Apple Watch has come a long way since it was first introduced back in 2014.
Through several iterations, the core focus has shifted away from just being a "smart watch" to a device with three main focuses, according to Apple.
These are a device to keep you connected, that tracks your fitness and well-being and protects your health.
All three of these categories has received something of an update in the latest release - Watch Series 5, and for the most part its positive, if at times modest.
DISPLAY
Probably the biggest and most obvious change to Watch Series 5 is the display.
Previously the device's screen was black when it was not being looked at or used.
This was primarily a design decision based around maximising battery life.
But now, following a change of technology underlying the screen (not the screen itself), Apple has made it always on.
This means that if the device is being worn but is not in use, a dimmed version of whatever app you have left open (or the home watch face if there is no app open) is displayed, overlaid with the time in the top right hand corner.
This means that when it is essentially on standby, it is consuming a vastly lower amount of power.
As soon as you tilt your wrist up in the way you do to look at the watch, or touch the screen, it automatically powers up to full brightness again.
You still receive notifications as they come through and for apps that require constant updating, like workout apps for example, parts of the screen will be refreshed constantly.
But other apps won’t refresh until the screen is woken again.
The always-on functionality can be turned off completely if the user prefers or wants to extend the battery life further.
Complications (the customisable individual pieces of data on a watch face) that carry sensitive information, like calendar and mail, can also be set to turn off when your wrist is down so others can’t see them.
It is a welcome development on the Watch and one which remarkably does not impact massively on battery life much at all.
The review device we’ve been trying out has easily been lasting the 18 hours claimed by Apple and often it makes it though the complete full second day.
However, it is a little less long-lasting than previously - much will depend on each user's habits.
HARDWARE
The other big new hardware addition to Watch Series 5 is a compass.
iPhones have had this feature for quite some time, but this is the first time it has come to Apple’s timepiece.
It is magnetic based, and capable of indicating both magnetic and true north.
It is also capable of reading the incline, ground elevation and latitude and longitude.
Handy if you are walker, for example. But also handy if you find yourself in a city you don’t know well, for example, and need to get your bearings.
The compass has also been integrated in certain apps, including Maps for example, so not only can you now see where you are, but also which direction you are pointed which is very useful when you are trying to work out the correct way walk.
Needless to say, the features of older models remain, like GPS, ECG and heart rate monitoring, etc.
SOFTWARE
The device runs on the new latest Apple operating system, Watch OS6, which incidentally is also available for Series 5, 4 and 3 watches too.
The main addition is a noise level detection app - a decibel meter that listens for the intensity of sound and warns you if it goes over a healthy limit of 90 decibels over 30 minutes a day (these limits can be changed).
That alert is set off by default though, so if you want it to work you need to activate it.
That will prompt questions in many users' minds about whether they want another technology device listening to what they are saying all the time.
Apple says it doesn’t record or save any sounds. But after the recent Siri controversy, some may be skeptical.
It could in theory be a useful addition, particularly for those working in noisy environments.
It does also measure the output of headphones and that could be good for young people prone to over doing the volume level when listening to their tunes.
But in reality for most of us, it probably isn’t as useful as past new features, like heart rate and ECG monitoring.
Another interesting addition is menstrual cycle tracking for women.
It enables the user to track period timing, flow, symptoms etc.
But it is dependent on data being inputted by the user and the quality of that data.
The feature includes a fertility prediction window - but Apple is at pains to point out that this does not equate to a contraception tool.
International emergency calling is another new feature, where on cellular enabled models, you can now call local emergency services almost anywhere in the world just by pressing and holding the side button—even when your phone isn’t nearby.
That’s great, except in Ireland cellular models still aren’t any use as Apple hasn’t inked deals with any of the mobile carriers here to enable the device to connect to mobile networks.
Other updates include some more new watch faces.
But overall, the software changes are modest enough on the Series 5 - tinkering around the edges really.
And there is still no native sleep-tracking app.
DESIGN
The overall size and look of the device hasn’t changed and all are functionally identical.
But there are a number of changes to the materials being used.
Watch Series 5 comes in a new titanium finish option, while ceramic has also been brought back.
These are more expensive than the traditional aluminum and stainless steel finishes that remain available and which will suit most people just fine.
But if money is no object and style is important, the other options are there.
SERIES 3
It would be wrong while reviewing the Watch Series 5 not to mention the Series 3.
When Apple launched the new wearable a few weeks ago, it also announced that the price of the Watch Series 3 would be cut quite considerably to €239.
That will prove an extremely tempting proposition for many potential buyers, who are either buying an Apple Watch for the first time or upgrading from a Series 1 or 2.
Because if you can live without an ECG monitor, a slightly larger screen and an always on display, then the Series 3 is a perfectly good option.
It isn’t entirely clear why Apple is doing this, potentially cannibalising its own market and diverting potential purchasers away from the new model which starts at €459.
But it has, and potential buyers would be foolish not to consider this.
CONCLUSION
The Apple Watch remains the clear leader in the crowded smart watch market.
However, the feature developments on the Series 5 represent an incremental improvement, not a revolutionary one.
An always-on screen is useful and some will find features like the compass and cycle tracking useful.
However, the Series 5 remains pricey, it still has no cellular support in Ireland and the always-on display has compromised battery life a little.
The biggest threat to it, though, will come from the Series 3 price cut.
The choice for those thinking of buying or upgrading is pretty simple really - all the latest features at an elevated price tag, or compromise and get it for almost 50% less.
Comments welcome via Twitter to @willgoodbody
