Bluetooth and Wifi connectivity, key to the Apple Watch

If we look at the specifications of the Apple Watch we can see that has WiFi b / g connectivityHowever, when Apple talks about its features, it indicates that the Apple Watch will use the 3G / WiFi connectivity of your iPhone to access the internet. What is the point then that the Apple smart watch has WiFi connectivity? Why not allow it to connect directly to our wireless network and thus give it some autonomy? Contrary to what it may seem, it is not a whim of Apple (not this time) or any error in the specifications. We explain everything below.

Surely you know AirDrop, the new way to share files between devices that Apple started using with iOS 7. What not many know is that this type of connection is not simply a classic Bluetooth connection to transfer data, but uses Bluetooth 4.0 (low power) to establish the connection but then use the WiFi connection (faster) for data transfer. In this way we get a higher efficiency due to faster transfer and lower battery drain. Furthermore, this connection is practically automatic, without the need to enter passwords or put devices in "visible mode", as was the case with classic Bluetooth.

This "double" connection is what allows, for example, the Apple Watch can serve as a remote control for the camera offering a preview of the photograph to be taken. It would be impossible with just a Bluetooth connection. It is also what causes it to be not compatible with models prior to the iPhone 5, since they are not compatible with this connectivity. The new functions of iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite (Continuity, Handsoff, AirDrop ...) are based on this same connectivity, and for that reason it is only compatible with Mac computers as of 2011.