Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) Apple Watch has gained momentum off of the popular iPhone App Store, but there are many popular apps that are still not available for Apple Watch users.
According to app analytics firm App Annie, only 5 top iPhone apps in the health and fitness category were available on the Apple Watch even as the device is touted as a health and fitness tracking tool. The same number of apps were available on the Apple Watch for the travel and navigation category.
In shopping, social networking and news, 6 of the top ten apps were available for Apple Watch users, while 4 of the top ten apps were available in the entertainment and music category. In the sports category, only 2 of the most popular apps were available with no top gaming apps available at all. The statistics indicate many new opportunities for app developers to expand on their Apple Watch portfolios.
Apple Watch OS 2.2 software
Meanwhile, Apple has released Apple Watch OS 2.2 software for developers which will include some new features like maps and an option to pair multiple smartwatches with the iPhone.
The Maps app that can be found in the Glance section will help find directions and highlight locations of interest. The Nearby feature will show places for shopping, travel, food, drinks and health. Even detailed summaries of workouts can be created in the updated watch. The new updates will be available on health apps developed by Apple and third-party developers. Also, users will be able to pair multiple smartwatches with one iPhone.
The company has not announced the updates for the public yet but the updated Apple Watch will be powered by the iOS 9.3 software.
Remote Control App to Operate Appliances
Meanwhile, Peel has created a remote control app for the Apple Watch that will help users operate more than 400,000 electronics and home appliances from their watch. While most of the devices can be controlled using Wi-Fi, Pronto hardware will be required for others. The Pronto 360-degree IR blaster feature is already used for the iPhone and allows operation of television and other electronics using Bluetooth.
