Apple’s watchOS 2.2 is en route and the current beta features an upcoming Nearby search features in Apple Maps as well as quick navigation buttons for travel directions to home and work addresses.
The current shipping watchOS version has the Maps application launch to a view of your current location, then pressing the display firmly reveals buttons to access contact addresses, search, and toggling between transit and standard directions.
The Maps application on watchOS 2.2 appears to incorporate a new layer of actions, the beta featuring shortcuts to navigating to your home and work address from your current location. Search is also a more accessible button that doesn’t require Force Touch. The old Maps view can still be accessed through the My Location button beneath Search.
The upcoming Nearby feature is currently in use in six countries, including the U.S. and Canada and made its debut with iOS 9.
This feature works similarly to Yelp’s Apple Watch app (Yelp is a data provider here) and lets you choose between Food, Drinks, Shopping, Travel, Services, Fun, Health and Transport categories. Each section includes an additional list of more detailed categories followed by specific local businesses listed by distance with star ratings and business hours, contact information, directions, and location.
Aside from a revamped Maps app, watchOS 2.2 also allows iPhones to pair multiple Apple Watches simultaneously. The most recently unlocked and raised Apple Watch automatically becomes active with the paired iPhone.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via 9to5Mac