TidBITS:
Thanks to its health monitoring features, the new Apple Watch Series 4 will save lives, probably within weeks of launch. I’ve been on real calls that may have had happier endings had the person been wearing one. I don’t know if wearing one would have saved that first victim—probably not—but Apple should get full credit for building a mainstream device that will save some lives.
That doesn’t mean it’s perfect.
Rich Mogull is not only my go-to Mac Security guy, but he’s also been a licensed paramedic for many years. His perspective on this particular feature is very interesting.
I like the way Mogull explains things.
Me too. No hyperbole, and I like the part where he says that the very people who need these things are the ones who may have trouble with the technical setup.
I’m liking my series 4, it’s had one false positive on fall detection so far but that’s reasonable and what Rich says about it is also reasonable. I do wish the time between fall and call was adjustable though. As a hiker and snowshoer I might fall with gear on and while not unconscious, find it awkward to get to my watch to give the okay sign. Default to 1 minute but allow a bit more time if one makes a conscious adjustment on the iPhone.
Can Siri be configured to acknowledge an okay?
Maybe with shortcuts… I don’t know.
You don’t have to reach your watch within one minute. One minute is just a time for no movement. If your hand moves the watch won’t call 911 after one minute.
Good to know Tom. Thanks.