There are many ways for consumers to utilize Siri for Apple Watch. Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, is available on nearly all Apple products including the Apple Watch, iPhone, Apple TV, and iPad. Generally, Siri can help users check the weather, set an event in their calendar, or complete complicated math equations. Users can impress their friends with Siri hacks or have Siri tell jokes. Every device has specific features that Siri can help with. Here we will discuss how Siri can help users with a variety of tasks on their Apple Watch.
What Is The Apple Watch?
Released April, 2015, the Apple Watch is a smartwatch that can do more than show the time. Since its initial release, the watch has been marketed as a fitness tool. Many consumers utilize the watch to track their steps and mileage. The newest version (Apple Watch Series 3) helps wheelchair-bound users track miles, and comes with a ‘breathing’ app to encourage mindfulness practices. The Apple Watch can notify users when they are receiving an incoming call, allows messages to be sent, and users can even listen to music if they have wireless Airpods. The Watch has been traditionally marketed as a fashion statement. On the basic model, users can interchange bands or choose a specific base model color. Fashion forward consumers with a bit more cash can opt to purchase the Apple Watch Hermes with a leather band and steel case (starting at $1149) or the Apple Watch Edition with a sport band and ceramic case (starting at $1299). Regardless of which model is chosen or how much users decide to pay, Siri for Apple Watch has the same functionality.
Apple Watch Siri
With a small screen and only one hand available to utilize it, the Apple Watch benefits from having Siri on board to help users. Siri should already be set up when users purchase the Apple Watch. Siri can be activated in two ways. First, users can push down the digital crown until Siri pops up. The other way is by saying “Hey Siri” before giving Siri a command or asking a question. If Hey Siri is not set up on the Apple Watch, go to settings, general, then tap Siri and make sure Hey Siri is toggled on. On the first and second edition, Siri for Apple Watch will not speak her response out loud. Users will have to read the screen. However, on the third edition, Siri was given the capability to speak out loud to users. To adjust the voice settings, go to the Siri menu again, and choose Always On, Control with Silent Mode, or Headphones Only. The volume on the Apple Watch can be controlled by going to Settings, choosing Sounds and Haptics, then choosing the desired volume. Many users have reported that this only changes the alert volume, but not the volume of Siri’s voice. Siri’s voice can be changed by going into the Settings of the connected iPhone.
Siri for Apple Watch Functions
Once Siri is activated, there are numerous things she can do for users.
Fitness
The most common functions specific to the Watch are the fitness functions. Users can say “Start and indoor run” or “Hey Siri, what’s my heart rate?” Users who purchase an Apple Watch with Nike functionality can also ask Siri to suggest specific activities for you given your previous health history.
Calls and Messages
When users don’t want to take out their phones, they can simply say “Hey Siri, send a message to…” or “Hey Siri, call Heather.” Siri will look through the contacts stored in the connected iPhone and ask what message needs to be sent, or may ask for clarification on which Heather to call.
General Siri Capabilities
Siri’s capabilities on other devices include a wide array of functions. Siri can check the weather, start a timer, and even image search on the Apple Watch. With new updates, her abilities on the Apple Watch have grown to incorporate additional functions onto the device. Users can call a rideshare (“Hey Siri, call an Uber”) or ask Siri for directions to a nearby restaurant. Some of these functions (ridesharing, opening up Pandora, or starting a workout in a different app) all require additional apps to be downloaded onto the Apple Watch, which are functions of the Apple Watch third series.