CUPERTINO, California — Every time Apple debuts new tech during a product launch, it seems the world takes to social media to voice their amazement — and disappointment.
On Wednesday, Apple showed off a new series of Apple Watches — the first major design overhaul of the watch since its release more than three years ago. And people are actually impressed.
Journalists, tech enthusiasts and the average Joe took to Twitter, touting the new watch as a life-saving device.
Along with a larger display and new hardware, the Apple Watch can now detect falls and trigger a call to emergency services if the user is immobile for a minute after the fall — thanks to an updated accelerometer and gyroscope. The watch will also screen heart rhythm for irregularities and alert medical providers in the event of an emergency.
The most significant update, though, is the watch’s ability to take an electrocardiogram (EKG). An EKG records the electrical signals in the heart and is a common test used to detect heart problems and monitor the heart’s status, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The Apple Watch is the first EKG product offered over-the-counter to consumers. EKGs are usually done in a doctor’s office or hospital room, but an Apple Watch user simply has to open an app and put their finger on the digital crown of the watch to take the EKG.
Apple has even received permission from the Food and Drug Administration to use the Watch as a medical device.
The watch starts at $399.
Some were impressed:
No joke, Apple Watch was one of the most well-paced devices I've ever seen... They took it slow and got it on people's wrists to set up the slam dunk.
— Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser) September 12, 2018
They just dropped something no one else can touch. #AppleEvent
The #AppleWatch series 5 will be able to tell you..."You will have a heart attack in 3 weeks. Enjoy your last few weeks on earth..." #AppleEvent
— Carlos Whittaker (@loswhit) September 12, 2018
With the new #AppleWatch, you can take an ECG anytime, anywhere. Built-in electrodes detect electrical impulses from the heartbeat. The ECG takes just 30 seconds. On completion, you will receive a heart rhythm classification.
— Marc Allera (@MarcAllera) September 12, 2018
Game changing. #AppleEvent
The #AppleWatch Series 4 is also an ECG. Wow. That is amazing. #AppleEventpic.twitter.com/Zwh1C5Dj3r
— mrbrown (@mrbrown) September 12, 2018
Apple Watch has gone from “what is this for” and “there’s no killer use case” to a fundamental improvement in human health and safety in daily life.
— Steven Sinofsky (@stevesi) September 12, 2018
Imagine that.
Others were less so:
So let me get this straight. I’m gonna be flirting with a girl and the Apple Watch is gonna now monitor my heart rhythm and make sounds based off those rhythms? That should end well for me.#AppleWatch
— Jesse D Lifson (@jdlifson2184) September 12, 2018
The new #AppleWatch series 4 is a hypochondriac's nightmare... #AppleEvent
— Carlos Whittaker (@loswhit) September 12, 2018
Apple just invented Life Alert #applewatchpic.twitter.com/GxYl7S7Wdu
— alex medina (@mrmedina) September 12, 2018
The new Apple Watch is a fairly beautiful device and an incredible achievement. Does seem increasingly focused on an aging boomer population though. #AppleEvent
— Tom Coates (@tomcoates) September 12, 2018
Wow we're still taking about Apple Watch.... #AppleEventpic.twitter.com/tRvKz8Ai6e
— Kaya Thomas (@kthomas901) September 12, 2018
And a lot of people were just wondering what's going to happen when you fall for ... other reasons:
Cannot wait to get out there and really let my hair down Friday night at Karoke just 2 see how accurately this version can detect falls! 🥃🥃🥃🥃 #AppleWatchpic.twitter.com/8Ql7r0caGb
— Kimmie❤ (@whirledpeas4me) September 12, 2018
Drinking with an Apple Watch on just got INTERESTING #AppleEventpic.twitter.com/u366HTfbeo
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 12, 2018
Apple is the GOAT after a heartbreak if you fall inlove again it's watch will call emergency services #AppleEventpic.twitter.com/e6IrWWochN
— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) September 12, 2018
