Just days after the initial release of watchOS 10.2 beta, Apple is back with another iteration, watchOS 10.2 beta 3, signaling the company’s commitment to continuous improvement in its wearable operating system. While the specifics of the changes remain under wraps, Cupertino is delivering on its promises by adding anticipated features exclusively for users of the latest Apple Watch models.
A notable enhancement introduced in watchOS 10.2 beta 2 is the ability for users to leverage Siri for reading and logging on-device Health requests. This not only accelerates the process of accessing health-related information but also reinforces user privacy and security. Siri’s integration allows users to make health and fitness queries directly on the device, ensuring a more private and seamless experience.
With support for over 20 health data types through Siri, users can effortlessly retrieve and log their health data. Whether checking the Move ring status, reviewing exercise achievements, monitoring step counts, or logging medication intake, Siri provides a convenient and hands-free solution to health-related inquiries.
Sample queries include:
- “Siri, how does my Move ring look today?”
- “Siri, did I close my Exercise Ring?”
- “Siri, what’s my step count?”
- “Siri, I took my 9 AM medications.”
- “Siri, log that I took my multivitamin.”
- “Siri, I weigh 183 pounds.”
Beyond the health-related improvements, watchOS 10.2 beta 3 builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, watchOS 10.1. The update to watchOS 10.1 introduced the NameDrop feature, allowing seamless sharing of contact information from an iPhone to an Apple Watch by proximity. This feature is not limited to iPhone-to-iPhone sharing and extends to iPhone-to-Apple Watch interactions, available on Apple Watch Series 6 and later, Apple Watch SE (1st and 2nd generation), and Apple Watch Ultra.
Additionally, users of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will appreciate the new double-tap gesture. This innovative feature enables users to control their smartwatches using just one hand, without touching the display. By tapping the index finger and thumb of their watch hand together twice, users can swiftly and conveniently perform common actions on the watch. The faster Neural Engine powers this gesture, processing data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical heart sensor through an advanced machine learning algorithm.
As Apple continues to prioritize privacy and user experience, watchOS 10.2 beta 3 marks a significant step forward in refining the Apple Watch ecosystem, ensuring that users receive not only cutting-edge technology but also enhanced privacy features.
