Latest news with #WatchOS26
Geeky Gadgets
5 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Apple WatchOS 26 Fitness : The Essential Breakdown of EVERYTHING New
Apple WatchOS 26 brings a host of enhancements designed to refine your smartwatch experience. With a strong emphasis on health tracking, usability, and seamless integration, this update introduces practical improvements that cater to a wide range of users. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a professional seeking efficiency, or someone who values accessibility, WatchOS 26 delivers tools and features tailored to your lifestyle. The video below fromDC Rainmaker gives us a look at all of the new fitness features in watchOS 26. Watch this video on YouTube. What's New in the User Interface? The user interface in WatchOS 26 has been redesigned to make navigation more intuitive and efficient. Key updates include: A streamlined layout that simplifies access to essential functions, reducing the time spent navigating menus. Enhanced gesture controls and a more responsive digital crown, making sure smoother interactions and greater precision. New widgets that provide at-a-glance information, allowing you to quickly check updates without opening apps. These changes are aimed at improving usability, helping you save time and focus on what matters most during your day. Enhanced Health and Fitness Tracking Health and fitness tracking remain central to the Apple Watch experience, and WatchOS 26 introduces several advancements to keep you informed and motivated. New features include: Detailed heart rate analysis, offering insights into trends and irregularities for better cardiovascular monitoring. Advanced sleep tracking that provides actionable insights into your sleep quality and patterns. Stress management tools, including real-time stress level monitoring and guided breathing exercises to promote relaxation. Hydration reminders, encouraging you to maintain optimal water intake throughout the day. Expanded support for interval training and outdoor activities, catering to a variety of fitness routines and goals. These updates ensure that your Apple Watch remains a reliable companion for maintaining and improving your overall health and wellness. Performance Upgrades for Speed and Efficiency WatchOS 26 introduces significant performance improvements, making your Apple Watch faster and more efficient. Key highlights include: Faster app launches and smoother transitions between screens, reducing delays during use. Optimized battery performance, allowing for all-day usage without frequent recharging. These upgrades enhance the reliability of your device, making sure it performs seamlessly whether you're managing daily tasks or engaging in more demanding activities. App Functionality: Built-In and Third-Party Enhancements WatchOS 26 enhances both native and third-party app functionality, making the Apple Watch even more versatile. Notable updates include: Expanded capabilities for built-in apps such as Messages, Calendar, and Weather, offering more features and improved usability. New developer tools that enable the creation of richer, more interactive apps, enhancing the overall app ecosystem. Deeper integration with the watch's sensors, providing real-time feedback during workouts and other activities. These improvements ensure that your Apple Watch remains a powerful tool for productivity, communication, and entertainment. More Customization Options Personalization is a key focus in WatchOS 26, offering new ways to make your Apple Watch uniquely yours. Updates include: New watch face designs, ranging from minimalist styles for simplicity to data-rich layouts for users who want detailed information at a glance. Customizable complications, allowing you to display the most relevant information, such as fitness stats, calendar events, or weather updates. These options empower you to tailor your watch to suit your preferences and lifestyle, making sure it reflects your individuality. Deeper Integration with the Apple Ecosystem WatchOS 26 strengthens the Apple Watch's role as a central hub within the Apple ecosystem. Key integration features include: Handoff functionality, allowing seamless transitions between your Apple Watch, iPhone, and Mac for tasks like messaging or browsing. Enhanced compatibility with AirPods, allowing for smoother audio transitions, and HomeKit devices, simplifying control of your smart home. This deeper integration enhances convenience, making it easier to manage your digital life across multiple devices. Accessibility: Technology for Everyone Apple continues to prioritize inclusivity with new accessibility features in WatchOS 26. These updates are designed to ensure the Apple Watch serves a diverse range of users. Key features include: AssistiveTouch, which allows users with limited mobility to control their watch through gestures, eliminating the need for physical touch. Refined voice commands, offering greater accuracy and ease of use for hands-free interactions. Improved support for hearing aids and screen readers, making sure the device is accessible to individuals with hearing or visual impairments. These enhancements reflect Apple's commitment to creating technology that is inclusive and adaptable to various needs. A Comprehensive Update for a Smarter Apple Watch WatchOS 26 builds upon the strengths of its predecessors, delivering meaningful improvements across usability, health tracking, and integration. With faster performance, enhanced customization options, and new accessibility tools, this update ensures the Apple Watch remains a leader in wearable technology. Whether you're focused on fitness, productivity, or personalization, WatchOS 26 offers practical tools to enhance your daily life and keep you connected in smarter, more efficient ways. Advance your skills in Apple WatchOS 26 by reading more of our detailed content. Source & Image Credit: DC Rainmaker Filed Under: Apple, Gadgets News, Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
CNET
13-06-2025
- CNET
Apple's Workout Buddy Is Friendly, but What if It Could Adopt Other Personalities?
We all have different ways of motivating ourselves to exercise, so when Apple announced Workout Buddy for the Apple Watch at WWDC 2025, it made us think about what sorts of verbal encouragement would spur us to complete our workouts. We couldn't help but imagine the different types of future Workout Buddies -- and how they might help, cajole or even bargain with us to hit our fitness goals. Workout Buddy in WatchOS 26 will be available at the outset in eight workouts (such as running and cycling) that you can activate when the workout begins. It exists as a voice through the watch and Bluetooth headphones or earbuds and is modeled on actual Apple Fitness Plus trainers. Workout Buddy can deliver progress indicators, stats and vocal encouragement as you push through an exercise routine. Initially, Workout Buddy comes across as the type of friend who's there to give you a pat on the back and a helpful rundown of what you just accomplished. But people respond to different types of encouragement. As we wait for WatchOS 26 to arrive (the software is currently available only to developers), here are some different types of workout buddies that could someday -- or hopefully not, in some cases -- echo in our heads while we're sweating. I'm Impressed With iOS 26. Apple Just Made iPhones Better I'm Impressed With iOS 26. Apple Just Made iPhones Better Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:04 / Duration 5:40 Loaded : 12.24% 0:04 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 5:36 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. I'm Impressed With iOS 26. Apple Just Made iPhones Better The cheerleader: "That light sheen of sweat makes your skin positively radiant! Good job hitting the half-mile mark! Wow -- you have the resting heart rate of a 20-year-old!" The drill sergeant (said in the sweetest voice possible): "Get off your ass and burn off those donuts! You've still got two miles to go before you reach the calories you consumed, champ!" Your fittest friend who never seems to exercise: "Listen, brah, if you don't push one more mile outta this run, you're never gonna refine that six-pack and ever, like, find true love or succeed at anything in your life. Just straight-talkin' ya, brah." Your friend who keeps stats at baseball games: "You've completed 1.39 miles of this run with a heart rate of 185 beats per second and burned approximately 140 calories, which is slightly below yesterday's run, probably because you got only 6.4 hours of sleep last night and ate 50g more pasta for dinner than your usual serving…" Your chill friend: "Hey, good set. I'm right here with you. Let's do another one." The guilt-tripper: "Way to complete that 30-minute walk! Those donuts are still waiting at home!" The buddy who knows you so well: "All right, you're doing it. Look, if you can push through another half a mile, you can justify that bagel and a glass of wine tonight to celebrate." The caffeinated spin class instructor: "Let's go babes, keep on keeping on! Yeah! One and two and… That's right! You can do this!" The zen dude: "Hello there. Good morning. Let's thank our bodies for being here. And let's be present in this workout. Only 15 gentle miles of uphill running to go. Namaste." The nihilist buddy: "Wow -- is that really all you could muster? Fine, whatever, it doesn't really matter anyway." Mom: "You got out there and did a workout. You did good, hon." Werner Herzog: "You have walked 20 miles. Can you feel the futility? I can tell you haven't even left your house. Why do you make me a participant in your lies?" Maybe the most important Workout Buddy: "Hey. Hi. I know it's early, and you're warm and comfortable, but you said you were going to wake up early and go for a ride. C'mon -- you can do this. Just get out of bed. We'll do it together. Your favorite coffee shop is right at the end of the route."
Geeky Gadgets
13-06-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
First Look: Using watchOS 26 on Apple Watch
Apple's WatchOS 26 brings a host of updates aimed at enhancing the functionality, performance, and overall user experience of its wearable technology. Building on the strengths of its predecessors, this latest iteration introduces improvements in health tracking, system optimization, and device integration. Whether you are a fitness enthusiast, a tech-savvy professional, or someone seeking a more personalized smartwatch experience, WatchOS 26 delivers meaningful upgrades tailored to diverse needs. The video below from iDeviceHelp gives us more details on watchOS 26. Watch this video on YouTube. Advanced Health and Fitness Features Health and fitness tracking remain at the core of the Apple Watch experience, and WatchOS 26 improves these capabilities with more precise metrics and actionable insights. The update introduces: Advanced heart rate monitoring for enhanced cardiovascular health tracking, offering more detailed data to help you stay informed about your heart's performance. for enhanced cardiovascular health tracking, offering more detailed data to help you stay informed about your heart's performance. Improved blood oxygen level measurements provide deeper insights into your overall wellness and respiratory health. provide deeper insights into your overall wellness and respiratory health. Enhanced sleep analysis, delivering comprehensive feedback on sleep patterns, quality, and suggestions for improvement. For fitness enthusiasts, WatchOS 26 introduces new workout modes tailored to specific activities, such as strength training and high-intensity interval training. Real-time feedback during exercise sessions ensures accurate tracking and personalized recommendations, helping you optimize performance and achieve your fitness goals. Performance and System Optimization WatchOS 26 delivers significant performance enhancements, ensuring a faster and more efficient Apple Watch experience. Key updates include: Reduced battery consumption , allowing for extended usage throughout the day without frequent recharging. , allowing for extended usage throughout the day without frequent recharging. Streamlined background processes to maintain device responsiveness, even when running multiple apps simultaneously. to maintain device responsiveness, even when running multiple apps simultaneously. Smoother app transitions allow a seamless and fluid user experience when navigating between tasks. These optimizations ensure that your Apple Watch remains a reliable companion, whether you're managing notifications, tracking workouts, or using apps for productivity. Refined User Interface and Personalization The user interface in WatchOS 26 has been thoughtfully redesigned to enhance usability and personalization. Notable updates include: New watch faces with expanded customization options, allowing you to reflect your unique style and preferences. with expanded customization options, allowing you to reflect your unique style and preferences. Improved menu layouts and notification organization, making navigation more intuitive and efficient. and notification organization, making navigation more intuitive and efficient. Customizable widgets that can be arranged based on your priorities, providing quick access to essential information at a glance. These changes make interacting with your Apple Watch more intuitive, making sure that it adapts seamlessly to your daily routines and preferences. Enhanced Device Integration and Ecosystem Connectivity WatchOS 26 strengthens the integration between your Apple Watch and other Apple devices, creating a more cohesive and interconnected ecosystem. Key features include: Expanded Handoff and Continuity capabilities , allowing seamless transitions between your Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and Mac for tasks like messaging, calls, and app usage. , allowing seamless transitions between your Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and Mac for tasks like messaging, calls, and app usage. Improved compatibility with third-party apps broadens the range of functionality available on your device. These updates position the Apple Watch as a central hub for managing tasks, staying connected, and accessing information across your Apple ecosystem. Accessibility and Convenience Upgrades Accessibility remains a key focus in WatchOS 26, with new features designed to make the Apple Watch more inclusive and user-friendly. Enhancements include: VoiceOver improvements for smoother navigation and usability, making sure a better experience for visually impaired users. for smoother navigation and usability, making sure a better experience for visually impaired users. Larger text options and refined gesture controls, accommodating a wider range of user needs and preferences. and refined gesture controls, accommodating a wider range of user needs and preferences. Notification management tools that help you stay organized without feeling overwhelmed by alerts and updates. These updates ensure that the Apple Watch remains accessible, convenient, and adaptable for a diverse audience. New Apps and Productivity Enhancements WatchOS 26 introduces several new apps and updates to existing ones, enhancing both productivity and convenience. Highlights include: A redesigned Notes app , allowing you to jot down ideas, reminders, or to-do lists directly on your watch. , allowing you to jot down ideas, reminders, or to-do lists directly on your watch. An improved Calendar app with enhanced event management features, making it easier to organize your schedule. with enhanced event management features, making it easier to organize your schedule. Updates to the Weather and Maps apps, offering more detailed and user-friendly interfaces for better navigation and planning. These additions make WatchOS 26 a versatile platform for managing both personal and professional tasks, making sure that your smartwatch remains a valuable tool in your daily life. Final Thoughts on WatchOS 26 WatchOS 26 represents a thoughtful evolution in Apple's wearable technology, combining innovative features with practical refinements. From advanced health tracking and performance optimizations to seamless integration with other Apple devices, this update enhances every aspect of the Apple Watch experience. Whether you're an existing user or considering your first Apple Watch, WatchOS 26 offers tools and features designed to keep you connected, informed, and in control of your daily activities. Below are more guides on WatchOS 26 features from our extensive range of articles. Source & Image Credit: iDeviceHelp Filed Under: Apple, Gadgets News, Guides, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
CNET
11-06-2025
- CNET
Here's How WatchOS 26 Will Change Your Apple Watch (Say Hi to Your New Workout Buddy)
Your Apple Watch is about to feel (and look) a lot fresher. Apple just gave us a sneak peek at its latest software update, WatchOS 26, during the Worldwide Developers Conference in Cupertino, California. The update brings a redesigned Liquid Glass interface to match the look of Apple's other updated systems, smarter fitness tracking with the help of Apple Intelligence and a few unexpected announcements, such as a new unseen workout partner. Why WatchOS 26 and not WatchOS 12, which would have been the next incremental version number? Apple decided to blanket all of its system updates with 26 (as in 2026, like car models) to unify the numbering of iOS, MacOS, iPadOS, TVOS and VisionOS. The jump may seem confusing at first, but it actually saves us from the ongoing headache of trying to remember which version is the latest. Now, it's just 26 across the board. It's a small but surprisingly helpful change that finally brings some much-needed consistency to the Apple ecosystem. Here's a rundown of everything coming to your wrist this fall. Now Playing: Apple's WatchOS 26 Gets a New Look and More Features at WWDC25 07:03 Liquid Glass design and interface All of Apple's platforms are getting a dramatic new look, thanks to a new UI design language called Liquid Glass. Inspired by the look and feel of VisionOS on the Vision Pro, the update continues Apple's push toward a unified experience across devices with smoother, more consistent navigation. On the Apple Watch, this translates to increased translucency that lets more content shine through on the small screen, such as when the Smart Stack or Control Center are visible over the watch face. Liquid Glass makes interface items such as the Smart Stack translucent. Apple Rounded icons with bouncy animations fluidly morph into the edges of the display. In some cases, the redesign extends to the apps themselves, like Messages, which can use photo backgrounds instead of black. The workout app also gets a simplified interface that's easier to navigate to create customized workouts and set goals. Redesigned rounded icons on WatchOS 26. Apple Screenshot New fitness features to keep you on your toes Workout Buddy has entered the chat. One of Apple's most important fitness updates is a new Apple Intelligence-powered personal trainer designed to speak real-time, actionable insights during your workouts. It pulls from your historical fitness data -- including pace, miles logged, activity rings, and training load -- to offer meaningful suggestions and keep you motivated throughout your session. On a run, this might sound like a pep talk during your warmup, milestone check-ins along the route, nudges to pick up the pace and a cooldown summary that helps put your performance into context. The coaching is delivered via voice prompts, so you'll need a Bluetooth headset connected to your Apple Watch. You can even choose a different voice style based on one of the Fitness Plus trainers. Since it's based on Apple Intelligence, the Workout Buddy feature requires an iPhone 15 or later paired to your watch, and it will initially support eight types of exercises at launch. The Apple Watch has a new AI-powered Workout Buddy that uses your personal metrics to give you insights live as you go. Apple Screenshot Live translations Another Apple Intelligence feature coming to the Apple Watch is Live Translations. It's the same feature arriving on iPhone with support for FaceTime, voice calls and messages, but on the Apple Watch, it's text-only. The existing Translate app can translate a sentence and then speak the result, but not as a dynamic conversation, the way Live Translations can. You'll see both the original message and the translated response on screen in real time, one right below the other. It's launching with support for nine languages, and it works even if the person you're talking to isn't using an Apple device. Smart Stacks The Smart Stacks from your front page are about to get smarter, with better recommendations that help prioritize the information cards you want to see at a glance. This includes predicting actions that will be useful to you based on your trends, like floating a weight training workout widget when it detects you've entered the gym. It can also float a widget to start the Backtrack navigation feature if you've hiked off the grid and might need help getting back to your starting point. The Smart Stack gets the Liquid Glass treatment and reports vital information as you need it. Apple New wrist flick gesture The Apple Watch is getting more gesture control with a flick gesture that can be used to do things hands-free, like mute a call, dismiss a notification or snooze an alarm. This is in addition to the existing double-tap gesture that you can use for navigation control. Flick your wrist to clear notifications. Apple/Screenshot by Joe Maldonado/CNET Other features The smarter watch features extend beyond just Smart Stacks and can also be used to interpret your environment to adjust things like speaker volume according to ambient noise around you. And another iPhone feature coming to the watch is the Notes app -- which seems like a late addition. You'll now be able to access all your notes or create new ones directly from your wrist. What about battery life? We were hoping WatchOS 26 would bring a battery boost to the Apple Watch with a more efficient battery saving (like Adaptive Power in iOS) or sleep mode, but there was no reference to anything battery-related at the keynote. They also didn't mention whether the newest update would have a negative impact on battery life, so we'll have to wait and see the real battery impacts when the final version is released. The developer beta of WatchOS 26 is available now, with a public beta expected to roll out mid-July. The official release will land later this fall alongside the next Apple Watch and iPhone after Apple's September launch event and will run on Apple Watch Series 6 models and later. In the meantime, be sure to check out all our WWDC coverage, including everything new coming to the iPhone with iOS 26, as well as updates for the Mac, iPad and Vision Pro.
Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Apple Watch's Workout Buddy talks you through your reps, just like a real coach
The future of personalised fitness is dawning, and it's landing directly on your wrist. Apple has once again pushed the boundaries of wearable technology with the introduction of "Workout Buddy" in the forthcoming WatchOS 26, transforming the Apple Watch from a health tracker into a dynamic, real time AI fitness coach. This isn't only about counting steps or monitoring heart rate; it's about having a motivational, knowledgeable trainer speaking directly to you, guiding every rep, celebrating every milestone with you, and pushing you to new limits. When you step into your gym or set out on your morning run, you'll have a coach that doesn't just cheer you on, but genuinely understands your performance history and current capabilities. Workout Buddy, powered by the new Apple Intelligence, does precisely that. This software aims to make fitness guidance more personal by using an individual's past workout data to generate real time audio feedback. It analyses metrics from previous sessions, such as running pace, distance, and activity ring history, to provide tailored encouragement and instruction. For example, during a run, it might reference your typical speed to suggest a goal. In a strength training session, it could audibly count reps to help you maintain form and pace. The voice for this feature is not a standard robotic assistant. Apple used voice data from its Fitness+ trainers to build a text-to-speech model that sounds more like a human coach. The system will offer different voice profiles, allowing people to choose a style that they prefer for their workouts. Workout Buddy's main function is its ability to adapt in real time. As your heart rate fluctuates or your pace changes, the AI responds. It can call out mile splits on a run, acknowledge a new personal best, or suggest a rest period if it detects signs of overexertion. This dynamic feedback is a departure from static, pre planned workout routines. The feature is integrated into a redesigned Workout app for WatchOS 26. The app now includes quick access buttons for different workout views and pre mapped routes. It also connects with Apple Music to create playlists that align with the type of exercise and your listening history, aiming for a continuous motivational soundtrack. The processing behind Workout Buddy is handled by Apple Intelligence directly on the device. This approach keeps personal health data private and secure, as the information does not need to be sent to the cloud for analysis. The system can recognise improvements over time, like an increase in lifting strength or better cardio fitness, and use this information to inform its audio feedback. At the end of each session, Workout Buddy delivers a brief audio summary of your performance, highlighting key statistics and achievements. It often concludes with a question, such as "What will you do next?" to encourage planning for future activity. This feature makes high level fitness coaching accessible to anyone with a compatible Apple Watch, positioning it as a notable application of AI in personal well being.
