Marc Saltzman - Apple Watch For Dummies

FIGURE 1-3:Read and reply to messages on your Apple Watch.

When an email comes in, you can read it on your wrist (scroll up and down the screen with your fingertip to see all the text), flag it as something to reply to later, mark it as read (or unread), or move it to the Trash. As with text messages and phone calls, you can transfer email from Apple Watch to your iPhone to pick up where you left off. I cover all this in Chapter 5.

Along with providing the Walkie-Talkie feature, your smartwatch lets you communicate directly with someone else’s wrist via a component called Digital Touch . Use your fingertip to draw something, such as the heart shown in Figure 1-4, and the person who receives it will see it animate — just as you drew it. Or why not send some virtual kisses to let someone know you’re thinking about them? As described in Chapter 5, you can even send your heartbeat to someone by pressing two fingers on the screen.

Naturally, a wearable watch is a convenient way to stay on top of important information. Apple Watch has a cool feature called Dock that lets you quickly open your favorite apps or go from one app to another. To launch the Dock, press the side button and swipe up or down (or turn the Digital Crown button). See Figure 1-5. Chapters 3and 6discuss how to access Dock, customize what you see, and scroll through relevant information.

FIGURE 1-4:Sketch something on your Apple Watch and send it off to someone else’s Apple Watch.

FIGURE 1-5:Dock allows you to open your favorite apps quickly or jump from one app to another.

Apple Watch also has a Calendar app (with reminders) so you can stay on top of events occurring throughout your day (or coming in the near future). Also, when you receive a calendar invitation, you can immediately accept or decline it on your wrist and even email preset responses to the organizer. Put Chapter 6on your calendar for more information.

Your wrist is an ideal place to glance at a map. Get turn-by-turn directions from your current location. You don’t have to worry about having to stare at your wrist for visual cues (or fall down an open manhole in the process), because Apple Watch gives you a tap on the wrist to let you know when it’s time to turn left or right. Navigate to Chapter 6for more information. Beginning with Apple Watch Series 5, an integrated compass helps you navigate even further. (Unleash your inner Boy or Girl Scout Guide!) And with the latest operating-system update, watchOS 8, Maps includes cycling directions too.

Just as you can talk into your phone, Apple Watch has a microphone, which means that you have access to your personal assistant known as Siri. Flip to Chapter 7to find out more about what Siri can do for you. As the author of Siri For Dummies (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), I share some of my favorite Siri tips and tricks you can master with ease. Finally, in 2020, Apple added language translation to Siri’s long list of capabilities. A redesigned Home app lets you control compatible smart home devices using your voice on your Apple Watch.

One of the coolest applications for Apple Watch? Fitness. Chapter 8looks at using the watch to measure your activity — steps, stairs, distance, time, calories burned, and heart-rate information — and to display it in a meaningful way on your watch and smartphone. I cover the Activity app, shown in Figure 1-6, and its three rings, which show you relevant information on your daily activity (or lack thereof!). On the other hand, the Workout app (shown in Figure 1-7) offers some workout routine options — including walking, jogging, running, and cycling — and shows real-time stats on your cardio session.

FIGURE 1-6:The Activity app shows three rings that summarize your daily progress — so far.

FIGURE 1-7:The Workout app offers you some exercise routines to choose among.

Chapter 9shows you how to use Apple Watch like a wireless remote. Control your music on your phone — from the convenience of your wrist — as well as listen to synced playlists on your watch without needing your iPhone (but with Bluetooth headphones). Along with talking about music streaming and downloads, I highlight how to manage podcasts, audiobooks, radio plays, and other audio. Chapter 9also covers how to control Apple TV on your Apple Watch. (Yes, you can pause and play episodes of Ted Lasso . How awesome is that?)

Swiping your wrist at retail stores or at a vending machine is super-cool, and Chapter 10covers all the ways you can use your Apple Watch in this regard. Your watch lets you buy products and services via Apple Pay, and you don’t even need to have your iPhone with you.

Apple Watch is quite a versatile gadget, which means that other apps can help enhance its convenience. Chapter 11looks at optional third-party apps you can download to further personalize the most personal gadget in the world.

Chapter 12takes a closer look at some of the extra fun things you can do with Apple Watch. I cover using your wrist to snap a photo remotely on your iPhone, as well as look at photos on your wrist, including zooming in (because maybe you’re bored in line at the supermarket and want to see some smiling faces or furry pets). I also discuss using Apple Watch as a gaming platform and tell you what’s available for gaming.

Chapter 13reveals the top ten things you should try with Apple Watch and, of course, how to pull them off with grace. I share the absolute coolest things this smartwatch can do and how to best demonstrate them to your friends — to the point they’ll be boiling with envy.

Apple says you could squeeze up to 18 hours of battery life out of Apple Watch (see www.apple.com/watch/battery ), but be aware that this result varies greatly, depending on how often you use the watch, the settings you choose (see Chapter 2), what apps you use, the outside temperature, and other factors. Apple says 18 hours equates to “all day” performance, which could include 90 time checks, 90 notifications, 45 minutes of app use, and a 60-minute workout with music playback from Apple Watch via Bluetooth.