With the new Apple Watch, real-time news and social updates are just a glance away from the avid consumer — and brands can be too. A few of Canada’s top brands couldn’t wait until the Watch dropped April 24 to get in on the wearable game. Here’s a roundup of some of the branded apps that will be available to download at launch.
Tangerine
What it does: Check account balances and details, receive notifications when your balance is over or under a set threshold, see the most recent transaction from your account.
What you’ll use it for: Never having to suffer the shame of a declined debit transaction at The Beer Store again.
Air Canada
What it does: Show real-time info on any of your flights leaving in the next 24 hours. Receive notifications for check-in and boarding.
What you’ll use it for: Checking every 30 seconds whether your flight is boarding yet, while you stand in the security line for 2 hours.
theScore
What it does: See upcoming matches, game details, and notifications on scoring plays and breaking news. Glance lets you see how your favourite team is doing right now.
What you’ll use it for: Sneaking off to the bar bathroom to see if the Sens have scored.
Realtor.ca
What it does: Find nearby listings, add and view favourite listings and initiate a call with your agent.
What you’ll use it for: Figuring out whether that nice-looking place on the corner is for sale without having to ring any doorbells.
Globe and Mail
What it does: A curated feed of breaking news headlines, and the ability to save stories to your phone for later.
What you’ll use it for: Justifying to yourself how often you read the headline, but skip the actual story.
Desjardins
What it does: Fast and easy access to credit card balances, plus set savings goals and track progress towards them.
What you’ll use it for: Filling the annoying empty space on your home screen.
Westjet
What it does: Book and review travel arrangements, check-in, and check your flight status. And of course, connect with Westjet on social media.
What you’ll use it for: Tweeting at Westjet about the price of mixed nuts.
Pizza Pizza
What it does: Browse deals, order and pay for your pizza, and watch a live 40-minute countdown timer until it arrives.
What you’ll use it for: Irrefutable proof the pizza guy was five minutes late.
