Apple recently released their new Watch OS 2 to developers, marking a significant upgrade in the functionality and performance of their smartwatch software. This new version of Apple’s smartwatch operating system allows apps to run natively on the device, which means they can operate more efficiently and with greater responsiveness.
Flappy Bird on Apple Watch
In an impressive demonstration of the new capabilities of Watch OS 2, developer Hamza Sood has managed to get a clone of the popular game Flappy Bird running on the Apple Watch. This feat showcases the potential for more complex and engaging applications to be developed for the smartwatch. Sood posted a video of the game running on the Apple Watch on Twitter, which you can see below.
Hacked a Flappy Bird clone onto Apple Watch with native SpriteKit rendering, touch/crown control, SFX through speaker pic.twitter.com/U1cavXb7SN
— Hamza Sood (@hamzasood) June 16, 2015
Flappy Bird, a game known for its simplicity and difficulty, appears to be even more challenging on the smaller screen of the Apple Watch. The game utilizes native SpriteKit rendering, touch and crown control, and sound effects through the watch’s speaker, demonstrating the advanced capabilities of Watch OS 2.
Implications for Developers
The ability to run apps natively on the Apple Watch opens up a world of possibilities for developers. Previously, apps for the Apple Watch had to rely heavily on the paired iPhone for processing power and data, which limited their functionality and responsiveness. With Watch OS 2, developers can create more sophisticated and standalone applications that can take full advantage of the watch’s hardware.
For example, fitness apps can now track workouts and provide real-time feedback without needing to be tethered to an iPhone. Similarly, navigation apps can offer turn-by-turn directions directly on the watch, making it more convenient for users on the go. The gaming experience, as demonstrated by Sood’s Flappy Bird clone, can also be enhanced, providing users with more engaging and interactive content.
Moreover, the new operating system supports additional features such as access to the watch’s microphone, accelerometer, and heart rate sensor, allowing developers to create more innovative and health-focused applications. This could lead to a new wave of health and fitness apps that provide users with more detailed and accurate data about their physical activities and well-being.
Flappy Bird’s transition to the Apple Watch is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of developers. It also highlights the potential for other popular games and applications to be adapted for the smartwatch, providing users with a more diverse and entertaining experience.
The release of Watch OS 2 marks a significant milestone for the Apple Watch, enhancing its capabilities and opening up new opportunities for developers. As more developers explore the potential of this new operating system, we can expect to see a wide range of innovative and exciting applications that will further enrich the user experience on the Apple Watch.
Source Gizmodo
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