Apple Watch is getting a much needed OS update.  Here’s what’s new.

Apple announced that Watch OS 5.0 is coming this fall.  The update is going to offer advanced health and fitness improvements.  One such improvement is the ability for the watch to automatically recognize if you are working out prior to initiating a workout on the watch.  Currently, to log a workout on your watch, you have to start the workout from the device.  Only after you start the workout does it log that activity as exercise.  With the update, you can be working out prior to pressing the button and it will automatically know what activity you were doing prior to starting the workout.  This should make absentminded people like me very happy.  Branching off from that, Apple also announced that new workouts are coming including Yoga, hiking, and outdoor running.  Basically, the Apple Watch is turning into the fitness watch for everyone.

Speaking of everyone, you will also be able to challenge your friends and family to weekly programs as well.  The watch will keep you synchronized and the winner will earn special badges.  This is a feature I adored with FitBit and it looks like Apple is going along the same route.  The only issue is that everyone will have to buy an Apple Watch, and with Apple Watch only working with iPhones, don’t expect your Android friends to be jumping in with you.  Otherwise, it’s a nice addition.

Finally, for the Dick Tracy lovers: you can now have a live walkie-talkie feature in your watch.  The feature appears to be a simple push, hold, talk, and release type product.  But the applications are huge, especially for people with parents or young kids.  The feature does need permission to connect so don’t expect a stranger to be able to access you.  Otherwise, it’s a neat little communication tool.  Like iOS and Mac OS, this update will be coming in the fall.