Along with the release of iPhone X, Apple Watch Series 3 GPS + Cellular smartwatch, many people are interested. But what are the differences in how to use the Internet and call independently on the watch? When will it come in handy? Does this mean that the Apple Watch no longer needs an iPhone to use? Let’s see how the editor of Engadget has felt in the past few days. Can you give you a concept?
4G-LTE capability is added to
If you pay attention to previous reports about Apple Watch Series 3, you will also know that the newly added Cellular version is not much different from the GPS version in appearance. The only difference is the red dot on the crown (and the model name on the back of the watch). So all accessories launched by Watch, whether they are exterior, strap, etc., can be used for all.
The function of applying red dots is really only to indicate the identity of the Cellular version. The antenna module equipped to add Cellular capabilities is actually a circle around the surface, and it will not be discovered because it is hidden under the glass. Such a design can be used to keep a low profile to separate the antenna from the metal part of the watch body shell, the user's arms, etc. that will affect signal reception.
In terms of battery life, Apple has given a normal use time of 18 hours. Their calculation method is that users will use the 4G 4G of the Apple Watch's LTE for about 3 hours every day, such as going to the gym, going downstairs to purchase, and they will temporarily stay away from their mobile phones. But because the editor almost always keeps his phone away, the actual battery life can exceed one day; however, because he deliberately uses music more through the Apple Watch, the power consumption is more than before. It is almost as good as charging every two days.
To use the LTE 4G network function of Apple Watch, in addition to watchingOS to update to 4.2.2 or above, iPhone must also be iOS 11.2.5 or above. At the same time, supported operators will also launch an update of the description file. However, what you need to prepare is actually only the iPhone system and software updates, and the Apple Watch system has been ready long ago. So after opening the Apple Watch Series 3 GPS + Cellular packaging box, all the user needs to do is to simply match the steps and follow the instructions displayed on the phone and watch. If it goes well, it will be completed in about ten minutes.
In the process of pairing, users will find that the Cellular version has added the settings of the operator's information, including confirming that you want to use the LTE connection function of the Apple Watch, log in to the operator's services, etc. Currently, Hong Kong CSL and 1010 are free to allow eligible customers to connect to LTE services using Apple Watch. If you are not sure whether your contract can be used, you need to check with the operator (the editor himself received their promotional text messages).
After the operator's network connection is enabled with the Apple Watch, the operator will also bind the phone number specified with the user contract to the Apple Watch through eSIM. In other words, your Apple Watch is equal to your iPhone in their eyes, so the data consumed by the watch and the phone will also be calculated together. Friends who choose contracts with upper limits like the editor are actually a double-edged sword! Because while being convenient for yourself, it is actually a new way to consume data.
watchOS + app
The system interface of Apple Watch Series 3 GPS + Cellular smartwatch is similar to that of GPS. However, in order to correspond to the LTE connection capability, a switch is added to the control center to select the connection to the operator network, and the signal strength will be displayed in the upper left corner of this page when using data. At the same time, the LTE version will have a unique new surface: Explorer/Explorer. In addition to the red pointer corresponding to the red dot of the crown, the design focus also includes preset phone shortcut keys on it.
At first glance, the app used by the LTE version of Watch is the same as the GPS version, but in fact, like a third-party app like Citymapper, you still have to add a new version of watchOS API to let the app know how to obtain information through the LTE network, rather than continue to synchronize mobile phone information. However, according to Apple, most apps can actually be used as usual, and only a small number of them require developers to make small adjustments, so users should not feel that there is any difference.
Apple Music application + AirPods Wireless Headset
When Apple introduced Watch S3 LTE, it did not forget to package Apple Music and AirPods together to recommend (?). They emphasize that users can play Apple Music at any time by connecting to LTE on Apple Watch, and the ideal thing is to wear their real wireless headphones AirPods.
This combination is undoubtedly for users who wear Apple Watch to exercise, because there are various playlists in Apple Music, and users can easily select songs through Siri.
But for the Zhaizhai editor who doesn't exercise very often, the effect I hope is to achieve is that when the phone is nailed to the table because it wants to charge, even if you walk around the office or go out to buy a person, you can connect to AirPods to play music as usual through the Watch. But you know that there are still many Wi-Fi blind spots in the office (such as the bathroom...).
However, there is one thing to note here, that is, iPhone and Watch are actually two independent Bluetooth devices for AirPods. So if the user starts playing songs on the iPhone and runs away, the song will naturally disconnect after being away from Bluetooth range, and it is not magically able to "automatically" switch the playback source to Watch. Therefore, users who need this need should be accustomed to playing music through the Watch so that the music can be played truly and uninterrupted. Because Watch can still understand the source of automatic switching data connection, when the signal is ideal, it is preferred to obtain data through a mobile phone connection.
Conclusion
The launch of Apple Watch Series 3 GPS + Cellular smartwatches has given the Apple product ecosystem a new combination, and the possibility of using Apple Watch + AirPods alone. This allows users to continue to connect to the Internet to receive the latest information when they have no choice but to put down their iPhone. Unfortunately, this new way of using it appears today when watchOS apps are gradually abandoned by developers. When Apple Watch can be used online on LTE alone, it can only simply display and reply information, rather than having an independent and complete user experience on the Watch? This is also called Watch Hunyou has good martial arts skills.
However, when you grasp Apple's 18-hour battery life for Watch S3 LTE, only 3 hours are designed to use LTE connections, you will know that joining the operator's network connection on the Watch is not actually making the Apple Watch a communication tool that can be used independently, but to fill the gap when you leave your phone or Wi-Fi connection for a while. After all, the lifeline of modern people is already on the Internet. If you are not online at any time, you may feel uncomfortable.
For me, the experience of Watch S3 LTE is not perfect (such as the handover of cross-device music), but it still demonstrates how to achieve a life of being connected to the Internet at any time through eSIM, which feels a little more convenient. But is this function necessary? It depends on how strong everyone is to rely on the Internet.
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