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Category: Apple Watch

Julio Ojeda-Zapata 20 comments

watchOS 5.1.2 Brings ECG to the Apple Watch Series 4

Apple announced in September that its new Apple Watch Series 4 is capable of taking electrocardiogram readings as part of its health-monitoring features. That feature didn’t ship with the watch, but it’s now available to users in the US with the watchOS 5.1.2 update, along with irregular heart rhythm monitoring on all supported Apple Watch models.

Josh Centers 24 comments

Apple Releases iOS 12.1, macOS 10.14.1, watchOS 5.1.1, and tvOS 12.1

During its special event in Brooklyn, Apple announced iOS 12.1, which gains the delayed Group FaceTime feature, dual-SIM capabilities for this year’s iPhones, camera improvements, new emojis, and more. Later in the day, the company quietly released macOS 10.14.1 Mojave, also with support for Group FaceTime, along with watchOS 5.1, tvOS 12.1, and iOS 12.1 for HomePod.

Adam Engst 7 comments

Survey Responses: Apple OS Upgrade Plans, NAS Devices, and Do Not Disturb

We’ve been running some quick polls at the end of some recent articles, and we wanted to share results from the first batch. Check them out to see how your opinions and experiences correspond with those of other TidBITS readers.

Julio Ojeda-Zapata 2 comments

Overcast and Apple’s Podcasts Make the Apple Watch a Decent Podcast Player

With watchOS 5 and new apps, the Apple Watch comes into its own as a standalone podcast player. Apple has released an Apple Watch version of its Podcasts app, and developer Marco Arment has followed suit with Overcast.

Josh Centers 17 comments

Apple Fixes Bugs with iOS 12.0.1, watchOS 5.0.1, and tvOS 12.0.1

Apple has released iOS 12.0.1, watchOS 5.0.1, and tvOS 12.0.1 to fix a number of annoying bugs. iPhone XS and iPad users may be the most interested in updating.

Rich Mogull 29 comments

I’m a Paramedic: Here’s How the Apple Watch Series 4 Will and Won’t Save Lives

The Apple Watch Series 4 promises to detect falls, identify atrial fibrillation, and let wearers take electrocardiograms on demand. Rich Mogull draws on his paramedic training to evaluate how effective each of these technologies is likely to be.

Josh Centers 6 comments

Apple’s AirPower Wireless Charger: What Happened?

The AirPower wireless charging pad that Apple announced last year seems to have proved significantly more difficult to engineer than Apple had anticipated. If and when it ships, it may be quite different from what Apple previously described.

Adam Engst 39 comments

When and How to Upgrade to iOS 12, watchOS 5, tvOS 12, and macOS 10.14 Mojave

Three of Apple’s four major operating system upgrades—iOS 12, watchOS 5, and tvOS 12—are now out, and the fourth, macOS 10.14 Mojave, is due on September 24th. Read on for our advice on when and how to install.

Julio Ojeda-Zapata 20 comments

Apple Watch Series 4: Bigger Screens, New Faces, and Enhanced Health Monitoring

Apple has announced the Apple Watch Series 4 models that morph a bit in size and shape and boast larger, edge-to-edge screens. Also new are health-monitoring capabilities courtesy of new hardware—including a Digital Crown that can take an electrocardiogram.

Adam Engst 23 comments

Apple Expected to Announce New iPhones and Apple Watch on September 12th

In an announcement that surprised no one, Apple has scheduled a special event for 12 September 2018. At it, we expect the company to throw back the curtains on new iPhone and Apple Watch hardware and give a release date for iOS 12.

Josh Centers No comments

Pentagon Puts Limits on GPS Usage

After discovering that the Strava fitness app was inadvertently revealing hidden military sites, the US military has authorized limits on apps and devices that use GPS location tracking.

Josh Centers 16 comments

Apple Releases macOS 10.13.6, iOS 11.4.1, tvOS 11.4.1, and watchOS 4.3.2

Apple has released macOS 10.13.6, iOS 11.4.1, tvOS 11.4.1, and watchOS 4.3.2. macOS 10.13.6 brings AirPlay 2 support, but all the rest are minor releases aimed at fixing mostly unspecified bugs and security vulnerabilities.

Josh Centers No comments

Save Your Pebble Smartwatch with Rebble

Pebble pioneered the smartwatch market, but time is running out for its online services, which are necessary for some features. A ragtag band of coders has devised a solution, but you must act before 30 June 2018.

Josh Centers No comments

How Smartwatches Are Saving Lives

Smartwatches like the Apple Watch are saving lives, but they’re not quite legitimate medical devices yet.

Adam Engst 64 comments

UK Travel Tips: Giffgaff for Cellular and Apple Pay for Transit

Planning a trip to the UK? After a family vacation there, Adam Engst has some advice for international travellers looking for an inexpensive way to get cellular data for their iPhones. He also suggests using Apple Pay for public transportation in London and recommends an inexpensive power adapter for charging devices.