 feet one way on one reading, and perhaps another 15 feet the other, you can begin to understand the "Drunken man" type tracks that the Garmin gives.

it’s like plotting the location of a hyper puppy on a 15 foot leash. 😂
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the inherent variation of the GPS system, which can and often does have a variation of around 15 feet. So, 15 feet one way on one reading, and perhaps another 15 feet the other, you can begin to understand the "Drunken man" type tracks that the Garmin gives.

it’s like plotting the location of a hyper puppy on a 15 foot leash. 😂

 

[PatrickNSF]

He is doing a full review soon so we shall see.

It's not just DC Rainmaker seeing the problem. DesFit has also experienced it. From DC Rainmakers first look –

"DesFit is seeing the same thing as well on his HR tracks, thousands of miles away in Colorado. And he even compared concurrently against a Series 4 on WatchOS 6 as well and no issues on that unit. His swooshes are also more impressive, where while riding the Apple Watch is completely ignore certain turns as seen below"

 

[MisterSavage]

I bought it for stealth time checks during meetings at work but after this weekend's usage I already can't imagine going back to my old watch. AOD is great to me.

 

[44267547]

The only concern I have with the ‘always on display’, is Image retention. We won’t know until over the course of time, it depends how many hours the display is subjected to. Albeit, that is a side effect to OLED, but that’s something I’m curious to see if anyone experiences this.

 

[Monkswhiskers]

My comment was regarding the heart monitor. I honestly couldn’t care less about what the ‘path’ looks like, as long as the distance is fairly accurate. I use RunKeeper and it does an adequate job at both distance and path in my experience.

I run the same 10K loop consistantly, My AW4 is always within 1% accuracy distance-wise generally (all conditions), yes there is a bit of swooshing with the track on the map (but if the distance is good who cares), that is pretty impressive for a GPS watch I think. I have had a couple of Garmins and they only matched that on a good day (My friends Fenix 5 is awful). If you want a more jagged raw track then use workoutdoors or Strava app as they don't do the smoothing. From what I understand AW has 1sec gps sampling.

 

[perezr10]

I bought it for stealth time checks during meetings at work but after this weekend's usage I already can't imagine going back to my old watch. AOD is great to me.

Same with me. I don’t think I could go back to my Series 4 now. I used to avoid looking at the time during meetings or when talking with someone because it felt so rude to conspicuously raise my arm and twist my wrist. It looked like I was using body language to tell them to shut up and let me go.

 

[MisterSavage]

Same with me. I don’t think I could go back to my Series 4 now. I used to avoid looking at the time during meetings or when talking with someone because it felt so rude to conspicuously raise my arm and twist my wrist. It looked like I was using body language to tell them to shut up and let me go.

Now we'll just be doing side glances.

 

[MyAppleWorld]

There seems to be a delay while switching from the always-on mode to full brightness. This feels longer to me than the delay for the screen waking in the S4. I haven’t done side by side measurements, but it’s just my perception.

This. Without a doubt, THE biggest issue all reviews fail to mention! Side by side the reaction of the display to fully wake up is slower!