On Monday, Apple introduced an update to its beta version of WatchOS 3.2 software to developers, letting them take advantage of the new features that Apple will eventually distribute to all Apple Watch users. Apple didn't say much about WatchOS 3.2 and when would it be available to all users. But it is said that the biggest additions are a new "theater mode" and the ability to use Siri.
Apple Watch Can Now Enable A New Theater Mode
The new theater mode on the Apple Watch has been rumored for awhile and has faced a lot of backlashes. According to CNET, many people have been worried about fellow theater-goers texting and checking their devices more often during films. Apple's latest software update for the iPhone doesn't include such a mode like that. But on the Apple Watch, the improvements appear to be an effort to make the device less disruptive in a dark place.
Theater Mode with Apple WatchOS 3.2 lets you quickly mute the sound on your Watch and you'll also be able to avoid waking up the screen when you raise your wrist. Even you are in theater mode, you will still receive notifications, including the haptics that makes the Apple Watch vibrate on your wrist. But in order for you to view them, you'll have to tap on the screen of the device. You can also press the digital crown on the side of the watch instead of just lifting your wrist.
Theater Mode, in short, is the ability of the Apple Watch to shut off the screen and prevent from waking even when you raise your wrist. This new mode is different from the Do Not Disturb option that has been offered on Apple Watch since the beginning. Unlike the Theater Mode, the Do Not Disturb prevents all notifications from popping up and the Watch’s display will still light up when you move your wrist around, according to The Verge.
Apple Watch Can Now Enable A New Theater Mode
SiriKit first became available on the iPhone and iPad with iOS 10 in September 2016. For Apple Watch, you earlier could open a third-party app but not make requests within the app using Siri. But now, you will be able to do more on you Apple Watch even without your phone. With SiriKit on your Apple Watch, you'll be able to do things such as book a ride, send text messages and send or cancel payments.
Other third-party apps that will be able to use Siri on the Apple Watch include the workout apps, calling apps and all the apps used for searching photos. Apple has been pushing Siri in more places not just in its WatchOS. It has also planned to collect more information about users to make its digital assistant more useful for other tech gadgets.
The iOS 10.3, the upcoming software for both iPhones and iPads, lets users choose to share iCloud data with Apple to improve Siri's capabilities. You can activate Siri on your Apple Watch by either pressing and hold the digital crown or turn your wrist toward you and say, “Hey Siri.” Know that Siri doesn’t talk on the Watch, it’s all text, so you need to read the results.
