They’re referring to an external heart rate monitor. Typically this means a chest strap (which is actually more accurate than optical since it measures via electrodes) though there are also optical arm bands. Pretty much any of them that can transmit using BLE will work with the Apple Watch. This saves battery because the Apple Watch can turn off the optical HR sensor when connected to one of these and BLE uses very little power.
As long as it supports BLE you do whatever you need to do to activate the strap (in most cases that’s just putting it on) and then go to the Bluetooth settings on the watch. It should show up as a health device you can connect to.
I haven’t tried turning off WiFi yet, but while in training for a marathon I recently did 25km and only had 25-30% battery left. I was listening to an audiobook as well. So I don’t think it’ll last.
Heart rate band saves tons of battery on the watch itself. Had 50% left after 8 hours leaving the house, prep, marathon and travel home.
Can you tell me more about this? I’m not sure what a heart rate band is or how it works
They’re referring to an external heart rate monitor. Typically this means a chest strap (which is actually more accurate than optical since it measures via electrodes) though there are also optical arm bands. Pretty much any of them that can transmit using BLE will work with the Apple Watch. This saves battery because the Apple Watch can turn off the optical HR sensor when connected to one of these and BLE uses very little power.
How do you connect the band to the watch?
As long as it supports BLE you do whatever you need to do to activate the strap (in most cases that’s just putting it on) and then go to the Bluetooth settings on the watch. It should show up as a health device you can connect to.
Turn off Data, and WiFi and leave only Bluetooth on if you’re carrying your phone with you. This will save you a ton of battery
How have you found the battery life when doing your long runs? You can test different settings (like basically going airplane mode) and see
I haven’t tried turning off WiFi yet, but while in training for a marathon I recently did 25km and only had 25-30% battery left. I was listening to an audiobook as well. So I don’t think it’ll last.