Apple on Monday seeded the third beta of the watchOS 2.2 update to developers, coming two weeks after the release of the second beta.
Developers can download the new beta via the Watch app on their iPhone, running the latest version of the iOS 9.3 beta. (Beta three.) Once the Watch app has loaded, go to: “General” -> “Software Update” to download the new beta. To install the update, make sure the Apple Watch is connected to a charger, has at least 50% battery left, and is in range of the iPhone.
The watchOS 2.2 beta, in conjunction with iOS 9.3, offers support for pairing multiple Apple Watches with a single iPhone. The new version also offers a revamped look and new features for the Maps app on the Watch.
In the current version of watchOS 2, version 2.1, the Maps glance simply displays a small map with the user’s current location. In the first beta of version 2.2 the glance now displays the following four “Quick Links” for directions:
- Home
- Work
- Search
- Nearby
“Home” and “Work” will automatically start navigation from the user’s current location to their home or work location, which is set on the user’s “Me” card on the iPhone.
“Search” offers the options of “Dictation,” and “Favorites,” plus a list of recently searched locations.
“Nearby” offers users a number of locations, based on certain categories, which include: Food, Drinks, Shopping, Travel, Services, Fun, Health, and Transport. Each one of those categories then offers a subcategory. For example, tapping “Food” would then present options for “Popular,” “Restaurants,” “Groceries,” “Coffee,” and more. Tapping a subcategory displays a list of local options along with user ratings for each location.
watchOS 2.2 is currently in beta, and is only available to developers for testing.
