Apps WorkOutDoors: New workout features

[FunkyMagicUK]

If you want both then you could use intervals. If you are not using a schedule then you can manually start new intervals with a shortcut to the "New Interval" command. That way you can analyse both splits and intervals in the iPhone app. It is also useful for splitting hikes into uphill / downhill etc whilst still getting auto-laps.

This is the solution I’ve ended on...I’ve configured double tap for “next interval”...then looking at things in Strava, the “workout analysis” is split nicely by the intervals I tap out, and I still have the regular 1k auto lap splits.

(and obviously the option to look at either in the Workoutdoors app too).

 

[FunkyMagicUK]

Just a couple more thoughts after a really good interval session tonight (plus switched the Waterlock on for the first time ever as the top notification bar seemed to keep start pulling down with the rain!).

I’d thought already that the autolap notifications seem to disappear a bit quicker (but not so quick that I can’t read them before they disappear) which I like, as they seemed to persist just a little bit too long for me before when I wanted to look back at my “regular” screens after a notification.

But...the notifications during intervals seem even shorter??!! I was doing 4mins hard / 2mins recovery repeats, and had set up notification for quarter, half, and three quarter during the 4mins...but, having felt/heard, all I really got the chance to see was the notification disappearing off screen before I’d comprehended the numbers?
Could notification display period be configurable perhaps??

Also...there’s something subtley different about the whole app from the previous version in that when I glance at the screen, I seem to see “old” data briefly before everything refreshes...is this expected??? First noticed this when following a map at the weekend, every time I glanced at the screen, the map seemed to fly to current location from wherever it had been last time I looked...quite a nice effect as it happens and aided with navigation...but...when glance at screen and see numbers from some time ago (albeit briefly, before replaced with current live data), then that’s a bit disconcerting.

Is this a bug, or feature or just how it is now??

Also...not used them before, but voice announcements seem very quiet even though I have watch volume to max. Is that normal?? (It was noisy with the rain, but had to hold wrist almost to ear to hear countdown end of recovery session)

 

[cfc]

Thanks for that. I am considering making the notification durations configurable. And maybe varying them according to the number of metrics displayed. A screen with one metric does not need to be shown as long as one with 3 metrics.

In terms of the data not updating immediately there seems to be two issues on my series 5:

The first issue is that the old data is shown on the screen briefly before being updated. This used to be the case with a series 1/2 and even very briefly with a series 3, but the series 4 was fast enough that the screen updated instantly. However I see a slight delay again with the series 5. It may be related to the always on screen because that seems to fade in and the animation they use is the last displayed image, which may be why the old data seems to be visible for a split second. Or it could be that the CPU is being taxed more on wrist raise and doesn't have the spare horsepower to instantly update the metrics. Unfortunately I am not sure what I can do about that. To be honest I hadn't noticed it until you mentioned it so hopefully it isn't too distracting.

The second issue is an animation when you raise your wrist after not looking at the map for a while. It used to be that the map just updated instantly, but now you can see it smoothly panning from the previous map location to the current location. As you say it is a nice effect, but I am going to try to get rid of it because it would be better if instant. Hopefully doing that may make the metrics update instantly if it is the animation that is affecting them, but I suspect not.

I see that you have a series 5 too. Is anyone who is using a series 4 and the latest version of watchOS 6 seeing any such delay, or animation? It would be interesting to know if it is related to watchOS 6 or specific to the series 5. I didn't see it in the beta versions of watchOS 6 but the release version would probably be different to allow for the always on screen.

 

[FunkyMagicUK]

Thanks for that. I am considering making the notification durations configurable. And maybe varying them according to the number of metrics displayed. A screen with one metric does not need to be shown as long as one with 3 metrics.

In terms of the data not updating immediately there seems to be two issues on my series 5:

The first issue is that the old data is shown on the screen briefly before being updated. This used to be the case with a series 1/2 and even very briefly with a series 3, but the series 4 was fast enough that the screen updated instantly. However I see a slight delay again with the series 5. It may be related to the always on screen because that seems to fade in and the animation they use is the last displayed image, which may be why the old data seems to be visible for a split second. Or it could be that the CPU is being taxed more on wrist raise and doesn't have the spare horsepower to instantly update the metrics. Unfortunately I am not sure what I can do about that. To be honest I hadn't noticed it until you mentioned it so hopefully it isn't too distracting.

The second issue is an animation when you raise your wrist after not looking at the map for a while. It used to be that the map just updated instantly, but now you can see it smoothly panning from the previous map location to the current location. As you say it is a nice effect, but I am going to try to get rid of it because it would be better if instant. Hopefully doing that may make the metrics update instantly if it is the animation that is affecting them, but I suspect not.

I see that you have a series 5 too. Is anyone who is using a series 4 and the latest version of watchOS 6 seeing any such delay, or animation? It would be interesting to know if it is related to watchOS 6 or specific to the series 5. I didn't see it in the beta versions of watchOS 6 but the release version would probably be different to allow for the always on screen.

I’m using a Series 4...not sure if that helps!?

I did enable the “animation effects” or whatever it’s called setting...so maybe that’s relevant, will disable before next run and see if it changes anything.

 

[markl9]

I’ve got a series 4 and can confirm the map plays catchup when I raise my wrist, like you it looks cool but would prefer it if it showed current location instantly.

 

[cfc]

I’ve got a series 4 and can confirm the map plays catchup when I raise my wrist, like you it looks cool but would prefer it if it showed current location instantly.

Thanks for that. It sounds like the animation is a watchOS 6 thing then.

Is there a split second delay in the metrics updating? Can you can see the previous values for metrics very briefly on raising your wrist before the new values are shown? It is most easily tested with the time metric.

I have tested this on my series 4 running watchOS 5 and there is no delay, so I am wondering if the delay is related to watchOS 6 or if it is specific to series 5 watches.

 

[markl9]

I’m now using the new 6.1 beta, the delay is still there but the animation seems quicker (but that could just be my perception) and yes the metrics have a delay too.

 

[cfc]

I’m now using the new 6.1 beta, the delay is still there but the animation seems quicker (but that could just be my perception) and yes the metrics have a delay too.

Thanks for that. So it looks like watchOS 6 is the culprit. It is slowing the watch down enough on wrist raise that it takes very slightly longer to update the metrics, like on the older watches.

Hopefully this is due to the animation that only happens with watchOS 6, and fixing that will help.

 

[user1234]

I love the new design of the watch app!

Just a question. What does the "Extra accurate GPS" option do? I tried to find it in the manual but to no success.

...

I don’t know if my post was missed or if it has been answered before, but I’m still curious what the extra accurate gps option does.

 

[cfc]

I don’t know if my post was missed or if it has been answered before, but I’m still curious what the extra accurate gps option does.

The Extra Accuracy GPS option is a bit of an unknown. When the app tells watchOS what level of accuracy it wants there has always been an option that says this in Apple's documentation:

"The highest possible accuracy that uses additional sensor data to facilitate navigation apps. This level of accuracy is intended for use in navigation apps that require precise position information at all times. Because of the extra power requirements, use this level of accuracy only while the device is plugged in."

I think it was intended for iPhone apps that are used in-car when the phone is connected to a charger. I have no idea if it makes any difference for the watch but someone asked me to include it so I did. It would be interesting to see if anyone finds any different in accuracy or battery life. I found it hard to tell.

 

[user1234]

I haven't f

The Extra Accuracy GPS option is a bit of an unknown. When the app tells watchOS what level of accuracy it wants there has always been an option that says this in Apple's documentation:

"The highest possible accuracy that uses additional sensor data to facilitate navigation apps. This level of accuracy is intended for use in navigation apps that require precise position information at all times. Because of the extra power requirements, use this level of accuracy only while the device is plugged in."

I think it was intended for iPhone apps that are used in-car when the phone is connected to a charger. I have no idea if it makes any difference for the watch but someone asked me to include it so I did. It would be interesting to see if anyone finds any different in accuracy or battery life. I found it hard to tell.

I haven't found a difference in battery life or accuracy with the option turned on. I usually don't bring my phone for short walks so it takes the location from the watch. Can't tell if it makes a difference while connected to the phone.

 

[cfc]

I haven't found a difference in battery life or accuracy with the option turned on. I usually don't bring my phone for short walks so it takes the location from the watch. Can't tell if it makes a difference while connected to the phone.

I must admit that I am tempted to remove the option because I suspect it makes no difference. I get asked about it a lot and no-one has noticed a difference yet, so it may disappear from the next version!

 

[philipp_chris]

I would agree to remove it for the named reasons. Has no visible impact, confuses people.

 

[Significant1]

The Extra Accuracy GPS option is a bit of an unknown. When the app tells watchOS what level of accuracy it wants there has always been an option that says this in Apple's documentation:

"The highest possible accuracy that uses additional sensor data to facilitate navigation apps. This level of accuracy is intended for use in navigation apps that require precise position information at all times. Because of the extra power requirements, use this level of accuracy only while the device is plugged in."

I think it was intended for iPhone apps that are used in-car when the phone is connected to a charger. I have no idea if it makes any difference for the watch but someone asked me to include it so I did. It would be interesting to see if anyone finds any different in accuracy or battery life. I found it hard to tell.

Could be interesting, if it increased gps sample frequency and minimized the swooshing (as dcrainmaker calls it), but there is nothing in the description to indicate that.

 

[Feek]

Just seen this thread, how have I never heard of it before? I don't run though but I walk a lot (I've logged over 14,500 miles with my Fitbit since 2013). Would it be a good choice for me? How is it for battery drain?

 

[cfc]

Just seen this thread, how have I never heard of it before? I don't run though but I walk a lot (I've logged over 14,500 miles with my Fitbit since 2013). Would it be a good choice for me? How is it for battery drain?

Battery drain is about the same as the native Apple Workout app. There are a lot of variables but if you have your iPhone with you then you should get 9+ hours of use if your battery is in good condition. Without the phone you should get 6+ hours.

Various things will reduce these estimates, such as having cellular on, streaming music etc. You can also increase the estimates by switching on Workout Power Saving Mode in watchOS, which switches off the heart sensor (and cellular and always on screen if available). This can add a couple of hours.

One caveat around the release of a new watchOS is that there are often processes that run when a new watchOS is installed that can reduce the battery life of the watch generally for a while. Judging from what I am seeing on the web watchOS 6 seems no exception to this rule!

 

[Feek]

You can also increase the estimates by switching on Workout Power Saving Mode in watchOS, which switches off the heart sensor (and cellular and always on screen if available). This can add a couple of hours.

Thanks. Interestingly, I went for a walk this morning with Workout Power Saving Mode switched on but the always on screen stayed on! The heart sensor was off but I didn't check cellular.
I didn't specifically ask, does it have a 'walk' mode?
Thanks.

 

[Significant1]

Thanks. Interestingly, I went for a walk this morning with Workout Power Saving Mode switched on but the always on screen stayed on! The heart sensor was off but I didn't check cellular.
I didn't specifically ask, does it have a 'walk' mode?
Thanks.

Yes, there is a walk activity and hiking etc. It is a great app for walking.

 

[stridemat]

Any known reason why I am struggling to sync routes? I have a new phone so the app on the phone still thinks the routes are on the watch, but they do not appear in the route section on the watch.

 

[cfc]

Any known reason why I am struggling to sync routes? I have a new phone so the app on the phone still thinks the routes are on the watch, but they do not appear in the route section on the watch.

The best thing to do if the comms between the iPhone app and the watch app are not working is to reboot both the iPhone and the watch.

If that doesn't work then uninstall the watch app (not the iPhone app); reboot both the watch and the iPhone; and reinstall the watch app.

Sorry about that. Occasionally iOS and watchOS seem to conspire to install a watch app such that it cannot communicate with its iPhone app. Sometimes this is fixed by a reboot, but sometimes it is necessary to reinstall the watch app.

I hope that helps.

 

[FunkyMagicUK]

I had to wipe and re pair my watch a couple of days ago because of an Apple mess up...so had similar situation.

Couldnt get screens, routes, maps or intervals to re-send.

What I did...having clicked the button to send, is on the watch open the regular Workout app, start and stop a brief activity, then open WorkoutDoors, and as if by magic everything started transferring!

(after doing this, I think I had to modify screens before they transferred...went in, changed a stat, saved, then changed it back and saved again).

 

[cfc]

What I did...having clicked the button to send, is on the watch open the regular Workout app, start and stop a brief activity, then open WorkoutDoors, and as if by magic everything started transferring!

That is interesting. The comms between the iPhone and the watch are not great at the best of times but that is a new one to me!

 

[stridemat]

I had to wipe and re pair my watch a couple of days ago because of an Apple mess up...so had similar situation.

Couldnt get screens, routes, maps or intervals to re-send.

What I did...having clicked the button to send, is on the watch open the regular Workout app, start and stop a brief activity, then open WorkoutDoors, and as if by magic everything started transferring!

(after doing this, I think I had to modify screens before they transferred...went in, changed a stat, saved, then changed it back and saved again).

That worked perfectly for me! Strange. A reset did nothing.

 

[Akrapovic]

Glad you like the new version. I tried to tidy up the look as well as add lots of new features.

Unfortunately there is not much the app can do about the accuracy - it is just supplied by watchOS so maybe there is something different in watchOS 6. I am not seeing issues but I usually take my phone with me. I will try without it next time.

Turns out iOS13 was not disconnecting bluetooth (iOS12 was) when in airplane mode. Turning off bluetooth manually solved this.

I believe I've found a bug in the iOS app. Sorry if you've already seen this, but it's pretty small anyway.

When you zoom in on a map, the elevation side view thing at the bottom zooms to the same extent, which is fine. But when you tap/slide over it, it doesn't match the map. You can see here, I'm in a section of 'grey' signal on the side view, but blue on the top down map. I think the side view tap/slide is still reacting as if the side view is fully zoomed out?

 

[cfc]

Turns out iOS13 was not disconnecting bluetooth (iOS12 was) when in airplane mode. Turning off bluetooth manually solved this.

I believe I've found a bug in the iOS app. Sorry if you've already seen this, but it's pretty small anyway.

When you zoom in on a map, the elevation side view thing at the bottom zooms to the same extent, which is fine. But when you tap/slide over it, it doesn't match the map. You can see here, I'm in a section of 'grey' signal on the side view, but blue on the top down map. I think the side view tap/slide is still reacting as if the side view is fully zoomed out?

That does look like a bug. Please email me the wkt file for the workout and I will take a look. To do this tap the Export button 3 times quickly and send to info@workoutdoors.net. Thanks!