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How to Use Double Tap on WatchOS
Released: 12/12/2023
Author: Aaron Di Blasi, Publisher, Top Tech Tidbits
How to Use Double Tap on WatchOS
In the realm of smartwatch technology, Apple's WatchOS has introduced an innovative feature that revolutionizes how users interact with their devices. Dubbed "Double Tap," this feature, part of the WatchOS 10.1 update, allows users to perform primary actions on their Apple Watch without the need to physically touch the screen. This advancement is particularly advantageous for Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 owners.
The genesis of Double Tap can be traced back to Apple's commitment to making technology more accessible. Drawing insights from its AssistiveTouch functionality, which facilitates gesture-based controls for users with disabilities, Apple has expanded this convenience to a broader audience. This leap forward has been made possible by the integration of the efficient S9 SiP chip and a new four-core Neural Engine in the latest watches. These technological advancements enable the device to process data from various sensors, employing machine learning algorithms to detect subtle changes in blood flow when the user moves their fingers.
Compatibility and Activation
Double Tap is a feature exclusive to WatchOS 10.1 and is compatible with Watch Series 4 and later models. To utilize this feature, users must also have an iPhone XS or later, running iOS 17. This feature is automatically enabled on the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2.
To activate Double Tap, users can navigate to Settings > Gestures > Double Tap on their Apple Watch. Here, they can enable or disable the feature and customize its functionality, choosing from actions like playing or pausing music, skipping tracks, advancing Smart Stacks, or making selections.
It's important to note that while Double Tap represents a significant advancement in gesture-based controls, it is not Apple's first foray into this arena. For those interested in a broader range of gestures, AssistiveTouch offers additional options like Tap, Double Tap, Clench, and Double Clench, with customizable controls for each gesture. To enable AssistiveTouch you must first turn Double Tap off. Then go to Settings > Accessibility > AssistiveTouch. And turn on Hand Gestures.
Using Double Tap
The Double Tap feature is versatile, functioning in most Apple Watch apps with a few exceptions. Notably, it does not work with the ECG, Heart Rate, or Blood Oxygen features, nor during active Sleep Focus. Additionally, it cannot be used to stop an active workout session, nor with Walkie-Talkie, Maps, or Mindfulness apps while they are in use. Emergency features like SOS, Fall Detection, and Crash Detection also cannot be triggered using Double Tap.
In most applications, Double Tap acts as the primary action button. It can be used to navigate Smart Stacks, pause timers, remotely control the Camera app, or manage music playback.
Personal Experience and Application
In practice, Double Tap has proven to be a game changer, particularly for users of the Watch Ultra 2. Its convenience is most apparent in scenarios where using both hands is impractical, such as answering calls, snoozing alarms, or checking texts. This feature not only enhances the user experience but also leverages the Watch Ultra 2's superior speaker quality and microphone array.
Ultimately, Double Tap exemplifies how a smartwatch can simplify daily tasks, making technology more intuitive and less intrusive in our lives. Its utility becomes immediately evident in everyday activities like walking the dog, biking, or even enjoying a beverage, underscoring Apple's continued commitment to making life easier through innovation.
Aaron Di Blasi, PMP
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