WatchVario can be used by glider pilots of all skill levels. Like other portable cockpit devices, the app is intended to be an backup source of altitude and vertical speed. It is not a replacement for cockpit panel instrumentation.
Human factors was an important consideration during development. The app has a simple layout with both analog and digital information. This intuitive and familiar design minimizes the time needed for the pilot to acquire information.
The app uses internal sensors to calculate altitude and rate of climb. The altitude is displayed in feet above mean sea level. The watch fuses GPS altitude and pressure sensor data to determine altitude. There is no need for the user to enter an altimeter setting. The variometer is uncompensated and displays actual rate of climb or descent in knots. The app uses Kalman filtering to smooth variometer readings.
The app has a "demo mode" for use on the ground. When selected, the demo mode is clearly marked on the display and shows a moving altitude and variometer. This is handy for familiarization and demonstration.