The unveiling of the Apple Watch 2 took a long time coming but it finally came out on September 7 during the American tech giant’s annual mobile hardware event.
Interestingly, the latest iteration to the Apple smart wearable came out with a different name as it is officially called as the Apple Watch Series 2.
While it looks quite similar to its predecessor, which was launched in March last year, the biggest changes that the Apple Watch Series 2 brought are its new water-resistant shell, making the latest iteration of the Apple Watch swim proof and a GPS chip. The device’s GPS chip helps in tracking purposes, especially when the device is lost, stolen, or the user needs help in directions.
The built-in GPS of the Apple Watch Series 2 allows the device to perform mapping on its own without the use of an iPhone or any smartphone for that matter.
However, the external design of the Apple Watch Series 2 looks pretty much the same as its predecessor. The second generation Apple smart wearable feature square, customizable watch face mostly for telling the time and displaying notifications, a single-day battery life, and a funky watch dial which Apple calls as the digital crown for scrolling and zooming, details The Verge.
No cellular connectivity
While there were previous rumors that the Apple Watch 2 shall have cellular connectivity, reports now have it that Apple has decided not to include cellular connectivity in order not to put a strain on the device’s battery.
Thus, the Apple Watch Series 2 can tell the user where to go when he is out for a run, but it cannot receive app notifications, make calls, or send SMS.
Apple has also upgraded the processor of the Apple Watch Series 2 and is now being powered by the S2. It also comes with an improved display too.
The Apple Watch Series 2 has a dual-core processor that is 50% faster than its predecessor with double the graphics performance because of the device’s new GPU.
The display of the second generation Apple Watch is also 50% brighter compared to its predecessor, which makes using apps and general maneuvering through the watch’s interface much easier and snappier, also in light of the software upgrades brought about by the watchOS 3, which the Apple Watch Series 2 already comes out of the box with.
Performs more functions
The Apple Watch Series 2 was officially unveiled by Apple COO Jeff Williams, who said that the new smart wearable is faster and performs more functions even if it is not tethered to an iPhone, reports The Guardian.
Williams said that that Apple Watch Series 2 has been completely re-engineered in order for the users to change the way they use the watch.
To show to the audience that the Apple Watch Series 2 works well without an iPhone, the American tech giant showed off various new apps, including the popular mobile augmented reality game “Pokemon Go” for the smart wearable. The company said that the game will be available on the Apple Watch Series 2 before the end of the year.
The Apple Watch Series 2 is available in aluminum, stainless steel, and a new white ceramic material that the company says is four times stronger than stainless steel.
Apple has also partnered with Hermès for a special edition, and sports company Nike for the Apple Watch Nike+ aimed at runners. Apple and Nike have had various partnerships over the last decade since the launch of the Nike+ for the iPod.
But there was no mention of Apple’s super-expensive ‘Edition’ line of solid gold watches. The Apple Watch Series 2 and Apple Watch Nike+ will cost $369. The original Apple Watch will be given a new faster processor and shall be available for $269.