FutureFive New Zealand - Consumer technology news & reviews from the future
Story image
Apple Watch gets a healthy face lift
Thu, 8th Sep 2016
FYI, this story is more than a year old

Introducing Apple Watch Series 2 - the result of its predecessor undergoing a total health renovation.

Featuring Water Resistance 50 Metres, GPS, Two-Times-Brighter Display, Dual-Core Processor - watchOS 3, Apple says the latest addition is the ultimate device for a healthy life.

Apple Watch Series 2 is packed with an array of fitness and health capabilities including a water resistance 50 metre rating for swimming (not advisable for scuba diving or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion) and built-in GPS so users can run without an iPhone.

Jeff Williams, Apple's chief operating officer, says the company is thrilled with the response to Apple Watch, and how it's changed people's lives.

“We are committed to fitness and health and think our customers will love the new capabilities of Apple Watch Series 2,” he says.

“With a powerful new dual-core processor, water resistance 50 metres and built-in GPS, Apple Watch Series 2 is packed with features to help our customers live a healthy life.

For swimmers, Apple has developed all-new algorithms for two new workout options within a pool and open water.

Apple Watch Series 2 can count laps, track average lap pace and even auto-detect stroke type to accurately measure active calorie burn.

The new built-in GPS feature records precise distance, pace and speed for outdoor workouts like running, walking and cycling.

New level of performance

According to the company, by using advanced technology their second generation S2 chip makes the watch up to 50% faster. Apple Watch Series 2 also features a display that's two times brighter - at 1,000 nits, it's the brightest display Apple says it has ever shipped.

The newly developed watchOS has improved performance which Apple says makes for an efficient launch of your favourite apps. Series 2 is available in lightweight aluminium or stainless steel cases, with a variety of new band colours and two different case sizes.

The 38 mm and 42 mm cases are available in gold, rose gold, silver and space grey aluminium. Or alternatively, silver or space black stainless steel.

For Kiwis, the watch is on sale from tomorrow with prices starting at NZ$599.