WatchOS 7: Why the new Apple Watch changes matter and how you’ll use them – Digital Market News

WatchOS 7 is adding a couple of meaningful features.
Angela Lang/CNET
Apple revealed WatchOS 7 during its WWDC keynote last month, showing off a few of the new features that may come to the next version of the software that may power the Apple Watch. The update isn’t anticipated to ship until this fall, and is only available as a developer beta. We’re eyeing three new features particularly that will forever change the way you use your Apple Watch. 
The Apple Watch will also receive some minor but potentially useful features. For example, a new hand-washing feature will start a countdown timer when it detects movement associated with somebody washing their hands, to ensure you get your 20 seconds in. There’s also a new dance workout included in Apple’s fitness tracking that may count every calorie as you bust a move.
More importantly, WatchOS 7 can change how you look at your Apple Watch ($399 at Apple), how you connect to it at bedtime and even how you style the watch face by downloading or sharing custom faces with a couple of taps.
This watch face has multiple complications from the same app, something which isn’t possible on WatchOS 6. 
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
1. WatchOS no longer limits watch face complications 
What it is: Apple allows third-party developers and Apple Watch owners to place small pieces of information, or complications, on a wristwatch face. You can, for example, have a wristwatch face that displays your daily agenda, the upcoming weather report from Dark Sky and a shortcut to the Messages app in your favorite watch face. But up until now, you’ve been restricted to using just one single complication from the same app on any watch face. 
Why it matters: Apple Watch owners and developers have wanted a way to place multiple complications from the same app on one watch face. For example, you can view Dark Sky’s current temperature complication plus the weekly forecast on the same face. 
How you’ll use it: Editing your watch faces and adding complications looks to be performed the same manner as it always has, but with an improved interface that’s easier to navigate. App names and complication previews seem like they’re better to view and pick from. 
You can long-press on a watch face to enter Edit mode, swipe to the left across the face, tap the complication location you wish to edit, then make your selection from the list. 
Alternatively, you should be in a position to continue editing and creating watch faces from within the Watch app in your iPhone ($699 at Apple). 
Sleep tracking — yeah, it’s really a thing now. 
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
2. WatchOS 7 can track your sleep
What it is: A new Sleep app on the Apple Watch can not only track how long and well you sleep, but it’ll also allow you to wind down as your target bed time gets near. 
Why it matters: Fitbit and other competing fitness trackers have had integrated sleep tracking for years, but the Apple Watch has lacked the state app. With the addition of sleep tracking, Apple Watch owners will have more data to take into consideration about their overall health. 
How you’ll use it: After updating to WatchOS 7, you’ll need to setup the Sleep app, set your bed time and a regular alarm. After the initial setup, your phone will show a Wind Down screen and turn on Do Not Disturb right before your target bed time. At bed time, your iPhone screen will dim and your watch will switch to the Sleep watch face. Keep your watch on as you sleep, and in the morning you’ll be able to view how you slept and for how long directly on the watch. There’s a battery meter that reminds you to charge your watch in the morning. 
3. Find and share custom watch faces
What it is: WatchOS 7 adds the ability for Apple Watch owners and app developers to create and share their particular watch faces, including custom complication layouts and designs. 
Why it matters: Instead of spending countless hours going right on through watch faces and trying to find apps with complications that you want, you will soon have access to countless new faces that come with a listing of the apps you need to put in in order to complete the look. 
How you’ll use it: Fellow Apple Watch owners can post a common arrangements on line or send them right to you through iMessage. Developers will be able to post direct links to their watch faces for you really to install aswell. 
When you tap on a hyperlink to add the watch face to the Watch app on your iPhone, you’ll visit a preview of it and then be presented with a listing of the app complications used to create it, complete with direct links to download those apps which means that your new face isn’t left with blank complication spots. 
Sharing a watch face you created looks like it’s currently done in the Watch app or directly from the watch it self.
Apple also announced iOS 14 and iPadOS 14, and released a public beta. The update includes lots of new features, with major changes to the iPhone’s home screen, along with tweaks to Siri and Messages. 
Once you find a wristwatch face you prefer, you’ll be asked if you wish to install most of the required apps to accomplish its look. 
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

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