Although it might not seem like it, technology is gradually creeping into the lives of off-roaders. In addition to than some useful Jeep parts such as GPS systems, our smartphones are filled with apps that help us immensely.
But what about a watch? Well, the Apple watch was released with much fanfare about a year ago, and although many were skeptical at first, it seems that this might just be the next big thing in the world of off-roading.
Other than its nifty looks, the Apple watch can link with a number of apps on your I-phone. This means that you can receive alerts, messages, and other information without the need to touch your phone. This is particularly useful when out on a challenging technical trail where you probably don’t want to be reaching for your phone at any point.
Gaia Map integration
Perhaps one of the biggest plus factors is that the Apple watch works seamlessly with one of the most popular mapping apps found today – Gaia Maps. It allows you to start, stop or pause a particular track, read a host of positioning stats, mark and unmark waypoints and of course view your exact position on the map. In fact, most maps will now display on your watch face itself.
Other apps
App developers are still rolling out Apple watch integration, but a number of apps useful to off-roading already work with the watch. These include the brilliant Google Night Sky, Cyclemeter, and the Weather Channel app. Bear in mind that the Apple watch does not contain a built-in GPS so you would need to download an app for that, although the ones you already have on your smartphone will in all probability be available for it.
Advantages
The Apple watch comes in a number of models, each with their own adjustable strap. Many other strap types can be found on the market. The display on the watch is incredible, with numerous screen configurations to setup the time, date or other displays to your exact liking. The phone can also sync with the camera of the I-Phone, allowing you to take pictures using your watch. Of course, the main advantage is the availability of useful apps that can be utilized through the watch. This is growing at an incredible rate as people realize its potential.
Disadvantages
Well, you never get the best use out of an Apple watch if it is not paired with an I-phone. So if you prefer other smartphone makes, an Apple watch is of little use to you. Bear in mind, the watch needs to be able to sync with your phone, so if your phone runs out of battery power, the capabilities of your watch are severely limited.
Another disadvantage, the price! An Apple watch is not cheap, and if you do decide to buy one you may have to cut back on buying some jeep parts for a while!
That said, this is a brilliant piece of tech that can go a long way to making your off-roading experience that much more fun!