Music Detection: The Coolest Feature You Didn’t Know About
How to Enable Music Detection
The first thing you absolutely must turn on is inside your settings. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security, then scroll down and tap Microphone. You’ll find something called Music Detection here—turn it on! It’s off by default.
What Music Detection Does
Check how cool this is: If a song is playing around you, your Apple Watch will detect it. When you swipe into your Smart Stacks, a new Recognized Music widget pops up, letting you search and find out what song is playing without even touching your phone.
Playing Music from Your Apple Watch
Even cooler, if you tap the three dots in the top corner, then tap AirPlay and scroll down to Other Speakers and TVs, you can select Apple Watch. Now, audio will play directly from your watch’s speaker. You can play music, podcasts, or audiobooks—no phone needed!
Customizing Your Apple Watch Sounds
Changing Sound Effects and Vibrations
In Settings > Sounds & Haptics, scroll down to Ringtone, Text Tone, and a few other options. You can now change sound effects, and not just the sound, but also the vibrations.
Health Alerts: Get Notified Before You Get Sick
How the Apple Watch Can Predict Sickness
Inside Settings > Vitals, enable notifications. Now, the Apple Watch will send you a notification if it thinks you’re about to get sick. This is based on five metrics: heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen, and sleep duration.
Keeping Track of Your Vitals
Check the Weekly Vitals complication on your watch face. This allows you to easily monitor your vitals and stay ahead of any potential health issues.
Smart Hacks: Two Tricks You Have to Try
Taking Remote Photos with Your Apple Watch
In the camera app, your iPhone’s camera pops up on your Apple Watch, allowing you to take photos remotely. It’s perfect for checking hard-to-reach spots like under the couch or behind your TV.
Voice Isolation: Clear Calls, Even in the Shower
If you need to take a call while in the shower, don’t worry—the Apple Watch has Voice Isolation. This feature ensures the call is clear, even in noisy environments.
Sharing Contacts with Ease
Sending Your Contact Details Quickly
On your iPhone, go to the Contacts app, tap your contact, and make sure all your details are saved. Then, on your Apple Watch, go to Settings > General > Airdrop and enable Start Sharing by Bringing Devices Together. Now, just bring your Apple Watch close to someone else’s, and tap the Share button to exchange contact details.
Mastering Apple Watch Gestures
Using the Double Tap Gesture
Enable Double Tap in your gesture settings, and you can scroll through smart stacks or photos without touching the screen. You can also customize the gesture to perform other actions, like pausing or playing music.
Mute Calls with a Simple Hand Cover
If you receive a call, just cover your watch with your hand to mute it. This is another simple, handy gesture to use.
The Best Watch Faces for Apple Watch
Customizing the Photos Watch Face
To get the most personalized watch face, use the Photos watch face, which now allows you to shuffle between your best pictures. You can choose categories like people, pets, or nature, and customize it further to suit your style.
Other Stunning Watch Faces
Check out the Flux and Reflection watch faces. The Reflection face shimmers as you tilt your wrist, and the Flux face features an animated seconds hand.
New Apps to Enhance Your Apple Watch Experience
Translate App: Instant Translation
The Translate app lets you quickly communicate in another language. Just select the language, speak into the mic, and it’ll translate your words instantly.
Depth App for Underwater Adventures
Now, even non-Apple Watch Ultra users can access the Depth app. It shows you how deep you are and the water temperature when swimming or diving.
Body State: Track Your Body’s Battery
The Body State app is a game-changer! It uses your health data, like heart rate and sleep, to estimate your body’s “battery percentage.” If you’re well-rested, your body battery is high; if you’re tired, it’s low.
Check In: A Safety Feature You Need to Use
Setting Up the Check-In Widget
Add the Check-In widget to your smart stacks. When tapped, it allows you to send your location to a friend, so they know when you arrive at your destination.
Safety During Workouts
The Check-In feature works during workouts too. If you’re running, cycling, or hiking, you can check in mid-workout, and your friend will get an alert if you don’t reach your destination or end your workout.
Quick Tips for Your Apple Watch
Minimum Brightness: Easier to See
In Settings > Accessibility, turn on Minimum Brightness to make the display easier to see.
Turning Off the Red Light for Sleep
Did you know you can turn off the bright red light that comes on while you’re sleeping? Go to Settings > Blood Oxygen and disable In Sleep Focus.
Pausing Your Activity Rings
If you’re sick or need to pause your activity streak, just go to the Activity Rings and tap the icon to pause it for as long as you need.