Apple Watch empowered by Siri, introduces cutting-edge health features, unlocking new potential
In a leap forward, Siri brings a new era of health tracking to the Apple Watch. The latest features go beyond sensors, focusing on accessibility and user experience. Discover how Siri’s cutting-edge capabilities elevate the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 as unparalleled health companions.
The latest update, launched on Monday, introduces a game-changing feature: the ability to ask Siri for health data points directly from the Apple Watch, a seemingly minor tweak that could significantly elevate the device’s capabilities as a health tracker. This innovative move represents a shift from hardware-centric advancements to a more user-centric approach, making health monitoring more intuitive.
Previously announced in September and tested in beta, the update is now rolling out exclusively to the Series 9 and Ultra 2. The exclusivity is attributed to the advanced S9 chip powering both watches. This chip allows for local processing of specific Siri requests, eliminating the need to send data to the cloud. This not only enhances responsiveness but also ensures a seamless and secure user experience.
The Siri update addresses a key challenge in the wearable tech space—making sense of the myriad health statistics collected by devices. By enabling users to verbally query Siri for health data, Apple simplifies the process of accessing and logging this information. This not only enhances user convenience but also positions the Apple Watch as a more user-friendly health companion.
The timing of Siri’s upgrade aligns with the broader trends in AI and virtual assistants. The competition is heating up, with Fitbit, a longstanding rival, incorporating generative AI into its Fitbit Labs program to provide insightful responses and custom charts. Google, the owner of Fitbit, is infusing AI capabilities into Google Assistant, expanding its functionality. Samsung, too, has recently announced the Galaxy AI, hinting at a new wave of AI-powered features for its devices.
While Apple hasn’t explicitly mentioned incorporating generative AI into Siri, the emphasis on Siri’s ability to handle health-related queries suggests a strategic move towards a more sophisticated health assistant. The intention is to leverage Siri’s capabilities to enhance the Apple Watch’s status as a comprehensive health-tracking device.
Despite Apple’s characteristic silence on future products, there are indications of ongoing investments in Siri’s health capabilities. When asked about potential additions of support for more health metrics, Apple spokesperson Caldbeck affirmed the company’s commitment to continuous improvement, hinting at the possibility of expanding Siri’s role in health tracking.
