BEST APPLE WATCHES 2016
The Apple Watch Series 2 is the company's second generation smartwatch, but more importantly, it's a second chance to show the world that it really can make its Watch as universally loved as the iPod, iPhone and iPad.
With the Series 2 Apple has shifted the focus to fitness, adding GPS to track runs and cycling session sans iPhone. It's now fully waterproof and offers swim tracking in the pool and in open water. Apple has even introduced a new Breathe app to help you relax. Apple's intentions are clear: it's making a big play for sports watch owners.
But it's not ignoring those who'd prefer to steer clear of a gym. With watchOS 3, Apple is looking to right the software wrongs of its predecessor, improving the way you interact with the Series 2 on a daily basis, offering better third-party app support and more.
Just like the first Watch, we had high hopes for this second coming. So here's our definitive review of the Apple Watch Series 2
So what's changed with the Apple Watch? Well, visually, nothing. The Apple Watch continues to be the most divisive smartwatch around. For many it's an abhorrent square wrist-computer, devoid of any style. To others it's sleek, opulent and classy. For our money, it's a great-looking device – especially in stainless steel paired with a leather or metal strap.
For many the primary purpose of a watch is to make a statement. The Apple Watch is one of the few smartwatches that's capable of doing that.
While there are some nuanced differences, you'd pretty much have to put the Series 1 and 2 side-by-side to notice the difference. It's very slightly thicker than the original, which is just about noticeable on the 42mm version, less so on the 38mm.
Everything else is business as usual. The crown and button still reside in the same place (although the role of the button has changed in watchOS3) and the fitting for straps hasn't changed, which will be music to the ears of those who forked out for third party bands.
It's still available in aluminium or stainless steel editions, plus of course the super new ceramic version. There are new strap choices as well, including the woven nylon – in short, there's even more choice.
Of course, the big change is waterproofing. Apple has steeled the Watch Series 2 against 5ATM of water pressure, which works out to about 50 metres. The most impressive thing is achieving that without changing the design, and that's no mean feat. Remember how Jawbone totally screwed up the UP3 because it couldn't waterproof it?
The screen has also changed, and is now twice as bright as the Series 1 at 1,000 nits. The difference is certainly apparent here though many will miss the change, given that the Watch defaults to 66% brightness, presumably for battery longevity reasons. Ramp it up and it's pretty dazzling – and still the best display of any smartwatch on the market
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