The major feature of the third iteration of the Apple Watch, LTE cellular connectivity, can fail due to a bug involving Wi-Fi. This problem has been reflected in reviews of the device:
The new Apple Watch is mostly an iterative update over its predecessor, but for one major feature: LTE. The addition of cellular connectivity has been touted as everything from "nice" to "game changing," but reviewers appear to have early issues in testing. I didn't run into any in my own testing, but the Verge reported some big hiccups connecting to the cellular network on the device.
An Apple spokeswoman confirmed the problem with TechCrunch, stating, "We have discovered that when Apple Watch Series 3 joins unauthenticated Wi-Fi networks without connectivity, it may at times prevent the watch from using cellular. We are investigating a fix for a future software release."
The LTE also does not work if you take the device to another country.
Also at The Verge, Fox Business (WSJ/Dow Jones reprint), and Fortune.
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Apple will release a new version of Apple Watch in 2017 that includes an LTE cellular chip:
Apple Inc. is planning to release a version of its smartwatch later this year that can connect directly to cellular networks, a move designed to reduce the device's reliance on the iPhone, people familiar with the matter said.
[...] Currently, Apple requires its smartwatch to be connected wirelessly to an iPhone to stream music, download directions in maps, and send messages while on the go. Equipped with LTE chips, at least some new Apple Watch models, planned for release by the end of the year, will be able to conduct many tasks without an iPhone in range, the people said. For example, a user would be able to download new songs and use apps and leave their smartphone at home.
[...] Last year, Apple took a step toward making the Apple Watch a more independent device by selling some new models with a GPS chip. This allows the device to accurately track distance traveled by wearers when they leave their iPhones behind on walks or runs. The company had planned to release an LTE-capable model last year, but chose to hold off due to battery life issues, Bloomberg News reported at the time. Cramming an LTE radio into a device as small as a watch remains a challenge, but Apple has been exploring ways to improve battery life, people familiar with the company's work said.
Now Dick Tracy can leave his iPhone at home.
The Apple Watch Series 3 looks, acts, and feels almost exactly the same as the Series 2 with a key difference—LTE wireless connectivity, whether your iPhone is nearby or not. We tested the Series 3 on-site at Apple's unveiling event, including trying just a few of the new features.
...
The Series 3 watch still uses your iPhone's connection when the phone is nearby, but as soon as you move away from the phone, the Series 3 LTE seamlessly kicks in. We weren't able to test this at the event; all the Watches on display were flying solo, sans phones.You can make calls directly from the Watch by tapping a button on the top-left corner of the watch face. From there, you can browse contacts to reach out to through a few interfaces: favorites, recents, contacts, and the keypad. So it's just like using your phone—or really, like the previous Apple Watch, for the most part. The difference is that you can do it anywhere.
The Watch intelligently picks up your voice, and you do not have to hold it up to your mouth—in ideal conditions, anyway.
Dick Tracy fans rejoice.
(Score: -1, Troll) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday September 21 2017, @03:20AM (1 child)
Krakka pussy bug fo sho.
(Score: -1, Offtopic) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday September 21 2017, @04:13AM
See? It wasn't that hard to wait a bit, was it?
Now, on the part of enhancing lameness filter, have you tried to use some money? I don't know (actually I do), perhaps my 2 cents could work
(grin)
(Score: 5, Funny) by meiao on Thursday September 21 2017, @04:17AM (2 children)
You are holding your watch wrong.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday September 21 2017, @07:44PM (1 child)
The sensible consumer does not have a "your watch" as they never bought one in the first place.
The unlucky punter who dropped their dollars should consider holding their "your watch" over a bin, and letting go.
Apple are past done. They were successful when Jobs ran things, twice. There is no third time. They are finished.
(Score: 2) by takyon on Thursday September 21 2017, @09:15PM
Revenue US$215.639 billion (2016)
Net income US$45.687 billion (2016)
Total assets US$321.686 billion (2016)
That's better than Google and they have to do much worse than that to become like IBM.
[SIG] 10/28/2017: Soylent Upgrade v14 [soylentnews.org]