I was convinced that having the new (Series 4) Apple Watch was worth replacing my first generation watch due to its fitness and health-tracking features. However, after Santa placed one under the tree, I started discovering lots of helpful work-related apps that bypass the need to have an iPhone nearby. Here are just a few of my early favorite Series 4 apps that are more about work than play. (I’ll get to the playful apps later. Send us your favorite apps to [email protected])

NEWS & WEATHER

CNN
CNN’s Apple Watch extension lets you browse news in 12 different categories, all of which can be set to your preference. (Free)

DARK SKY
Dark Sky’s Apple Watch app is not a downsized version of the main app. It provides a week’s forecast and will display weather notifications on rain, extreme weather, or government alerts. ($4)

PODCASTS & RADIO

CASTRO PODCAST PLAYER
Working almost like an email client for podcasts, the Castro app makes it easy to log, download, and listen to podcasts, no matter how many you subscribe to. The Apple Watch app lets you control playback, including choosing new episodes to play. (Free, in-app paid features)

TUNEIN RADIO
This Apple Watch app provides access to 100,000-plus radio stations featured on the iPhone TuneIn app. (Free)

TRANSPORTATION & TRAVEL TOOLS

UBER
Everything you normally do on the Uber iPhone app can be done from your wrist on the Apple Watch.

TRIPIT
The Apple Watch version of the excellent online app of Tripit. Compiles trip information including flights, hotel reservations and car services into one list.

ITRANSLATE CONVERSE
Tanslate your words into another language directly from your Apple Watch. Say what you want to say into the watch, and it will translate the phrase into one of 38 languages. Includes a visual, text-based translation. (Free for trial period, then a subscription fee)

WORK TOOLS

CURRENCY
Convert one currency into to another currency, all without using your iPhone phone. (Free)

CANARY MAIL
A third-party email clients for Apple Watch. Reading email, quick replies, dictation. With Apple Watch Series 3 with 4G LTE — it will sync email without your phone. (Optional encryption: $10)

CALBOT
Make it quick and easy to perform calculations on the move, without the need to grab your phone. ($2, more for additional themes)

EVERNOTE
The Watch app receives notifications and reminders, lets you view notes and update them, and create new ones using dictation.

DRAFTS
Grab text from anywhere, or dictate it on the move, and share it with almost any other app or service. Dictate it directly to your Apple Watch, view the result, add more, and save it in your inbox. ($20 Subscription)

CHEATSHEET WIDGET
Take a quick note, called a cheat, then it’ll appear as a complication on your chosen Apple Watch face. The app also integrates with iMessage on iOS 10 and has a widget for your iPhone. An in-app purchase unlocks iCloud syncing, too

FANTASTICAL 2
Calendar and reminder app that goes all out on the Apple Watch, allowing you to add events using dictation, view upcoming calendar entries, and have it all displayed in a Watch face complication. ($5)

MICROSOFT POWERPOINT
With PowerPoint for the Apple Watch, you can go forward or back, pause, or end the presentation without touching your phone.

SLEEP & RELAXATION

HEADSPACE
Headspace offers guided meditations to help you relax.

SLEEP CYCLE
A companion app to the Sleep Cycle app for the iPhone. A silent wake up alarm based on sleep phases, plus a snore stopper feature. This uses vibrations to encourage a position change, minimizing snoring. (Free, more for in-app features)

GettyImages | Apple.com

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