Built in GPS in Apple Watch 2 a game changer for me

[aokusman1]

I am a runner as well and always take my phone with me on my runs. The GPS on the first Watch is spotty because it relies on the iPhone, but I am assuming that the built-in Watch GPS will make for more accurate distances. I have a buyer interested in my Watch but am torn on whether I want to wait 3-5 weeks for Series 2! That said, I only have a couple of big runs coming up in the next month, so I could get by without it - even though I'll miss my notifications and other watch stuff, lol.

Decisions, decisions...

I run with my Apple Watch and phone. The gps is taken from your phone. If it's spotty then it's your phone having issues. The Watch just copies off your phone.

 

[eyecrispy]

I run about 40 miles a week and have been using the original Apple Watch since it came out. I like the faster speeds of series 2 and will upgrade for that reason alone. The GPS is not that big of a deal for me because I cannot imagine running without my phone and my phone gives me all the GPS functionality I need. I tend to push myself to my limit during runs which has resulted in some injuries far from home. I want my phone with me so I can call for help when the injuries happen. For me an injury or sudden bad weather tends to happen a couple times a year and my wife is good to come rescue me with her car but I can't make those rescue calls for help without my phone.

You push yourself to the limit, too? Same here. Currently injured for that very reason.

 

[Snoweagle]

I"m actually thinking of the series 2 but just for GPS only too, the other new features don't matter much to me. That being said, not sure if spending that much money just for GPS feature justifies purchasing the series 2.

I've to wait and see.

 

[aokusman1]

I"m actually thinking of the series 2 but just for GPS only too, the other new features don't matter much to me. That being said, not sure if spending that much money just for GPS feature justifies purchasing the series 2.

I've to wait and see.

Yeah bit expensive just for gps.

 

[Mac Guy]

I'd be interested in knowing if the GPS radio is any more sensitive than that of the phone. The phone has more room for a radio and antenna so at first blush it should be better than the S2.

But Apple is constantly improving and improvising tech so I remain curious. GPS in a Watch isn't a necessity for me, but it can be handy. I tend to keep my phone with me more often than not. If I ran, I'd want to leave it behind, but it too can be handy.

I don't want a phone in the Watch, but the ability to send the SOS with GPS data could be very handy.

 

[Suggs68]

I got the Series 2 today(sport black 42mm). I upgraded from my original mainly for the GPS, which is a game changer for me. I'd like to know the GPS accuracy or know when it's locked on to a signal. The new running interface in the exercise app is great and nicely customizable, but it doesn't matter if the GPS isn't accurate. I'm running a half marathon tomorrow, but will probably have to use Runkeeper or endomondo until I've had a chance to test it.

Does anyone with the series 2 know if there's a way to see the GPS signal on the watch?

 

[mfm77]

I run with my Apple Watch and phone. The gps is taken from your phone. If it's spotty then it's your phone having issues. The Watch just copies off your phone.

Not true at all. Plenty of runners have experienced the same issue I have. GPS from phone to watch isn't 100% accurate.

 

[James Falconer]

I got the Series 2 today(sport black 42mm). I upgraded from my original mainly for the GPS, which is a game changer for me. I'd like to know the GPS accuracy or know when it's locked on to a signal. The new running interface in the exercise app is great and nicely customizable, but it doesn't matter if the GPS isn't accurate. I'm running a half marathon tomorrow, but will probably have to use Runkeeper or endomondo until I've had a chance to test it.

Does anyone with the series 2 know if there's a way to see the GPS signal on the watch?

Not sure, but hope your half went great!

 

[Suggs68]

I am a runner as well and always take my phone with me on my runs. The GPS on the first Watch is spotty because it relies on the iPhone, but I am assuming that the built-in Watch GPS will make for more accurate distances. I have a buyer interested in my Watch but am torn on whether I want to wait 3-5 weeks for Series 2! That said, I only have a couple of big runs coming up in the next month, so I could get by without it - even though I'll miss my notifications and other watch stuff, lol.

Decisions, decisions...

So it's confirmed that the Series 2 gps only kicks in if you're running without your phone. If you have your phone on and it's not in airplane mode, the watch will automatically use the phone's GPS. Honestly, had I known that I may not have gotten my Series 2 since I always run with my phone. I am happy I got it since it's noticeably faster and brighter, and I do like new things but it definitely isn't necessary.

I've tried runs both with and without my phone and both GPS's are very accurate. Also, be forewarned that right now the only running app that uses the Series 2 GPS is the stock Apple exercise app. None of the 3rd party apps support it yet.

 

[Donkichot]

Take a look at this...
I think my Series 2 transit through a Wormhole...
Magically from Shangai to Anchorage to Korea then back to Shanghai

 

[Mac Guy]

it's noticeably faster and brighter, and I do like new things

The three main reasons why I ordered an S2! LOL!

First and mainly, for the brighter display. Seriously. While legible in bright sunlight, most of the time anyway, it was very washed out. It needed to be brighter.

A bump in speed is always nice and this should be noticeable. GPS could be handy, but I want it to do is send my location to EMS and my ICE without my phone, and that isn't possible. Maybe with Series 3. (I don't want to rely on known network connectivity.)

 

[bbquincar]

Mine did/doing the same trip to funny. Fingers crossed I get mine tomorrow early in the day and not late in the evening.

 

[Donkichot]

Mine did/doing the same trip to funny. Fingers crossed I get mine tomorrow early in the day and not late in the evening.

Mine also is schedule for tomorrow "through the wormhole" right in my hand !

 

[cheli007]

Also, be forewarned that right now the only running app that uses the Series 2 GPS is the stock Apple exercise app. None of the 3rd party apps support it yet.

Will Apple allow them to? Will they even open it up to third parties other than Nike? I'd love to be able to use MapMyRun with the watch GPS.

 

[James Falconer]

Will Apple allow them to? Will they even open it up to third parties other than Nike? I'd love to be able to use MapMyRun with the watch GPS.

Ditto. Third party apps FTW.