The fifth generation apple smart watch was unveiled last week in Cupertino, California amidst mixed reactions from fanatics and the media. In addition to the aluminum and steel case materials used on the Apple watch 4, ceramic and titanium cases iterations have been introduced to the latest model.
The most pronounced new feature is the always on display. The feature however has been around for years with rivals such as Samsung, LG and Fitbit Versa 2 sporting it. Apple definitely came to the party late on this one.
The Apple watch 5 achieves the always on display by incorporating a low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) display which is a special kind of backplane technology designed for OLED screens. It was introduced in the Apple Watch 4 and the technology has been optimized in the new model through the use of an ultra-low power display driver, efficient power management integrated circuit and new ambient light sensor to save battery life.
The ElectroCardioGram App
The ECG app, which was introduced in the previous model and extensive pre-clinical trials. Its capable of generating an ECG similar to a single-lead electrocardiogram offer at a medical facility. The electrocardiogram (also called an ECG or EKG) records the timing and strength of the electrical signals that make the heartbeat. The app is able to give insights about the heart rhythms and look for irregularities.
A gentle press on the digital crown of the watch will generate an ECG waveform in just 30 seconds. The app can indicate whether the heart rhythm is showing signs of atrial fibrillation (a serious form of irregular heart rhythm) or sinus rhythm, when the heart is beating in a normal pattern.
Cycle Tracking App
The Cycle Tracking App gives an insight into the menstrual cycle if the wearer of the watch is of the fairer sex obviously. During a period, the user can log in their flow level and symptoms like cramps or headaches in the Cycle Tracking app. The app will predict when the next period will begin and ovulating cycle, and then generate notifications on the iPhone or Apple Watch.
Noise App
The Noise app uses the watch’s built-in microphone to assess noise in the environment using a decibel meter which adjusts in real time and prompts you if the noise levels are above the recommended range of 90 decibels. It will be available from September 16 when WatchOS 6 is rolled out to Apple Watches.
Breathe App
The Apple Breathe set up a breathing session while coaching a user through the session which lasts several minutes. The app monitors the user’s heart rate, and provides a summary of the breathing sessions.
Health App
The health app offers a myriad of solutions through Dexcom G6 system which can monitor a user’s glucose levels for those who have diabetes type 1 or 2. The YAZIO app enables a user log their meals, calculate calories, and track their activity on the personal diet plan. The Meditopia app facilitates meditations exercises to reduce stress, improve sleep, and find more happiness.
Fall Detection
The Fall detection app is a superman of sorts as it can detect when a user falls. When a fall incident occurs, a hard fall alert is delivered, and the user can easily initiate a call to emergency services or dismiss the alert. If the user is unresponsive after 60 seconds, the emergency call will be placed automatically. Emergency contacts will then be notified and sent to the user’s location.
Activity App
The activity app tracks how much a user moves, exercises, and stands from day to day. It features three rings. The Move ring shows how many active calories have burned so far. The Exercise ring which shows how many minutes of brisk activity has been completed so far and finally the Stand ring which shows the hours in which a user stood and moved for at least a minute. With a nifty setting a user can turn the stand ring to the Roll ring if they are on a wheelchair it shows hours in which you’ve pushed around for at least 1 minute.
