Apple Watch Series 2 arrives September 16 with water-proofing, GPS, faster SoC, brighter display

[Julio Franco]

The Apple Watch debuted about 16 months ago and the time for a revamp has finally come. In typical Apple fashion, the new Apple Watch Series 2 looks nearly identical to the first-generation device although in practical terms it's been improved tremendously.

The Watch Series 2 packs a new dual-core SoC (called S2) that is 50% faster and brings up to 2x the graphics performance of its predecessor. A new brighter display is rated for up to 1,000 nits meaning it should work perfectly fine in direct sunlight.

The Series 2 is also "swim proof." It's water resistant for 50 meters and thus becomes an overall more competent fitness companion. Apple showed a video of a robot they used to test the watch's waterproofing that simulates someone swimming over years, so you don't have to worry about it breaking over time. Make no mistake, moving forward we'll rarely see smartwatches that do not offer waterproofing.

As was widely rumored, Watch Series 2 comes with a built-in GPS for accurate run/walk tracking, a feature other competitors and fitness trackers have been boasting about for quite some time. In fact, most of the software discussed in the announcement came with a focus on fitness and as an extension of that, Apple's new partnership with Nike.

The Apple Watch Nike+ Edition comes with a sporty perforated rubber band, custom watch face and software shortcuts that will come especially handy to runners. You might recall Nike stopped making the "FuelBand" fitness tracker years ago after big initial success. Now they are partnering with Apple and not coincidentally Tim Cook sits on Nike's board.

Apple's updated smartwatch platform watchOS 3 is also set for release this month. The wearables OS has been on beta since June promising better performance and new stock apps, though undoubtedly the new hardware will certainly be a better match for new advanced features.

There was no mention whatsoever about battery life.

The Watch Series 2 is set to arrive September 16 for $369 for the basic aluminum model. The Nike+ version will also be $369 but coming later in October. The original Watch will still be offered, renamed to Series 1, and will get the upgraded dual core SoC for $269.

In addition to aluminum and stainless steel, there is a new white ceramic watch edition that Apple says is 4x harder than steel. Oh, and Pokemon Go is coming to the watchOS platform, too, which may be a big incentive for some users, I guess.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/66244-apple-watch-series-2-arrives-september-16-water.html

 

[commanderasus]

What they don't tell you is about how this technology is affecting your body with all that wifi and who knows what other radio waves etc,. that is so close to your blood vessels and no one is asking "What does this technology do to my blood?"

$10,000 just because it says "Apple"?

In Russia, microwave ovens were banned in 1976 because of their negative health consequences as many studies were conducted on their use. The ban was lifted after Perestroika in the early 90's. Numerous documents can be found online relating to this subject.

 

[karwasz]

Numerous documents can be found online relating to this subject.

Like what exactly?

 

[captaincranky]

...[ ]...In Russia, microwave ovens were banned in 1976 because of their negative health consequences as many studies were conducted on their use. The ban was lifted after Perestroika in the early 90's. Numerous documents can be found online relating to this subject.

Like what exactly?

Well, here's a Google search page on the topic, since you're apparently too lazy to bother to copy and paste, "microwave ovens were banned in 1976 because of their negative health consequences", into a Google search box:

"https://www.google.com/search?hl=en...uences&btnG=Google+Search&oq=&aqi=&aql=&gs_l=

You're welcome.

 

[captaincranky]

Goddammit! I new I shouldn't have bought those two new guitar processors!

First there was the waste of $200.00 for the "Mel9", which synthesizes 9 different voices of the original, "Mellotron" keyboard.

Then I wasted another $200.00 on TC-Helicon's "Harmony GT-X" which synthesizes vocal harmonies, along with EQ, pitch correction, reverb, and delay. And now kidz, I can't possibly afford that shiny new superfluous Apple trinket...

So much wanton spending, when I could have had some truly useless piece of crap like an Apple watch for the same amount of money.

Somebody please warn me of the next impending release of another Apple Watch, so I can buy some more foot pedals or another lens or two for my cameras.

 

[karwasz]

Well, here's a Google search page on the topic, since you're apparently too lazy to bother to copy and paste

Thank you for guiding me to this very helpful page. The thing is - microwave ovens were never banned in Russia. Nor in Poland, which was technically part of Russian block around 1970s, for that matter. There is no scientific evidence of negative impact of 12cm long waves on food. On the other hand, there is quite a lot of information about positive effects of shorter time required to prepare meals using microwave radiation.

So what was that about "Numerous documents can be found online relating to this subject."? Show me one and I'm first to wear tin foil hat in my kitchen.

 

[captaincranky]

Thank you for guiding me to this very helpful page. The thing is - microwave ovens were never banned in Russia. Nor in Poland, which was technically part of Russian block around 1970s, for that matter. There is no scientific evidence of negative impact of 12cm long waves on food. On the other hand, there is quite a lot of information about positive effects of shorter time required to prepare meals using microwave radiation.

So what was that about "Numerous documents can be found online relating to this subject."? Show me one and I'm first to wear tin foil hat in my kitchen.

Well, if it's on the internet, it must be true....

That notwithstanding, some of the explanation of how microwaves affect food, seem reasonably plausible.

Reasonably speaking, I don't think a device as low power as an Apple watch, (or any competing product), can do much in the way of harm by wearing it.

OTOH, what many people don't know is that old school cathode ray tubes, (you know, the ones in those big heavy TVs of yore), were all equipped with leaded glass in front of the screen, to prevent spurious emissions of X-Rays.

So, the only thing I can suggest, is that nobody put their tinfoil hat inside the microwave while it's in operation....

The natural gas industry denied that "fracking" was responsible for numerous earthquakes in the areas it was being used.

But yet a government study has just been released which proves that fracking, does indeed, cause "micro tremors". http://earthquake.usgs.gov/research/induced/

My point being "facts", are all too often opinions based in need, convenience, and corporate expediences.