The future of the Apple Watch is called watchOS 2.0. The next operating system that Apple will launch together with iOS 9 this fall brings interesting news for your watch, some of which come to fix some bugs and others to include new features. watchOS 2.0 Beta 5 was released a few days ago and after a long wait I finally decided to install it on my watch, even knowing there was no going back. After several days testing the next operating system for our Apple Watch I tell you my first impressions.
New dials for our watch
Do not expect great news in terms of the spheres that Apple has prepared for our Apple Watch, although it is true that those included in the news are beautiful, although impractical. The new option to include TimeLapse images as a clock is really nice and impacts those who show them. With the new update they even adapt to the time of day you look at it, as well the Eiffel Tower will appear illuminated if it is at night, but not during day. All a detail that visually looks very good, but that does not stop simply offering us the time, without more, which is little if we remember that we have a smartwatch, which should serve for something else. There are also changes to the more complete watch that Apple offers us, which now appears with different colors if we want to.
A small step more but that seems insufficient to me, since I would like Apple to open its hand and allow developers to include new dials for our watch. I think it will be something that will come, although knowing those from Cupertino will have to wait patiently. What will arrive soon and will be a great novelty are the new complications of third-party applications. Those small items that accompany the clock (battery, calendar, activity ...) can be changed and include others from other applications, something that is now impossible to be limited to those that Apple offers. It will be a very important plus and one that I hope will be adopted soon by the main applications.
Native app updates
The application that changes the most is Music. It adapts to the new Apple Music and its interface is slightly renewed. It also includes the possibility of starting the playback randomly, without having to navigate through the menus to choose the list or album you want. Siri also includes new functions and becomes "smarter" than what is in watchOS 1. Even so, we are still waiting for Apple's virtual assistant to reach adulthood and reach the maturity it deserves.
The watch is also updated in functions, not only in its aesthetics with the new dials. A new «bedside table mode» appears, ideal for leaving the watch on the table while charging. When placed horizontally, it shows us the time as you can see in the header image, and it is ideal to use as an alarm clock. The alarm can be postponed or eliminated with the buttons that remain at the top, and minutes before the alarm sounds the clock will light up, so that your awakening is smoother. If you want to see the time at night just by touching the clock appears on the screen.
Stability and battery
No major stability issues, but I have noticed some third-party app crashes, obviously not yet optimized for the new operating system. Once my watch has relapsed without knowing the reason, but as a general rule, it is a fairly stable system, although taking into account that it is a Beta.
The battery life is normal, I have not noticed an improvement compared to watchOS 1 or a decrease. After several days sI can't get to the night with half my battery, a little up or a little down, depending on the day of activity you have had.
Waiting for native apps
But what is really going to be a plus for the Apple Watch is the arrival of native applications. Developers can create real applications that are installed on the Apple Watch (remember that it has 8GB of storage) and therefore do not depend on the iPhone for everything. Charging speed and operation will improve for sureThey will also be able to use the watch's sensors, which will increase the possibilities they offer us. Undoubtedly this will be the change that really makes the Apple Watch go up several steps in the evaluation of users, but for this we will still have to wait until the end of the year.
