Our Favorite “Nearby Search” Feature Coming to watchOS 2.2

Our Favorite "Nearby Search" Feature Coming to watchOS 2.2
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With every successive software update, Apple is known to pile on the features and enhancements, respectively, across its entire range of mobile and computing devices. And this is certainly no exception for the company’s hot new wearable, Apple Watch, which will be seeing a number of them when watchOS 2.2 hits the airwaves some time in the not too distant future.

Currently in its beta phase, the impending upgrade to watchOS 2.2 — perhaps most notably, for the Apple Maps app — adds the company’s nearby search feature, in addition to quick access to navigation and directions from key points of interest such as your home or work address.

iDrop_AppleWatch2NearbyMaps_01The Maps application for watchOS, in its current iteration, launches directly into a standard map view of your current location. You can then press firmly on the screen to reveal several different options — including an assortment of buttons that will bring up contact addresses saved in memory, a basic search option, as well as quick access to toggles between standard and transit directions.

Beginning with watchOS 2.2, however, Apple is introducing a slew of new search options. Similar to the Google Maps app for Apple Watch, you’ll soon be able to quickly launch directions to either your home or work address from your current location via new buttons that aren’t dependent on Apple Watch’s Force Touch input method. Additionally, the original maps view can still be accessed via the “My Location” button located directly beneath the search box.

What’s more, Apple is also planning on bringing Apple Maps’ “Nearby Search” feature — originally introduced in Apple Maps for iOS 9 — to its watchOS 2.2 update.

iDrop_AppleWatch2NearbyMaps_02The feature works similar to Yelp’s Apple Watch app, which actually provides the search data for Apple Maps, allowing you to choose between different categories such as Food, Drinks, Services, Shopping, Travel, Fun, Health, and Transport. Each of these individual sections then provides a more detailed list of sub-categories, followed by comprehensive lists of local businesses — categorized by distance, and including star ratings, business hours, contact information, directions, and location.

In addition to a revamped Maps app, watchOS 2.2 brings a consortium of other new software enhancements, including the ability to pair multiple Apple Watches with a single iPhone.

Apple’s watchOS 2.2 update is currently available only in beta 1, however it’s expected that an official release to the public will come alongside, or even prior to, the release of iOS 9.3 later this year.

Learn More: Now You Can Order Pizza at the Flick of the Wrist on Apple Watch

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