Apple has introduced the latest update to its wearable technology, the Apple watchOS 10, which brings an array of new features focusing on mental health, vision health, and fitness.
With the watchOS 10, users can now track and log their emotions and daily moods through the Mindfulness app. By simply turning the Digital Crown, users can select a shape to represent and monitor their feelings.
Furthermore, the Health app offers commonly used depression and anxiety assessments, enabling users to generate a PDF with their assessment results. They can then connect with local mental health resources and share their results for further assistance.
In terms of fitness, the watchOS 10 provides enhanced features for cycling, including workout reminders and fall detection. When initiating a cycling workout, the user's iPhone screen will display real-time data such as heart rate, elevation, race route, custom workouts, and cycling speeds.
Apple has also incorporated vision health tools into the new watchOS. Users can now monitor their outdoor exposure time, as excessive sun exposure has been linked to potential physical and mental health issues, including an increased risk of nearsightedness. The Health app on iPhone or iPad allows users to access and analyse this data.
Additionally, the watchOS includes a new feature in the medications app, sending follow-up reminders to log medication 30 minutes after the scheduled time.
Apple has also announced the updated versions of its operating systems, iOS17 and iPadOS17. These updates feature an improved Health app that helps users identify how lifestyle factors like sleep or exercise may impact their mental well-being.
Furthermore, the TrueDepth camera, previously used for FaceID, has been utilised in iPhones and iPads to measure the distance between the user's face and the device. Users will be encouraged to hold their devices at least 12 inches away to prevent prolonged close proximity. This feature aims to promote healthier device usage habits.
Lastly, Apple unveiled the Apple Vision Pro and visionOS platform, an augmented reality headset. The Vision Pro offers various features such as entertainment, spatial audio, collaboration tools, and real-time video recording. To unlock the device, the Optic ID scans the user's eyes, and the eye-tracking technology allows for eye gaze-based payments. Apple assures users that their privacy is protected, as eye gaze data is only accessible to app developers.
The Apple Vision Pro augmented reality headset is set to launch early next year, starting at a price of $3,499.
Click here to read the original news story.