10 hidden Apple Watch functions that you probably never used – but should

For many people, the Apple Watch is primarily a fitness tracker and an expansion of the iPhone. It reflects iOS notifications, calls and messages conveniently and lets the users stay up to date without taking out their phones. What many carriers do not know is how powerful and error -packed watchos really is and how much their smartwatch can achieve.

Below you will find ten Apple Watch advantages that you are probably not familiar with.

Timer Gate Access

If you are a Watchos user, you will probably already rely on Apple Pay to quickly make payments from your wrist. Similarly, the Apple Watch automatically synchronizes compatible tickets when adding it to the Wallet app on iOS. In this way you can enter venues and board aircraft by double-clicking on the side button and scanning the QR code on the display of smartwatch. But what if your favorite fitness studio, your favorite cinema or your airline Apple Wallet cards for purchased tickets or membership are not officially offered?

Fortunately, you can manually create an Apple Watch card with any QR code. Simply download the Wallet Creator app on your iPhone, create the card and add it to the wallet -app on iOS. In a few seconds, the newly created card should also be displayed on your Apple Watch if you double -click on the side button. This will give you your emails or apps from third-party providers by crossing compatible goals.

Timeless copywriter

It is no secret that mobile phone Apple watches can make calls independently and send texts. But did you know that regular Wi-Fi models can do that, even if your iPhone is or in another place? As expected, there are some requirements and limits, but it is feasible.

The first and the main condition is Wi-Fi access. You can connect to any (unknown) network by entering your password in the settings app on Watchos. As soon as you have joined, you can send and receive iMessages and make Facetime audio calls directly from your wrist. This is particularly helpful in emergencies when your iPhone dies or is stolen.

Speaking of iMessage, you can also use the digital touch applet in the Watchos news app to send your actual heartbeat to contact. Simply put two fingers on the display and wipe them down to send. If the recipient is also a Watchos user, the haptic feedback of your Apple Watch is a heartbeat to replicate your pulse. It is a cute, less well -known opportunity for couples to communicate.

Web browser in cladding

Another hidden news function is the integrated web view that offers a basic safari experience in Watchos. All you have to do is make yourself a link and then open it on your Apple Watch. The feature also supports the reader perk, which presents articles properly and hidden distracts.

It is unlikely that reading articles about the tiny display of a smartwatch will become a regular habit, but could be useful in certain situations.

Recovery iPod Shuffle

You are probably already using the native Apple Watch, which is now playing the app to control the music streaming on your iPhone. However, many users miss the native playback advantage from Watchos. Simply combine AirPods or Bluetooth headphones from third-party providers to your smartwatch and stream directly from Apple Music if you have an internet connection.

Both Apple Music and Spotify support the download of playback lists into the local memory of the wearable so that you can leave your iPhone behind. This makes it possible to run outdoors only with your Apple Watch and a few wireless earphones.

Mahmoud Itani / foundry

The TV remote control that you will never lose

Watchos also offers a native remote app with which you can fully control your Apple TV. On this miniature screen, too, the interface manages to adapt all main keys so that you can change, go back, go back, navigate, control volume and much more. It is ideal if you cook or clean and do not want to make the physical Siri remote control or your iPhone dirty. Or in those times when none of these articles are comfortably at hand.

In a similar way, you can control other Smart Home devices that are dependent on Watchos on the HomeKit infrastructure with the native home. I often use it to change the color of my light bulbs when Siri – in typical Siri fashion – processes my voice commands.

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Radio Check – Copy?

Apart from FaceTime and IMessage, the Apple Watch offers an exclusive communication instrument that apparently only use very few people.

Walkie-Talkie is an integrated app with which you can quickly contact other watchos users with your voice. As soon as you have added a friend there, you can verbally communicate with the Facetime -Audio technology in real time. If you are in a meeting or just don't want to be reached, you can switch off your availability.

While most users probably prefer regular audion messages or telephone calls, the Walkie-Talkie app makes it easier to respond to smaller questions as the milk from the supermarket. It is mainly about the best friends, family members and partners, since less intimate acquaintances would reach them at any time.

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Nighttime iPhone Locator

If you have often laid your iPhone, you probably used the practical ping switch in the Apple Watch Control Center. When you tap on it, your iPhone produces a loud screeching when it is in Bluetooth. However, what you probably don't know is that pressing and holding on this switch also makes your iPhone LED flash. This makes it possible to find your phone in a pitch -black environment.

It can recognize time!

Did you know that your Apple Watch can recognize time? I literally mean. As soon as you have activated the Speak Time in clock settings, you can audibly announce the current time by holding two fingers on the watch face. Sometimes I use this function when I wake up in the morning to identify the time without opening my heavy eyelids.

Tittock-friendly

If you have solo life and often take videos or take photos of yourself, this is for you. Watchos offers an integrated camera remote control that turns your Apple Watch into a viewfinder for the camera app of your iPhone. This ensures that you are within the framework and helps you to coordinate the composition well before shooting.

The app also offers practical abbreviations for some of the keys on the camera app, such as the closure, zoom and lightning.

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Another tip

For the last tip, your Apple Watch can actually calculate how much you have to type in restaurants. Simply enter the total amount of the invoice into the native calculator app and press the tip button. You can then select the percentage and optionally the number of people who share it, et voilà!

Always at hand

The Apple Watch has put a long way. What used to be a dependent accessory can now do most basic smartphone tasks yourself. This is even more practical for those with an active mobile phone plan.

It is true that the execution of most of these tasks with the wider iPhone screen would be more practical. However, there are still cases in which the Apple Watch makes more sense. Sometimes her hands are occupied, sometimes your iPhone is no longer on the way to your reasons, it is calming to know that the portable on your wrist on your wrist connects you at all times with your loved ones, play your favorite music, unlock, control and find electrical doors and find other devices. Over and out.