When Apple first announced the Apple Watch back in September of last year, it didn’t shy away from the fact that a paired iPhone would be required to make good use of it. However, following the second launch announcement at the Spring Forward media event earlier this month, it has become apparent that the wearable will offer a decent amount of functionality without needing to call upon a connected iPhone, and in good news for fitness fanatics, the device can accurately track your workout data irrespective of whether you’re carrying your handset or not.
It should be noted that Christy Turlington Burns’ blog, which documents her preparation for the London Marathon while using Apple Watch, is backed by the Cupertino company. She is, after all, a spokesperson for the Mac maker, but while this means that everything she details is going to reflect upon Apple in a positive light, we can be equally sure that it doesn’t deviate from the facts.
Turlington Burns notes in a recent post that after she’d carried her iPhone and Apple Watch a few times when jogging, the wearable began to learn her stride accurately, and subsequently, she was able to ditch the iPhone and still avail a true reading following her workouts.
In her own words:
After you run with Apple Watch and your iPhone a few times, the Workout app knows more about your stride. . . So you can run on a treadmill or outside without your phone and still get a really accurate workout summary.
Most of the blog’s recent coverage comprises plugging the Apple Watch, but the fact that the Workout app can actively learn how you behave and therefore lessen its dependence on the iPhone is very noteworthy indeed.
Plenty are looking at the device as a fashion accessory, while geeks are also salivating in anticipation of yet another gadget to behold, but it’s also quite clear that Apple wants to take a chunk of the health and fitness market with its first smartwatch. With HealthKit in place and the Apple Watch Sport available from the April 24th release date, those looking to get active will have few excuses, and thankfully, won’t have to lug their iPhone around with them on every excursion.
(Source: Apple)
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