Technology
Apple Watch adds automatic handwashing detection for Covid-19 safety
Don’t turn off that faucet just yet! Now, Apple Watch will make sure you’re doing a good job of washing your hands, slackers.
Apple unveiled the new Apple Watch operating system, WatchOS 7, at its virtual Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday. One new feature seems slightly infantilizing, but is probably extremely useful for both your health and society’s. It’s called Automatic Handwashing Detection, which starts a 20-second countdown when the Watch notices you’re washing your hands.
The CDC recommends scrubbing with soap and water for 20 seconds to prevent the spread of disease. That practice has entered mainstream discourse in the efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. The handwashing feature from Apple is a timely tool to encourage people to follow that public health advice.
Using motion and sound detection, and machine learning, your Apple Watch will supposedly be able to tell when you start washing your hands. That will initiate a 20-second countdown, shown on your watch face in a fun, bubbly animation. If you stop washing your hands before the 20 seconds are up, the Watch will prompt you to keep going. Once you’ve reached your goal, you’ll get a “Well done!” from your Watch pal.
The Apple Watch will also keep track of your handwashing stats in the Health app, showing both “frequency” and “duration.” Depending on how diligent of a washer you are, those stats could be extremely rewarding, or embarrassing.
Handwashing detection is something that users will have to enable before Apple Watch starts being an active member of your bathroom routine. That opt-in setup is probably a good thing: While the countdown might be useful from a public health perspective, it’s easy to see how it could get annoying, fast.
Apple likes to tout that its Watch is the “ultimate guardian for your health.” Now, with the handwashing feature, it’s not just “guarding” you — it’s protecting society from your germs and lazy washing habits, too. So get to scrubbing!
-
Business6 days ago
Women in AI: Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick wants to pass more AI legislation
-
Entertainment3 days ago
‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ review: George Miller’s blazing action folktale might just have outdone ‘Fury Road’
-
Business5 days ago
Healthy growth helps B2B food e-commerce startup Pepper nab $30 million led by ICONIQ Growth
-
Entertainment4 days ago
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 trailer breakdown: Dragons, Rook’s Rest, and more
-
Entertainment3 days ago
Sex education is under threat in the UK. What’s going on?
-
Business3 days ago
Orange Charger thinks a $750 outlet will solve EV charging for apartment dwellers
-
Entertainment5 days ago
Apple iPad Pro 2024 (13-inch) review: The battery life is bonkers
-
Business3 days ago
Senate study proposes ‘at least’ $32B yearly for AI programs