Apple Watch Series 8 hands-on
Apple Watch Series 8 Hands-On Colors. In comparison to the brand-new Apple Watch Ultra, the Apple Watch Series 8 may appear a little dull, but don’t be fooled; improvements to health tracking, security, and connectivity look to make the best smartwatch even better.
Early Conclusion
A skin temperature sensor, a low power mode, and crash detection are some of the new Apple Watch Series 8 features. Though you might question whether enough has changed with Apple’s newest watch, it still starts at $399.
Pros
- brand-new skin temperature sensor
- A crash is detected
- battery life in low power mode is +36 hours.
Cons
- Is new enough?
The inside houses every noteworthy Apple Watch Series 8 upgrade. The latest Apple Watch has a low-power mode that can increase battery life to 36 hours and a long-rumored skin temperature sensor. Additionally, the Apple Watch 8 has a new crash detection feature that makes use of improved motion sensors to provide immediate assistance when you may need it most.
Apple Watch Series 8 hands-on: Skin Temperature Sensor
The results of a thorough review will determine whether it is sufficient this time around. Here are my initial thoughts on the Apple Watch Series 8 as well as a summary of all the new features.
Other than that, not much else has changed, but that’s consistent with what the Apple Watch has become known for over the years. Apple maintains the starting price of $399 because incremental updates to the watch continue to be profitable.
Price and accessibility of the Apple Watch Series 8
The 41-millimeter, GPS-only Apple Watch Series 8 costs $399, while the GPS + Cellular model costs $499. The price for the 45-millimeter size will start at $429 and increase to $529 with cellular support.
This year, there are two more Apple Watch models to choose from: the $249 Apple Watch SE and the $799 Apple Watch Ultra (2022). You may remember that the first Apple Watch SE had a starting price of $279, so that model was given a $30 discount. This action made sense given that the Apple Watch Series 3 was finally being discontinued. The Apple Watch Series 8 is now available for preorder; it will be fully available on September 16.
Hands-on with the Apple Watch Series 8: Design
The slimmer display bezels and curvier body that appeared last year are carried over to the Apple Watch Series 8, giving it an identical appearance to the Apple Watch Series 7. Although there are no extra faces for Apple Watch Series 8, this screen is suited for the new watchOS 9 faces. Both the side button and the recognizable digital crown are located on the side of the Apple Watch Series 8. One more action button is only available on the Apple Watch Ultra. Once more, I doubt you’d be able to distinguish the new flagship Apple Watch from the model that came before it.
If you don’t pay close attention to the colors, that is. Midnight, Silver, Starlight, and Product Red are among the available hues for the Apple Watch Series 8. Although I have no strong opinions about their removal, the Blue and Green watches are no longer available. Additionally, you can customize your Apple Watch by locating the greatest bands for your personal style.
Skin temperature sensor in the Apple Watch Series 8
I’ve already hinted at the new features, so let’s examine the skin temperature sensor that Apple is adding in this update in more detail. Apple’s health suite uses the skin temperature sensor to track sleep and track exercise. In terms of sleep, variations from the overnight baseline temperature may aid you in monitoring the environmental elements that affect your usual sleep. Consider traveling or drinking.
The way that skin temperature readings increase fertility tracking, though, maybe more persuasive. It has been demonstrated that changes in wrist temperature are reliable markers of possible ovulation (opens in new tab). Predicted ovulation based on skin temperature measurements through Apple Health and Apple Watch seems to make fantastic use of the new sensor, whether you’re attempting to conceive or monitoring problems like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Regarding privacy, end-to-end encryption is used to protect all cycle tracking data, and data can be wiped whenever desired. You can decide with whom you share information about your health. For instance, you might want to tell the doctor helping you with your fertility about your period.
Review of the Apple Watch Series 8: Accident detection
Unfortunately, automotive accidents do occur, so I hope no one ever has to use the new crash detection feature on the Apple Watch Series 8 device. The Apple Watch has always had fall detection and emergency SOS features, but Series 8’s improved motion sensors also make it feasible for crash detection, a new type of safety aid.
Along with two new motion sensors, the Apple Watch Series 8 also has an upgraded gyroscope and accelerometer. Together, they can capture motion 4 times quicker than they could previously, enabling the watch to detect crashes precisely as they happen. Additionally, the Apple Watch will immediately contact emergency services and alert your emergency contacts in the tragic event of a crash. Though it’s a grim concept, getting treatment sooner can be the difference between life and death.
Battery life and low power mode of the Apple Watch Series 8
Low power mode has been on my wishlist for the Apple Watch Series 8 for a very long time. Yes, older Apple Watch models have a Power Reserve feature that allows you to view the time even when the watch is almost completely dead.
However, the Apple Watch’s new low-power mode will block some power-hungry features while keeping the gadget largely functional, stealing a useful setting from the iPhone. During my time using the watch, I had the ability to activate low power mode from the control center and was informed of the functionality that would be sacrificed. The Always On Display is the most important one, which makes sense.
The Apple Watch Series 8 can run for up to 36 hours in low power mode. Otherwise, anticipate the standard 18-hour charging interval. The possibility of low power mode affecting my Apple Watch charging schedule has definitely piqued my interest.
Hands-on with the Apple Watch Series 8: Outlook
The Apple Watch Ultra is the first one I grabbed when I was stationed at the demonstration table with the new Apple Watch devices, as opposed to the Apple Watch 8 and Apple Watch Ultra. This is not meant as a criticism of the Apple Watch Series 8, as I did eventually put one on.
The addition of the skin temperature sensor, crash detection, and low power mode appears to be a positive one. Will they be sufficient? For a thorough evaluation of the Apple Watch Series 8, stay tuned.