Unfortunately for Android Wear fans, the Apple Watch is the best-selling smartwatch to date. There is a good reason for that though. Apple’s Watch just works, and it does that very well. Every iteration of the Apple Watch is even better than ever before. That case is also true for the latest Apple Watch Series 8 and the new Apple Watch SE.
watchOS 9
The latest Apple Watch 8, Watch SE, and even Watch Ultra come with Apple’s latest watchOS 9. There are no fundamental change in terms of its fundamental interface and looks. The added features for watchOS 9 includes international roaming that allows the Watch to be constantly connected to a network even when you are travelling abroad. Users with AFib conditions can also turn-on the AFib History feature if it is available in their region. The digital Compass App has also been redesigned to show even more information than before. There is a new Workout app too in watchOS 9 that allows in-session views with segments, splits, elevation, and even more precise workout data. Sleep tracking on the new operating system (OS) is also even better than before with more accurate and more comprehensive sleep data on tap. There is even a new Medications interface on the Apple Watch that helps users manage and track their medication schedules via the Health app.
Crash Detection
Apple has pioneered safety technology on the smartwatch with fall detection in their previous Apple Watch. Now, the Apple Watch is even better than before with Crash Detection. The gyroscope and accelerometer on the latest Apple Watch is even more powerful than before. Apple also had to develop entirely new algorithms to allow the Apple Watch to understand car crashes better and to detect when users are in one. They had to simulate various car crashes in test labs to ensure that the Apple Watch can detect when users are involved in a head-on collision, rear-end impact, side-impact, and even rollovers just based on the gyroscopic, acceleration, barometric, GPS, and sound data. After the fact, Apple Watch will check in with its users, like when it detects a fall. If the user does not respond within the next 10 seconds, emergency alert will be sent out to relevant services and even your emergency contacts. Of course, it works best with iPhones.
Even Longer Battery Life
One of the bigger complaints about the older Apple Watches is its dismal battery life. For the new Apple Watch Series 8, Apple has said that the device can last up to 18 hours, technically an entire day. Apple has also included a new Low Power Mode that is supposed to extend the device’s battery life to up to 36 hours (Watch Series 8) by limiting selected sensors and power-hungry features like always-on display.
More Health Centric Sensors
You still get all the sensors that are previously found on the Apple Watch Series 7. There is a brand-new sensor that is mainly used to monitor women’s health though. It is a dual sensor that detects body temperature. The two sensors measure two different temperatures at two different points of the watch, one at the back of the watch and the other right under the display. This way, Apple Watch can capture its users body temperature whilst reducing bias from outside environment.
The new added feature also improves sleep health detection by the Apple Watch. The Apple Series Watch 8 samples wrist temperature every five seconds and is so sensitive it measures changes as small as 0.1oC. The Health App allows the users to monitor their sleep health and changes due to exercising, jet lag, or even sickness.
Apple Watch SE
The Apple Watch SE, while is the most accessible Apple watch, is no less powerful than the new Apple Watch Series 8. It still packs the latest S8 SiP processor found in the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra. You also get International Roaming alongside Crash Detection features that the Series 8 and the Ultra gets. The only visual difference is that the SE gets a back case made with nylon composite material alongside the aluminium case making it the lightest Apple Watch available currently. The Apple Watch SE also only comes in 40mm and 44mm variants.
Price and Availability
The Apple Watch SE will be available in select regions from the 16th of September 2022 onward. You can choose between midnight, starlight, and sliver colour options. The new Apple Watch SE will set you back US$ 249 (MYR 1,199*) onward. For more information on the Apple Watch SE, you can visit their website.
The Apple Watch Series 8 will be available in select regions also from the 16th of September 2022 onward. You can choose between aluminium (Starlight, Midnight, Silver, PRODUCT RED) and stainless steel (Silver, Graphite, Gold) cases and various band, including the NIKE and Hermès edition bands for the Apple Watch Series 8. Prices start from US$ 399 (MYR 1,899*). If you want to know more about the Apple Watch Series 8, you can visit their website.
*Official Malaysian Pricing