New on Apple Watch: a hand washing tracker, sleep detector, and audio volume ear protection feature
- The latest software updates for the Apple Watch includes several health features
- With the coronavirus pandemic in mind, the watch detects when you wash your hands, starts a 20-second timer, and tells you if you stop too soon
When Apple introduced its Watch in 2014, it was presented as a stylish fashion accessory that offered communication abilities. Media at the time covered it as a luxury item – there was a model priced at US$17,000.
In recent years, Apple has pivoted its marketing and pushed the Watch as first and foremost a health and fitness device, with key features introduced such as fall detection and electrocardiogram sensors.
This year’s new Apple Watch features, coming via a WatchOS 7 software update, continues the push in that direction. The most headline- grabbing and timely feature (given the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic) is automatic hand washing detection: when the wearer is washing their hands, the Watch will automatically detect the act and start a 20-second timer. If the hand washing stops before the timer ends, the Watch will nudge the wearer to clean their hands for longer.
Apple says the Watch tracks this by detecting hand motion, water splashes, and even using its mic to listen for “squishy sounds” made from rubbing soap. Apple also claims the algorithms will be smart enough to not be confused by the wearer swimming or by rain.
