On 7 June, Apple announced the latest version of its smartwatch platform, the WatchOS8.
WatchOS8 which is now available for preview to be tested by developers comes with a string of new features including some interesting new health features.
The apple watch's health app will now include more work out types including Tai chi and Pilates and comes with custom-built motion and heart rate algorithms meant to provide more accurate metrics.
The Mindfulness App
Apple has also announced a new mindfulness app, a variation of the older Breathe App.
The new app comes with a slew of new features and animations, and aims to provide a more enhanced breathing experience, and help you relax.
The mindfulness app also comes with a new session type, Reflect.
"Reflect offers a mindful intention to focus on for as little as one minute that can be done anywhere and at any time", says the company.
Additionally, the update also supports Focus, an app that reduces destrations and helps users be more mindful, in the moment.
To Help You Sleep Better
WatchOS8 also has new features meant to help users sleep better by tracking their time asleep, heart rate, and blood oxygen, and helping establish bedtime routines.
It also tracks sleep respiratory rate—number of breaths per minute while asleep.
A person’s seep respiratory rate is indicative of their cardiovascular health and erratic changes over a period of time can be indicative of underlying health issues including breathing problems like sleep apnea.
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