The new sensors
Apple Watch Series 7 already featured GPS/GNSS sensors, a compass, an altimeter, a blood oxygen sensor, a third-generation electrical heart rate sensor, and a third-generation optical heart rate sensor, gyroscope, and ambient light sensor. To this number of functions in the Series 8, two of relevance are added and I will tell you why shortly: the shock sensor and the temperature sensor.
I will start with the shock, which fortunately I did not have the opportunity to test. However, I would like to explain in this review that a key feature is that this smartwatch, after detecting an impact of up to 256G force, is able to communicate with local emergency teams for assistance.
How does this happen? Well, first we must clarify that if the user has an iPhone and an Apple Watch in his possession, it will be the watch that will make the call, since there is an assumption that it is the one that will remain closest to the user after a crash. Then, once the impact is detected, the watch will make a series of beeps to make the person wake up or show that they are conscious and unharmed, if after a while this confirmation is not received, the watch returns to Issue an alert to the emergency services of the place where you are. In other words, if it is used in another country or state and there is a mishap, the Apple Watch will know which services to locate.
Let’s hope we never have to check how efficient the Apple Watch Series 8 is in this regard.
Now, something that is relevant, especially for the female audience, is the temperature sensor that is capable of detecting the slightest change in temperature on the wrist while we sleep.
How does it work? First, it is divided into two sensors: one that measures the ambient temperature and another that measures the temperature of the skin on the wrist in periods of every five seconds, and thus is capable of detecting changes. You’ll notice that recording these changes occurs after the Apple Watch has been worn for five consecutive nights.
Why is this relevant? This sensor works in conjunction with the Menstrual Cycle application to help understand when a woman ovulates. Traditionally, some women have learned to take their temperature every day, upon waking, with a regular thermometer in order to generate the table that Apple Watch already does. By analyzing this table for a few months, it is possible to determine the moments in which ovulation probably occurs and these can be detected first by seeing the moment in which the temperature decreases and then skyrockets.
In my case, together with the Clue app, I was able to see how these temperature changes were directly related to the processes of my reproductive system.
Be careful, Apple does not intend for this sensor to become a substitute for contraceptive methods or to ensure that a pregnancy can occur, it is simply a guide so that women can learn more about the changes that their bodies have at different times of the month . To take advantage of this sensor it is necessary that it be used during the night.
And the exercise?
In addition to the sensors, the subject of exercise is basic for those who have an Apple Watch and as I mentioned at the beginning of this review, I was no stranger to testing its functions on this occasion despite the fact that my activity rate in recent months was not the best.
The first thing is that I was so motivated that I went from closing the three circles for a whole month to closing them 28 times in the month that I tried it. That speaks volumes for the motivation the Apple Watch generates to keep its users up and moving.
Now, specifically, there are some improvements that come to the watch thanks to WatchOS9, which are more precise heart rate measurements and the possibility of seeing the zones in which the person performs during training, as well as being able to set particular goals such as minutes. or calories burned during a workout.
For those who run, which is not my case, it also makes much more precise GPS and stride measurements to better measure the average distance.