The Apple Watch may look cool on my wrist but the software is almost kind of daunting. The learning curve is massive—as big as Mt. Everest. So these are my top 7 tips and tricks for you to be a champ while using the Apple Watch and still look really cool.
Tip #1: Hey Siri
This feature was first introduced to us by iOS devices while they were plugged in but now it’s here on the Apple Watch. To activate, just raise your wrist and say ‘Hey Siri.’ From there, you can ask for directions, call people, text people and even launch Apple Watch applications. I found this really helpful while driving.
Tip #2: Force Touch Menus
Apple wanted to simplify the button layout on the watch so they limit you to three types of input—the screen, digital crown, and the side button. So Apple added in an extra option called a Force Touch. In some applications, it allows you to open up a menu for that application. But it is annoying to keep track of what works on what.
Tip #3: Clearing Notifications
On Apple Watch, you have a notification center very similar to iOS. And if you’re the type of person that gets tons of notifications, you may have a few living up there. So instead of swiping them away one by one, Force Touch on the screen and hit ‘Clear All.’
Tip #4: Dismissing Long Notifications Once You’ve Opened Them
For example, if you get an email and you choose to open it, you may have to do some serious scrolling. But if you don’t want to, you can just swipe down and away and the notification goes away.
Tip #5: Managing Your Applications
You can manage them right on your Apple Watch app on your iPhone but if you want to do it the old fashioned way, long press on the icons and wait until they dance. Then move them around to your preferred position.
Tip #6: Going Back to Previously Opened Application
If you accidentally opened another app or just want to go back to the app you were just in, a simple double click of the digital crown will send you over to the last app that was opened. This is extremely useful while driving.
Tip #7: How to Take a Screenshot
On the Apple Watch, all you have to do is press the digital crown and the side button all together and there you go. The photo will be saved on your iPhone and not your Apple Watch and it’s available for you to share to your jealous friends on Facebook.
Once you’re on to these tips, you’ll be using the Apple Watch like a champ. Just remember, when in doubt, force touch.
