Heena Sharma Blog

  Apple recently launched the Watch Series 7 lineup and now the company is gearing up to launch an updated version of the Watch SE, which might be named Watch SE 2. In the latest edition of 'Power On' newsletter Mark Gurman said that next year Apple may launch an update to the Apple Watch SEaCE alongside the Apple Watch Series 8, reports MacRumors. The Apple Watch SE 2 will be in line with the original SE model that was launched in the year 2020. The original Apple Watch SE 2 features designs similar to the regular Apple Watch models, but lacks some of the advanced features, such as always-on display, blood oxygen sensor, and ECG functionality. Read More

  There is no smartwatch that complements the iPhones the way Apple’s own watches do, even if they are not perfect. Therefore, even if the new models do not bring any significant upgrades over the previous-generation models, they still make a compelling buy for iPhone users looking to upgrade to a new model. A case in point is the Apple Watch Series 7 . Over the Watch Series 6 (review), the Series 7 brings a bigger display with curved edges and negligible display bezels, redesigned user interface optimised for larger display, and new watch faces to complement the curved display profile. Starting with the display, the Watch Series 7 boasts 20 per cent more screen area over the Watch Series 6. Interestingly, the bump in screen size does not translate into any significant changes in dimensions of the case. This is because the screen is stretched by narrowing the borders. That said, the Apple Watch Series 7 is just 1mm (45mm, review unit) bigger than its predecessor. The screen on th...

  Apple partners in India on Monday launched a nationwide " GetActiveIndia " challenge for Apple Watch users, aimed at encouraging people to stay active and fit by closing their Activity rings on their Watch everyday. The challenge by Apple's national distributors (Redington/Ingram) and authorised resellers will run from February 15 to March 14. By closing the Activity Rings everyday, participants accumulate points which improves the ranking of the city they represent on the overall leaderboard. Each day, participants are awarded an Achievement badge on the Challenges App basis the points earned, which is 40 points for a Bronze, 60 points for a Silver and 80m points for a Gold badge, according to the Apple partners. Apple Watch comes with plethora of health benefits, like showing cardio fitness levels, ECG, Fall Detection and more. Read More

  Apple has launched a limited-edition Watch for the 'Black History Month , with a unique band and a new face. Available from February 1, the new hardware is part of what the company is calling the Black Unity Collection , a group of products designed to "celebrate and acknowledge Black history and Black culture." Apple says the limited-edition Watch will be available in "over 38 countries and regions." It hasn't yet confirmed international prices, but the $399 Watch starts at 379 pounds or AU$599. The band will also be available separately for $49. Apple Watch users can participate in a new 'Unity Activity Challenge' and earn the limited-edition award by closing their Move ring seven days in a row during February. As part of this effort, Apple is supporting six global organisations to help advance their missions in promoting and achieving equality and civil rights in the US and around the world: Black Lives Matter Support Fund via the T...

  Apple is adding a new 'Time to Walk' feature for its Fitness+ subscribers, which is an audio experience in the Workout app where guests will share inspiring stories while walking. According to MacRumors, Apple Fitness+ subscribers will be able to open the Workout app on an Apple Watch, select 'Time to Walk' and choose from one of the audio stories to listen to during their walk. The feature is likely to be extended to wheelchair users too. According to the report, the settings for 'Time to Walk' started showing up weeks ago in earlier betas of watchOS 7.3 and iOS 14.4, the stories are not yet accessible. Fitness+ is designed to work with the Apple Watch, providing workouts that can be done on an iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV, with the Apple Watch tracking fitness progress. Read More

  Apple Watch users can now view their cardio fitness levels in the Health app on iPhone, and receive a notification if it falls within the low range. According to the company, with iOS 14.3 and watchOS 7.2 software updates, people can measure low cardio fitness for dramatic long-term health benefits. "Using its advanced sensors, Apple Watch now brings estimation of low cardio fitness levels from clinics directly to a user's wrist, so people have more insight into how they can improve their long-term health through daily activity," Jeff Williams, Apple's chief operating officer, said in a statement late on Monday. With watchOS 7, Apple Watch uses multiple sensors, including the optical heart sensor, GPS and the accelerometer to estimate lower levels too. watchOS 7 also allows Apple Watch to take cardio fitness measurements as users walk throughout the day, whether or not they are tracking a workout. Read More    

  Swedish music streaming service Spotify has started rolling out support for standalone streaming through its app for Apple Watch. The feature continues to be available in Beta and is not available for all users at this time but Spotify has confirmed it is rolling out the feature, reports TechCrunch. The standalone streaming feature will allow users to stream music or podcasts via Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity directly from their wrist to a pair of Bluetooth headphones. "We are focused on developing experiences that enable users to listen to Spotify wherever and whenever they want - regardless of the device or platform. After an initial testing period, we are now rolling out streaming capabilities for Spotify on the Apple Watch," the report quoted a Spotify spokesperson as saying. Apple Watch users who have Spotify should see the new update on their devices. Read More

  American technology giant Apple on Tuesday launched the Apple Watch Series 6 with built-in sensor to monitor blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels. The smartwatch cum health and fitness companion comes in GPS and GPS + Cellular variants priced at Rs 40,900 and Rs 49,900. It will be available soon at Apple authorised resellers across India. Alongside the Watch Series 6, Apple also unveiled its Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop Watch Bands, which will be available from late October. These bands are compatible with the Apple Watch Series 4 and later. The Watch Series 6 brings notable hardware improvements, including a S6 System in Package (SiP), a brighter display with next-generation always-on altimeter, and new watch faces. Moreover, it boasts all the features that Apple introduced with the WatchOS 7. These features include family setup, sleep tracking, automatic handwashing detection, new workout types, and the ability to curate and share watch faces. Besides, the Watch Series 6...

  Google Maps for Apple Watch is now available with the latest watchOS update, more than three years after the search giant pulled the app from the device for reasons still unknown. Google Maps for Apple Watch is rolling out with version 5.52 on the App Store, reports 9To5Google. Google first announced that Google Maps would be returning to Apple's wearable in August. There was a Google Maps for Apple Watch app, but Google ended watchOS support in 2017. On the Apple Watch, Google Maps is focused on providing step-by-step directions, as well as estimated arrival times. The app's primary screen shows the "Current trip," while there's a list of "Travel times" below which includes Home, Work, and any other saved shortcuts/destinations. Read More

  The Apple Watch ECG feature is finally coming to Japan. The ECG app and irregular heart rhythm notifications on the Apple Watch Series 4 and 5 have received domestic approval and certification from Japan's medical authorities. The approval was confirmed by the Japanese Association for the Advancement of Medical Equipment (JAAME) and an imminent update to Apple's watchOS will likely turn on the features for existing Apple Watch owners, reports Mac Rumors. The Ochanomizu Department of Cardiology has begun work on a new Apple Watch outpatient programme that will see the ECG feature used to provide medical data to professionals for assessment. The ECG feature is available on Apple Watch Series 4 and Apple Watch Series 5 devices and allows the wearable to detect whether a user might suffer from atrial fibrillation (AFib). It's also been proven to save countless lives. Read More

  Apple is likely to hold an event in the second half of October to unveil its iPhone 12 models , Apple Watch Series 6 and long-rumored tile-like AirTags item tracker . AirTags are small tracking tiles with Bluetooth connectivity that can be used to find lost items. The tech giant initially planned to announce AirTags around the same time that the iPhone SE 2020 was unveiled earlier this year. "However, some circumstances beyond Apple's control caused a major delay to its launch," reports Mac Otakara. AirTags will work with Apple's App Clips feature that lets users download small snippets of an app without downloading the entire thing, such as for ordering from a restaurant. Read More  

  Apple is reportedly planning to hold its iPhone 12 event in the second week of October, with pre-orders to take place later that week and shipments to start the week after that. In a recent tweet, Jon Prosser, a reliable Apple insider said that the iPhone maker may hold an event on Tuesday (October 13) and would accept pre-orders for new iPhone 12 models from October 16, and will deliver the new devices starting on October 23. While the iPhone 12 models will ship in October, Prosser claimed the iPhone 12 Pro models will not be available until an unspecified date in November. In addition, Prosser also said that Apple will release the Watch Series 6 and an unspecified new iPad during the week of September 7. Earlier, Prosser said there is also the possibility that a later iPhone 12 launch event could allow more people to attend in-person. Read More

Facebook's experimental app group team has launched a messaging app called Kit for Apple Watch to help users connect with close friends. Kit, which stands for keep in touch, works with Facebook Messenger and lets you send messages with one tap, including audio recordings, emoji, location sharing, scribbles or dictation input, reports Tech Crunch. The app, currently available for iOS users, also allows the user to receive and respond to notifications as well. While the main Facebook Messenger app already supports Apple Watch, Kit is focused on keeping in touch with close contacts, such as a significant other, a best friend or a family member. "Kit makes keeping in contact from your watch easy. No more struggling to navigate a tiny screen to find the right option," reads the app's description. Read More

From entry-level fitness bands to premium smartwatches, wearables are going to stay for a while. The appetite for digital bands in the India’s price-conscious market is driven by products that are usually feature-rich and do the job without burning a hole in the pocket. The Pebble Impulse and the Ubon SW-11 smartwatches fall in that category. Design The overall design of both the smartwatches is inspired by the Apple Watch. Both watches have single-button touchscreen design with bezel-less square bodies curved at the edges. The strap is made of silicon with three strip holes throughout to accommodate users of varying wrist sizes. The Ubon SW-11 is available in three colours--black, black and green, and black and red—and it comes with two straps bundled in the box. Display Both Impulse and SW-11 have a 1.3-inch screen, but the Impulse uses a premium OLED display and the SW-11 has a somewhat less premium IPS display. Though different screens, both have decent viewing angl...

It has been an eventful year for fitness enthusiasts, especially those who wanted an ideal companion to track their workouts and offer insights. The year 2019 saw smartwatches becoming part of daily life for many. These devices not only help you keep track of your daily steps and heart rate but also measure other fitness metrics crucial for overall insights. What’s more, you get regular notifications on apps ranging from WhatsApp to Instagram, and you can reply to them from your watch itself. They can also store music, so you wouldn't have to carry your phone during workouts. With some smartwatches, you could even attend calls. Of the many launches this year, Business Standard lists top 5 smartwatches that stood out in 2019: Apple Watch Series 5 Apple Watch The Apple Watch Series 5 does a lot to ease your everyday life — it is not only a phenomenal lifestyle gadget but also a proactive health support. The addition to an always-on display, a compass, and an electrica...

The heart rate monitor built into the new Apple Watch has sparked sharp debate over its risks and benefits, even though the feature was cleared by the Food and Drug Administration. But out of the spotlight, the FDA has been doing away with regulatory action altogether on many diagnostic health apps targeting consumers, seeking to accelerate digital health adoption by defining many of these as “low risk” medical devices. As the number of mobile health apps surged to a record 325,000 in 2017, app performance is going largely unpoliced, leading to what’s been dubbed a “Wild West” situation. Unfortunately for health consumers, the public can’t rely on the research community to play the role of sheriff. When colleagues and I recently examined the medical literature on direct-to-consumer diagnostic apps in a study published in Diagnosis, we repeatedly found studies marred by bias, technological naïveté or a failure to provide crucial information for consumers. There was al...