watchOS 9.2 adds automatic run track detection & Race Route
Apple has started rolling out watchOS 9.2. The upgraded version of the operating system slaps on automatic running track detection, Race Route and a few other useful features and bug fixes.
watchOS 9 landed in early September. It was a nice little upgrade for new and existing Apple Watch owners. Some of the features that landed at the time include new watch faces, a bunch of running form metric and run power, along with a new multi-sport activity for triathletes. Other enhancements came in the form of sleep stages, Afib History and medications management.
Race Route & automatic run track detection
Another useful feature that came as part of that version is the Pacer experience for runners. This lets you select a distance and time goal for a run. The watch will calculate how quickly you need to move required to achieve that. It will then guide you with pace alerts in real-time to let help you hit the goal.
At the time Apple said that Race Route will land later in 2022. We are happy to say the company has stayed true to its word. As part of watchOS 9.2, the feature is here. Race Route will let you race against your best or last result on routes you frequent often. This works for Outdoor Run, Outdoor Cycle and Outdoor Wheelchair workouts.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
Coupled with this is automatic run track detection. The watch on your wrist knows when you arrive at a running track and provides specific metrics for that location.
Full change-log & how to install
Other upgrades that come with version 9.2 of the software include:
- a more accurate Kickboxing algorithm in the Workout app
- Noise app displays when environmental sound levels are reduced while wearing AirPods Pro (1st generation) and AirPods Max with active noise cancellation
- Apple Card users with a Savings account can now check their balance in Wallet
- Family Setup users can be invited to the Home app to control HomePod speakers and smart home accessories, and unlock doors with home keys in Wallet
- Accessibility support to visualize when Siren is in use on Apple Watch Ultra
- Improved response time and accuracy of hand gesture controls for AssistiveTouch and Quick Action
- Crash Detection optimizations on Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch Series 8, and Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
- Fix for bug that causes display of incorrect watch time immediately after dismissing an alarm in Sleep Focus
- Fix for bug causing interruptions to mindfulness sessions
Updating of your watch can be done via the device itself or an iPhone. In the first instance you will be able to upgrade by going to Settings, choosing General and selecting Software Update. Just make sure that your watch is connected to Wi-Fi and that it has at least 50% of battery life left.
If installing from the Apple Watch smartphone app, navigate to the My Watch tab, General and choose Software update. Then simply follow the instructions on the screen to complete the procedure.
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