WatchOS 2.0.1 Update Released For Apple Watch

Along with the new iOS 9.1 and OS X El Capitan 10.11.1 updates releases today, Apple also has released a software upgrade for the Apple Watch. 

The Apple Watch update includes fixes for software updates, battery performance, fixed issues for syncing iOS Calendar events to iPhone, issue that caused Digital Touch to send from email instead of phone number, and more... 

To update your Apple Watch, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, then on the 'My Watch' tab, tap 'General', 'Software Update'.

Android Wear Now Available On iOS, But Is It Really Worthy of An iPhone?

Android Wear App For iOS

If you ever wanted a smartwatch to pair with your iPhone, but didn't like the Apple Watch, good news! Today Google has announced that Android Wear, Google's smartwatch software, is available for iOS users!

Android Wear has similar features to the Apple Watch: You can answer and dismiss phone calls (that's not talk from your watch, just answer for your iPhone), view message notifications, other app notifications, set fitness goals and view daily or weekly progress reports, measure your heart rate, timely tips from Google Now, and your questions answered just by saying "Ok Google".

The downside to Android Wear (on iPhone); you can not install third-party apps to Android Wear. There are other features that the Apple Watch can do, that you can not do on a Android Wear watch, like answer a call and talk from your smartwatch, use Siri, and much more. And while you can see that notification of an iMessage, you can't reply or send a new message. Maybe on Google Hangouts? Who knows?!

While Google may be hoping that potential customers go for looks and first impressions, here's to hoping that people actually do a little research into the features, when deciding between a Apple Watch or Android Wear watch.

Another downside, at the moment, Android Wear for iOS is only official supported by the LG Watch Urbane. But Google says all future models including Asus, Huawei and Motorola smartwatches will be supported.

At the end of the day, if you own an iPhone and want a smartwatch, your best option is still to go with the Apple Watch. You'll have better features, all the third-party-apps, and it'll be designed for everything to work, to and from, your iPhone.

Android Wear (for iPhone) is compatible with the iPhone 5 and up, running iOS 8.2 and up. To pair your iPhone with a supported Android Wear smartwatch, you'll need to download the new Android Wear iOS app.

-> View Android Wear on the iTunes App Store.

12 Best Apps For Apple Watch: Essential Apps To Install [Part 2]

Part two of my best essential apps for Apple Watch picks. View Part 1 here.

1Password 

By AgileBits Inc.

1Password is a great, if not the best, password manager. It keeps all your passwords secure and protected by one master password. On the Apple Watch, you can select certain logins that you want quick access to.

Hooks - Alerts and Notifications for Everything
By Oleg Kozynenko
If you like notifications, then you should download Hooks! With Hooks you can get alerts sent to you on a wide range of topics that you can customize. For example you can be notified about topics like: Sports, Music concerts, TV Shows, Lottery Numbers, AMBER alerts, Earthquakes, Stocks, Social Media, Weather, and a lot more.

Coyomi - Monthly Calendar
By Flask LLP
Frustrated that you can only see one month in Calendar on the Apple Watch? Coyomi understands and is a calendar for your Apple Watch and Today Widget on your iPhone. There's a heap of colors to choose from, and on Apple Watch you can view up to 12 months.

eBay
By eBay Inc.
eBay on your Apple Watch gives you access to Activity, items you're Watching, Buying, Selling, and your revenue. And of course has Notifications to keep you up-to-date.

XE Currency

By XE.com Inc.

Not everyone probably checks what their money is worth to other countries on a regular (probably even a weekly) basis. But if you're one the people who do or need to, XE Currency has you covered and makes it easy to do so, even on your Apple Watch.  

Shazam

By Shazam Entertainment Ltd.

Shazam, the music identifying app that works like magic, is a bit disappointing at the moment on the Apple Watch, because it actually still listens through your iPhone. But this might change with watchOS 2, which will give more abilities to apps, like access to the microphone. WatchOS 2 is coming sometime this Spring. 

If you liked this list, remember to share! And if you have any other Apple Watch app suggestions, let us know in the comments! 

12 Best Apps For Apple Watch: Essential Apps To Install [Part 1]

You have an Apple Watch, congrats! Now, what apps should you put on your new smartwatch? The Apple Watch can be very useful for thing like notifications of messages, emails, calls, etc... but what else can be useful - you may be asking... Well, here is my list of the most useful apps for the Apple Watch!

Twitter

By Twitter, Inc.

Twitter on a small screen like the Apple Watch is not a ideal experience, but you can still view your timeline, mentions, notifications, you can retweet, favorite, and more. If you use Twitter, I still recommend installing the app on the Apple Watch. 

Instagram

By Instagram, Inc.

Instagram is that social network where people share their selfies and pictures of the food they're eating. Okay, looking at photos on a small Apple Watch screen is not a great experience - but you can. You can also like photos and give a quick reply and see your activity feed.

PCalc Lite - The Best Free Calculator

By TLA Systems Ltd.

PCalc Lite is the "powerful choice for scientists, engineers, students, programmers". It also makes a nice Apple Watch calculator. It's simple and easy to use, with a nice layout. It also contains a tip calculator.

Evernote

By Evernote

Want to take and read notes on your Apple Watch? Oops, Apple didn't make a Notes app for the watch. Never mind! Evernote is a great notes app that syncs through all your devices. On Apple Watch with Evernote you can; dictate notes, read recent notes, dictate searches, set reminders and get notifications.  

Find Near Me for iPhone

By XLabz Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

If you're in a city that you're not familiar with, it can be hard to find things that you may be looking for; like a ATM, Bus station, or maybe something like a Cafe or Bar. Find Near Me can help you out by showing you whats nearby. 

Clear – Tasks, Reminders & To-Do Lists

By Realmac Software
With Clear you can make to-do lists, set reminders, and set tasks. It also makes a great digital shopping list - and checking off the items from your wrist while shopping, is kinda fun.   

>> Continue To Part 2

Have any other suggestions? What Apple Watch apps do you use on a regular basis? Let us know in the comments!