Apple Watch Series 2: A lot like an iPhone

The sharp looking new Apple watch is a delight for fitness lovers

The other day, a friend texted me something that required my immediate attention, but I was travelling in a crowded Metro then, cramped into a seat and with no way of reaching into my pocket for my phone. But the Apple Watch Series 2 (Rs 34,900 onwards for 42 mm), which had notified me of the text, came to my rescue. Using the watch’s Scribble function, I was able to respond immediately by “writing” into the watch.

That’s just one of the ways the intuitive watchOS 3 has come to my aid in the past couple of weeks. Another lifesaver has been the ability to initiate/receive calls on the watch. Besides the Digital Crown, the watch sports a button, which, besides being the power button, brings up the dock; a long-press on the button activates SOS mode, dialling the emergency services number of the country you’re in. 

The watch looks sleek and sexy and with changeable straps (and a host of third-party options), one cans customise its look so it’s appropriate for both the boardroom as well as the gym. I absolutely loved the Mickey Mouse watch face. 

After setting up the watch, I went for a brisk walk in the park, with my iPhone in my pocket. Distance tracking was accurate as was the heartbeat sensor. A good thing is the watch automatically senses any activity and calculates the calories burnt based on whether I’m walking or running. And it’s very easy to read in direct sunlight.

Next day, I repeated the same track minus the iPhone. The watch (with GPS built in) lived up to the accuracy, albeit with a depleted battery. And yes, I was able to get a map of my walk on the companion app on the phone. It’s a pity it doesn’t have an altimeter though. Since then, I’ve loaded a few running tracks on the watch, paired it with wireless headphones, and gone on jogs without the iPhone. And it’s been a lot of fun.

Another function I liked was Breathe, which reminds you to inhale and exhale at timely intervals, via haptic feedback. The watch also asks one to stand or take breaks at regular intervals. One can also set goals, which the watch adjusts automatically based on whether one is able/unable to meet them. The watch is zippy and force touch adds to the functionality. Fitness freaks would possibly like it more if the data could be shared with specialised third-party apps.

I set the “water lock” on manually; if I selected swimming as an activity, it locks automatically. Then, I stepped into the shower without fear of the water changing watch faces or firing up apps on the sly. But one can see the time and other notifications. I unlocked the watch by turning the crown — it played a sound to throw out residual water from the speaker. How cool is that?

Every time I went for a jog without my phone, I charged the watch. Else, I could get through a couple of days without charging it. And it charges pretty fast.

Without doubt, the Apple Watch Series 2 is currently the best smartwatch an iPhone user can buy.