Apps WorkOutDoors: New workout features

[BrianGGG]

BETA feedback #2. I am having trouble getting heartrate information from Strength Training.
This problem doesn't seem to be present with the other activity types that I use (Running, Walking, etc.)

The problem is: If I start a Strength Training activity, all BPM is blank and stays blank for a long time. Normally it would take a few seconds and then populate. Yesterday I went through an entire 40 minute workout and the heartrate information was listed as "not present".

I tried this again today, same problem. In order to work around it, I need to go into the Heart Rate apple app and wait for a heartrate from there. Once I get a number on that screen, if I go back to WOD the heartrate information populates.

Any ideas?

 

[Skjoeld]

I am not able to see remaining distance on gpx routes. I see this has been discussed earlier, and I hope this is a feature that will be available soon, in an otherwise excellent app. (Or am I missing something?)

 

[cfc]

I'm sorry if this has been asked/answered before, but I am unable to find out how to clear all workout data from WOD en masse vs. one at a time.
thx!

Sorry, that is not possible. It is on my list of features to add, but currently low down the list because it is rarely requested. Sorry about that. However it will rise up the list slightly as a result of your request.

 

[cfc]

BETA feedback #2. I am having trouble getting heartrate information from Strength Training.
This problem doesn't seem to be present with the other activity types that I use (Running, Walking, etc.)

The problem is: If I start a Strength Training activity, all BPM is blank and stays blank for a long time. Normally it would take a few seconds and then populate. Yesterday I went through an entire 40 minute workout and the heartrate information was listed as "not present".

I tried this again today, same problem. In order to work around it, I need to go into the Heart Rate apple app and wait for a heartrate from there. Once I get a number on that screen, if I go back to WOD the heartrate information populates.

Any ideas?

The app doesn't do anything differently based on workout type in terms of the heart rate. Usually the reason it works for some activities and not others is because the sensor struggles more for some activities.

Try tapping the 3 dots and then Open Workout because then you get a big start button and (with the beta) can wait for the HR lock before starting. If you start exercising without waiting then it can make it even harder for the sensor to get a lock whilst your wrist is moving).

The fact that going to Apple's app causes WOD to get a HR reading shows that WOD is correctly reading the HR. Apple's app uses uses infra-red light for one-off readings whereas the watch uses green light for frequent readings during workouts. So the watch gets a reading via infra-red and sends that reading to all apps that have registered an interest in HR, which includes WOD. Also this infra-red reading sometimes helps the sensor to get a lock with the green light.

 

[cfc]

I am not able to see remaining distance on gpx routes. I see this has been discussed earlier, and I hope this is a feature that will be available soon, in an otherwise excellent app. (Or am I missing something?)

The "Remaining" metrics are currently only for use when using a fixed length workout or an interval schedule where it is possible to calculate the remaining distance or time.

I plan to enhance the route and navigation functionality in a future version to allow them to also work for routes. At the moment it is top of my to-do list after I have released the version supporting the always on display (and probably another version for watchOS 10).

In the meantime you could start the workout and enter the route length as the fixed distance. If you only follow the route then this will give a rough estimate, albeit admittedly not as good as when I have implemented it properly. To enter a fixed distance tap the circle with 3 dots to the right of the activity name. Then tap “Fixed Length” and then “Set Distance”.

 

[Miggui]

hi ian, this morning test on a run of 8.5kms/43min. the aod works well although i notice some darkening of the screen when i don't raise my wrist. I started with 20% battery and ended up with 11 with the music all the way through so ok. I noticed that the data display was a bit truncated at the top left and bottom, yet I'm in small print. before the MAJ I could see well. That's it for my return and thank you again for all the work!

 

[cfc]

hi ian, this morning test on a run of 8.5kms/43min. the aod works well although i notice some darkening of the screen when i don't raise my wrist. I started with 20% battery and ended up with 11 with the music all the way through so ok. I noticed that the data display was a bit truncated at the top left and bottom, yet I'm in small print. before the MAJ I could see well. That's it for my return and thank you again for all the work!

Apple slightly darken the screen by default when your wrist is not raised. The app also darkens it slightly further but you can adjust this in the Screen settings (to control battery usage).

I will fix the truncation of that top metric in the next beta. Thanks for testing the app!

 

[ukms]

Used the new version for the first time today after a long injury lay off. I spent a fair amount of time setting up all my screens exactly how I want them for various workouts which just reminded me again how good this app is.

As before this is superb and now with AOD it’s the icing on the cake.

No bugs noticed so far

Amazing work Ian thank you…. When is the tip function going live ?

 

[cfc]

Used the new version for the first time today after a long injury lay off. I spent a fair amount of time setting up all my screens exactly how I want them for various workouts which just reminded me again how good this app is.

As before this is superb and now with AOD it’s the icing on the cake.

No bugs noticed so far

Amazing work Ian thank you…. When is the tip function going live ?

That's great to hear! Thanks for testing it.

I plan to include the tip jar in this version when it is released. At the moment the beta just includes the user interface for it but isn't yet wired into the App Store payments system. I plan to include that in a future beta, but even then it won't be able to take any money during beta testing. That will only be possible when it is live and on the App Store.

 

[MrAcid]

Two runs in with the new beta and the always-on is a really nice addition! I also like the overall visual changes to the app in terms of spacing/fonts/layout (of the workout summary screen for example).

Feedback/issue I noticed: when I open the app and use the “Map Only” view I cannot scroll with the Digital Crown. Scrolling does work on a map within an activity and after closing that activity it also works in “Map Only” again.

 

[leescottdavis]

Regarding the beta, from memory when going into activity settings I could refine the calibration of a the Stryd sensor for pace/distance. This doesn't appear to work in the watch app anymore. Or am I dreaming that I used to be able to do this? I'm sure I calibrated it to 1.09 for Indoor Running so it matched my treadmill. I recall there was a +- either side of the value.

 

[cfc]

Two runs in with the new beta and the always-on is a really nice addition! I also like the overall visual changes to the app in terms of spacing/fonts/layout (of the workout summary screen for example).

Feedback/issue I noticed: when I open the app and use the “Map Only” view I cannot scroll with the Digital Crown. Scrolling does work on a map within an activity and after closing that activity it also works in “Map Only” again.

That is strange. I have tried the crown on Map-Only mode after starting the app and it works fine. Please try rebooting the watch as that often fixes strange problems.

Glad you like the beta otherwise. Thanks for testing it!

 

[cfc]

Regarding the beta, from memory when going into activity settings I could refine the calibration of a the Stryd sensor for pace/distance. This doesn't appear to work in the watch app anymore. Or am I dreaming that I used to be able to do this? I'm sure I calibrated it to 1.09 for Indoor Running so it matched my treadmill. I recall there was a +- either side of the value.

The sensor calibration hasn't changed. It has always been in the Sensors settings. Are you not seeing it there?

You will need to select Indoor Running and if the Stryd is paired then it should show the calibration settings.

 

[leescottdavis]

Yes, it is there but I thought there used to be a - and + either side of the value. Even if I tap that area it does nothing.

 

[cfc]

Yes, it is there but I thought there used to be a - and + either side of the value. Even if I tap that area it does nothing. View attachment 2236490

I don't think there used to be + and - buttons for that screen. There possibly should be, but I am minimising changes to existing screens, so I won't add them now.

The settings screens do not need to change when the wrist is lowered so there was no need to rewrite them in SwiftUI. I will probably rewrite them at some time in the future but the existing screens should be the same as in the previous version.

When I do rewrite the settings screens then I may add + and - buttons for that screen because I possibly should have included them in the first place.

 

[leescottdavis]

Sorry my mistake. So how can I change the calibration?

EDIT: Just worked it out. It scrolls

 

[cfc]

Sorry my mistake. So how can I change the calibration?

EDIT: Just worked it out. It scrolls

Yes, the crown scrolls between values. You have confirmed that I should add buttons when I rewrite that screen. Thanks for testing the app!

 

[leescottdavis]

Maybe just amend the text to indicate you need to swipe or turn the crown to amend the values. Make it idiot proof.

 

[BrianGGG]

That is strange. I have tried the crown on Map-Only mode after starting the app and it works fine. Please try rebooting the watch as that often fixes strange problems.

Glad you like the beta otherwise. Thanks for testing it!

I noticed this behavior as well. I think there's something going on here.

On several occasions, the crown will not zoom the map in/out in Map Only mode.
On one occasion, I was able to access the map inside an ongoing activity and the problem was solved. However, I just tried this again after a reboot of the watch and I can't get the crown to work in Map Only mode at all.

 

[Miggui]

I noticed this behavior as well. I think there's something going on here.

On several occasions, the crown will not zoom the map in/out in Map Only mode.
On one occasion, I was able to access the map inside an ongoing activity and the problem was solved. However, I just tried this again after a reboot of the watch and I can't get the crown to work in Map Only mode at all.

Works fine for me with an AWU

 

[cfc]

Maybe just amend the text to indicate you need to swipe or turn the crown to amend the values. Make it idiot proof.

Good idea. I have changed the text for the next beta to be "Use crown to calibrate".

 

[jole]

WorkOutDoors is an essential tool when hiking and I use it as my primary map for navigating through a route imported as GPX from Komoot (pre-hike planning online) or Garmin Explore (offline planning during the hike). Without WOD, Apple Watch Ultra could not have replaced my previous Garmin Fenix 6.

There are couple of key feature gaps - or maybe I have not just found out the features:

1) Elevation graph that shows both the history and upcoming elevation changes on the planned route (this is the most useful view for hiking in the mountains. See an example from Fenix 6 below)

2) Remaining distance in the route

3) Remaining ascent in the route

4) Way to see distance to a selected point along the route (now zooming in/out on the map shows a circle with direct line distance, but in mountains this is usually very different from actual distance due to path not being straight).

5) Bug (?) funnily the direct line distance circle shows the distance in meter for any distance between 30 - 1500m, but switches to miles for a distance greater than that. Would be more logical to keep the selected distance unit. For miles, I would prefer 0.x ml over x00 feet. Also, 1ml, 2ml, ... is too coarse showing circles for every x.x ml would be better.


Have I just missed these features? Are they planned to be added to WOD in future?

 

[MaxSto]

WorkOutDoors is an essential tool when hiking and I use it as my primary map for navigating through a route imported as GPX from Komoot (pre-hike planning online) or Garmin Explore (offline planning during the hike). Without WOD, Apple Watch Ultra could not have replaced my previous Garmin Fenix 6.

There are couple of key feature gaps - or maybe I have not just found out the features:

1) Elevation graph that shows both the history and upcoming elevation changes on the planned route (this is the most useful view for hiking in the mountains. See an example from Fenix 6 below)

View attachment 2236663

2) Remaining distance in the route

3) Remaining ascent in the route

4) Way to see distance to a selected point along the route (now zooming in/out on the map shows a circle with direct line distance, but in mountains this is usually very different from actual distance due to path not being straight).

5) Bug (?) funnily the direct line distance circle shows the distance in meter for any distance between 30 - 1500m, but switches to miles for a distance greater than that. Would be more logical to keep the selected distance unit. For miles, I would prefer 0.x ml over x00 feet. Also, 1ml, 2ml, ... is too coarse showing circles for every x.x ml would be better.


Have I just missed these features? Are they planned to be added to WOD in future?

I would love to see point 1 - 3, too.

 

[cfc]

WorkOutDoors is an essential tool when hiking and I use it as my primary map for navigating through a route imported as GPX from Komoot (pre-hike planning online) or Garmin Explore (offline planning during the hike). Without WOD, Apple Watch Ultra could not have replaced my previous Garmin Fenix 6.

There are couple of key feature gaps - or maybe I have not just found out the features:

1) Elevation graph that shows both the history and upcoming elevation changes on the planned route (this is the most useful view for hiking in the mountains. See an example from Fenix 6 below)

View attachment 2236663

2) Remaining distance in the route

3) Remaining ascent in the route

4) Way to see distance to a selected point along the route (now zooming in/out on the map shows a circle with direct line distance, but in mountains this is usually very different from actual distance due to path not being straight).

5) Bug (?) funnily the direct line distance circle shows the distance in meter for any distance between 30 - 1500m, but switches to miles for a distance greater than that. Would be more logical to keep the selected distance unit. For miles, I would prefer 0.x ml over x00 feet. Also, 1ml, 2ml, ... is too coarse showing circles for every x.x ml would be better.


Have I just missed these features? Are they planned to be added to WOD in future?

The first 3 points (and maybe 4) are part of the improved navigation features that will be top of my to-do list after the always on display version is released.

The last point is intentional. The app generally shows metres for small distances and miles or km for longer distances.

 

[MrAcid]

That is strange. I have tried the crown on Map-Only mode after starting the app and it works fine. Please try rebooting the watch as that often fixes strange problems.

Glad you like the beta otherwise. Thanks for testing it!

Works after rebooting indeed. Thanks!