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Apple Watch Series 4 Includes a Bigger Display, ECG Support, and 64-Bit S4 Chip (9to5mac.com)

Apple has unveiled its next-generation Apple Watch Series 4 smartwatch, featuring a larger display with smaller bezels, a 64-bit processor that's twice as fast as the previous generation, and electrocardiography (ECG) support. 9to5Mac reports: In terms of hardware, the Digital Crown has been completely reengineered with haptic feedback. For instance, as you flip through content in the Podcast application. The speaker is also over 50 percent louder, according to [Apple COO Jeff Williams]. As we reported earlier this week, the Apple Watch Series 4 uses a new 64-bit processor that offers performance up to two times faster performance. There's also a next-generation accelerometer gyroscope, which Williams says allows Apple Watch to detect a fall. When a fall is detected, Apple Watch will send an alert prompting you to call emergency services. If it senses you are immobile for more than 1 minute, the call will be started automatically.

As for heart features, Apple Watch is now capable of detecting a low rate. The device will also now screen your heart rhythm, allowing it to detect atrial fibrillation. As expected, Apple Watch Series 4 also now supports ECG -- which measures the electrical activity of the heart. With Apple Watch, you can take an ECG directly on the Apple Watch by putting your finger directly on the digital crown. The feature -- as well as irregular heart rate detection -- has received FDA clearance. Williams says that all health and fitness is encrypted on-device and in the cloud. Battery life on Apple Watch Series 4 is the same, 18-hours as before. Outdoor workout time is now 6 hours.
In terms of pricing and colors, the Apple Watch Series 4 will start at $399 for the GPS model and $499 for the cellular model, with preorders starting September 14th. The aluminum model will feature space gray, silver, and black color configurations, while the stainless steel model will feature gold, polished black, and space black color configurations.

3 of 172 comments (clear)

  1. Re:what I don't even by SimonTheSoundMan · · Score: 4, Informative

    It is certified by the FDA for AFib and ECG.

  2. Re:It's real and it's spectacular by TheFakeTimCook · · Score: 3, Informative

    How on earth would an ECG work off a single hand?! A circuit needs to be complete, which implies both arms.

    That's why you have to touch the crown with a finger on the opposite hand from the one on which you are wearing the watch. The back of the case forms one side of the circuit, and your finger is the other.

    They explained that in the Keynote. Pretty clever, actually.

  3. Re:It's real and it's spectacular by DRJlaw · · Score: 3, Informative

    Apple has 17% of the smartwatch market, with Xiaomi looking set to take the lead in the near future. That is, 83% of smartwatch buyers today do not want Apple.

    Source?

    Apple grew its market share by 4% from 13 to 17%.
    Xiaomi grew its market share by 1.8% from 13.3% to 15.1%.

    That's called falling behind, not taking the lead.