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New features coming to Apple Watch

At WWDC 2015, Apple showed what new features are coming to its Watch. Here's a look at the highlights.

David Carnoy
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
David Carnoy
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Apple Watch OS 2 preview

Wondering what new features Apple has in store for the Watch? Here are the highlights of what's coming this fall with Watch OS 2.

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Tim Cook: “We’re really excited to have Apple Watch out in the world. We can’t wait to see what developers will do with Watch OS.”

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Kevin Lynch telling the audience about Watch OS 2.

Native apps are coming to Apple Watch with the new version of Watch OS.

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New features fall into six buckets: Timepiece, Communication, Workout, Apple Pay, Maps and Siri.

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Some new Watch faces are coming soon, including Photo Face.

"You can pick an album, and a photo from that album will appear every time you raise your wrist."

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"When you turn the Digital Crown, Time Travel lets you see things like upcoming events and temperatures"

Apple says you can go forward and back up to 72 hours.

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"When Apple Watch is on its side and charging, it automatically goes into Nightstand mode."

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"You can have multiple screens for friends and even add new people right from your watch."

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"You can use multiple colors to draw and send more colorful sketches."

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You'll soon be able to reply to emails directly from your wrist with smart replies, emoji and dictation.

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Answering a FaceTime call (you'll get audio but no video).

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"Watch OS 2 lets you see information from third-party apps on your watch face."

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"You can use Siri to start and end workouts, like a bike ride or a 30-minute outdoor run."

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You can even earn virtual medals as "achievements."

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...with your name on the back.

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"All the new features of Apple Pay are also available on Apple Watch."

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The new Transit features from Apple Maps will be available on the Watch.

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"Use the Transit feature in Maps to see public transportation routes and directions right on your wrist."

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You'll be able to use Siri to give you directions.

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You can use Siri to interface with smart home features (such as lighting).

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"You can use Siri to show Glances for apps, like the Instagram glance."

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As noted, third-party apps will be able to run natively on the Watch and not via the iPhone.

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The Watch will be able to run independently from your iPhone by using a Wi-Fi connection to access info.

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Developers will get access to the Watch's microphone.

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Developers will have access to the Watch's speaker.

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Video will run natively on the Watch.

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Developers will have access to HealthKit.

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"With HomeKit, you can directly control lights and other things in your home from Apple Watch apps."

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Developers will have access to the Accelerometer.

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Developers will also have access to the Taptic Engine.

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Developers will get access to the Watch's Digital Crown, too.

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More remote control applications for the Watch.

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Controlling a home's temperature using the Digital Crown.

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Watching a Vine video on the Watch.

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"Watch OS 2 will be available as a free update this fall, and will work on every Apple Watch."

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