Apps WorkOutDoors: New workout features

[cfc]

No worries, we still love you
Any leak from the next version?

Thanks!

In terms of when the next version will come out, it is hard to tell. I am hoping to release a beta in the next few weeks and then it will depend on how the testing goes. I am still finishing off coding the last elements of the sensor functionality but the vast majority is done. The testing of that will be very interesting though, because I obviously haven't been able to try every make and model of sensor.

I have added the ability to use the new auto-pause functionality for cycling that they announced yesterday, but still need to adapt the app to make the most of the new 41mm and 45mm screens, which will be a lot of work.

The new screen sizes are top priority at the moment because I won't know how the new watches will display the app until I have one in my hands (which could be some time after other people have one if I am unlucky on the pre-order like with the series 4). Unfortunately the screen sizes are not something that can be tested properly with the new simulator that Apple provide because the app will behave differently if built with the new development environment.

So there is a chance that I will need to put out an emergency release that handles the screen sizes, in which case I will need to decide how many of the changes to include that I have made since the last version. Probably just bug fixes.

So things are up in the air at the moment!

 

[yoak]

It sounded like Apple was finally going to include e-bikes. Will e-bike ride become an option in WOD then as well?
I'm going back and forth between my bikes and I am looking forward to not have to change the ride in Strava afterwards

 

[cfc]

It sounded like Apple was finally going to include e-bikes. Will e-bike ride become an option in WOD then as well?
I'm going back and forth between my bikes and I am looking forward to not have to change the ride in Strava afterwards

I had a look into this and it doesn't look like Apple have added a new e-bike activity type judging from the version of watchOS 8 that they released yesterday. There is still only one cycling activity (if you ignore hand cycling).

My guess is that they are now handling e-biking better in terms of calorie calculation. Previous versions of watchOS seemed to take into account the distance travelled more than the heart rate when determining the calories used, so maybe they don't do this any more. This is a pure guess though because they never reveal that sort of detail. What I can say is that there isn't a new e-bike activity so I won't be adding one to WOD. Sorry.

 

[yoak]

Ok. Thanks for the quick reply. Not much one can do about that.

 

[Sundae]

Hi all, maybe a dumb question or maybe I'm missing something obvious here. Love the WOD app, miles better than anything else on Apple Watch. Have one problem though. The optical heart rate sensor doesn't start up until after I start the run. In practice, this means I don't have an HR lock when I start and the HR will lock onto my cadence for the first minute of the run. One minute of bad HR data isn't terrible, but the fact that all my runs look like I'm hitting 180 HR throws things off. If I could get the HR to start up on the screen before I start a run, I could wait to start until I have the HR locked on.

I've tested many other apps, and they all seem to operate like this, not starting the HR sensor until you start the run. Except for the Stryd app, which does start up prior to hitting 'start' on the run. So maybe it's an Apple Watch limitation that Stryd somehow gets around?

 

[Larry_F]

I have a couple of questions about map downloads. I apologize if these questions have already been answered, but I didn't find anything.

First, is there a way to quickly move the map to the area I want to download? Dragging the map works fine for nearby areas, but I had an area 100 miles away that I wanted to download, and it took a while to drag the map to that area. Once there though, the download worked fine. I hate to think though if the area were 1000 miles away.

Second, is there a way to see what areas have been downloaded? I hike in a number of areas where there is no cell coverage, and it would be nice if there were a way to keep track of which of those have been downloaded.

Thanks again for a great app and for the support in this forum,
Larry

 

[cfc]

Hi all, maybe a dumb question or maybe I'm missing something obvious here. Love the WOD app, miles better than anything else on Apple Watch. Have one problem though. The optical heart rate sensor doesn't start up until after I start the run. In practice, this means I don't have an HR lock when I start and the HR will lock onto my cadence for the first minute of the run. One minute of bad HR data isn't terrible, but the fact that all my runs look like I'm hitting 180 HR throws things off. If I could get the HR to start up on the screen before I start a run, I could wait to start until I have the HR locked on.

I've tested many other apps, and they all seem to operate like this, not starting the HR sensor until you start the run. Except for the Stryd app, which does start up prior to hitting 'start' on the run. So maybe it's an Apple Watch limitation that Stryd somehow gets around?

For a few people the watch sensor can take a while to get a lock at the beginning of a workout. Apple allow some apps to start the heart rate sensor outside of a workout, but I have requested that many times for WorkOutDoors and Apple have never replied. Maybe they did allow Stryd to do this, or maybe Stryd do something else to "kick-start" the sensor before a workout.

You may want to start a dummy workout and discard it when you get a lock, and then start the proper workout. This would probably get a reading faster because it is easier for the sensor to get a lock if you are not moving.

 

[Sundae]

For a few people the watch sensor can take a while to get a lock at the beginning of a workout. Apple allow some apps to start the heart rate sensor outside of a workout, but I have requested that many times for WorkOutDoors and Apple have never replied. Maybe they did allow Stryd to do this, or maybe Stryd do something else to "kick-start" the sensor before a workout.

You may want to start a dummy workout and discard it when you get a lock, and then start the proper workout. This would probably get a reading faster because it is easier for the sensor to get a lock if you are not moving.

Thanks for the reply, it's good to know what the background is. I've been starting, then pausing right away, which is a decent workaround. Was hoping it was something I had missed, but was think a limitation from Apple's side was more likely. Appreciate the feedback!

 

[aiatfe]

There may be a way to get around it by keeping most of the app in the current language and showing a screen that is written in SwiftUI only when the user lowers their wrist. However that may not be efficient enough, or capable of showing the map.

For me, I would be absolutely delighted with a basic always-on screen independent of the custom faces that just displays a few fields like pace/heart-rate/cadence/distance that you can then build on later. Any always on screen is better than none.
I've moved back to the Apple Workouts app for most of my runs outside of intervals almost purely for the AOD (and use WOD separately for mapping when running on unfamiliar streets). Maybe it's just me and my many years of Garmin but being able to glance at the watch just by moving my head slightly without having to fiddle around is huge.

 

[cfc]

For me, I would be absolutely delighted with a basic always-on screen independent of the custom faces that just displays a few fields like pace/heart-rate/cadence/distance that you can then build on later. Any always on screen is better than none.
I've moved back to the Apple Workouts app for most of my runs outside of intervals almost purely for the AOD (and use WOD separately for mapping when running on unfamiliar streets). Maybe it's just me and my many years of Garmin but being able to glance at the watch just by moving my head slightly without having to fiddle around is huge.

I certainly hope to include some sort of always on functionality if possible, but not in the next version. That will include all the new features that I have been working on, and will also make the most of the new 41mm and 45mm screens, but I don't plan to look into the always on stuff until after that is released. Hopefully developers will have a better idea of what is possible by then.

In terms of the screen sizes, Apple say that apps not yet optimised for the series 7 screens will be displayed with a small black border, so they should look identical to how they look on the series 4/5/6 watches. So that should mean that I won't need to release an emergency version to handle the new screen sizes, and can concentrate on the next proper release. At least that's the theory but I won't be happy until I have actually tried the app on the new hardware!

 

[jtsang2000]

I just wanted to say, this is a great app for running. I do agree that having the Always On display will be a game changer for the app but understand that would take time. Definitely looking for to the next version with sensor support as I'm a Stryd pod user. Also, are there any plans to support training plans workout imports from Final Surge and Training Peaks?

 

[cfc]

I just wanted to say, this is a great app for running. I do agree that having the Always On display will be a game changer for the app but understand that would take time. Definitely looking for to the next version with sensor support as I'm a Stryd pod user. Also, are there any plans to support training plans workout imports from Final Surge and Training Peaks?

Importing schedules is a feature that is creeping up my to-do list because it has been requested quite often recently. It won't be in the next version but is a possibility for the following one.

 

[maurycyorlik]

For me, I would be absolutely delighted with a basic always-on screen independent of the custom faces that just displays a few fields like pace/heart-rate/cadence/distance that you can then build on later. Any always on screen is better than none.
I've moved back to the Apple Workouts app for most of my runs outside of intervals almost purely for the AOD (and use WOD separately for mapping when running on unfamiliar streets). Maybe it's just me and my many years of Garmin but being able to glance at the watch just by moving my head slightly without having to fiddle around is huge.

Same for me - I went back to the Stock app + HealthFit for all the nice data screens and Strava + iCloud sync. But WOD is always on in the background in "only map" mode for mapping and breadcrumb trail. Double press on the crown - I'm in WOD with nice map - double press again and I'm in the stock app for AOD and (for me) better quality raw data, health compatibility and overall reliability.

 

[johnl1275]

Same for me - I went back to the Stock app + HealthFit for all the nice data screens and Strava + iCloud sync. But WOD is always on in the background in "only map" mode for mapping and breadcrumb trail. Double press on the crown - I'm in WOD with nice map - double press again and I'm in the stock app for AOD and (for me) better quality raw data, health compatibility and overall reliability.

I have an Apple Watch 6 with always on display. When I use WOD, I turn the always on feature off. I feel like that gives it a snappier response when I raise my wrist. To the point that by the time my eyes are able to see the screen it is already on. I feel like when you have always on and it does that blur thing, it does not respond as fast as it does with always on off.

Just a thought if you want to just use WOD. HeathFit and WOD with both sync to Strava with all the run data that the stock app does.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I am surprised so many want AoD with the app during running. That eats into the battery life especially for long runs and ultra marathon training.

 

[steve knight]

well got the update on my 6 watch then wife and I went on a bike ride to test it. I got a popup right away asking if I wanted to record the ride. my wife is blind and uses VoiceOver that always causes issues got one a bit later. the ride paused when stopped long enough hers did not. they both asked if we wanted to end the ride when we went in the store as usual. I didn't to think the watch was as accurate on HR as my Polar HRM but the ride got it at 87bpm and my garmin recorded it at 101 average. part if that is that I dont think my watch pauses at every stop but it also cant keep up with changes as I ride in the city and my pals is up and down all the time. I was hoping at least my wife could use it as her garmin takes forever to sync . but is just too far off. my polar optical HRM had trouble keeping ups too but the time I was up a hill and my HR peaked it may or may not have caught up. riding int the city with so much starting and stopping really shows things off its hard to start and stop fast enough. I will have to test it on a longer more even ride. I dont see a way to set it for e bike though.

 

[cfc]

well got the update on my 6 watch then wife and I went on a bike ride to test it. I got a popup right away asking if I wanted to record the ride. my wife is blind and uses VoiceOver that always causes issues got one a bit later. the ride paused when stopped long enough hers did not. they both asked if we wanted to end the ride when we went in the store as usual. I didn't to think the watch was as accurate on HR as my Polar HRM but the ride got it at 87bpm and my garmin recorded it at 101 average. part if that is that I dont think my watch pauses at every stop but it also cant keep up with changes as I ride in the city and my pals is up and down all the time. I was hoping at least my wife could use it as her garmin takes forever to sync . but is just too far off. my polar optical HRM had trouble keeping ups too but the time I was up a hill and my HR peaked it may or may not have caught up. riding int the city with so much starting and stopping really shows things off its hard to start and stop fast enough. I will have to test it on a longer more even ride. I dont see a way to set it for e bike though.

I think you are using the native Workouts app rather than WorkOutDoors. However you may find that WorkOutDoors could be useful for your wife because it has many alerts with voice options.

For example there are distance and time notifications that can be configured to speak whatever metrics she wants to hear every mile or every 5 minutes (or every quarter mile or every minute etc).

Also there are 3 "status update" alerts which can be associated with shortcut gestures (taps, swipes etc). So for example the app could be configured to speak the heart rate and zone if she taps the screen once, or the current pace and the average pace if she taps it twice, or the time if she swipes left. Each alert can speak up to 5 metrics from a choice of 300+ available metrics.

 

[maurycyorlik]

When I use WOD, I turn the always on feature off. I feel like that gives it a snappier response when I raise my wrist.

That’s right. For me too. In some cases I even put my Apple Watch in theater mode to preserve battery and avoid accidental “screen on” situation (like kayaking and hiking).

Just a thought if you want to just use WOD. HeathFit and WOD with both sync to Strava with all the run data that the stock app does.

Don’t get me wrong, I just love WOD and Ians work. Will support everything He does with WOD. I’m just in a phase “less numbers, more fun”.

Probably after sensor update I will go back to it, swap my ant+ sensors for bluetooth ones and join the numbers game again ?

 

[southpaw2five]

Importing schedules is a feature that is creeping up my to-do list because it has been requested quite often recently. It won't be in the next version but is a possibility for the following one.

Loving the app. If I can throw another +1 for the workout import onto the pile that would be great.

One other question I could not find searching this forum, quite a lot of posts which is great. For the next update with sensor support, are you hoping to include power meter support?

 

[cfc]

Loving the app. If I can throw another +1 for the workout import onto the pile that would be great.

One other question I could not find searching this forum, quite a lot of posts which is great. For the next update with sensor support, are you hoping to include power meter support?

Yes, the next version will definitely support running power from the Stryd footpod and hopefully bike power sensors as well.

 

[bjork]

Yes, the next version will definitely support running power from the Stryd footpod and hopefully bike power sensors as well.

If you need anymore betatesters I'm using stryd and WOD for running. I sync stryd manually through the Stryd app for the time being.

 

[cfc]

If you need anymore betatesters I'm using stryd and WOD for running. I sync stryd manually through the Stryd app for the time being.

That would be great thanks! Please send an email to info@workoutdoors.net and I will let you know when I release a beta.

 

[PjDB]

Since updating my Watch 4, I got some weird tracking during past runs. Out of my 6 runs since updating, 3 got wonky like this:

It was only recording data when looking at the watch. I have restarted the watch, and still happening. Using version 4.3.6 of WOD, watch4, WatchOS 8.0

DO you recognise this behaviour, is there a known solution?
Many thanks in advance!

 

[cfc]

Since updating my Watch 4, I got some weird tracking during past runs. Out of my 6 runs since updating, 3 got wonky like this: View attachment 1850663

It was only recording data when looking at the watch. I have restarted the watch, and still happening. Using version 4.3.6 of WOD, watch4, WatchOS 8.0

DO you recognise this behaviour, is there a known solution?
Many thanks in advance!

I have heard of this 6 or 7 times over the last few months and had no idea what caused it until a few days ago, when someone experienced it and also fixed it. They said that they first used the watch app when the iPhone was not present and then the GPS only updated when the watch was raised. They then started a workout with the iPhone present and the iPhone app asked for location permission and then the watch app worked correctly.

So it seems to be a bug in the watchOS permissioning system. In theory the watch should ask you for location permission, but if you first use it when the iPhone is not present then watchOS will somehow allow the app to use the location but only when active and not when your wrist is lowered.

It is only the experience of one user, so may not apply to you, but it is worth starting a workout with the iPhone present. If that doesn't work then check the location services permissions in the privacy settings. It is also worth rebooting the iPhone as well as the watch because it sounds like a lack of communication of the permissions between the devices, and that could be because iOS has got confused and needs rebooting.

I hope that helps. Please let me know how you get on.

 

[PjDB]

I have heard of this 6 or 7 times over the last few months and had no idea what caused it until a few days ago, when someone experienced it and also fixed it. They said that they first used the watch app when the iPhone was not present and then the GPS only updated when the watch was raised. They then started a workout with the iPhone present and the iPhone app asked for location permission and then the watch app worked correctly.

So it seems to be a bug in the watchOS permissioning system. In theory the watch should ask you for location permission, but if you first use it when the iPhone is not present then watchOS will somehow allow the app to use the location but only when active and not when your wrist is lowered.

It is only the experience of one user, so may not apply to you, but it is worth starting a workout with the iPhone present. If that doesn't work then check the location services permissions in the privacy settings. It is also worth rebooting the iPhone as well as the watch because it sounds like a lack of communication of the permissions between the devices, and that could be because iOS has got confused and needs rebooting.

I hope that helps. Please let me know how you get on.

Thanks for the quick reply. This sounds similar to what I am experiencing, the runs that were correctly tracked started with my iPhone near, the ones that went wonky were started without my phone.

Have changed the location settings from 'While Using the App' to 'Always' and will try again. After I'll reboot devices too, just to have it all as clean as possible in the background. Thanks for your advice, will keep you in the loop