Every WatchOS 3 Owner Should Know These 5 Hidden Features

With Apple's third take on its wearables, it didn't take any chances with the WatchOS 3 when it comes to improvements. For instance, the friends circle has been replaced with the dock, and the docked applications load instantly. Aside from that, battery life is excellent, and the system in general has better performance and speed.

Here's a closer look on what the new WatchOS 3 has to offer to its Apple lovers.

The Dock

The dock contains up to ten of your most frequently used apps. To access it, press the watch's side button. Then from here, you can use the Digital Crown to scroll left or right. This is better than sliding through the app selection with your finger. While you can remove dock apps from the Watch app on your iPhone, it's more convenient to slide up on the app from the Dock itself. Once you're at this step, simply tap the big X.

Any applications that aren't in the Dock will appear in the Dock after use as "recent." You can then choose if you want to keep it in the dock.

Siri

In WatchOS 3, along with iOS 10, Siri now offers third-party support since she now has the ability to interact with your applications hands free. This means you don't need to launch those third-party apps separately. Here are some examples:

·         Uber - you can say, "Hey Siri, book me a ride on Uber."

·         Nike+ Run Club - you can say "Hey Siri, start a workout with Nike+ Run Club."

·         Square Cash - you can say "Hey Siri, send my wife Jane $30 for her shopping on Square Cash." You will be then asked to confirm, and it will process away your request. You can also request for money if you wish to.

Workout

Apple's WatchOS 3 is marketed intensively as a workout companion, and it's true to its promise. The heart-rate sensor is more accurate than most fitness trackers in the market, and the built-in workout app itself knows no parallel. Here's what you can benefit from the Workout App on WatchOS 3.

You can now give nicknames to your "other" workouts in the Workout App. Simply select "other," complete your workout, tap Save, and scroll through the list of workout names. Once you have accomplished this, Apple Watch will remember that particular workout's nickname and will keep it in the quick start menu.

When working out, double-tap on your screen to split that workout into a "section." For instance, when running on a track, a double tap could signify a lap. The Watch will save each section with its own data to be viewed after the workout.

Messages

Considered as the most used mobile app in Apple's history, Messages has received the biggest overhaul this time around, ranging from friendly stickers to full-screen effects. All Messages features on the WatchOS 3 are included in iOS 10, except Scribble.

Here are the features you can get:

·         Tapbacks - Double-tap on a message to select a "tapback." Think about a tapback as a quick response message. Instead of responding with "okay" or "cool," you can respond with a thumbs-up tapback.

·         Pre-Canned Responses - Select and send a pre-canned response directly, rather than having to select "respond," like in previous Watch OS versions.

·         Language Selection - Force Touch and select "Choose Language" to change the current language.

·         Directions - Force Touch, select "Details," scroll and then select the contact's address to get directions. The Maps app will then begin to launch.

·         Full-Screen Effects - These effects can't be sent from the Watch, but they can be received from other iOS devices running on iOS 10.

·         Scribble - When pre-canned responses or dictation aren't appropriate for the situation, tap scribble and start scribbling out what you want to send. The best part of this is it's quick, and the letters can be written over one another.

·         Speed - Dictation is overall quicker and more precise. Commands such as "exclamation mark" and "period" are picked up easily.

SOS

Keep in mind that the SOS feature is something you will be using everyday. But if you do, you'll be glad your WatchOS 3 has it. To use this feature, press and hold the side button for six seconds to call emergency services. Apple Watch recognizes what country you're in and dials the corresponding emergency number. After your call with emergency services, Apple Watch alerts selected contacts of your location.