Latest from Android Central in Wear-os-4

Google Messages is picking up a couple of genuinely useful upgrades

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 13:07:30 +0000

What you need to know

Google Messages may soon let users copy only part of a message instead of copying the full text.
The new feature appears in beta and adds inline text selection inside already selected messages.
Google is also rolling out a new 'Mark as read' option for Messages notifications on Wear OS.

Google continues to upgrade the Messages app as RCS usage keeps growing, and the latest upcoming changes bring a couple of genuinely useful features.

Google Messages has come a long way, and the company has added several helpful features over the years. However, one long-standing pain point is the inability to easily select part of a message to copy.

Right now, if you want to copy part of a message, like an OTP that is not auto-detected, you have to copy the entire message first and then trim it manually. Alternatively, you can use Android's clipboard text selection tools, but the process still takes multiple steps. It, however, looks like things may change soon.

As spotted by Android Authority, the Google Messages beta version messages.android_20260212_01_RC00.phone.openbeta_dynamic adds a new interaction when you tap and hold a message.

Copying part of messages may finally get easier

(Image credit: Android Authority)

You still get options like select, reply, forward, copy, and reactions, but now you can tap inside a selected message and highlight only a portion of the text. Once highlighted, you can long-press again and use Android's copy button to copy just that specific section.

The option to copy the full message still exists for those who want to use it. The feature isn't rolling out widely yet, though it could arrive soon.

In addition, another report from the publication notes that Google is rolling out a new 'Mark as read' button for the Messages app on Wear OS. The option appears directly in the notification when a message first arrives, letting you mark it as read without opening the conversation.

However, it only shows up when the notification first appears and not when revisiting it later from the notification shade. This feature already appears to be rolling out with the Play Store update.

Android Central's Take

Pretty neat. I've wanted the ability to copy only part of a message in Google Messages for years, and it finally seems to be happening. Telegram has offered this for months, and it's nice to see Google catching up.

Samsung updates its Internet Browser to bring gestures to WearOS

vishnu.skar@gmail.com (Vishnu Sarangapurkar) — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 14:51:58 +0000

What you need to know

Samsung's Internet Browser app gets a new 3.2.0.0.8 version via Google Play Store.
It highlights the "back and forward feature" for the Internet browser app, which translates to getting swipe gestures for the browser navigation.
It is reportedly seen working for other Wear OS-powered smartwatches like the Pixel Watch 2.

Using a browser on a smartwatch can sometimes be tricky as it involves navigating between pages back and forth. It applies to Galaxy Watch models and other WearOS-powered smartwatches. To make that experience smoother, Samsung is updating its Internet Browser app, as noted by SamMobile.

According to the publication, Galaxy Watch users usually use their physical buttons on the smartwatch to navigate to the previous page while using the Internet Browser. And there is no action or button to go forward on a page in a similar manner.

Further, the option to go to the previous page through hardware buttons was limited to Galaxy smartwatches and not to other WearOS-powered watches like the Google Pixel Watch. It is likely to change with the new update for the Internet Browser app.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Per the changelog (via APK Mirror) of the Samsung Internet Browser app on the WearOS bearing the 3.2.00.8 version number, the update highlights bringing the "back and forward feature" for the browser app.

As the name implies, users will be able to switch between pages, likely by gestures like swiping from the right to left to return to a page and vice versa or by using the top and bottom physical buttons on the smartwatch.

While it's still unclear if users can use the new swipe motions on a Galaxy Watch, folks at 9to5Google were able to test it on a Pixel Watch 2, and the most recent version of the Samsung Internet Browser app seems to be functioning smoothly. As implied, if the feature is functioning well on the Pixel Watch 2, its users, as well as those of TicWatch and Montblanc's Wear OS watches, may find it to be helpful to navigate.

If you are a Wear OS smartwatch and an Internet Browser app user, it is time to check for the latest version of the app through the Google Play Store and take advantage of the new gestures to have a smoother browsing experience.

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Pixel Watch 2 gains car crash detection support with new feature drop

vishnu.skar@gmail.com (Vishnu Sarangapurkar) — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +0000

What you need to know

Google dropped the Feature drop update for the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2.
The Pixel Watch 2 gains Car Crash detection, whereas the Pixel Watch gains improvements to the Fall Detection feature.
Google Wallet can now link PayPal accounts for users who are making transactions on Pixel Watch models.

It is that time of year when we expect Google to launch its feature drops for Pixel devices, and the search giant just did it for the Pixel phones next to the Pixel Watch models.

The popular car crash detection feature that was only on Pixel phones is now available for Pixel Watch 2, with the latest feature drop. Pixel Watch 2 users can now dial emergency services if they get into a severe car crash. The new feature is paired with Emergency Sharing on the Pixel Watch 2 to help share real-time locations with the user's emergency contacts.

(Image credit: Google)

Additionally, improvements to fall detection can be seen with the new update, especially for falls from bicycles. The latter applies to both the Pixel Watch and the Pixel Watch 2.

Next up is the Google Wallet, a handy app for smartwatch users. As part of the new update, both Pixel Watch models' can link their Paypal account to the wallet app. The feature will be available for users based in the U.S. and Germany. The new feature aims to allow its users to make payments hassle-free by providing multiple options.

(Image credit: Google)

Google is also bringing a major revamp for its Home app for users running on WearOS 3 and above-powered smartwatches. It allows users to easily access their smart home devices faster and easier from their wrists. It includes accessing users' Google Home favorites with just a swipe on the Pixel Watch — thanks to a new Wear OS tile. Users will then be able to adjust the temperature and dim the lights, as well as more, from the latest Google Home app.

Further, users can access their smart home from their preferred watch face complication on the Wear OS-powered smartwatch. They can add a shortcut to the watch face, and tapping the shortcut allows the users to make adjustments right on their wrists. Similarly, users can adjust the rotation of blinds or fan speeds and more from their smartwatch.

Pixel Watch 2 Google Home ShortcutGoogle

Pixel Watch 2 Google Home SettingsGoogle

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Long-overdue Wear OS 4 update is coming to one of our favorite smartwatches, sort of

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 18:25:32 +0000

What you need to know

Mobvoi's TicWatch Pro 5 owners can start filling out the required form as the company begins recruiting for its Wear OS 4 beta.
The recruitment period will run until April 30 and those selected will hear back a week after it concludes.
Mobvoi will (hopefully) work its way back into a better light after its crippling delay with Wear OS 3.

Mobvoi is kickstarting its beta for TicWatch owners who've been eagerly awaiting Wear OS 4.

The company posted a quick teaser in its Facebook group, announcing the start of its Wear OS 4 beta for TicWatch Pro 5 owners. Mobvoi states its recruitment period for Pro 5 watch owners has started and users must fill out a questionnaire beforehand. The form will ask questions about your Android device, such as name, age, and more if you have the appropriate device.

Mobvoi has a few requirements before users can submit their names into the pool to be randomly chosen.

The company says users must retain confidentiality throughout the testing period, meaning no photos or videos of the software are allowed. If selected, users will be given an NDA to sign before being granted entry. This is similar to previous betas Mobvoi has launched for Wear OS 3. The company encourages any accepted testers to use their TicWatch Pro 5 "daily" with the Wear OS 4 software and update it "promptly."

Moreover, discussions are encouraged (feedback, too). However, testers can only do this within Mobvoi's designated Slack group channels.

Mobvoi states its Wear OS 4 beta recruitment period will last until April 30. If you're lucky, the company states that selected testers will be notified one week after its recruitment period concludes.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Hopefully, this is the start of Mobvoi getting back into the good graces of its consumers after many became weary of the Wear OS 3 waiting game. The company was lagging behind many of its competitors in the smartwatch space when it came to rolling out its Wear OS 3 update to eligible devices. The company finally explained the cause for the delay in July 2023, stating its "proprietary dual architecture" was the culprit.

Mobvoi stated users could expect its Wear OS 3 update to arrive during Q3 2023, but that didn't happen. Instead, the update landed during Q4 in December 2023 — two years after Wear OS 3 originally launched.

The company had to completely rework the internal architecture inside many of its devices a part of its TicWatch 3 series for the software to function. There is hope that Mobvoi will get things right this time with the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chipset and not force its consumers to wait another two years.

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Ticwatch Pro 5

There's a new sheriff in town

Mobvoi's TicWatch Pro 5 might hit all the notes you're expecting a smartwatch to hit. After a long wait, the TicWatch Pro 5 delivers incredible performance for all your wearable apps and tools. The watch also offers multi-day battery life, which is a privilege in this day and age. With good health tracking, the TicWatch Pro 5 cements itself as a worthy partner.

How to transfer a Wear OS smartwatch from one phone to another

michael.hicks@futurenet.com (Michael L Hicks) — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:04:26 +0000

Transferring your Wear OS watch to a new phone is much easier than before, when you had to reset your smartwatch first. You can now preserve your settings and data after the transfer, in most cases.

Only Wear OS 4 watches like the Pixel Watch 2 or Galaxy Watch 6 have access to this feature, however, and they both handle the transfer using their respective watch apps and unique steps (which we'll explain below).

As for other Wear OS watches stuck at Wear OS 3, you'll have to factory reset your watch before setting it up on the new phone like you would with a brand-new watch.

Below, we'll break down the specific steps for transferring a Galaxy Watch 6, Pixel Watch 2, or OnePlus Watch 2 to a new Android smartphone without losing your data.

How to transfer Galaxy Watch 6 to a new phone

(Image credit: Android Central)

1. Set up your new Android phone, enable Bluetooth if it isn't on already, and log into the same Google account as your old phone. You'll have to reset the watch if they don't match.

2. On your old phone, open the Wearable app. Make sure your smartwatch is synced with that phone.

3. Tap Watch Settings.

4. Tap General.

5. Tap Transfer watch to new phone, located near the bottom. Then tap that text again on the next screen.

6. You'll be taken to a Ready to transfer screen. If your new phone is a Samsung phone, you should see an automatic prompt showing your watch, where you'll tap Connect.

6a. If the prompt doesn't appear on your new phone, you may need to either download Galaxy Wearable from the Play Store or find the watch in your Bluetooth menu in Settings.

At this point, you'll simply go through the steps in the Galaxy Wearable app, confirming your settings, before you'll have access to your smartwatch again!

How to transfer Pixel Watch 2 to new phone

(Image credit: Android Central)

1. On your new phone, make sure you're logged into the same Google account as your old phone, and download the Google Pixel Watch app.

2. On your Pixel Watch 2, open Settings by swiping a finger down from the top of the display to find the Cog icon.

3. Scroll down to System, then down to Transfer Watch (both are the final options).

(Image credit: Android Central)

4. On the Transfer watch screen, tap the Checkmark.

5. Open the Pixel Watch app on your new phone and follow the steps, confirming the pairing code is the same on both devices.

Having tested this system ourselves, transferring the Pixel Watch 2 to a new phone only takes a couple of minutes at most, so you'll be all set quickly!

How to transfer the OnePlus Watch 2 to a new phone

Unfortunately, the OnePlus Watch 2 doesn't transfer over as easily, despite running Wear OS 4. We've confirmed with OnePlus that you need to "disconnect and reset" your smartwatch before pairing with a new phone:

1. In the OHealth app, tap the Device tab, then scroll down to select More.

2. Tap Unpair, then tap Unpair again. Your OnePlus Watch 2 will automatically factory reset itself, so you can sync it to your new phone.

That said, you can transfer over your health data before the reset, by installing the OHealth app on your new phone:

1. Sign into the same OHealth account on both phones.

2. Make sure both phones are on the same Wi-Fi network.

3. On both phones, tap the profile icon in the app's top-right, then tap Migrate.

4. Tap either new phone or old phone on each phone, then scan the QR code.

5. Select which data you want to migrate. All data is selected by default.

Figuring out Wear OS and propriety skins

We didn't cover every Wear OS watch here, because most of the older Wear OS 3 watches use their own proprietary systems and require you to reset the watch first. We're happy that Google finally prioritized simple transfers, for people who frequently swap between cheap Android phones but want to make their smartwatch last across devices.

It's no coincidence, though, that the two best Android watches are the two that made this transfer system work. Google and Samsung frequently develop the latest smartwatch tech for themselves, leaving other brands playing catch-up. So if you're looking for a smartwatch built to last, you'll probably want to consider a Galaxy or Pixel Watch first.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

Built to last

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 came out in mid-2023, but because it'll receive four years of software support, it's meant to last through 2027 (at least). That means it'll be ready to transfer from one Android phone to the next, offering long battery life and a bright, thin-edged AMOLED display.

Smartwatches would be the perfect place to revive this '90s gaming fad

michael.hicks@futurenet.com (Michael L Hicks) — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 15:00:11 +0000

WearOS and WatchOS have a couple dozen smartwatch games apiece, with a cult following of gamers who like puzzles and arcade games on tiny screens. However, one type of game would go with smartwatches like PB&J: a virtual pet watch face/ game, like the Tamagotchi or Pikachu wearables of the '90s.

I owned the original Bandai Tamagotchi from 1996 and the Pokemon Pikachu in '98. I have vague, nostalgia-tinted memories of raising my Tamagotchi to adulthood and running with my marathoner dad wearing my Pikachu pedometer to make the little monster happy. They both felt larger and more real than the dozens of pixels that displayed them.

Also, they definitely didn't die from neglect or abandon me for my lack of steps. You'd have to dig them out of boxes in my parents' garage to prove it. In my mind, they're still alive, just like Schrödinger's cat.

Anyway, as someone with a sedentary job, I rely on smartwatch move alerts or stand reminders to stay healthy, but I'm always looking for new ways to stay motivated. Most people push themselves to close their daily rings or keep up a 10,000-steps-a-day streak, but it's very impersonal, and once you fall short, it can be hard to reestablish a routine.

Imagine a combination of Pokemon Sleep and Pikmin Bloom on your wrist (Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

Either a fitness watch's watch face or a smartwatch app would be the perfect place to revive '90s virtual pets as a cute way to reward you for working out — or emotionally torment you for slacking off.

Imagine a little Pikachu (or copyright-safe critter) that responds to your activity. If you've walked 500 steps in the last hour, he'll be strolling along happily. Complete a tracked activity, and you'll see a custom animation like lifting weights or swimming next to a Goldeen. But if you spend all day sitting, your virtual pet lays down and looks sulky. After enough days or weeks of neglect, it leaves, and you have to start over by catching a new critter.

If you wanted to capture that original Tamagotchi vibe, you could make it so you have to feed, entertain, and clean up after your pet, with it getting sick or dying from neglect in a worst-case scenario. Or you could make it sync with a goal-setting phone app like Finch that rewards you for finishing all kinds of activities, not just fitness ones.

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

I lean towards simplicity and style, which would make such a feature ubiquitous enough to catch on. While an Android smartwatch or Apple Watch has the display space and RAM for an in-depth app, an active care system would lead to most people abandoning their virtual pets after the novelty wears off.

An automatic, reactive virtual pet tuned into your fitness data and customized to your fitness level or personal goals would be a really cute motivator. It could appear on your main watch face or as a tappable icon in a watch complication. The latter probably makes the most sense to preserve battery life, so you only see animations when actively checking on your virtual pet's condition.

Ideally, you could choose a different kind of pet based on how active you are in everyday life. A virtual cat would be more okay with long, lazy stretches, while serious athletes might raise (or level up to) a more active animal.

If I could see a Pixel Watch 2 pet based on Fitbit Premium data throughout my day, that'd be pretty darn cool! Samsung, which already has sleep animals to judge your sleep quality and intends to launch a "My Vitality Score" this summer, could easily expand on its current system and use Samsung Health data to control your pet's health on the Galaxy Watch 7. For example, if you sleep badly, your virtual pet will have bags under its eyes.

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

You'd assume this kind of feature would require a proper smartwatch with enough processing power for animations. But I'd like to see this feature on battery-saving fitness watches, too, since they're the most likely to have in-depth training data to pull from.

Last year, I spotted Garmin holiday faces (like the one above) that would start empty and then build a snowman or decorate a tree based on how many intensity minutes you completed. And other dynamic watch faces adjust to different pictures as the day progresses.

Now that Garmin watches have started adding more AMOLED displays, sleep coaching, and enough storage space for massive topographical maps or music playlists, I wouldn't be surprised if they could squeeze in more variable watch faces that adjust based on your weekly mileage, monthly steps, or other data, without needing a ton of RAM. The same applies to other fitness brands, too!

I believe the virtual pets fad died out because the stakes were just as virtual. Once you forget to play with it and it dies, you realize how little impact it has on your life, and you move on.

In this scenario, there's something symbolically unsettling about neglecting your virtual pet — an avatar for your bodily health and fitness. It's easy to ignore an empty graph if you don't close a ring for a day, but harder when you see Pikachu tapping his foot impatiently.

Gamifying your fitness is nothing new, and we already have plenty of motivational running and walking apps to inspire us. But having a cute, animated creature on your wrist to celebrate your victories and nudge you into restarting your workout routine would be especially inspiring.

Here's hoping brands like Samsung or Apple decide to bring back this '90s fad for the kids-at-heart like me who need help staying fit!

Wear OS 4: New features, One UI 5 Watch, and more

michael.hicks@futurenet.com (Michael L Hicks) — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 08:49:16 +0000

Taking us by surprise, Google debuted Wear OS 4 with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 in August 2023. The Watch 6 was the first wearable to run One UI 5 Watch based on Wear OS 4. Meanwhile, the Pixel Watch 2 was the first smartwatch to run stock Wear OS 4.

Many Android watches are still waiting for the new wearable platform update, but select new releases come with the OS out of the box. For example, the OnePlus Watch 2 runs Wear OS 4 right out of the gate.

So, while there are many watches with Wear OS 4 and countless more that await the update, let's talk about the software itself. What exactly does Wear OS 4 bring to the table, and how does One UI 5 Watch differ from the stock Wear OS found on the Pixel Watch 2?

We'll break down everything and explain how Wear OS 4 improves upon the best Android smartwatches on the market.

Wear OS 4 release date

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

Google launched Wear OS 4 with the Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic on August 11, 2023. A few months later, the Pixel Watch 2 came out with the stock version of the OS on October 12, 2023. This was also when Google started rolling out the stable build of Wear OS 4 to other Android wearables, including the last-gen Pixel Watch.

As for Samsung's take on Wear OS 4, many of the older generations of the Galaxy Watch family have already received the One UI 5 Watch update. Both the Galaxy Watch 5 series and the Galaxy Watch 4 series have received the latest One UI 5 Watch based on Wear OS 4 update.

Wear OS 4: New features

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

As announced at Google I/O 2023, Wear OS 4 adds apps for Gmail and Google Calendar for the first time. You are now able to "quickly respond to emails...check your schedule, view and RSVP to events, and update task statuses" on your wrist.

Other additions include the new WhatsApp Wear OS app and Spotify's new updates such as the Tiles focused on podcasts, most-played songs, and the in-app DJ. Google Home has new controls like the ability to unlock your smart lock or check your Nest Doorbell feed on your wrist.

One of the bigger changes is the new Wear OS Watch Face Format co-created by Google and Samsung. Unlike the old Jetpack watch faces that had to be constantly optimized for better battery life and performance, new watch faces use "a declarative XML format" instead of actual code. Wear OS itself renders the watch face, so developers "no longer have to worry about code optimizations or battery performance." You can customize your own watch faces, complete with custom designs and behaviors.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Last and certainly not least, Google finally brought a more seamless data transfer option to the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2. Users can now backup and restore data on Wear OS 4. You can back up Galaxy Watches, but owners of stock Wear OS watches have been requesting the feature for years.

Plus, during the set-up process for any Wear OS watch, your app permissions "will automatically carry over" from your Android phone, Google says.

As for other Wear OS 4 updates, new changes like "power optimizations" make apps run more efficiently than in Wear OS 3, as well as new data types in Health Services. Essentially, third-party apps are able to access more of your health-sensor data, so long as you enable permissions for them to do so first.

One UI 5 Watch

One UI 5 Watch technically isn't associated with Google's version of Wear OS 4, as Samsung's version preceded it by a few months. But One UI 5.5 Watch is based on the final Wear OS 4.

First, One UI 5 Watch adds irregular heart rate notifications based on your heart rate monitor. Approved by the FDA, Samsung's AFib detection directs you to take an ECG on your Galaxy Watch 5 (or other models) for a more direct reading.

Next, a new Sleep Insights UI gives you a redesigned sleep score and Enhanced Sleep Coaching, and the watch no longer flashes the green LEDs when it detects possible sleep — a frequent complaint from users. Plus, it now offers menstrual cycle tracking using the skin temperature sensor.

On the fitness side, Samsung incorporated personalized workout intensity levels and heart rate zones. It also implements fall detection and better SOS functionality. As for Galaxy Watch 5 Pro users, they are now able to directly access a GPX map database to install running and hiking maps for their workouts.

Even though Samsung is running behind Apple in fitness, these features are certainly a welcome sign that it's taking fitness software more seriously.

You also receive three key new Wear OS apps on the Galaxy Watch series: a revamped Samsung Wallet app, WhatsApp, and ThermoCheck.

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The Pixel Watch March 2024 update is also here

vishnu.skar@gmail.com (Vishnu Sarangapurkar) — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 03:20:15 +0000

What you need to know

Google announces the March 2024 update to the Pixel Watch.
It will be rolled out to smartwatch owners over the next week and will be based on carrier availability for some.
The update brings the latest security patch next to some new features.

Google has announced new updates for its Pixel devices, including the Pixel phones and the Pixel Watch. The search giant has also started rolling out the Pixel March feature drop for the same. The original Google Pixel Watch is also getting the March 2024 security patch.

In a community post, Google has shared that the rollout will be in a phased manner based on the user's device and carrier they are currently on. The rollout should hit all the Pixel Watch owners over the next week, featuring the TWD9.240205.001.A3 build number.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

"The March 2024 software update includes the latest security patches for Pixel Watch users," the company notes in the community post. While it introduces the latest security patch for the Pixel Watch owners, users can also expect nifty new features like public transit directions on Google Maps. Similarly, the Fitbit features on the Pixel Watch 2 are also picked up by the original Pixel Watch.

Alongside these features, the March feature drop from the company is bringing more features to the first-generation Pixel Watch that were otherwise exclusive to its successor. They include features like Pace training, heart zone training, and auto workout mode.

Google

It's encouraging to see the original Pixel Watch, which will soon turn two, not being overlooked with the latest updates, with Google continuing to bring PW2 features to the older model.

With two successful generations of Pixel Watches, the company is reportedly working on the third one, tentatively named Pixel Watch 3. Latest reports indicate that the Pixel Watch 3 might be more significant than the Pixel Watch 2 by featuring 45mm in size.

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Google's new 'hybrid' Wear OS will enhance other watches besides the OnePlus Watch 2

michael.hicks@futurenet.com (Michael L Hicks) — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 15:00:58 +0000

What you need to know

Google has announced "fundamental design changes" to Wear OS 4 to improve its battery life longevity.
Specific to the new OnePlus Watch 2 (for now), the hybrid Wear OS optimizes the watch's "dual-chip architecture" to help it hit 100 hours per charge.
Google's method "intelligently switches" between the processor and low-power co-processor and could theoretically work with other Wear OS watches.

Wear OS watches are about to get a major battery boost, thanks to software changes behind the scenes for a new "Wear OS hybrid interface."

The OnePlus Watch 2, launched at MWC 2024 on Monday, created a stir among enthusiasts thanks to its epic 100-hour battery life. Now, Google is taking partial credit for this longevity.

In a blog post, Google explained how its new Wear OS system better prioritizes tasks between watches' main application processor (AP) and co-processor microcontroller unit (MCU), making them "work better in tandem."

The new Wear OS hybrid interface "intelligently switches between the MCU or the AP, allowing the AP to be suspended and preserving battery life" with a "seamless transition between these states," Google explains.

With this system in place, the low-power MCU can handle tasks like reading and dismissing notifications, quick replies, remote camera control, health sensor data, watch face format rendering, or audio processing.

Essentially, unless you're actively opening a Wear OS app, typing on the built-in keyboard, or performing other heavy-duty tasks, the main smartwatch processor should remain dormant most of the time, preserving the watch's battery.

How this will impact other Wear OS watches

We asked Google whether the Wear OS 4 hybrid software will retroactively make other Android watches last longer. We didn't get a clear answer, but we can strongly infer that we'll see a battery boost across the board.

"The implementation of the low power system is owned by OEMs," a Google rep told us, but "Google invested to make the full stack between Wear OS and OEM's low power system coordinated. OEMs implement different portions of the hybrid interface depending on their devices' capabilities and their power management strategy."

In plainer language, Google gave each OEM a playbook of hybrid features that should work for any watch, with no special treatment. But it's up to the specific brand to adapt them to their own UI and silicon.

The Google rep told us that "the most widely adopted portion of the hybrid interface" is that most Wear OS watches now continuously sample heart rate and steps using the MCU instead of the main processor. The second most popular function is using the MCU to render and update the watch face.

(Image credit: OnePlus)

Why wouldn't OEMs use every possible hybrid feature? Because it depends on how powerful the watch's dual-chip architecture is.

For context, the OnePlus Watch 2 has the same Snapdragon W5 chip as the Pixel Watch 2 and TicWatch Pro 5, but it uses a "BES 2700 MCU Efficiency" co-processor. Google and Mobvoi use a Cortex M33 and M55 co-processor, respectively, and these MCUs may not have the same ability to handle certain tasks as OnePlus' MCU.

Still, in theory, this new Wear OS hybrid system should make more tasks fall into any MCU's umbrella of duties, which would retroactively make the Pixel Watch 2 last longer. If not, perhaps the Pixel Watch 3 could add a better MCU to enable this.

As for Samsung, the Galaxy Watch 6 uses the Exynos W930 chipset with its dual Cortex-A55 cores, both clocked at 1.4GHz. As far as we know, Samsung doesn't use the same co-processor system, meaning it theoretically can't benefit from this hybrid software.

We're excited to see how this system will improve the state of Wear OS watches over time. If more Android watches can last multiple days per charge, that will make the overall experience much better.

Wear OS prepares an app grid for the Pixel Watch that's a little more functional

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 19:12:36 +0000

What you need to know

A dive into the Pixel Watch's code shows Google is preparing a new app grid view for Wear OS.
The viewing will show apps in rows of three, but only the icons of the apps will be shown in this grid.
Wear OS 4 is also preparing to bring a "dynamic theme," courtesy of Material You, to the Pixel Watch.

Google's wearable software is preparing a new change that boosts the quality of life for users when scrolling through apps.

According to Android Authority, following researcher "AA," Wear OS is preparing to redesign the apps section of the Pixel Watch 2 (via 9to5Google). The redesign involves showing apps in a grid view, with the small circular icons listed in rows of three down your display.

After manually forcing the changes to appear in the code, it was discovered that Google will let users switch between views. This means if you're a fan of the current list view on the Pixel Watch 2, you can revert to it. The publication noticed this would be possible by dipping into Settings > General > App view.

Moreover, this grid view would likely help users find an app on their smartwatch much faster — but not without a drawback. In testing, the grid view doesn't offer the name of the app when scrolling through. So, remembering the icon of the app you're looking for will make all the difference.

Wear OS' app view redesign will be coming to the Pixel Watch 2, and it also looks like the original Pixel Watch will grab it, as well.

(Image credit: Android Authority)

The latest sneak peek at Wear OS' updated app view seems to be a part of the Pixel Watch's February 2024 security patch. The light patch offered security improvements for Google's smartwatches this month.

Meanwhile, Android Authority reiterates Wear OS's upcoming dynamic theme, courtesy of Material You. The coming support "looks almost ready," meaning we're likely closing in on an update featuring it more prominently. The Pixel Watch was teased to gain Material You's dynamic theme in December. Users reported a blue hue across certain UI elements, such as the quick menu's icons.

Dynamic theme would let users match the color scheme of their watch face, creating a unified color experience across the device.

Google is still testing its March 2024 feature drop as it recently rolled out Android 14 QPR3 Beta 1. Most of the more prominent features for its smartwatches will likely come wrapped in that more considerable drop next month (if all goes well).

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Google Pixel Watch 2

The Apple Watch for Android

The Pixel Watch 2 is truly a step up from the original that launched in 2022. The smartwatch offers upgraded and improved heart rate sensors that are more accurate for those interested in monitoring their health. With a new chip, the Pixel Watch 2 much faster and snappier than ever before.

Pixel Watch update for February 2024 starts rolling out

bradypsnyder@gmail.com (Brady Snyder) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 07:05:58 +0000

What you need to know

Google is rolling out the February 2024 update to Pixel Watch owners, and it includes new security patches.
The rollout is starting now, but will extend over the next week based on carrier and device models.
On the same day, Google issued its February 2024 update for Pixel phones.

Google is starting to roll out the February 2024 update to Pixel Watch devices, and it includes security patches, according to the update's release notes. The company says that the update will reach all users over the next week, and the order of the rollout depends on both carrier and device model.

Since the update includes security fixes, you'll want to apply it to your first or second-generation Pixel Watch as soon as possible. You can check if your Pixel Watch has received the update by opening the Settings app on your watch. Then, navigate to the System page and find Software updates. The February 2024 update will either begin downloading automatically, or you'll see a Your watch is up to date page instead.

The update can be installed on all four Pixel Watch models, including the Pixel Watch (GPS), Pixel Watch (GPS + LTE), Pixel Watch 2 (GPS), and Pixel Watch 2 (GPS + LTE). As mentioned above, if you have an LTE model, your carrier might play a role when you see the update show up.

February is the third straight month that Google has shipped an update to all Pixel Watch devices, following a November update that only applied to the Pixel Watch 2 (LTE) configuration.

There are no known new feature additions or changes included in the February 2024 update for the Pixel Watch. The same was true of last month's Pixel Watch update as well. Instead, both updates just included security patches. We won't know the content of the security fixes for a while because Google delays the release of that information to give users time to update first.

In fact, we're still waiting to find out what bugs and security flaws were patched in the January 2024 update.

If your watch isn't showing the update yet, there's something that you can try. After the Your watch is up to date page loads, tap the watch icon at the top of the screen. This will force the page to refresh, and the update will begin to download, given it's available for your device. We have a full guide on Pixel Watch updates if you're having trouble.

Also, on Monday, Google released the February 2024 update for Pixel phones, which included bug fixes and security patches.

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Google Pixel Watch 2

The smartest Fitbit ever

Google's second-generation Pixel Watch combines solid hardware with great Fitbit and Wear OS software. With the latest February 2024 update, the smartwatch is getting even better.

OnePlus Watch 2 might launch during MWC 2024 with WearOS 4

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 19:42:19 +0000

What you need to know

A new round of rumors suggests that OnePlus is preparing to launch the Watch 2 at MWC 2024 sometime during its February 26 to 29 run.
Rumors double down on the Watch 2 using WearOS 4 once it launches.
A large batch of leaks showcased the Watch 2's metal body and design changes, suggesting it could arrive with the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 SoC.

A new rumor suggests that OnePlus's next Watch successor's launch is closer than we think.

The latest rumors stem from Max Jambor on X, who states that OnePlus could launch the Watch 2 during MWC 2024 (via 9to5Google). If true, this would place the Chinese OEM's launch somewhere between the event's February 26 to February 29 run.

Moreover, Jambor doubles down by claiming once again that the Watch 2 will run Google's WearOS software out of the box.

OnePlus Watch 2 is launching at Mobile World Congress! Looking forward to the next WearOS Watch!January 19, 2024

Leaks about the OnePlus Watch 2 have been fairly quiet, with the largest batch returning in November 2023. At the time, several purported (prototype) renderings of the new wearable spilled and showed off its metal body with a new bump sticking off its righthand side.

The renders showed this "side bump" contained a couple of physical buttons. This contrasts with the original OnePlus Watch as it sported physical buttons flush to its side.

Specifications are still a toss-up, however, the Watch 2 is rumored to arrive with a slightly larger 1.43-inch circular AMOLED display. Moreover, OnePlus may utilize the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, which also powers the Pixel Watch 2. The device's storage is unknown but there is hope that OnePlus packs the Watch 2 with 32GB of internal storage, which has become quite common for most WearOS devices. The original iteration only offered 4GB.

Rumors continued, stating the Watch 2 would switch from a custom RTOS to WearOS 4 once it launches. There's speculation that OnePlus could use both pieces of software, but a global release would only see the watch featuring WearOS 4. This would echo software practices done by Samsung and Xiaomi, if so.

We're now a month away from seeing just what the OnePlus Watch 2 will truly have in store. In the meantime, the OnePlus 12 and 12R are globally preparing to launch on January 23.

The Pixel Watch receives its first update of 2024

bradypsnyder@gmail.com (Brady Snyder) — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 04:15:48 +0000

What you need to know

Google's first Pixel Watch update of 2024 is starting to roll out to first and second-generation Pixel Watch users.
There are no major features or changes included in the update, but it does bring new security patches.
The update comes a week after Google issued its January 2024 update to Pixel phones.

Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 users are starting to get the January 2024 software update, but they won't notice any major changes. The update's release notes only mention security patches, and we won't know what issues those patches fix for a while.

The update applies to all four Pixel Watch models: the Pixel Watch (GPS), Pixel Watch (GPS + LTE), Pixel Watch 2 (GPS), and Pixel Watch 2 (GPS + LTE). This is significant because only the Pixel Watch 2 (LTE) received the November update in 2023. All models got the December 2023 update, so the latest January 2024 push represents some stability in Pixel Watch monthly updates.

To check if your Pixel Watch has gotten the update, open the Settings app on your watch. Then, tap the System tab and go to the Software updates page. If your Pixel Watch has gotten the over-the-air update, it'll begin downloading. Otherwise, you'll see a Your watch is up to date page in the meantime.

We've got a full guide on installing Pixel Watch updates, but there's a clever way to force the January 2024 update to download that you should know about. If you find yourself on the Your watch is up to date page, tapping the watch icon at the top of the screen will force the page to refresh. After that, the update will begin to download, provided it's available.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Google is issuing the TWD9.240105.004.A1 software version for all four Pixel Watches, and the update is based on Wear OS 4. If you aren't seeing the update on your Pixel Watch immediately, you can download and install the OTA images from Google Play Services.

The only significant additions coming with the January 2024 update for Pixel Watch devices are security fixes, and the details will be shared in a future Pixel Watch Security Bulletin. However, Google doesn't announce these details immediately. This gives Pixel Watch users time to apply the security patches before the flaws are publicly announced.

Although the January 2024 update didn't include any new features, the Pixel Watch just got a bunch of new ones — like Call Screen, Watch Unlock, and new faces — in the December 2023 Pixel Feature Drop.

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Google Pixel Watch 2

The best Fitbit

The Pixel Watch 2 may look identical to its predecessor, but thanks to a beefier chipset and other internal improvements, this Wear OS watch may be the perfect Fitbit smartwatch for anyone looking to get ahead of their fitness goals.

Your Pixel Watch could soon get some Material You love with Dynamic Color

vishnu.skar@gmail.com (Vishnu Sarangapurkar) — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 07:15:17 +0000

What you need to know

Google brings a blue hue across the Pixel Watch UI, replacing the white one.
The new Dynamic Color scheme is seen on Pixel Watch 2 running on Wear OS 4.
The change is seen across the interface, including the Quick Settings panel, buttons, and more.

Dynamic Color theming is part of Google's Material You, allowing users to have color schemes per their preferences based on the wallpaper set on their Pixel phone. So far, Material You integration hasn't reached the company's Pixel Watch, but that may likely change soon, thanks to Wear OS 4.

The Pixel Watch UI looks set to soon see some color change, according to 9to5Google. The publication spotted some changes on a Pixel Watch 2, with the Quick Settings replacing the white hue with a blue shade on icons and buttons across the interface. The change for users was spotted on the Wear OS System UI bearing 1.7.37.x version since last week; however, not all will experience the change immediately.

9to5Google

The screenshots shared by 9to5 point to the Quick Settings panel, which still has the grey background for all settings buttons, yet the icons appear blue. The change can also be seen on the buttons such as "Clear all" in the notifications pane on the Pixel Watch 2.

9to5Google

The change appears as part of the Dynamic Color theme, first spotted earlier this year. 9to5 further points out the color scheme change is also seen in Tiles and is expected to appear across the interface, including apps, quick settings, buttons, and more.

It still needs to be determined whether the change in color scheme is limited to the standard blue color hue or whether Wear OS 4 allows users to choose from preset colors as the update rolls out to more users in the near future. It's possible they could be set based on the watch face.

Previous findings have revealed that we could see a new toggle that will enable a Dynamic Color scheme to have color accents across the UI. It could be helpful for those who prefer to have their Pixel Watch interface set to their preferred color scheme within Settings.

Meanwhile, a new color scheme has recently taken over the mobile version of the Google Play Store, which recently opted for a blue hue, replacing the previous green colors across the interface.

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Google Pixel Watch 2

Google's second smartwatch represents a significant upgrade over the first model, thanks to a faster, more efficient chip, better battery life, and improved sensors for health and fitness tracking. The Pixel Watch 2 is the best Fitbit you can buy right now.

OnePlus Watch 2 leak reveals sleek new design, could launch with Wear OS 4

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 18:15:57 +0000

What you need to know

Rumors about the OnePlus Watch 2 suggest it could continue to feature a circular design but with the inclusion of a physical button bump.
The device may receive a slightly larger 1.43-inch AMOLED panel and the 2022 Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 SoC.
Rumors also suggest it will run Wear OS 4 instead of a custom RTOS like the original.

Rounding out the week is a batch of leaks pertaining to OnePlus and what it could strive for with its next smartwatch.

A partnership between MySmartPrice and OnLeaks has drudged up the potential design changes and specifications of the OnePlus Watch 2. A few early renderings of the device seem to suggest the Chinese maker is sticking with the circular design of its first iteration from 2021 but with an easily noticeable difference.

The renderings show the existence of a metal body and a bump sticking off the righthand side of the watch, which appears to hold a couple of physical buttons. Early indications apparently point toward OnePlus looking to launch the device with black and white rubber straps, to likely match whichever watch body consumers desire.

It's also worth stating, as MySmartPrice has, that these renders were shaped based on prototypes of the Watch 2. It's highly likely what we're seeing now could change.

MySmartPrice

For its proposed specs, OnLeaks states the OnePlus Watch 2 may arrive sporting a slightly larger 1.43-inch circular AMOLED display. It also seems it may be upgraded to the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, the same chip that Google has decided to pack into the likes of the Pixel Watch 2 this year.

Interestingly, while initial rumors stated OnePlus was interested in utilizing custom RTOS (again), Max Jambor on X stepped forward to say the device "will" run Wear OS 4 on launch. However, it's possible that it could run both, and Wear OS 4 will only be on the global variants of the watch. If that is the case, we could get a heavily customized version of Wear OS, similar to what we've seen with Samsung and Xiaomi.

#OnePlusWatch2 Design has been revealed in some gorgeous looking renders by @OnLeaks - I’ve seen quite a few comments asking about the OS it runs though. Let me reveal to you: The all new OnePlus Watch2 will run WearOS 4 ✅November 10, 2023

A bit of a refresher is in order, as the original OnePlus Watch featured a circular display. However, its physical buttons were flush to its right side. If the prototypes that the renders are based on make it through all channels, the existence of this interesting button-bump will surely strike a chord with consumers.

However, the specs for the upcoming watch are still pretty unknown. For example, the original debuted with 1GB of RAM and just 4GB of internal storage. Hopefully, OnePlus is looking to boost those numbers for a better experience since some newer Wear OS watches are reaching the market with up to 32GB.

Information is pretty scarce right now, and it's always best to take things with a grain of salt moving forward. There was a rumor, again by Max Jambor on X, that stated OnePlus could launch its Watch 2 at some point in 2024.

The first Pixel Watch 2 update is a small one

derrek.lee@futurenet.com (Derrek Lee) — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 23:32:56 +0000

What you need to know

Google is pushing the latest monthly update to the Pixel Watch 2.
The update includes bug fixes, but it's only available for the LTE version of the Pixel Watch 2.
There appears to be no update to the security level, with the watch still being on the October patch.
So far, there is no mention of an update for the other Pixel Watch models.

If you own a Pixel Watch 2, then you might be in luck, as a new update is currently rolling out for your smartwatch. However, the November 2023 update detailed in Google's community post is exclusively for the LTE variant of the watch.

According to Google, build TWD9.231005.005.B3 starts rolling out on Tuesday for the LTE Pixel Watch 2. The update is fairly small (the previous build was TWD9.231005.005.B1), with only mention of bug fixes and improvements. However, it curiously does not include a new security level for November. We're still installing the update for our model, but 9to5Google points out that their Pixel Watch 2 is still on the October security patch level.

Of course, even more curious is the fact that Google is only issuing the update for the LTE Pixel Watch 2 and not the Wi-Fi variant or the original Pixel Watch, for that matter.

Here's the only thing Google included in the changelog for the update:

The Nov 2023 software update includes bug fixes and improvements for Pixel Watch 2 LTE users.

Perhaps Google has to squash a few bugs before issuing the November security patch to all Pixel Watch versions and models. Still, it's a little curious, given that the company normally updates all or most of its Pixel smartphones in one go (with some exceptions here and there). The latest Pixel update includes all eligible smartphone and tablet models, including the Pixel 8 series.

Most likely, we can expect another update to arrive for the Pixel Watch devices soon, so we'll be on the lookout. For now, LTE Pixel Watch 2 owners should check for the update by navigating to Settings > System > System update.

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Google Pixel Watch 2

If you're in the market for a new smartwatch, you might want to consider the Pixel Watch 2. Not only does it look great, but it has best-in-class performance, enhanced health and fitness tracking sensors, and Fitbit integration to keep you on top of your goals.

Wear OS 4 is rolling out now for the original Pixel Watch

derrek.lee@futurenet.com (Derrek Lee) — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 19:45:03 +0000

What you need to know

The first Pixel Watch has begun receiving the Wear OS 4 update along with the October 2023 security patch.
The update brings a plethora of new features, such as the ability to back up and restore the watch and transfer phones without a factory reset.
The update also includes improved notifications, more safety features, and a preinstalled Google Calendar app.

The day has finally come. Just after the Pixel Watch 2 landed in stores, Google is making the latest Wear OS 4 update available for owners of the original Pixel Watch. According to Google, the update begins rolling out to the Pixel Watch starting today but will continue rolling out "over the coming weeks," depending on carrier and device.

The global build for Wear OS 4 on the Pixel Watch (TWD4.2301005.002) includes the October 2023 security patch. Additionally, it comes with all the features Google has highlighted as part of the Wear OS 4 update. That includes the ability to back up and restore your Pixel Watch 2, transfer to another phone without a factory reset, new accessibility features, enhanced notifications, and new safety features.

Additionally, the Google Calendar app, which was recently launched, will now be preinstalled on the Pixel Watch, although Google makes no mention of the Gmail app, which is also now available.

Below is the full changelog, per Google:

Watch transfer

When you upgrade your Pixel phone, you can now easily transfer your Pixel Watch to your new phone without having to factory reset it. Your devices will be synced and ready to go.

Backup and restore

Backup and restore helps you securely backup your data and settings from your old Pixel Watch so you can easily switch to a new Pixel Watch while keeping all of your data, settings and watch faces in place.

Google Calendar app

The new Google Calendar app will be preinstalled on your Pixel Watch with this update. You can get event and task notifications, view 30 days of your schedule, easily navigate to event locations right from your wrist, and even mark tasks as complete. Plus, you'll have more ways to access your calendar, from a tile or complication, to keep important info in plain sight.

Safety Features

With your upgrade to Wear OS 4, you'll get access to the latest and greatest in Safety – Safety Check, Emergency Sharing, and Emergency Info on your Pixel Watch. Keep your most important medical info easily accessible on your wrist or sent to participating emergency services(2) in the event of an emergency with Medical ID Info. Have peace of mind when you're walking home alone at night, on an early morning run, or in any other situation where you need a little safety net, with Safety Check and Emergency Sharing.

Accessibility & customization

New and improved customization capabilities, like a new text-to-speech engine supporting a faster, a more reliable TalkBack experience on your watch, bold text, new and improved magnification, and audio balance to adjust intensity of sound between right and left audio channels.

Enhanced notifications

Notifications come with smart link recognition of phone numbers and addresses, allowing you to tap to call, message, or get directions. Embedded media previews let you quickly view images and GIFs without leaving the notification shade. These enriched alerts provide more information upfront so you can take action faster.

To update your Pixel Watch, navigate to Settings > System > System update. If it doesn't immediately show up, don't worry; you'll likely get it sooner or later. There's also a special method you can try that may force the update to appear on your watch.

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Google Pixel Watch 2

The first Pixel Watch was great, but the Pixel Watch 2 is much better thanks to longer battery life, improved health sensors, and faster performance. The watch runs Wear OS 4 out of the box and comes in Wi-Fi or LTE variants.

October Google Systems update highlights Wear OS device transfer

tips@androidcentral.com (Nickolas Diaz) — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 19:05:49 +0000

What you need to know

The October Google System services update arrives for Android devices and highlights the "transfer" feature for Wear OS 4 devices.
This removes the necessity for a data wipe when connecting a smartwatch to a new phone as users will keep their data and settings.
The Play Store parades a new app details page for "non-phone" devices such as Android tablets, wearables, and the like.

Midway through October, Google has published a list of improvements for several of its services.

The company has detailed what changes have arrived as part of the October Google System updates, such as the Play Store (via 9to5Google). The kicker for this month is an update for Wear OS watches. Google states the update brings support for users to connect their smartwatch, such as the Pixel Watch 2, to more than one phone "seamlessly."

The wording is a bit curious, but it may refer to the ability to transfer from one device to another in Wear OS 4 without suffering through the dreaded watch reset. Additionally, users would be able to keep their apps, watch faces, and more when transferring.

This is a feature that many Wear OS device owners will probably praise the high heavens for as, previously, your device would undergo a factory reset if you were connecting to a new device.

Other updates in the "device connectivity" section include content received through Nearby Share, which will now drop into a new location, and new developer features. The new saved location for Nearby Share is likely its own dedicated folder within your device with its name as the title for easy discovery.

A few updates for the Google Play Store are as follows:

New design on the app details page to help you discover and learn about apps for your non-phone devices (Play Store v37.8).
You'll be able to add apps to your Google Play library directly when apps ask Google Play to download new content or functionality. (Play Store v37.8)
Payments legal documents being shown on a dedicated acceptance screen that the user must accept to proceed with the purchase. (Play Store v37.9)

(Image credit: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)

The "non-phone" devices referred to for the app details page redesign pertain to smartwatches, Android tablets, and so on.

Android WebView has gained some security, privacy, and bug fixes with this update. Other such inclusions pertain to stability, security, and network usage updates for October wrapped within the purview of "System Management."

You can view all of the changes on the Google System Updates page for more on what the latest update brings.

To grab the systems update, users can head into Settings > About phone > Android version > Google Play systems update.

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Google Pixel Watch 2

It's the little things

The Pixel Watch 2 still sports that inviting glass-domed design Google has become recognizable for but with loads of internal improvements. The watch features an even deeper integration with Fitbit, boasting new heart rate sensors and continuous stress tracking, too. The Pixel Watch 2's new internal SoC benefits its efficiency and power management.

Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Apple Watch Series 9: Which should you buy?

sharmarajat@zoho.com (Rajat Sharma) — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 08:05:32 +0000

Google Pixel Watch 2

Stylish and feature-laden

Google's latest Pixel Watch 2 features many improvements over the last-gen model, including a faster chipset, better battery life, and the ability to track and analyze all your health and fitness data.

Pros

Stunning circular design
Improved hardware and battery life
Digital crown with haptic feedback and side button
Extensive Fitbit integration
Runs latest Wear OS 4

Cons

Only available in one size
Screen can't show too much information at a time

Apple Watch Series 9

Premium and powerful

Apple's newest Series 9 features stackable widgets, elevation alerts, and the ability to automatically track all your workouts. It also has much more energy-efficient hardware and improved battery life.

Pros

Two size options
Faster and energy-efficient hardware
Digital crown with haptic feedback and side button
Solid build quality
Gesture support

Cons

Stainless steel and cellular variants are quite expensive
Dated design

The rivalry between Google and Apple — which began nearly a decade and a half ago with the unveiling of the first versions of Android and iOS — continues unabated to this day. While smartphones have always been (and still remain) at the forefront of this battle, they're now simply a part of competing ecosystems that are comprised of a variety of other products, such as smartwatches.

Speaking of smartwatches, let's compare the recently launched Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Apple Watch Series 9 and find out which one of these wearables deserves to be on your wrist. Much like the newest Pixel 8 and iPhone 15 series, these wearables are direct competitors.

Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Apple Watch Series 9: Design, display, and hardware

There's no denying that Pixel Watch 2 and Series 9 are two of the most premium and well-made smartwatches currently available out there. Both have cases made from recycled aluminum (with Apple's offering also having a Stainless-Steel version) and allow you to pick from a wide range of band styles that are compatible with last-gen models.

However, there's one key design difference between the two. While Apple Watch Series 9 sports a rectangular housing, Google's offering comes with a round housing. This difference allows Google Pixel Watch 2 to better imitate the look and feel of a real wristwatch. That said, Apple's offering actually looks like the smart wearable that it is.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Available in only one case size (41mm diameter), Google Pixel Watch 2 has a 1.2-inch AMOLED display that can reach up to 1000 nits of peak brightness. On the other hand, Apple Watch Series 9 comes in two case sizes (41mm x 35mm and 45mm x 38mm) and lets you choose from 1.7-inch and 1.9-inch LTPO OLED displays, with each capable of reaching up to 2000 nits of peak brightness. Although both of these screens are gorgeous to look at, the use of LTPO tech should also help in making Apple's offering a bit more energy efficient.

While the smaller screen does make Pixel Watch 2 easier to wear, the larger screen on Series 9 is capable of showing more information at a time. Apple's offering is also going to be a lot more readable under direct sunlight, as it can get twice as bright as Google's wearable. Both displays are well-protected (Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the Pixel Watch 2 and Sapphire/Ion-X Glass on the Series 9) against everyday scuffs and scratches and are also IP6X-certified with up to 50m of water resistance.

(Image credit: Apple)

Both Pixel Watch 2 and Series 9 have a digital crown (complete with haptic feedback) for navigation. In addition, there's a dedicated side button, a microphone, as well as a speaker on both smartwatches.

Google Pixel Watch 2 features Qualcomm's 5100 SoC, which is much better than the Exynos chipset used by the previous-gen model. Combine that with 2GB RAM and 32GB of storage, and this thing will effortlessly handle just about everything thrown at it. You're not likely to run into any performance issues with Apple Watch Series 9 either, since it comes with the company's brand-new S9 SiP that's both faster and more efficient, along with 64GB of storage.

	Google Pixel Watch 2	Apple Watch Series 9
Dimensions	41 x 41 x 12.3 mm	41 x 35 x 10.7 mm & 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm
Band Options	Two sizes (small & large), with multiple colors and material choices	One size (for each variant), with multiple colors and material choices
Display	1.2-inch circular AMOLED with 1,000 nits peak brightness and Always-On Display. Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection	1.7-inch & 1.9-inch square LTPO OLED with 2,000 nits maximum brightness and Always-On Display. Sapphire/Ion-X Glass protection
Durability & Case Material(s)	IP6X certification with 50m water resistance. Recycled Aluminum	IP6X certification with 50m water resistance. Recycled Aluminum or Stainless-Steel
Weight	31g	31.9 and 32.1g (41mm size, Aluminum), 42.3g (41mm, Stainless-Steel) & 38.7 and 39g (45mm, Aluminum), 51.5g (45mm, Stainless Steel)
Color Options	Polished Silver, Champagne Gold, and Matte Black	Pink, Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and Product (RED) for Aluminum & Gold, Silver, and Graphite for Stainless-Steel
Chipset / Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 5100 SoC	Apple S9 SiP
RAM & Storage	2GB & 32GB	Unknown & 64GB
Navigation & Physical Controls	Touchscreen, Digital Crown with Haptic Feedback, and Side Button	Touchscreen, Digital Crown with Haptic Feedback, and Side Button
Sensors	Accelerometer, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Magnetometer, Gyroscope, Ambient Light Sensor, Optical Heart Rate, Skin Conductance, Skin Temperature, and SpO2	Accelerometer, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ambient Light Sensor, Optical Heart Rate, Skin Temperature, SpO2, and VO2Max
Wireless Connectivity	Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, NFC, and 4G LTE (optional)	Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.3, Ultra-Wideband, GPS, NFC, and 4G LTE (optional)
Safety & Emergency Features	Fall detection, Safety Check, Emergency International Calling, Emergency SOS, and Safety Signal	Crash detection, Fall detection, International Emergency Calling, and Emergency SOS
Hands-Free Usage	Voice Control via Google Assistant	Voice Control via Siri
Other	Built-In Speaker & Microphone	Built-In Speaker & Microphone
Battery & Charging	306mAh with up to 24 hours endurance. Fast-charging support via charging puck (with USB-C)	282mAh (41mm) and 306mAh (45mm) with up to 18/36 hours (normal/low power mode) endurance. Fast-charging support via magnetic charging puck (with USB-C)
OS / Platform Compatibility	Wear OS 4 / Smartphones running Android 9.0 or above	watchOS 10 / Smartphones running iOS 14.3 or above

Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Apple Watch Series 9: Health and fitness-tracking features

Google Pixel Watch 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 are two of the best smartwatches for fitness, and for good reason. As the table above shows, both pack an impressive array of powerful sensors that help you monitor, record and analyze a plethora of health and wellness data. This includes your heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, body temperature, sleep quality and duration, stress levels, and a whole lot more. They can also serve notifications about fluctuations in these important parameters.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Both wearables are capable of automatically detecting a number of workouts (e.g., indoor & outdoor running, cycling, elliptical training, rowing, and pool swimming) and logging a broad spectrum of associated information (e.g., calories burned, steps taken), which is then turned into useful, actionable insights. In the case of the Pixel Watch 2, this is made possible by the deep Fitbit integration and Wear OS 4, the operating system that runs Google's smartwatch. Similarly, the Series 9 is driven by watchOS 10, which includes its own set of fitness-focused features that help you get the most out of Apple's smartwatch.

Google Pixel Watch 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 are complemented by their respective subscription-based services (Fitbit Premium and Fitness+) that provide extra benefits (e.g.: guided workouts, personalized training sessions, etc.). But even though you don't need these subscriptions for tracking your health and fitness metrics, Google still paywalls some data (e.g., sleep profiles) behind Fitbit Premium. Conversely, Apple lets you view everything without paying a dime. If you subscribe to Fitness+, you get access to real-time workout stats, expert advice from trainers, and stuff like that.

Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Apple Watch Series 9: OS, other features, and battery life

Powering the Pixel Watch 2 is Wear OS 4, which debuted on Samsung's Galaxy Watch 6 series (albeit with One UI customizations) earlier this year. The freshest version of Google's smartwatch-oriented OS brings a lot to the table, including some new apps (both from Google and third parties), improved text-to-speech support, and the ability to backup & restore smartwatch data.

(Image credit: Apple)

Then there's the Series 9, which is powered by watchOS 10. Apple's latest OS packs features such as redesigned apps, stackable widgets, elevation alerts, offline maps, and some enhancements for enterprise users.

When it comes to personal safety, both Google Pixel Watch 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 have you covered. They can detect falls and notify emergency services as needed. In addition, you get international emergency calling (in supported regions) and the ability to share relevant information (e.g., location) with your designated contacts. To that end, both smartwatches have everything — from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to GPS and LTE (optional) — included in the mix.

The Pixel Watch 2 features a 306mAh battery that Google claims can go up to 24 hours on a single charge. We haven't reviewed the wearable yet, but considering that the first-gen Pixel Watch easily lasted a day with an older SoC, we're quite hopeful Google's newest smartwatch will at least match, if not exceed its predecessor's performance. The bundled charging puck supports fast charging and can take the battery from zero to fifty in just half an hour, slowing down on its way to a full charge.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Apple never discloses the battery capacity of its devices, but that information usually comes out via other sources. That's true for the Series 9 too, which has 282mAh and 308mAh batteries for the 41mm and 45mm sizes, respectively. While these capacities are unchanged from the Series 8 models, Apple's latest wearable should be able to hit its claimed numbers — up to 18 hours (with regular use) and up to 36 hours (with low power mode enabled) — thanks to the use of more efficient hardware. Fast charging is supported in this case as well, using the bundled magnetic charging puck.

Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Apple Watch Series 9: Which should you buy?

Google Pixel Watch 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 represent the absolute best that the two companies have to (currently) offer in the realm of wearable technology. Both are fully loaded smartwatches having advanced health tracking capabilities, app support, voice calling, the ability to listen to your favorite tunes, and a lot more. At $349 (Pixel Watch 2) and $399 (Series 9), the base models — that lack 4G LTE for untethered messaging and voice calling — are even priced quite close to each other. But the question is, which of these is the right pick for you?

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Well, here's the thing! The Pixel Watch 2 and Series 9 aren't individual products that exist in a vacuum. As I mentioned before, they're parts of two rival ecosystems. If you want to use these smartwatches and realize their full potential, you're going to have to pair them with companion devices(s) belonging to the same family. It should come as no surprise that Google Pixel Watch 2 only works with Android smartphones (especially Pixels), while Apple Watch Series 9 only works with iPhones. In fact, you can't even set these up if you don't have the right smartphone.

So, as amazing as both of these wearables are, the ideal choice for you is ultimately going to be the one that plays nice with the ecosystem of your preference. It really is as simple as that. Already have one of the best Android phones and want a smartwatch that'll take your experience to the next level? You'll love the Pixel Watch 2. It features enhanced app support, a truckload of health & fitness features, and superfast platform updates. Have a thing for iPhones and would love a smartwatch that can do it all? The Series 9 will be perfect for you. It comes with powerful yet efficient hardware and makes tracking all of your health & fitness data a walk in the park.

Google Pixel Watch 2

Works with Android smartphones

Google's Pixel Watch 2 offers faster hardware, extensive Fitbit integration, and a whole suite of safety & emergency features, all at a reasonable price.

Apple Watch Series 9

Meant for iPhones

Apple's Watch Series 9 automatically tracks all your workouts and keeps you connected. You can choose from two case sizes and material options.

The Pixel Watch 2 won't get repairs but it apparently does get extended warranty

sam.dunsiger@gmail.com (Samuel Dunsiger) — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 01:38:19 +0000

What you need to know

The Pixel Watch 2 may have a repairability from Google, like its predecessor, but the wearable does have support in the form of extended warranty.
Google’s Preferred Care extended warranty plan covers accidental damage as well as mechanical issues after Google’s usual warranty expires.
The plan is available for the Pixel Watch 2 either on a monthly basis for $4 a month or for two years for an $89 fee.

While Google’s latest Pixel Watch 2 boasts some significant enhancements, repairability — much like its predecessor — unfortunately isn’t one of them. The company will, however, replace your watch with an insurance policy.

Google confirms on a support page that it will not provide screen repairs for accidental damage. Instead, there is an alternative option for customers since the same support page details a new insurance plan available for the smartwatch.

Both the support page and the smartwatch's Play Store listing highlight Preferred Care, Google’s extended warranty plan, which covers accidental damage as well as mechanical issues after Google’s usual warranty expires. The insurance plan is available for the Pixel Watch 2 either on a monthly basis for $4 a month or for two years for an $89 fee.

However, there is apparently an additional cost of $49 as a “repair or replacement service fee” if your enrolled Pixel Watch 2 gets damaged and you have to submit a claim. Also, the company notes that its monthly plan does max out after 60 months.

What’s noteworthy is that Google initially offered the same extended warranty option to the original Pixel Watch as well, but the company inexplicably removed the support shortly after.

Beyond the Pixel Watch 2, both the two-year and monthly plans are also reportedly available for other Pixel devices, according to the support page. Other supported devices include the Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel 6 series and newer.

Beyond Google’s Preferred Care plan, Best Buy also offers a protection plan to owners of the Pixel Watch 2. Best Buy’s counterpart — dubbed the “Accidental Geek Squad Replace Plan” — provides two years of coverage for about $80. While Google’s extended warranty plan does offer some peace of mind for the latest iteration of the Pixel smartwatch, hopefully, we can see some repairability support in the near future.

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Google Pixel Watch 2

If you were skeptical about the first Pixel Watch, the sequel should allay any concerns you might have. The watch has a powerful new chipset, better battery life, and a revamped Fitbit app that can take better advantage of the upgraded health sensor.

The first Pixel Watch is getting Wear OS 4 later this year

vishnu.skar@gmail.com (Vishnu Sarangapurkar) — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 17:31:33 +0000

What you need to know

Wear OS 4 is coming to the first Pixel Watch later this year, per Google.
Google has released instructions and updated tools for developers to test their apps for the upcoming OS launch.
With Wear OS 4, we can expect new watch faces, enhanced Tiles, cloud backups, and more.

With the launch of the Pixel Watch 2 running Wear OS 4, Google is also preparing to bring the update to the original Pixel Watch, which launched last year with Wear OS 3 on board.

In a developer blog post, Google shared its excitement about bringing Wear OS 4 to last year's model after launching it on the Pixel Watch 2, which will be available later this month. The company further assures the older Pixel Watch will get a system update to Wear OS 4 later this year, although it doesn't specify when.

Meanwhile, developers using the Wear OS 4-powered Galaxy Watches, like the Galaxy Watch 5 series, can continue to test their apps on those devices until the Pixel Watch update is available.

As for the new features Pixel Watch users can expect with Wear OS 4, they include new Watch Face formats designed in collaboration with Samsung. This makes it easier for developers to create watch faces as the logic is now handled by Wear OS.

(Image credit: Google)

After the Wear OS 4 update, the Pixel Watch, alongside the Pixel Watch 2, will support cloud backups that let users transfer data seamlessly between devices when they intend to switch them. Users will further be able to choose and customize files they want to include in the cloud backup.

Additionally, Wear OS 4 makes it so that when switching a phone, users no longer need to factory reset their Pixel Watch, which is quite inconvenient.

"If your app stores user configuration data for the watch on the old phone, you can allow the system to transfer this app data onto the new phone too, " the company adds as a note to developers.

(Image credit: Google)

Wear OS 4 is also getting enhanced Tiles, and developers will be able to make them more interactive with animations, which help users in having an enhanced user experience on their Pixel Watch by updating information in real-time.

While we just caught Android 14 rolling out, the Wear OS 4 is powered by Android 13. The company notes that it is releasing a Wear OS 4 emulator with updated system images in Android Studio Hedgehog for developers to help test their apps on Wear OS 4.

That said, Google still has not mentioned when it expected to make Wear OS 4 available on other Wear OS watches, many of which have only just received Wear OS 3 within the past year while others are still waiting.

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Google Pixel Watch 2

The new Pixel Watch 2 features better performance thanks to the latest Snapdragon chip. It's also much more efficient, giving the watch all-day battery life with the AOD turned on, meaning you can spend less time charging and more time just going about your day.

Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Which is the best Android watch?

michael.hicks@futurenet.com (Michael L Hicks) — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 16:38:42 +0000

Google Pixel Watch 2

Google's finest

Google has doubled down on Fitbit with its newest smartwatch, adding new health sensors like a multi-path heart rate sensor to give you more accurate results for sleep and fitness tracking. The watch itself lasts longer, performs faster, and feels lighter than the last model.

Pros

Gorgeous rounded display
Fitbit integration
Twice the storage
Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip
Excellent haptic crown

Cons

Only one size option
Less durable design
Dimmer, thick-bordered display

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

Ultimate Galaxy Watch

Depending on whether you buy the Watch 6 or Watch 6 Classic, you'll get a comfortably light and sporty watch or a stylish timepiece with more accurate controls. Either way, Samsung has kept its place as the most reliable Android watch brand for years for a reason.

Pros

Two display sizes + Classic option
2,000-nit display
Military-grade protection
Longer battery life
Faster wi-fi downloads

Cons

Touch bezel instead of crown
Only 16GB storage
Fewer fitness tools

Google and Samsung may have co-developed the modern version of Wear OS, but each takes its own hardware and software approach to making an Android smartwatch. Comparing the Google Pixel Watch 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, you can see those differences in action.

Last year, the Google Pixel Watch quickly became one of our favorite smartwatches despite its years-long development process. Still, the Galaxy Watch 5 remained our favorite thanks to years of Samsung tweaking and improving upon its design. Now that Google has had a year to improve upon and modernize its design, the Pixel Watch 2 looks even more competitive.

While we still need more time to test the Pixel Watch 2 fully, you can read our initial Pixel Watch 2 hands-on to see how it matches up to our Galaxy Watch 6 review. Otherwise, we'll break down all of the Pixel Watch 2 vs. Galaxy Watch 6 differences in design, specs, software, fitness tools, and more.

Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Design and display

The Google Pixel Watch 2 (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The Google Pixel Watch 2 looks remarkably close to the original Pixel Watch, with the same case size, thickness, 1,000-nit brightness, and 1.2-inch display with 384 x 384 resolution. If you were hoping for a second size option or that Google would shrink the display border, you'll have to wait and hope that the Pixel Watch 3 delivers there.

Samsung sells four variants of the Galaxy Watch 6: two standard models and two Classics. With either option, you can select a 1.3-inch or 1.5-inch display with double the brightness, making it easier to view outdoors. Specifically, the 40mm Galaxy Watch 6 case is smaller than the 41mm Pixel Watch 2 but gives you 0.1-inch extra space thanks to its minimal display border.

Using that border, the Galaxy Watch 6 has a capacitive touch bezel that you rotate your finger across to scroll through information. It works well enough in ideal conditions — better than the Galaxy Watch 5 bezel, in our tests — but isn't the most reliable when you're on the move or during a sweaty workout.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Choose the Pixel Watch 2, and you get a dedicated haptic crown to scroll through data instead. In our hands-on, we noted that "the newly redesigned crown feels higher quality with improved tactility and a more clicky spin."

Of course, you can choose the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic to have an entire rotating bezel around the display to slide through widgets; it gives you an easier grip than a crown but also adds some significant weight to the watch itself.

The Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic (Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

Google used stainless steel with the first Pixel Watch but switched to lighter, fully-recycled aluminum materials with this iteration. Thanks to that, the Pixel Watch has a more competitive weight, only about 2.3g heavier than the base Galaxy Watch 6 and significantly lighter than the stainless-steel Classic watches. Depending on which watch band you choose, either watch can be lighter or heavier than the other.

On that note, all of your original Pixel Watch bands carry over to work for the Pixel Watch 2, which has new Active Sport and Metal Slim bands but otherwise sticks to the same options. While we have plenty of Galaxy Watch 6 bands we recommend, Google's first-party bands have a stylish look (paired with the more stylish watch) that we appreciate.

Although the Galaxy Watch 6 is much thinner than the Pixel Watch 2 on paper, that's only thanks to Samsung's, er, creative measurements that don't take the sensor housing into account. By our measurements, it's 12mm thick, just 0.3mm thinner than the Pixel Watch 2.

The biggest upside to the Galaxy Watch 6 is its more durable design. Both watches have 5ATM and IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance, but only Samsung achieved a MIL-STD-810H rating to protect against shock damage. Google's gorgeous round-edged display looks as fantastic as ever, but it's more liable to pick up scratches along the edges.

The Pixel Watch 2's Gorilla Glass 5 protection, too, won't be as reliable as Samsung's sapphire glass built into the Galaxy Watch 6. You may want to look into Pixel Watch 2 screen protectors, should you choose it.

Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Hardware and sensors

Category	Google Pixel Watch 2	Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Display	1.2-inch (384x384) AMOLED	1.3-inch (432x432), 1.5-inch (480x480) Super AMOLED
Brightness	1,000 nits	2,000 nits
Processor	Snapdragon Wear 5100 + Cortex M33 co-processor	Samsung Exynos W930 (1.4GHz)
RAM	2GB	2GB
Storage	32GB	16GB
Navigation	Touchscreen, haptic crown, side button	Touchscreen, two buttons, digital bezel (GW6), physical rotating bezel (Classic)
Battery	306mAh; up to 24 hours with AOD	300mAh or 425mAh; Up to 40 hours
Wireless charging	Yes	Yes
Sensors	Accelerometer, altimeter, ambient light, cEDA, compass, ECG, gyroscope, magnetometer, optical heart rate, skin temperature, SpO2	Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Heart Rate + Electrical Heart Signal + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis), Temperature Sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor
Connectivity	LTE (optional), Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz, NFC, GPS L1, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS	LTE (optional), Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 2.4/5GHz, NFC, GPS/ GLONASS/ GALILEO/ Beidou
Compatibility	Wear OS 4 / Android	Wear OS 4 / Android
Durability	Corning Gorilla Glass 5; 5ATM; IP68	5ATM, IP68, MIL-STD-810H, Sapphire Glass
Materials	Aluminum	Aluminum
Dimensions	41 x 41 x 12.3mm	38.8 x 40.4 x 9.0 mm; 42.8 x 44.4 x 9.0 mm
Weight (w/out strap)	31g	28.7g or 33.3g
Colors	Matte Black, Polished Silver, Champagne Gold	Graphite, Gold (40mm); Graphite, Silver (44mm)

In the last generation, the performance battle between the Watch 5 and Pixel Watch was somewhat complicated. Google relied on an old Galaxy Watch 1-era Exynos 9110 chip but paired it with a robust 2GB of RAM and a Cortex co-processor to handle behind-the-scenes health and watch face tasks; Samsung had the newer Exynos W920 chip paired with just 1.5GB of RAM.

With this generation, the Galaxy Watch 6 jumped to the W930 chip with 2GB of RAM, giving it an 18% clock speed boost, 25% shorter app switching, and general loading time improvements. In practice, we've found it's very fast for virtually anything you ask it to do.

As for the Pixel Watch 2, it switches to the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, paired with the same Cortex M33 co-processor and 2GB RAM as the last model. It also keeps its 32GB of storage space for music and apps, whereas the Galaxy Watch 6's 16GB of storage is a last-gen weak point for an otherwise future-proofed watch.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

We didn't get enough hands-on time with the Pixel Watch 2 to judge how much faster it is, but we do know at least that it's significantly more battery efficient with a battery that's only 12mAh larger, giving you 24 hours per charge with always-on display (AOD) active, according to Google. We don't have a non-AOD estimate as of yet.

For comparison, the Galaxy Watch 6 has a 40-hour estimate but lasts just 30 hours with AOD active. It does well in standby mode for checking notifications and heart rate data but activates tools like always-listening Assistant or music streaming, and it's more of a charge-once-a-day watch. The Pixel Watch 2 also requires daily charges, but its efficient chip gives us hope that it can handle robust use without dying overnight during sleep tracking.

As for recharging either watch, the Pixel Watch 2 takes 43 or 75 minutes to reach 80% or 100%, respectively, while we found that the Galaxy Watch 6 takes about 45 minutes to hit 75% or 70–75 minutes to hit 100%. They're comparable, in other words.

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

Both the Galaxy Watch 6 and Pixel Watch 2 measure heart rate, heart rate variance, high and low heart rate warnings, passive irregular heart rate rhythm (AFib), active AFib detection (ECG), stress, breathing, blood oxygen, and skin temperature.

They also have most of the typical watch sensors you'd expect, like accelerometers, gyroscopes, altimeters, compasses, and ambient light sensors, as well as most of the same global satellite navigational systems (GNSS) like GPS. Neither has dual-frequency GPS tracking, unfortunately.

As for connectivity, either watch lets you upgrade to a 4G LTE version for $50 while offering NFC for tap-to-pay and Wi-Fi for faster downloads, though no Ultra Wideband like the Apple Watch. Samsung does win in this area with support for WiFi 5GHz downloads and Bluetooth 5.3 instead of 5.0.

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

In terms of unique health sensors, the Watch 6 measures your body composition with Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), though our reviewer found that its results were rather inconsistent compared to smart scale results.

The Pixel Watch 2 took the Fitbit Sense 2 cEDA sensor for body response using heart rate, heart rate variability, and skin temperature; Samsung also has a stress-tracking widget but doesn't say what metrics it uses specifically.

Both watches have health data limitations to consider. Google locks a lot of its health data behind the paywall of Fitbit Premium, and the Pixel Watch 2 doesn't let you actively check some health data like blood oxygen — only checking it passively overnight.

Samsung makes most of its data available in Samsung Health, but its ECG data specifically must be viewed in the Samsung Health Monitor app that's exclusive to Samsung phones. And it doesn't have a paid option to take your data and analyze it for health trends, as Fitbit and Google offer.

Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Software and fitness

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The Pixel Watch 2 comes with Wear OS 4 out of the box, while the Galaxy Watch 6 uses One UI 5 Watch based on Wear OS 4.

The Pixel Watch 2 is getting new apps like Gmail and Google Calendar with Wear OS 4, along with new watch faces, a backup and restore feature, and revamped Google Assistant that answers questions based on your tracked health data.

While these all count as reasons to get excited for Google's watch, the Galaxy Watch 6 should eventually get many of these tools in a One UI 5.5 Watch update, and it's had access to Backup and Restore for years. Generally speaking, both watches give you similar first- and third-party apps, though Samsung is more likely to push you towards its own and make you dive into settings to switch to Google Assistant or Wallet.

In terms of fitness tools, both watches have dozens of sports modes and a few key activities with automatic detection for a few popular activities like running and cycling. Each has customized heart rate zones, VO2 Max data, and the ability to follow set workout parameters that buzz your wrist if you're off pace.

The key difference, of course, is Google's Fitbit Premium integration. The Pixel Watch 2 offers 6 months of free membership, giving you access to a Daily Readiness score based on your sleep data, health data trends, wellness reports, professional workouts, and plenty of other useful information and workout tools.

Once your subscription runs out, you'll have to pay $10/month or $80/year to access a lot of this data. That's the key downside to the Pixel Watch 2 that it pushes you to pay for a subscription by integrating Fitbit so deeply into the watch's operating system.

Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Which should you buy?

The Galaxy Watch 6 pricing ranges from $300 for the smallest model to $430 for the largest Watch 6 Classic. The Pixel Watch 2 falls squarely in the middle at $350...but your watch price will tick upwards if you end up staying subscribed to Fitbit Premium.

Currently, the Galaxy Watch 6 claims the top spot for best Android smartwatch on the strength of its performance, durable design, and solid battery life. But depending on our Pixel Watch 2 review, Google could challenge Samsung for this top spot despite a few key downgrades simply because it serves as both an Android watch and a fitness smartwatch.

That last point may determine which you choose. If you want a smartwatch that gives you plenty of fitness tools and easily digestible health data, Google has put more effort into this area than Samsung via its Fitbit acquisition. If you're more interested in the apps and don't want to pay for a fitness subscription, Samsung may serve you just fine.

Otherwise, your choice may come down to which Android phone you own, since the Pixel Watch 2 will pair best with the new Pixel 8, while the Galaxy Watch 6 has exclusive tools found on Galaxy S23 phones. Or, if you care more about aesthetics or durability, the stylish Pixel Watch 2 or more rugged Galaxy Watch 6 will serve your needs more.

Google Pixel Watch 2

Google's finest

Choose the Pixel Watch 2 for Fitbit integration, a sleek edge-to-edge design, extra music storage, and reliable crown controls. Don't choose the Pixel Watch 2 if you want a larger, a brighter display, or a more durable design.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

Ultimate Galaxy Watch

Choose the Galaxy Watch 6 if you prioritize longer battery life, larger displays, and more reliably rugged designs. Don't choose the Watch 6 if you want the most storage space for music or deep fitness integration within the OS.

Google launches Gmail on Wear OS, says Calendar will arrive very soon

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 18:24:15 +0000

What you need to know

Following the Pixel Watch 2, Google is finally rolling out Gmail for Wear OS devices, bringing a new tile and email management.
Google Calendar will provide a 30 day outlook and integration with Maps when it arrives "in the coming days."
The AI Assistant lets users create commonly spoken queries to save within its new tile that only requires a quick tap for a response.

Following Google's fall event, where it launched two new devices, the company is now revealing some extra goodies for its wearable software.

According to a Wear OS community post, Google is rolling out several updates for a few popular on-wrist apps while adding some new, long-awaited apps. This rollout includes the arrival of Gmail on Wear OS devices, which lets users gain a quick glimpse into their latest emails. To do this, the app is paired with a "new emails" tile they can set on their watch face to easily hop into what's important.

While in the app, you can scroll through various email categories such as their primary Inbox, Important, and others. When viewing an email, it seems not all content is available to view, such as images and documents. Thus, if you tap the "view images and links on phone" notice in an email, your watch will open it on your connected smartphone instead.

Additionally, in our initial walkthrough, there don't appear to be any settings available for Gmail in the app. The only similar option is the ability to switch or add Google accounts.

Android Central

Other than that, the Gmail app on Wear OS gives users the same email interactivity they can find on their phone, like replying, reading, marking as unread, deleting, and more.

Google Calendar is also on the way to bring an insightful look at your next 30 days, upcoming events, and tasks. The app on your smartwatch will let you begin navigating to an upcoming meeting in Calendar through Maps, as well. Unfortunately, the Calendar app is not a part of this initial rollout, but users can expect it to appear for download "in the coming days."

Google Assistant is gaining some additional upgrades to enhance its capabilities after the initial update in June. Google states users will find a new tile for the Assistant and the chance to create pre-made queries you commonly ask about. When set, tapping on the Assistant tile will display these pre-made questions so you can get the information you need without needing to speak.

(Image credit: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)

Updates are arriving for Wear OS apps outside of Google's ecosystem, like AllTrails. Users will soon have access to trail maps, stats, and important alerts directly on their watch. Audible is bringing your entire audiobook collection right to your wrist for easier access to stories, no matter if you're walking, running, or getting some work done.

On the wellness side, MyFitnessPal brings nutrient tracking and logging to your wrist, while the Peloton app is receiving its own watch face tile that users can tap to begin a workout. While you may download the Peloton app onto your Wear OS watch, it will require that you download it on your Android phone, as well.

These new Wear OS app updates are following closely behind the launch of Google's Pixel Watch 2. The company's second-generation smartwatch features a design that closely resembles its original. However, it has been equipped with more advanced heart rate sensors and the new Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip. The Pixel Watch 2's software (from Fitbit and Google) has also stepped up for better fitness, stress, and safety features.

The device runs Wear OS 4 out of the box, which comes with its own assortment of features and improvements.

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Google Pixel Watch 2

The Pixel Watch 2 has finally arrived and its creating a symphony in its blend of Fitbit and Google software. While continuing to feature its recognizable domed glass design, the watch has been outfitted with Fitbit's "most advanced heart rate sensor." The Pixel Watch 2 can also continuously monitor your body's stress levels and it will give you a subtle nudge whenever it detects too high of a level.

Google Pixel Watch 2 hands-on: Finally fit to replace Fitbit

Nicholas Sutrich — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 17:38:22 +0000

It’s hard to believe the Pixel Watch has already been out for a year, but Google’s long-anticipated home-brewed smartwatch is now ready for its first sequel. The Google Pixel Watch 2 packs an impressive processor update and hardware refinements into the same iconic design as the original, all while debuting important new health and safety features alongside.

Google went back to the drawing board for the Pixel Watch 2’s health sensors, packing in 25 times the heart rate sensing LEDs as its predecessor and a new, more battery-efficient processor that can actually handle the increased workload.

And while the bezels aren’t any smaller than last year’s phone, Google improved the display's brightness levels, replaced the metal with lightweight aluminum, and even tweaked the crown to be more tactile. It’s a beautiful refinement of an already gorgeous device that’s sure to win our hearts over this year.

Good design gets better

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

No one will be able to tell the difference between the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 just by looking at them. Google is still using the iconic Pixel Watch design, including the gorgeous round display with sloping edges and a metal crown and housing.

But Google improved the housing this time around by using 100% recycled aluminum, making the watch 10% lighter than its predecessor. Plus, the newly redesigned crown feels higher quality with improved tactility and a more clicky spin. Google is really utilizing those punchy haptic motors in the Pixel Watch 2 to the maximum extent here.

Google is also launching two new bands with the Pixel Watch 2 — Active Sport and Metal Slim — while still offering all the same bands from the original watch.

The Pixel Watch 2 is now made of 100% recycled aluminum, making it 10% lighter, and even features a newly redesigned crown.

Inside that sleek housing is a Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor, which is several generations newer than the Samsung Exynos processor used in the first-generation Pixel Watch. That doesn’t just mean the watch is a lot faster this time around; it also means it delivers better battery life.

Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central

Google increased the battery rating from 18 hours to a “full 24 hours” on a single charge, which should alleviate any concerns people had with the original. That also should mean we can actually use the always-on display without having to charge the watch halfway through the day, but we’ll let you know for sure in our final review.

Google also swapped out the wireless charger from the original Pixel Watch with one that has POGO pins. That means no wireless charging support on the Pixel Watch 2 at all, and the charger that ships with the Pixel Watch 2 won't work with the original Pixel Watch (and vice versa).

The Pixel Watch 2 foregoes wireless charging for faster proprietary POGO pins.

While this is a huge bummer for people hoping their existing wireless chargers would work with their shiny new Pixel Watch 2, there is a bright side: faster charging and less heat. The original Pixel Watch charged at a decent rate but it also got very hot during that process. The Pixel Watch 2 now charges much faster, according to Google, and skips the heating up that used to happen.

The Pixel Watch 2 ships with Wear OS 4 preinstalled, which packs in a few helpful new features. A new backup and restore function solves a problem that’s nagged Wear OS users since the inception of Android-powered smartwatches — although, it’s worth noting that Samsung already solved this problem several years ago. At least we can switch phones without having to completely reconfigure the watch now!

Battery life should be much better this time around, and useful features like backup and restore solve problems that have plagued Wear OS for years.

Google also includes two new first-party apps: Gmail and Calendar. These enable richer interaction with common tasks and should alleviate the need to pull your phone out of your pocket all the time.

Plus, a handful of new watch faces ship with the Pixel Watch 2 and have been designed with its hardware in mind. No word yet on when these watch faces will be coming to the original Pixel Watch.

(Image credit: Shruti Shekar / Android Central)

But all these features might pale in comparison to the enhanced Google Assistant that now ships with Wear OS 4, which can now be used to query all sorts of new things like health data.

You can now ask Assistant how you slept last night, if you stayed in your heart rate zones during a workout, and a lot more. It all plays into Google making the Pixel Watch 2 the next Fitbit flagship device.

The new Fitbit flagship

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

While many of the upgrades over the original Pixel Watch help improve daily usage, Google’s focus with all the new sensors and other upgrades mainly revolves around remaking Fitbit as we know it.

Case in point, the new processor enables several new health and wellness-tracking experiences as well as more accurate tracking of data. Three new health sensors adorn the underside of the watch — a multi-path heart rate module, an electrode cEDA sensor, and a skin temperature sensor — plus 25 times the number of LEDs for more accurate heart rate tracking.

The new heart rate detection module features 25 times more LEDs and is 40% more accurate during workouts.

Google says the Pixel Watch 2 delivers 40% more accurate heart rate readings during strenuous activities and, combined with a Fitbit UI overhaul, means working out with a Pixel Watch 2 is likely far better than the original Pixel Watch. Google put a huge emphasis on more accurate heart rate readings, and it’s clear the company thinks this is the biggest upgrade for most users.

Second to that is the new skin temperature sensor and cEDA sensor that can be used in conjunction with heart rate sensors to provide a clearer picture of overall long-term health.

Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central

The cEDA sensor measures stress levels and is used with the rest of these sensors to deliver a Body Response score to the Pixel Watch 2. That’s a first for any non-Fitbit-branded device and works identically to how it worked on the Fitbit Sense 2. Impressively enough, Body Response on the Pixel Watch 2 is even better than on the Fitbit Sense 2 because of the more accurate heart rate measurements.

Google says that the skin temperature sensor will check your temperature constantly throughout the day and aggregate that data for long-term temperature deviation tracking. As a note, this temperature is *not* used for menstrual cycle tracking.

The new cEDA stress sensor and skin temperature sensor combine to deliver the most accurate Body Response score of any Fitbit device.

Google refined the Fitbit app’s UI — both the Fitbit phone app and the one on the watch — which now includes more glanceable information than ever before. In fact, the workout UI on the watch has been completely redesigned to help deliver heart zone alerts, paced coaching, and lots more.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

That new processor is also able to sense workouts and other activities all the time now, enabling seven additional automatically tracked workouts this time around. This, combined with a newly rebuilt and redesigned Fitbit app, shows that Google seems to finally be figuring out what it wants to do with the Fitbit brand long term.

The new Fitbit UI better displays health data and even enables heart zone alerts, paced coaching, and lots more right from the watch.

With the new features like safety checks, emergency medical info, and car crash detection, as well as location sharing, round out what’s undoubtedly one of the most exciting smartwatch updates we’ve seen from any company in quite a few years. From what I can tell, the Pixel Watch 2 should address all the concerns everyone seemed to have about Google’s first-generation effort.

Preorder now

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The Google Pixel Watch 2 goes up for preorder on October 4, 2023, and will ship out to customers on October 12, 2023. Like last year, the Wi-Fi-only model retails for $349, while the LTE-enabled model sells for $399.

The Pixel Watch 2 comes in three colorways: matte black, champagne, and polished silver. All models come with 32GB of storage, and Google says it’ll be offering the Pixel Watch 2 in a number of additional countries this time around.

Just make sure you get a good case or warranty, though, as the Pixel Watch 2 features the same repairability rating as the original.

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Google Pixel Watch 2

The new Pixel Watch 2 is better than ever, thanks to the powerful new chipset, larger battery, and upgraded sensors that give it more accurate and comprehensive fitness and health tracking capabilities. Plus, it still features the gorgeous design from the first model.

Watch Unlock for Wear OS may finally arrive soon as an easy way to unlock your phone

vishnu.skar@gmail.com (Vishnu Sarangapurkar) — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 17:07:15 +0000

What you need to know

We now have a pretty good idea of how the upcoming Watch Unlock will work.
The feature requires an unlocked Wear OS watch to be within close proximity to an Android 14 device.
Ahead of the Pixel Watch 2 release, Google will likely roll out the Watch Unlock feature soon.

Watch Unlock is expected to arrive very soon for Wear OS and Android devices, and we now have a better look at how the feature will work.

According to 9to5Google's APK Insight team, there are a couple of ways to enable the Watch Unlock feature: It can be done via the Pixel Watch mobile app by heading to Watch preferences > Settings. If you own a Pixel device, you can head to Settings (Android 14) > Security & privacy > Watch Unlock. Users could also receive a notification prompt suggesting they set up the feature.

The screenshots shared by 9to5 of the process show us what the Watch Unlock feature is about and how it will work, indicating that it's another convenient way to unlock your phone.

Your Pixel Watch needs to be in an unlocked state and within the reach of your phone. When the phone gets unlocked via this feature, users will be notified with a prompt on the Pixel Watch; if the unlock wasn't intentional, they will be able to lock the phone again by tapping the same notification on their wrists. It is particularly useful in scenarios where your fingers are wet or the alternative face authentication is not recognized.

While it is a convenient feature in certain scenarios, it appears less secure than your conventional face, fingerprint, PIN, and password authentication options. The feature could accidentally unlock your phone even if the watch isn't set on your wrist and stays in your phone's proximity area. That said, the watch has to be rather close to your phone for it to unlock, making it a little more secure than the Smart Unlock (Extend Unlock) feature, which uses the "Trusted devices, places, and on-body detection" to keep your phone unlocked.

(Image credit: 9to5Google)

One concern about the feature is that it may eat up additional battery life on the Pixel Watch with the feature being continuously enabled, something users may want to prioritize. Still, it's still a convenient way just to swipe up the screen or tap a notification on the watch to get your Android device.

9to5 says the Watch Unlock is surprisingly fast, even faster than the conventional Face Unlock feature on Pixel devices like the Pixel 7 Pro. Users will also be alerted when the phone has been unlocked thanks to haptic feedback on the device accompanied by the on-watch notification.

The ability to unlock your phone with the watch is just in time for the Pixel Watch 2 launch, which is merely weeks away. Additionally, Wear OS 4 for Galaxy Watch users could allow them to see the useful feature whenever the update rolls out. Finally, the Watch Unlock feature wouldn't be just limited to unlocking your phone; it may venture into Android tablets and Chromebooks in the near future.

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Google updates the Pixel Watch app ahead of Wear OS 4 release

andrew.myrick@futurenet.com (Andrew Myrick) — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 20:42:05 +0000

What you need to know

Google has updated its Pixel Watch app allowing you to link your Google account to your Pixel Watch.
According to Google, even if you don't link your watch to your Google account, you'll still be able to use it.
There's also a new section making it possible to switch or add new devices to the Pixel Watch app.

With less than a month to go until the October 4 Pixel event, Google is working on some "Spring cleaning" ahead of time, the latest of which comes in the form of the September 2023 update to the Pixel Watch app. This isn't to be confused with the upcoming software update for the Pixel Watch itself.

Instead, the latest version of the app includes three "major" changes to go along with the traditional bug fixes found in most app updates. Kicking things off, Google is now making it possible for you to sign into your Google account from the Pixel Watch app.

Next up is the ability to actually link your Pixel Watch to your Google account. Neither of these changes actually add any new settings to mess around with. Presumably, it's just Google laying the groundwork for the Wear OS 4 update, which will allow you to connect your Pixel Watch to another phone without needing to completely reset it. Google also notes that "if you don’t link your watch to an account, you can find it under the “Use without an account” section."

(Image credit: Google)

The last feature included in this update is a new section that is accessible via a button in the top left corner. Tapping the button will open a new panel allowing you to "easily switch between your devices or add a new one." So either Google is gearing up to launch the Pixel Watch 2, or perhaps we'll soon have the ability to add the best Fitbits to the Pixel Watch app.

Unlike the Pixel 8 Pro, which Google leaked through its Pixel Phone Simulator, it hasn't yet leaked the design of the Pixel Watch 2. We are expecting Google to unveil a new wearable at its October event and have already learned quite a few details over the past few months.

Nevertheless, if you want to make sure you're ready for the release of either Wear OS 4 or the September 2023 Wear OS patch, make sure you update the Pixel Watch app to the latest version.

Google Pixel Watch

The latest version of the Pixel Watch app adds new features ahead of the release of Wear OS 4. Just make sure you are updated to at least version 1.4.0.559745056.

Download from: Google Play Store

Samsung's One UI 5 Watch update rolls out to the Galaxy Watch 4 series

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 15:23:40 +0000

What you need to know

The One UI 5 Watch update for the Galaxy Watch 4 series includes the July 2023 security patch.
Samsung's Wear OS 4-based skin updates the two-year-old smartwatches with new watch faces and tiles, as well as new health tracking features like the personalized heart rate zone.
The build numbers for the One UI 5 Watch updates end in HWH3.

Samsung is bringing One UI 5 Watch, its newest smartwatch OS skin based on Wear OS 4, to the Galaxy Watch 4 and 4 Classic in the United States.

A few users took to Reddit to share the update, which arrives a few days after One UI 5 Watch was released for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 series (via Android Authority). It brings with it the July 2023 security update along with a host of new features and tweaks meant to improve user experience.

According to 9to5Google, the updates have build numbers that end in HWH3, and they are only available for the watch's US models at the moment. That said, it should not take long before the update lands in other territories.

Among the major upgrades with One UI 5 Watch is the ability to pair your Galaxy Watch with a new phone without having to do a full factory reset. You'll also be able to control the volume of incoming calls or mute them, and turn on (or turn off) 360 audio on your Galaxy Buds with a new Buds controller tile.

Speaking of tiles, the latest Android smartwatch OS update includes a slew of new watch faces and tiles, including the new Battery tile, which allows you to quickly check the battery level of your watch, phone, and Galaxy Buds. Meanwhile, the new Timer tile gives you quick access to timers without needing to open the dedicated Timer app.

The update also gives you even more ways to track your health and fitness, like personalized heart rate zones, a sleep coach that can tell you how well you slept each night, and the ability to automatically record your cycle workouts, among others.

You can view the full changelog by downloading the One UI 5 Watch update on your Galaxy Watch 4, assuming it's available for you. Simply navigate to Watch Settings and then tap Watch Software Update.

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Galaxy Watch 5 owners begin receiving Wear OS 4

derrek.lee@futurenet.com (Derrek Lee) — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 17:27:29 +0000

What you need to know

Samsung has started rolling out the stable One UI 5 Watch update based on Wear OS 4.
One UI 5 Watch is arriving on both the Galaxy Watch 4 and 5 series.
The update brings a bevy of new features, such as the ability to transfer phones without resetting the watch, new health features, and more.
Samsung is the first OEM to release Wear OS 4 to its smartwatches, even ahead of Google.

If you missed the One UI 5 Watch beta, then there's good news for you as Samsung has begun rolling out the Wear OS 4-based update to the Galaxy Watch 5.

The update was announced earlier this month following a period of beta testing. Now, it seems some Galaxy Watch 5 owners in the U.S., South Korea, and other countries have started receiving the update (via SamMobile). You can check to see if the update is available on your device by opening the Galaxy Wearable app and navigating to Watch Settings > Watch software update. The update comes with build number R9xxXXU1BWH3.

As previously detailed, the update should bring the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro up to speed with the newer Galaxy Watch 6 series. One UI 5 Watch brings updated health and fitness features with better sleep management, fitness tracking, and workout routes.

The update also brings new call and camera controls, new and improved tiles, app folders, new SOS features, and more. It also lets you transfer your watch to a new phone without resetting the watch, a feature that has been long-requested for Wear OS.

(Image credit: Android Central)

The update brings the security patch level up to July 1, 2023.

Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4 and 4 Classic are also being updated to Wear OS 4-based One UI 5 Watch (R8xxUSQU1ZWF1), putting Samsung's smartwatches well ahead of Google's Pixel Watch, which has yet to receive Wear OS 4 in any form. Those users may have to wait until the Pixel Watch 2 launch, which is set for October. There's no word yet on when other Wear OS watch makers will receive the update.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

Even though the Galaxy Watch 6 is already available, the Galaxy Watch 5 is still a great smartwatch with a nearly identical design and feature set. The chipset may be slightly older, but the watch still performs like a champ.

First 12 things to do with your Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

michael.hicks@futurenet.com (Michael L Hicks) — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 12:00:26 +0000

Most Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 coverage has focused on how it compares to the Watch 5 in terms of hardware, battery life, and so on. Most reviews (including my own) didn't touch on software much because not too many new Wear OS features arrived with the watch.

You'll have to wait until the Pixel Watch 2 for promised new features like Gmail and Google Calendar apps, as the final "stock" version of Wear OS 4 won't launch until fall. For now, long-time Galaxy Watch users know what to expect.

Still, for new Galaxy Watch 6 owners who haven't spent much time with Wear OS or Samsung's One UI Watch spin-off, knowing where to start can be intimidating. You get recommended a few apps during the set-up process, are guided through basic button presses and shortcuts...and then you're on your own.

Our Galaxy Watch 6 tips and tricks will help you start your Wear OS journey in style. From watch faces to Water Locking, our beginner's guide will take you through all the essential settings everyone will want to know, plus hidden tricks for brave Watch 6 owners ready to dive into the developer tools.

Change your watch face (and import new ones)

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

Before we get to the more practical Galaxy Watch 6 tips and tricks, let's start by making your smartwatch feel properly like your own personalized device.

The Galaxy Watch 6 has a few dozen premade watch faces available, even before you try downloading third-party apps like Facer that expand your options. You can stick with the default, colorful watch face showing the time and nothing else, but you'd be remiss not to see what else is out there first.

Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your Android phone, sync your Galaxy Watch 6, and tap Watch faces. Select any watch face that looks interesting, and it'll be added to your Favorites.

From there, you can select Customize and change the Background, Clock font, Complications/ Complication Colors, Photo, Layout, and more, depending on the type of watch face.

Complications, if you don't know, are the individual data fields that appear on more detailed watch faces. Certain faces have room for large widgets like your Daily Activity, Last Workout results, Sleep Coaching data, Weather forecast, and so on.

Otherwise, for smaller fields — which are more common — you can add shortcut buttons to specific apps, workout activities, favorite contacts, routines, and so on. Or, you can see specific data fields from Samsung Health or third-party apps like MyFitnessPal, such as steps or calories.

Aside from just finding and customizing a watch face that appeals to you, I specifically recommend finding Photo Sticker under Graphical, or Photos under Basic. With these, you can set a favorite photo of a loved one or pet as your background, with data underneath the photo.

At the bottom of the Watch Faces view, you can download supported watch face apps to expand your options.

Adjust the screen timeout interval

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

To save on battery life, your Galaxy Watch 6 will deactivate the display in a measly 15 seconds of inactivity; 5 seconds after that, it'll send you back to the main screen. A short period of inattention will mean having to re-enter your PIN — which you need if you enable Google Pay — and then swipe back to whichever Tile or menu you were at before.

Open Settings > Display. Here, you can turn on Adaptive brightness or the Always On Display if you want, plus make sure that raising your wrist or touching the screen activates the watch. You can even change the font type, size, and boldness if you're visually impaired.

While all of those options are important, I'd say your first move should be to change the Screen timeout to one minute and Show last app setting to within two minutes or one hour. This ensures that a moment's inattention doesn't send you flying back to start and spares you from having to constantly twist your wrist or tap the screen.

It'll make the battery life slightly shorter, but your experience using the Galaxy Watch 6 will be much less painful.

Activate your health tracking

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

By default, all of the Galaxy Watch 6 health sensors don't do all that much, only checking when you manually activate them. You have to activate them yourself — including one tool you can only use if you own a Galaxy smartphone.

First, open the Samsung Health app on your watch. You'll find it by scrolling to the app drawer, where you'll see an icon of a woman running. Scroll down to the bottom of Samsung Health and tap Settings.

Here, you should adjust Heart rate to Measure continuously rather than Manual only; even if it drains battery life, it's worth having this active. You can also adjust your heart rate alert settings, deciding how high of a heart rate is too high or low.

You can also continuously measure Stress levels if you want to get notified that your heart rate variance (HRV) shows too much stress during your day.

Otherwise, you'll want to toggle on Blood oxygen during sleep, Snore detection, and Skin temperature during sleep. The latter three will use more battery during sleep detection, but I found that it wasn't actually too bad so long as you have 30% left or more, and you can always recharge your watch to that level in less than a half-hour.

If you want your watch to monitor your heart rhythm data, we have a separate how-to guide on how to enable this. But to summarize, you'll need to download the Samsung Health Monitor app from the Galaxy Store — hence why you need a Galaxy phone — and approve various permissions before you'll be able to check passively for AFib issues.

As a final point, unless you've been using Samsung Health before now, you probably have your health and fitness data stored with another app. Check our guide on how to use Google Health Connect, which can let you move your new Samsung Health data automatically to another app like Google Fit, Fitbit, Oura, MyFitnessPal, and so on.

Ditch Bixby for Google Assistant

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

Considering it took Samsung and Google months to make Google Assistant work on Galaxy Watches — and plenty of Wear OS watches still can't support Google Assistant — I always like to download the new assistant straight away, not taking it for granted.

In the Galaxy Watch 6 Play Store app, search for Google Assistant and tap Update. Wait for it to install on the watch, then tap Open > Get Started, at which point it'll send you to your connected Android phone.

You can then tap Agree if you want to have your watch always listening for a "Hey Google" command whenever it is actively awake; this does burn through a lot of watch battery and require Voice Match, however.

Your alternative is to set your watch up so you can access Assistant by holding down the top-right button. The Galaxy Watch 6 calls Bixby by default with this shortcut, even if you make Google Assistant your main assistant. Open the Settings app in your app drawer, then choose Advanced features > Customize buttons > Press and hold to swap to Google Assistant.

Until we get the rumored Google Assistant Tile, this shortcut is your best option for accessing the smart assistant without destroying your battery life with always-listening enabled.

Change your button shortcuts

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

This goes hand-in-hand with the last point, but button shortcuts are a great way to access your favorite apps quickly, including Google Assistant.

In Settings, find Advanced features > Customize buttons. Double tapping the Home button opens your last app by default, but you can change this to any installed app that you open most frequently.

Press and hold opens Bixby, but you can change this to Google Assistant or the Power off menu if you prefer.

Lastly, tapping the Back button takes you to the last screen you were on, which I personally like; if you'd rather change this to Show recent apps instead, you can do so. You can't program a Back button double-tap, and holding the Back button pulls up Samsung Wallet and can't be changed to a new shortcut.

Adjust your Tiles and App Drawer

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

Once I finished setting up the Galaxy Watch 6, I spent the most time either checking Tiles or going to specific apps in the app drawer. To spare yourself a lot of unnecessary sliding of the rotating bezel or swiping downwards, put your favorite apps front and center, and add Tile shortcuts so you don't always need to open the app to find out information.

Once you've finished installing the best Wear OS apps, go to the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone and tap Apps > Reorder apps. You can then drag all of the apps around to your preferred order, shifting the less useful default apps to the bottom. Then just hit Save, and you're all set.

(You can technically drag-and-drop apps on your watch, too, but this takes so much longer on the smaller screen compared to a phone screen.) Apps can also be put into folders, in case you want to throw some more useless apps into a folder so they're taking up less space on the app drawer.

Then, slide your finger along the capacitive bezel (or turn the physical bezel on the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic) until you get to the Add Tiles option. You'll see every available Tile for your entire app library, and can tap any of them to add to your Tile collection.

Once you're done adding Tiles, go back to the Galaxy Wearable app, select Tiles, and you can easily tap and drag them into your preferred order, putting the most useful Tiles right in front. You can also do this on the watch itself, but it's slower and less precise.

Add music files and start streaming

(Image credit: Android Central)

Whether you don't like carrying your phone with you during workouts or you just want to have easy access to your playlists at any time, you may want to save music files to your Galaxy Watch 6.

In the Galaxy Wearable app, tap Watch settings > Manage content > Add tracks. Assuming that you have music files saved on your phone, you'll be able to select a song, playlist, or album, then tap Add to watch to make it appear in the watch's Music app (it's a blue app with a white musical note icon) in your app drawer.

If you have no hard copies of music files and simply want to use your music subscription service of choice, you'll find Wear OS apps for Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, SoundCloud, Deezer, and other apps that let you download songs for offline listening.

Just keep in mind that, by default, the Galaxy Watch 6 uses about 9–10GB of storage for pre-downloaded system files and apps. That only leaves about 6GB for all of your extra stored data, including music. So, you may have to be selective about which playlists you save.

Turn on Samsung Smart Lock

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

Samsung Smart Lock lets you keep your Galaxy phone unlocked when it detects it's in motion, when it's in trusted geographic locations, or (most relevant to this guide) when it detects a trusted device like the Galaxy Watch 6 nearby.

On your Samsung phone, open your Settings and select Lock Screen > Smart Lock. Enter your phone PIN or pattern. You can then tap Trusted devices and add any connected and saved wearable over Bluetooth. Once your Galaxy Watch 6 is a trusted device, your phone will remain unlocked for up to 4 hours so long as your watch remains nearby.

I'm not sure if I'd actually recommend you do this since it could lead to possible security issues. But it's certainly convenient, letting your Galaxy Watch 6 serve as proof that you're you, so you're not constantly typing in passcodes.

Play with the developer settings

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

There are certain Galaxy Watch 6 features, such as figuring out how to download Pixel Watch faces to One UI Watch, that you can only enable through Developer Tools.

In Settings, go to the very bottom and select About watch, then Software Information. Tap the Software version button five times; you'll see a "Developer Mode turned on" pop-up.

Swipe back two screens, and Developer options will appear underneath About watch. Tap it, and you'll find a full list of options you can't normally access.

For example, you can have your watch stay awake while charging, vibrate when it connects or disconnects from a network, show your taps on the screen, or make transition animations slower or faster. Those are the simpler tricks, while others are more obscure and require real developer knowledge.

Turn on Water Lock before a shower or swim

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

The Galaxy Watch 6 has IP68 water resistance, but that doesn't mean you can successfully swipe through menus underwater or with a wet screen, just that it won't break. While swimming, it could register your arm movements as "raise to wake" motions; and some water could end up trapped inside the watch.

Go to Settings > Advanced features > Water lock and turn it on. At that point, you won't be able to use the display until you hold down the Home button for two seconds. After that, the watch will begin an Eject mode where it uses the built-in speakers to expel trapped water inside the watch; just hit the Home button again once you think you've successfully removed any water.

Run a VO2 Max stress test

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

One of the few new features on the Galaxy Watch 6 is its personalized heart rate zones, which are based on your maximum heart rate. You can get an estimated range after a 10-minute GPS-backed Run workout, but for accurate results, you should do a proper stress test.

This Runner's World guide gives straightforward guidance: warm up for a mile or two on a track, then run another mile at "tempo pace" — meaning slightly slower than 5K race pace — then run very hard for 400 meters, and finally sprint one more lap at your hardest possible pace. This will undoubtedly help you hit your body's maximum heart rate, ensuring your future runs have totally accurate heart rate zones.

So, simply open up Samsung Health, start a Run activity at your local track, and get to work. Before the activity starts, click Settings and switch Workout start from Countdown to Manual; otherwise, the activity usually starts before the GPS signal has picked up, giving you inaccurate readings.

You can also adjust your Workout screens to show different data on your wrist during a run or activate a Target and give yourself specific duration, calorie, distance, or interval goals to hit.

Switch your Galaxy Watch 6 to a new phone

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

One of the newest Wear OS 4 tools is the ability to switch your smartwatch to a brand new phone without having to factory reset it or rely on backups.

Thankfully, it's very simple. Open your watch Settings and select General > Transfer watch to a new phone. It will state that "The Google Account on the watch and new phone must match" and that "If you're signed in to a Samsung account on the new phone, that account will be used on the watch as well."

You'll be taken to a Starting transfer... screen showing a four-digit code; on your new phone, you'll need to either open your Bluetooth settings to detect it or (on a Samsung phone) use the Galaxy Wearable app to find it directly.

At that point, you'll go through the exact same rigamarole as the first time you set up the Watch 6, granting permissions and downloading info until the watch is ready. But most of your core settings and data should have remained intact during the transfer.

Hopefully, our Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 tips and tricks have you on the right track in getting the most out of one of the best Android smartwatches on the market.

We couldn't cover everything in this Galaxy Watch 6 beginner's guide; I suggest you simply take an hour to scroll through every single Settings menu and familiarize yourself with the options available. You'd be surprised at what basic features need to be manually turned on, such as Wi-Fi in the quick settings menu.

If you haven't bought a Galaxy Watch 6 just yet and want to see how it compares to other options, you can check out our guide on the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic vs. Galaxy Watch 5 Pro or the Watch 6 vs. Apple Watch Series 8.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

The Galaxy Watch 6 follows the Watch 5 formula but boosts the display size and brightness and adds a decent performance gain, too. The base model is compact and great for sleep tracking, while the larger Galaxy Watch 6 Classic gives you stylish stainless steel and the welcome return of the rotating bezel from the 4 Classic.

While killing Google Assistant for some watches, Wear OS may add a Tile for others

michael.hicks@futurenet.com (Michael L Hicks) — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 00:54:08 +0000

What you need to know

A new Google Assistant update shows future support for a Wear OS Tile, according to 9to5Google.
The Tile will show suggested Assistant queries and the Assistant mic button, plus an option to edit the Tile and add your own favorite shortcuts.
There's no word yet on when this feature will become available.
Wear OS 2 watches will soon lose access to Google Assistant, while many Wear OS 3 watches still haven't received access.

On Wear OS watches with Google Assistant, you can easily find and tap its signature icon on your app screen or use the always-listening feature to call it up via a "Hey Google" command. But Assistant may soon get another useful way to access it: a dedicated Tile with recommended commands.

A 9to5Google deep-dive of a recent Assistant update shows strings of code that leave little room for doubt that a Tile is coming — even if it's not currently available on any Android watches.

"Assistant" and Choose a suggested action

They also found and posted a screenshot of what the Tile would look like. You can see two suggested actions like "Set a 30 minute timer," but the code also shows the option to edit the Tile and "Create your own" action shortcut, which you can then tap without having to voice the command every time.

(Image credit: 9to5Google)

So if you frequently perform certain actions across different Tiles and apps, you could move this Tile directly next to your watch face and easily access them with a quick turn of the Galaxy Watch 6's rotating bezel or the Pixel Watch crown.

While this feature will probably come to Wear OS 4 sometime soon, it's also an unfortunate reminder that many other Wear OS watches still don't have Google Assistant, even as Samsung and Google tinker and improve Assistant on their watches.

Google is announcing that Assistant will soon no longer support smartwatches running Wear OS 2. You'll need to upgrade to a newer watch that runs Wear OS 3 (and that supports Google Assistant).I just got this notification on my TicWatch Pro 3 - anyone else also get this? pic.twitter.com/NqwddYY2oaAugust 16, 2023

We learned today that Google will no longer support Assistant on Wear OS 2, affecting TicWatch owners who still haven't received their promised Wear OS 3 update. Even then, the new TicWatch Pro 5 running Wear OS 3 still doesn't have Assistant, either. Nor do other Wear OS 3 watches from brands Montblanc.

Fossil watches did receive Google Assistant back in June, months after receiving the Wear OS 3 update. We don't know yet if Fossil watches will receive this new Tile or if they'll need to run Wear OS 4 to access it.

While the entire Google Assistant situation on Wear OS is unfortunate, the addition of an Assistant Tile seems like a natural and useful next step for the Android watches lucky enough to support it.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

The new Galaxy Watch 6 gives you access to all of the latest Wear OS apps. Although it uses Bixby by default, you can easily make Google Assistant your default choice. This model has a new Exynos chip with more RAM to handle your questions and commands more efficiently than ever.

Mobvoi smartwatches warn of Google Assistant support ending on Wear OS 2

derrek.lee@futurenet.com (Derrek Lee) — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 19:01:56 +0000

Update (Aug 16, 8:30 pm ET): Added additional information on when Assistant support is ending for Wear OS 2.

What you need to know

Some TicWatch users have spotted a warning on their watches regarding Google Assistant support.
Support for Google Assistant on Wear OS 2 is apparently ending "soon."
Fossil recently received support for Google Assistant, but the latest TicWatch Pro 5 still does not have it.

It looks like Google is putting yet another nail in the Wear OS 2 coffin as Wear OS 4 starts appearing on smartwatches. Users have spotted notices on their smartwatches that support for Google Assistant on Wear OS 2.x will apparently end "soon."

9to5Google recently spotted a string of code in the Wear OS companion app hinting at the announcement:

Google Assistant support ending

However, it seems that the announcement is already appearing for some, particularly users of Mobvoi's TicWatch devices. A few members of the The Official Mobvoi TicWatch and earphones Group have posted images of the notice on their devices. The notice reads:

"Google Assistant support on this watch is ending soon. Please upgrade to a newer watch that supports Google Assistant and runs Wear OS 3 or later."

Mishaal Rahman has also spotted the notice on his TicWatch Pro 3, noting that Assistant appears to already be disabled on the device:

Google is announcing that Assistant will soon no longer support smartwatches running Wear OS 2. You'll need to upgrade to a newer watch that runs Wear OS 3 (and that supports Google Assistant).I just got this notification on my TicWatch Pro 3 - anyone else also get this? pic.twitter.com/NqwddYY2oaAugust 16, 2023

While an exact date wasn't given in the notice, a Google spokesperson told Android Central that Assistant support is ending on August 31, 2023, which is just a couple of weeks away. As far as extending support to other watches, Google had nothing to share, although it seems at this point that it's up to the OEM to get Assistant working.

While it makes sense for Google to start pulling resources from the older software, not that Wear OS 3 is the main focus and Wear OS 4 has already begun rolling out, it does leave owners of recent TicWatch smartwatches in a bit of a bind. Mobvoi has yet to release the stable Wear OS 3 build to its smartwatches, citing issues getting the software ready. The company is currently in the process of beta testing the update, but it's unclear when that will be finished and ready to ship.

Meanwhile, the new TicWatch Pro 5 already runs Wear OS 3 but still does not have Google Assistant support, even though Fossil smartwatches recently received an update bringing support for Assistant.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The newer Google Assistant launched on Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4 and was also available on the Pixel Watch before coming to other watches. Compared to the version on Wear OS 2.x devices, it's much faster, more responsive, and more capable than before.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic

If you want the latest and greatest version of Wear OS on your wrist, look no further than the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. Not only does it have great performance and features, but it comes with a rotating bezel that makes it very easy (and satisfying) to navigate the watch UI.

Samsung's new Galaxy Watch 6 series brings back the beloved rotating bezel

sam.dunsiger@gmail.com (Samuel Dunsiger) — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 11:00:01 +0000

What you need to know

At the July Galaxy Unpacked 2023 event, Samsung announced the release of the Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic.
The watches are powered by a new Exynos processor and feature larger displays and batteries.
Both new smartwatches are available for pre-order now and for purchase starting on August 11.

It may seem like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 series just came out, but — believe it or not — we're already at the next iteration. Today at Samsung's July Galaxy Unpacked event, the tech giant announced the new and refreshed Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic.

The successors to the Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro are welcome additions to Samsung's series of wearables, with the Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic boasting more interactive features compared to their predecessors to "democratize advanced health monitoring tools," according to TM Roh, Samsung's president and head of mobile.

"From sleep and fitness coaching to nutritional insights, Samsung is providing new and convenient ways to help users gain understanding and take action for better health and wellness," Roh said.

Samsung highlights that these updates include functions such as "in-depth analysis of Sleep Score Factors — total sleep time, sleep cycle, awake time, plus physical and mental recovery — to help users understand the quality of sleep received each night."

Other features include enhanced sleep coaching capabilities that integrate reminders and sleep instructions with a user's paired smartphone, as well as customized workout routines and irregular heart rhythm notifications.

(Image credit: Samsung)

In addition to the recent updates, the Watch 6 series is also equipped with staple features such as a temperature sensor, barometer, and more. The watch will also be able to connect seamlessly with the new Galaxy Z Flip 5 camera for better hands-free control of photos and videos.

Further, the Watch 6 rocks an armor aluminum case with a sport brand, while the Classic packs a stainless steel case with an eco-leather band. Both watches run on Google's Wear OS 4 with Samsung's One UI 5 Watch and are powered by Exynos W930 Dual-Core 1.4GHz processor. In addition to the experiences Samsung is highlighting,

Samsung's new Galaxy Watch 6 comes in 40mm and 44mm size variants, with a 1.5-inch Sapphire Crystal Super AMOLED display for the former and a 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display for the latter. The watch's Classic counterpart comes in 43mm and 47mm options, with similar displays.

While the popular rotating bezel was noticeably absent in the Watch 5 series, Samsung decided to bring back the feature in this latest iteration. The Watch 6 sports a bezel that is 30% slimmer, while the Classic's rotating bezel is 15% thinner than its Watch 4 predecessor.

(Image credit: Samsung)

Further, the Classic and standard Watch 6 models are available in Bluetooth and LTE configurations. Samsung also notes that the latest series is equipped with a larger battery and reduced battery consumption. Both the standard Watch 6 40mm and Classic 43mm have 300mAh batteries, whereas the 44mm Watch 6 and 47mm Classic boasts 425mAh batteries. Samsung says the watches should last up to 40 hours, but we'll have to see how true those claims are.

The Galaxy Watch 6 40mm comes in Graphite and gold, while the 44mm is available in Graphite and silver. Meanwhile, you can get the Classic counterpart in black or silver for both the 43mm and 47mm variants.

The new watches are available for pre-order now and for purchase starting August 11, with the Watch 6 starting at $300 and its Classic counterpart starting at $400, depending on size variants.

In addition to announcing the Watch 6 series at its latest Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung also revealed its new foldable smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5, tablets such as the Galaxy Tab S9, and its latest assortment of accessories. Samsung also continues to highlight last year's Galaxy Watch 5 Pro for outdoorsy types, with the watch set to gain enhanced GPX features with the upcoming One UI 5 Watch update.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

The new Galaxy Watch 6 is the latest smartwatch from Samsung, sporting a faster processor, more RAM, and the latest Wear OS 4 software with tons of new features. It also has a bigger screen to enjoy all your apps with and connects seamlessly to your Galaxy smartphone, like the new Z Flip 5.

One UI 5 Watch beta 4 rolls out for Galaxy Watch 5 and 4 users

tips@androidcentral.com (Nickolas Diaz) — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 22:37:46 +0000

What you need to know

Samsung has rolled out One UI 5 Watch beta 4 to Galaxy Watch 5 and 4 users with minimal changes.
The company has opted to improve its smartwatches battery and correct performance issues.
It was reported that some beta users have received a "stable" version of One UI 5 Watch after the beta rolled out.
Samsung is preparing to unveil the Galaxy Watch 6 at Unpacked at 7 am ET on July 26.

As we approach the end of July, Samsung has started rolling out its fourth beta for users enrolled in the One UI 5 Watch program. As announced on Samsung's community forums, the company has pushed its One UI 5 Watch beta 4 to Galaxy Watch 5 and 4 owners.

Samsung states testers will update to firmware version ZWG7. The latest beta is around 300MB in size, too.

The changelog is relatively light, and the post states users will find improvements to their device's initial speed and battery consumption. Furthermore, Samsung has included fixes for a "brightness control error with touch bezel" alongside some watch face color error corrections.

Those enrolled in the program and looking to update can head to their Galaxy Wearable app > Watch settings > Watch Software Update > Download.

With the beta only just dropping, SamMobile notes users have reported receiving a stable version of One UI 5 Watch on Reddit. It appears as though the only ones receiving this "stable" build are those that are already enrolled in the beta program. It's been spotted in the U.S. thus far but could be available elsewhere.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

While this fourth beta is a little lighter (and two weeks after the last one) Samsung's One UI 5 Watch beta 3 corrected some erroneous sleep data. The company also added some enhanced sleep-tracking capabilities. Much like beta 4, this month's earlier test build further improved the Galaxy Watch 5 and 4's battery for better longevity, according to the patch notes.

Once its stable build rolls out to the general public, users can get their hands on the software's new personalized heart rate zones, new personal safety features, and automatic fall detection for those 55 and older.

The quick succession of wearable software, based on Wear OS 4, is most likely due to Samsung's upcoming launch of the Galaxy Watch 6. Samsung is preparing for its Unpacked event in Seoul, South Korea at 7 am ET on July 26. It'll be there that we see in full what the Galaxy Watch 6 has to offer alongside the brand's next wave of foldable phones.

A Pixel Watch 'Wear OS Beta Program' could happen soon

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 20:18:51 +0000

What you need to know

Google's Android Beta Program page shows "Wear OS beta Program" in its code.
A mention of both Pixel Watch connectivity variants is displayed alongside the existence of the beta program.
Wear OS 4 was first teased during I/O 2023 and Google stated the software would release later this year.

Wear OS 4 is Google's next endeavor in the world of wearables and it looks like testing for it is on the way. Spotted by 9to5Google, "Wear OS beta program" has apparently appeared within the page source of the company's Android Beta Program landing.

The name of the program is mentioned a couple of times in the code, alongside what is assumed to be eligible Pixel Watch variants: Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and the 4G LTE variant with Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity.

With a discovery like this, it could mean the company is moving ever close to allowing regular users to test Wear OS 4. Its previous iteration, Wear OS 3, was released two years ago, and Google started teasing its updated version during I/O 2023.

Other than bringing in some brand-new features, the company teased backup and restore support for wearables, as well as some improvements to devices' battery lives.

The company didn't give specifics, however, it's expected that Wear OS 4 will launch later this year. Moreover, developers have already gotten their hands on a preview and emulator. Beginning the beta test soon would potentially give users and Google time to correct any glaring issues before the Pixel Watch 2's rumored arrival later this fall.

Google is getting users into the Wear OS 4 beta test a little later than Samsung. The South Korean tech giant launched its One UI Watch 5 beta, based on Wear OS 4 and Android 13, back in June. The company did face a delay in rolling this out to users due to problems working with Google's latest wearable software.

Lastly, Android 14 is currently on the homestretch in its development cycle as Beta 3 was released a few weeks ago, followed by the Beta 3.1 build. With Google looking to release a stable Android 14 to the world in August, perhaps the company will look to begin its Wear OS 4 beta program once beta testing for its mobile software no longer requires so much attention.

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Wear OS 4 may finally streamline switching phones, without a factory reset

derrek.lee@futurenet.com (Derrek Lee) — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 22:46:57 +0000

What you need to know

Samsung's One UI 5 Watch beta has opened for Galaxy Watch 4 and 5 owners.
One UI 5 Watch will allow users to transfer from one phone to another without needing to reset their devices.
Requiring a full reset has long been a complaint of Wear OS users.
One UI 5 Watch is based on Wear OS 4, which is expected to arrive later this year.

The new One UI 5 Watch beta has a surprising new feature that will allow users to switch phones without needing to wipe their smartwatches.

The feature was spotted by 9to5Google in the changelog of the new One UI 5 Watch beta, which is based on Wear OS 4. According to the changelog, you'll be able to "Transfer your watch without resetting." The feature can be found in the Galaxy Wearable app's General settings for the smartwatch and will let you switch devices "but keep your apps, watch faces, and more."

On eligible watches like the Galaxy Watch 5, you'll find the option to "Transfer watch to new phone," which changed from the previous "Connect to new phone" option. Here, the watch will ask you to verify that the Google Account on both phones matches. It also informs that the Samsung account associated with the new phone will be used on the watch.

(Image credit: Android Central)

Unfortunately, I have not been able to get it to work, as the watch phone would attempt to pair, only to stop midway through preparing the watch. That said, it is a beta, so the feature may not be completely ready yet. Still, it's very promising to know that this feature is coming.

Changing phones has long been a pain point for Wear OS users, as the platform requires that you factory reset the watch. That means you would have to go through the entire setup process, redownload apps, and get settings and Tiles just how you like them.

This isn't as tedious for Galaxy Watch owners since the watches can be easily backed up and restored, minimizing the amount of setup required after a reset. Still, anything to streamline the process of transferring to a new smartphone is very welcome.

For now, it remains unclear if this feature will be exclusive to Galaxy Watches or if other Wear OS 4 smartwatches will also be able to easily switch phones, but it seems likely. Google has already announced that the update will bring backup and restore functionality to more Wear OS watches, which is already a step in the right direction.

The One UI 5 Watch beta is available now and includes features like app drawer folders, new universal gestures, a slightly revamped watch face selector, and more. The stable update is expected to be available later this year alongside Wear OS 4.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

The Galaxy Watch 5 is the perfect smartwatch for Galaxy smartphone owners, thanks to its fantastic design, great features set, and good battery life. Samsung is constantly improving the software to give Galaxy Watch 5 owners the best experience possible.

Android’s June feature drop is here, bringing new skills, widgets, and more

tips@androidcentral.com (Vishnu Sarangapurkar) — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 13:13:36 +0000

What you need to know

Google drops new Android features for June 2023.
The company has announced seven new updates and features.
These are spread across Android phones, tablets, and Wear OS smartwatches.

Google had a two-hour keynote at its I/O event last month and while the emphasis was primarily on AI, there were a few hardware announcements next to software enhancements. Google has announced seven new updates today to make Android devices like phones, tablets, and Wear OS smartwatches more helpful.

Dark Web report to scan your Gmail address

(Image credit: Google)

Google is leveling up regarding protection, and as part of the initiative, it now provides a Dark web report. Google One users would be able to check if their Gmail address has been exposed on the Dark Web. Users can check this through the Google One app on their Android devices or through the Google One website.

If their Gmail is supposedly compromised, they can seek guidance from Google, such as taking measures to be safe online. Users can not only scan their Gmail addresses. Still, they can also check personal information such as their associated social security number.

(Image credit: Google)

Access to the Dark web report is currently limited to U.S. citizens. However, it plans to expand to 20 more countries in the coming months.

Spotify on your wrist with Wear OS

(Image credit: Google)

Wear OS device owners who often rely on Spotify for their music can now play their favorite tracks right on their wrists with the Spotify app on their Wear OS-powered smartwatches.

To have a more enhanced experience Spotify on Wear OS is getting updated with new tiles and watch face shortcuts. Additionally, the music streaming platform’s DJ feature promises to deliver a personalized lineup of music, the ability to stream podcasts, and hear frequently played music.

Other nifty features coming to Wear OS include importing SmarTrip and Clipper cards through Google Wallet and using them via a WearOS smartwatch. Commuters from Washington, D.C., and the San Francisco Bay Area are the first ones to avail the new ability.

Consumers who heavily rely on Google Keep to stay on track can now add a new tile for fast access right on their wrist via Google Keep app for Wear OS. Users can swipe through their tiles and find pinned notes or a to-do list on their smartwatches.

Greet your Home Screen with these three widgets

(Image credit: Google)

With the latest feature drop, Google is bringing new widgets to your Android phone and tablets. They include a Google TV widget that gives entertainment suggestions like what to stream. Then there’s a new Google News widget curated with daily headlines.

Further, users who are into stocks all day can keep track of their favorites with the help of stock tracking from the Google Finance widget on their home screens.

Improving vocabulary with Google Play Books

Within Google Play Books, the search giant is bringing a new “reading practice” feature with an aim to improve vocabulary and comprehension skills for new readers. Users can head over to children’s ebooks that are marked with a “Practice” badge in Google Play Books.

Readers will be able to “hear the pronunciation of unknown words, practice mispronounced words and receive feedback in real time,“ Google stated in the announcement blog post.

(Image credit: Google)

Gboard gets new Emoji Kitchen stickers

(Image credit: Google)

Gboard is also getting Emoji Kitchen stickers, a fun way to interact within conversations. Users will be able to remix their emoji into stickers, and the new emojis that are being added as part of this month’s feature drop include aquatic-themed emoji combinations.

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Wear OS 4 may feature Material You theming, and this is what it could look like

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Fri, 19 May 2023 18:25:51 +0000

What you need to know

Material You dynamic colors could arrive on Android smartwatches as part of Wear OS 4.
Many elements of a smartwatch's interface will presumably change color to match the watch face's hue if the feature is released.
The feature has been spotted by enabling a new “Enable dynamic theme” toggle in the Settings app.

While Google made no mention of Material You when it unveiled Wear OS 4 at its I/O 2023 conference last week, a new report says that design language will eventually arrive as part of the next Wear OS iteration.

The folks over at 9to5Google managed to enable dynamic theming on a smartwatch after digging through a preview version of Wear OS 4. It was force-enabled via a toggle in the Settings app, giving us a good look at the feature's dynamic colors creeping into many elements of the smartwatch's interface.

Since Android 12, dynamic color theming has allowed users to select a wallpaper and have its hues automatically applied to the rest of the system. This can result in a visually appealing experience that matches a user's personal style.

On Wear OS watches, dynamic theming will presumably work in the same way as it does on smartphones, generating hues that complement the color of your watch face.

As shown in the screenshots below, the dynamic colors have spread to many UI elements, including Quick Settings and the app icons.

9to5Google

Material You is a welcome addition to Wear OS. The design language will make Wear OS watches more stylish and user-friendly. It will also make it easier for users to customize their watches to suit their tastes.

If Wear OS 4 does support dynamic theming, it would be a step forward for the platform. Currently, users of Wear OS smartwatches are limited to a pre-defined UI color. Material You would give users more control over the look and feel of their smartwatches.

It is still too early to say for sure whether Wear OS 4 will support dynamic colors. However, the fact that the feature has been a staple of Android since 2021 gives us strong hints that it is a possibility.

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AC Podcast 603: Google I/O FALLOUT!

jeramy.johnson@futurenet.com (Jeramy Johnson) — Mon, 15 May 2023 17:43:32 +0000

On this week's episode of the Android Central Podcast, Shruti Shekar, Jerry Hildenbrand, Michael Hicks, and Nick Sutrich discuss all the fallout from Google I/O 2023 including all the big announcements, the Wear OS 4 tease, Google's Pixel 7a, the arrival of the Google Pixel Fold (although not everywhere), the Google Pixel Tablet, and more!

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Wear OS 4 promises to improve golf tracking and other health features

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Mon, 15 May 2023 16:13:13 +0000

What you need to know

Google is planning to introduce new features to Wear OS 4, including improvements to Health Services.
Wear OS 4 will enable the automatic detection of the number of golf shots you take via the Health Services feature.
The Health Connect service will also be offered as a native feature in Android 14 rather than as a standalone app.

Following the announcement of Wear OS 4 a few days ago, Google has revealed plans to add new features to the platform, such as built-in golf tracking and other health-related functions.

The next version of Wear OS will include a number of features that will make it easier for golfers to track their performance on the course. This means Wear OS 4 will be able to automatically detect the size of their golf swing, whether it's a short putt, a full swing, or something in between (via 9to5Google).

The new feature, developed in partnership with Samsung, will allow users to track their swing data more accurately and identify areas where they can improve. Wear OS 4 will also be able to detect the number of golf shots users take, but it'll be available only on eligible Wear OS watches.

Wear OS 4 will also include new permissions to serve as a gatekeeper for apps that access sensors in the background. The goal is to give users complete control over their data while allowing developers to gain access to necessary data "in a power-efficient manner."

Google also shared a ton of improvements coming with Android 14 via the Android Developers YouTube channel. In the video below, the company's employees talk about making Health Connect a native part of Android's next iteration.

Currently, Health Connect is a standalone app that's available to download via the Play Store. Once Android 14 hits stable release, the feature will be integrated into the Settings app on Android devices, making it easier for users to access and manage their health data.

Additionally, the integration will result in faster releases of new features for Health Connect because they will be rolled out as part of Google Play System updates.

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Google Pixel Watch

You can't go wrong with the Pixel Watch if you want an Android watch that's both an attractive, eye-catching device and a great tool for Google software. It only comes in one size and lasts one day on a single charge, but it's the watch you'll actually want to wear of these two competing devices.

Google announces Wear OS 4, says Gmail and Calendar apps are on the way

derrek.lee@futurenet.com (Derrek Lee) — Wed, 10 May 2023 19:00:54 +0000

What you need to know

Wear OS 4 was teased at Google I/O 2023 and will bring new features, including better battery life and enhanced text-to-speech support.
Wear OS 4 will support backup and restore, a feature that has been available only on Galaxy Watches.
The new Watch Face Format will enable developers to easily create customizable watch faces.
Google also announced new apps such as Gmail, Calendar, and WhatsApp coming to the platform.

It's been a while since Google announced Wear OS 3, and while it took a while for the platform to kick off, it continues to be adopted by more people as the update rolls out and more watches launch. Now, two years after Wear OS 3 was first announced, Google is talking about Wear OS 4.

The company teased the update during Google I/O 2023, saying it will bring several new features that users should be excited about. Among them is enhanced text-to-speech support to improve Wear OS accessibility, as well as better battery life. That last one is something we heard before with Wear OS 3, although it hasn't really been the case with many smartwatches, so we hope Google can provide this time around.

One exciting new feature coming to the platform is support for backup and restore, a feature long requested on Wear OS. Since the platform requires full resets when connecting to new phones, it can be cumbersome to have to set up a Wear OS smartwatch just as you had it before. This should make the setup process go by much quicker, even when moving from one smartwatch to another.

Samsung already allows users to back up and restore the Galaxy Watch series, so it's nice to see it finally coming to more Wear OS watches.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Also, when setting up a new watch, permissions will now carry over from your smartphone, meaning you don't have to re-enable them on the smartwatch.

Wear OS 4 will be available later this year, but Google says the developer preview and emulator are already available for developers to try out. And while they company didn't go into too much detail, we'll likely hear more information about the update closer to the launch.

Gmail, Calendar, WhatsApp, and more

In addition to new Wear OS features, the platform is also gaining some long-awaited apps. Gmail and Calendar are finally coming to Wear OS, allowing users to check and respond to emails or RSVP for events. It's a little surprising that it's taken this long, seeing as how Samsung already has a Calendar app on its Galaxy Watch series and a Microsoft Outlook app has been available for some time.

(Image credit: Google)

Google did not specify when the apps will be available, just that they're coming "later this year."

WhatsApp is also launching an app on Wear OS. It was recently made available for users in the beta, but the experience is fairly limited at the moment. However, it seems the app should be more widely available "in the coming weeks," bringing additional features we haven't seen yet, including the ability to start new conversations and even answer calls.

(Image credit: Google)

In addition to new apps, existing ones are gaining new features. Google Home is bringing enhanced notifications for Nest doorbell owners, allowing users to view who's at the door from their smartwatch. Users will also be able to lock and unlock their doors.

Spotify and Peleton are also gaining new Tiles for quick access to podcasts, new AI DJ playlists, workout tracking, and more.

More efficient watch faces

With Wear OS 4 on the way, Google is making it easier for developers to create new watch faces for the platform, thanks to the new Watch Face Format. This lets developers design watch faces without needing to have any executable code involved. According to Google, there will be "no code embedded in your watch face APK."

This should make watch faces more battery efficient while also requiring less maintenance from developers, as the OS will handle the watch face rendering and logic. Wear OS 4's built-in editor also saves developers from having to build one themselves.

Developers interested in creating watch faces with the new format are able to do so now so that they're ready for Wear OS 4 when it becomes available.

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Google Pixel Watch

The Pixel Watch is one of the best Android smartwatches you can buy. It has a sleek design that is bound to turn heads, great performance, optional LTE connectivity, and great health and fitness features thanks to Fitbit integration.

Google Pixel Watch 2: Specs, new Fitbit tools, and everything you need to know

michael.hicks@futurenet.com (Michael L Hicks) — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 12:30:00 +0000

The original Pixel Watch was weighed down by a years-long production process that saddled it with some last-gen touches, undercutting an otherwise high-quality smartwatch with plenty of magical Google touches. Now, the Pixel Watch 2 has arrived with (mostly) the same look while shedding a lot of that baggage.

With a new Snapdragon processor, improved battery life, four new or improved health sensors, and faster charging, the Pixel Watch 2 has made enough changes from the Pixel Watch 1 to help it compete against the best Android watches from Samsung and other brands — as well as against popular fitness brands thanks to its Fitbit Premium link.

You can check out our Pixel Watch 2 review to see our hands-on impressions of the watch. Thus far, it's certainly among our favorites, competing with the Galaxy Watch 6 for the top spot.

Otherwise, here's what you need to know about the Google Pixel Watch 2's design, specs, release date, and more!

Google Pixel Watch 2: Release date and price

Google announced pre-orders for the Pixel Watch 2 on October 4. It officially launches and ships on October 12.

Depending on where you buy the Pixel Watch 2, you'll get one or two years of warranty. Buyers in the United States, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and India get one year of support. The United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Australia, and the general EEA get two years.

The Google Pixel Watch 2 Wi-Fi ships in one 41mm case size and costs $349.99 in the United States, while starting at £349 in the UK, €399 in Europe, and AU$549 in Australia. For the 4G LTE Pixel Watch 2, you pay $50 extra ($399). You also receive 6 free months of Fitbit Premium (a $60 value) with purchase, so long as you're not already subscribed.

Google Pixel Watch 2: Design and display

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

The Pixel Watch 2 ships in four colors (though some aren't available depending on where you live):

Matte Black Aluminum Case / Obsidian Active Band
Polished Silver Aluminum Case / Bay Active Band
Polished Silver Aluminum Case / Porcelain Active Band
Champagne Gold Aluminum Case / Hazel Active Band

Google says that the Pixel Watch 2 is made of "100% recycled aluminum," a switch from the "80% stainless steel" of the original Pixel Watch. While some may prefer steel for its high-class look, the new model is 5g lighter despite sporting the same dimensions and new sensors, so you may prefer this trade-off for better comfort.

Like the original Pixel Watch, the Pixel Watch 2 has a haptic crown and a separate side button for navigation and shortcuts, respectively. The crown was one of our favorite elements of the first-gen model, with its "subtle and satisfying" bumps that give you a tactile grip and a feel for how far you're turning it. We're glad to see it return.

Although the Pixel Watch uses a proprietary attachment mechanism, all of your Pixel Watch 1 bands will transfer to the newer model. Attaching or detaching a band is as simple as pushing a button and sliding the band out or in.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

With the standard Active band, the Small and Large variants fit wrist sizes of 130–175mm or 165–210mm, respectively. Other official bands have one-size-fits-all designs or wider wrist sizes, if yours is especially petite or wide.

As for the display, things are mostly unchanged from last year. Like before, you get a 1.2-inch AMOLED display with 320 pixels per inch and 1,000 nits of brightness. It has Gorilla Glass 5 scratch protection and DCI-P3 color range, though Google doesn't specify a percentage. The only key difference is that Google says it has a thinner domed cover glass than before.

If you're someone who prefers a larger display size, you'll have to go with a Galaxy Watch 6 or another Android watch option. Although we really like Google's rounded edge-to-edge design, the Pixel Watch 2 does bring back a fairly large display border when other brands have cut down on that wasted space to maximize room for text and apps.

Google Pixel Watch 2: Hardware & sensors

Google Pixel Watch 2	Specifications
Dimensions	41 x 41 x 12.3mm
Weight (w/out strap)	31g
Display	1.2-inch (384 x 384) AMOLED touchscreen; 1,000 nits
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 5100; Cortex M33 co-processor
Memory	2GB
Storage	32GB
Durability	Corning Gorilla Glass 5; 5ATM; IP68
Battery	306mAh; 24 hours with AOD
Charging	USB-C proprietary cable; 30 minutes to 50%; 43 minutes to 80%; 75 minutes to 100%
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.0; Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz; NFC; 4G LTE and UMTS (optional)
Operating system	Wear OS 4; Android 9+ phone required
Sensors	Accelerometer, altimeter, ambient light, cEDA, compass, ECG, gyroscope, magnetometer, optical heart rate, skin temperature, SpO2
GPS	GPS L1, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS
Audio	Built-in microphone and speaker

The Pixel Watch 2 matches the Pixel Watch in its size, memory, storage, display, and connectivity standards.

What's new? For starters, it trades out the old Exynos 9110 chip — found in the original Samsung Galaxy Watch — for a new Snapdragon Wear 5100 chip also used by the excellent TicWatch Pro 5. Specifically, Mobvoi uses the 5100+ with a Qualcomm coprocessor, while Google uses its own Cortex co-processor instead.

Not only does this updated chip deliver faster performance, but it also makes the Pixel Watch 2 more efficient. The Pixel Watch and Watch 2 share a 5ATM water resistance rating, but only the latter has an official IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Google redesigned its optical heart rate monitor so that it can use multiple LEDs and photodiodes to measure your pulse from different angles while sticking to battery-saving single LED mode outside of workouts. The key here is that the Pixel Watch 2 is better at registering your heart rate during fast-paced workouts, whereas the Pixel Watch 1 might struggle to properly track them.

In terms of new sensors, the Pixel Watch 2 steals some tricks from the Fitbit Sense 2. It has an electrical sensor to measure skin conductance for body response tracking, or cEDA; in plainer terms, it continuously tracks your stress levels for Fitbit to analyze. It also adds a skin temperature sensor to measure your health and sleep quality at night and separate electrical sensors for electrocardiograms (ECG).

Rounding out the list, the Pixel Watch 2 adds a magnetometer and a barometer separate from its altimeter. It also adds QZSS tracking for the first time, likely as a perk for Japanese buyers.

Google Pixel Watch 2: Battery life and charging

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Because it retains the same design as the original Pixel Watch, don't expect a drastic difference in terms of battery life. This is apparent as last year's model packs a 294mAh cell, while the Pixel Watch 2 gets a miniscule bump up to 306mAh. Google even states that both smartwatches are rated for up to 24 hours, albeit with a bit of an asterisk.

Out of the box, the Pixel Watch 2 has its Always-on Display enabled by default, while still managing to meet the claim of 24-hour battery life. Meanwhile, the original Pixel Watch does not come with the AOD enabled, meaning that you'll be able to squeeze some extra juice out of the Watch 2 if you turn this feature off.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Where these two wearables differ greatly is in how they are charged, as Google ditched the wireless charging puck that was introduced with the Pixel Watch. Instead, the Pixel Watch 2 relies on an array of four pogo pins, removing any hopes of using reverse wireless charging from your phone if you need to top it off.

In fact, it's possible to use the same charger from something like the Fitbit Sense 2 or Versa 4 to recharge the Pixel Watch 2. Google stated that this was done in an effort to improve charging speeds while reducing the amount of heat.

Plus, charging the Pixel Watch 2 is now slightly faster: it takes 43 minutes instead of 55 to hit 80%, or 75 minutes instead of 80 to hit 100%. And it's worth noting that even when using a Fitbit charger, the Pixel Watch 2 is able to meet the quoted charging speeds.

Google Pixel Watch 2: New features

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Armed with Wear OS 4, the Pixel Watch 2 will have plenty of new apps and tools, such as the new Gmail and Google Calendar apps. It'll use improved text-to-speech to make dictating emails or creating calendar events easier without typing on a tiny screen.

Google Assistant has also gotten smarter with this iteration, allowing you to ask questions about your Fitbit health stats and receive contextual answers. Of course, you'll need a Fitbit Premium account to make the most of this.

Wear OS 4 also enables backup and restore capabilities, something that has only been available on Galaxy Watches up until now. Plus, you'll get an expedited Watch Unlock tool to access your Android phone more quickly by bypassing your passcode.

In terms of the Pixel Watch 2 specifically, it's getting new safety features like Safety Check, which checks in with you after a prearranged time to see if you're all right; if you don't respond, the watch will automatically share your real-time location, medical info, and context to your emergency contacts or emergency services.

If you buy the 4G LTE Pixel Watch 2 and subscribe to Fitbit Premium, then you can use Safety Signal: it lets you make phone-free emergency calls or texts without having subscribed to a service plan.

Although Fitbit Premium was available with the last generation, you can more properly get a sense of your Daily Readiness and overall health because of the new multi-path HRM, ECG, cEDA, and skin temperature sensors, properly judging your workout effort, heart health, and sleep recovery.

You also have access to automatic workout detection, personalized heart rate zones, and Pace Training to keep you on track with a specific time and effort in mind.

Google Pixel Watch 2

The Pixel Watch 2 looks a lot like the original Pixel Watch, but you'll find plenty of changes underneath the surface in terms of performance, battery, apps, and more.

Best Samsung Galaxy Watch apps 2025

andrew.myrick@futurenet.com (Andrew Myrick) — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 02:21:07 +0000

Once you pick yourself up a snazzy new Samsung Galaxy smartwatch, you'll want to get familiar with it, personalize its look, and then download the best Galaxy Watch apps so you can get the most out of it.

On a Galaxy watch like the Galaxy Watch 7 — or any of the best Samsung watches running Wear OS — there's an app drawer full of essential apps worth using. Beyond that, you can visit the Play Store or Galaxy Store to find additional apps you'll love adding to your experience.

What are the best apps from which to choose? We're highlighting some great options here, all of which are available for download from the Galaxy Store.

How to find the best Galaxy watch apps for you

If you can't don't like any of the watch faces that come pre-loaded on your watch, or just want more options, the Facer app is worth taking a look at. You can find styles based on some of the most famous designs worldwide, to a digital sports style that looks like it came from a sci-fi movie and anything else in between.

Spotify is already a fantastic music streaming service, but it gets even better if you own a Galaxy Watch. You can download the Spotify app directly to your smartwatch, then download songs and playlists directly to the watch and leave your phone behind. It's not the fully-fledged version of the app, but it's better than nothing.

The best part about all of this is that you no longer need to rely solely on the Galaxy Store to download and install apps. Thanks to the transition to Wear OS 3, which started with the Galaxy Watch 4, the Play Store is just a few taps away. That being said, here are our picks for the best Galaxy Watch apps.

Facer

(Image credit: Ara Wagoner / Android Central)

Facer has been a favorite for Android watch owners for years. It is practically a necessity for anyone bored by the default Galaxy Watch watch faces. There are classic-looking options, futuristic ones, and everything in between. Our guide on how to use Facer will help you get started, and your Facer designs will transfer to new Galaxy or Android watches you buy in the future.

Facer Watch Faces

Facer is free to download, and so are some of the various watch faces within the app. However, some might cost a small fee, but you might find that the customization is worth paying for.

Download from: Google Play Store

Spotify

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Spotify arguably remains the best music streaming service out there, and the company continues to update its Wear OS app with new features. With the app installed on your Galaxy Watch, you'll be able to quickly and easily download your favorite songs or playlists. Then, you can pair your favorite wireless earbuds with your Galaxy Watch and listen to everything without the need to keep your phone in your pocket.

Spotify

Spotify is one of the most popular music services around, and Samsung Galaxy watches have direct access, with an app made for your wrist. You can stream and control your full Spotify library, including playlists you've created. Now you don't have to pull your phone out of your pocket when you want to get your tunes going.

Download from: Google Play Store

Google Assistant

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

Google Assistant almost feels like a necessity to download. No offense to Samsung's Bixby, but we prefer Assistant, and you can set Google Assistant to be your default digital assistant in Settings after you download it from the Play Store. You'll then be able to customize which button press will pull up Assistant, or have it always listening (though the latter burns through your battery).

Google Assistant

Don't stick with Samsung's default assistant unless you're deeply invested in Samsung's apps; download Google Assistant to get better integration with your favorite Google apps.

Download from: Google Play Store

Google Home

(Image credit: Chris Wedel / Android Central)

Despite initially launching with the Pixel Watch, the Google Home app is also available for select Galaxy Watch models. Notably, you'll need a wearable that is capable of running Wear OS 3, meaning that you can use this with the Galaxy Watch 4 or Galaxy Watch 5 or newer models. Once installed, you'll finally be able to control many of your smart home devices, right from your wrist. With newer watches, you can even get alerts from compatible Nest cameras and video doorbells.

Google Home

Android smartwatch owners have been wanting the ability to control Google Home accessories on their wrists for years. Thanks to Wear OS and the Google Home app, you can do just that.

Download from: Google Play Store

Google Keep

(Image credit: Android Central)

It's incredibly useful to be able to jot down thoughts or ideas that come into your head from your phone or computer. But it's even more convenient when you can do so using your smartwatch. Not only does the Google Keep app work on the best Android smartwatches, but you can even use it to keep track of your shopping lists, to-do lists, and much more.

Google Keep

Most people don't need a complicated app to jot down notes or make grocery lists. That's where Google Keep comes in, and you can even use it on your Galaxy Watch.

Download from: Google Play Store

Strava

(Image credit: Michael Hicks)

Samsung has a great all-around health platform loaded on all its Galaxy smartwatches, but much of that data stays in that ecosystem. Strava, our top pick for the best running app on Android, works for any sport and connects to most of our favorite fitness smartwatches and other popular fitness apps, including the Galaxy Watch and Samsung Health. It gives you a convenient spot to track everything, plus connect with different clubs, friends, and followers to share your progress.

Strava: Run, Ride, Hike

Strava is one of the few health and fitness apps that seamlessly works across all of your devices. This includes the Galaxy Watch, and all you need to do is download the app, for free, from the Play Store.

Download from: Google Play Store

Infinity Loop: Relax Puzzle

Considering the sheer size of smartwatches nowadays, especially the Galaxy Watch Ultra, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that some people want to play games on their smartwatches. While the list of games that you can actually play on your watch isn't as vast as the best Android games, there are still some options. Just take Infinity Loop, for example, as this is a puzzle game that lets you tap and swipe to solve each puzzle. It's relaxing, as the name implies, but also mentally stimulating.

Infinity Loop: Relax Puzzle

Infinity Loop is designed to be a "fun way of increasing your logic skills." There are a boatload of different levels to choose from, including a dedicated "zen mode" if you want to just keep playing without needing to meet any goals or achievements.

Download from: Google Play Store

Uber

(Image credit: Joe Maring / Android Central)

Uber continues to be one of the best ways to get a ride whenever you need to go somewhere. Its mobile app is already pretty great in its own right, and there's a separate companion app available for the Galaxy Watch. It might not offer as much versatility as using the Uber app on your phone, but at least you can see just how far away your ride is so you can make sure you're ready when it gets there.

Uber

Installing the Uber app on your Galaxy Watch will allow it to sync up with the app on your phone. You can call a ride to get you to your next destination and keep up to date on the car's location. When it's getting close, the app will show you on your watch so you can keep your phone in your pocket.

Download from: Google Play Store

Find My Mobile

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

We've all been there at some point. You're getting ready to walk out the door, only to realize that your phone isn't in your pocket. Instead of throwing all the couch cushions on the floor and tearing your house apart, Samsung's Find My Mobile app makes it easy to figure out exactly where your phone is. Just open the app, and tap the button so that your phone will start emitting a sound, allowing you to pinpoint exactly where it is.

Find My Mobile

Losing your phone in the couch cushion, in the car, in the fridge — it was a long day — or any other number of places can be frustrating. Thankfully if you have the Find My Mobile app on your Galaxy Watch, you can use it to ring your phone. So long as you have a vague idea of where it may be and can get into Bluetooth range, your watch can reunite you and your phone.

Download from: Samsung Galaxy Store

Google Maps

(Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / Android Central)

When Samsung announced the Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro, Google briefly jumped on stage to announce a new version of the Google Maps app. Maps was already available on Wear OS 2, but it wasn't available on older Galaxy Watch models due to the fact that Samsung was using Tizen for the operating system. Thankfully, that's no longer an issue, and you can use Google Maps on the latest Galaxy watches. If you have an LTE model, you can leave your phone behind and still navigate to where you need to go.

Google Maps

Samsung Galaxy Watch owners have long needed to rely on alternatives when it came to using their wearables for directions. That's no longer a problem, provided that you own a Galaxy Watch powered by Wear OS 3.

Download from: Google Play Store

Todoist

(Image credit: Todoist)

There are a lot of to-do apps out there, with more landing in the Play Store on a seemingly-daily basis. However, we would argue that there are none better than Todoist. The app is as flexible as you want, allowing you to keep things simple with basic lists, or you can even go so far as to create full-blown projects with due dates, notes, attachments, and more. Early in 2022, the company also announced a major overhaul of its Wear OS app, providing a straightforward interface, and one that fully embraced Material Design.

Todoist

Todoist is arguably the best to-do app for the majority of users. The app is free across practically every platform you can think of, and was redesigned to match Google's Material Design.

Download from: Google Play Store

Samsung Voice Recorder

(Image credit: Samsung)

If you've ever found yourself wanting to record a voice memo, you don't need your phone to do so. And when using the Galaxy Watch, you don't even need to download another app since Samsung's Voice Recorder comes pre-installed. Find the app in your App Drawer, press record, and tell it what you want to remember. The interface really couldn't be easier, and Samsung even makes it possible to convert your recording to "on-screen text."

Samsung Voice Recorder

Don't want to forget something but can't use your phone to write it down? Just load up the built-in Samsung Voice Recorder on your Galaxy Watch.

Download from: Samsung Galaxy Store

Back to the top ^

Apps make your watch work for you

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

You can check out our list of the best Android apps for Android phones, and see which of them have Wear OS equivalents if you're looking for more inspiration. You can also look at our brief list of the best Wear OS apps, where's there's some overlap with our best Galaxy Watch apps list.

Older Galaxy Watches have only offered 16GB of storage — with half of that taken up by default software and apps — while most other Android watches have jumped to 32GB. Thankfully, the Galaxy Watch 7 increased that to 32GB so you have more space to download as many apps and watch faces as you want.

Which Wear OS watches work with iPhone?

michael.hicks@futurenet.com (Michael L Hicks) — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 21:30:06 +0000

Can you use Wear OS watches with an iPhone?

Fossil, Mobvoi, and Montblanc watches with Wear OS 3 can theoretically connect to your iPhone using the Wear OS by Google app. Unfortunately, it's a very limited experience by design, as Apple wants to reserve smartwatch functionality for the Apple Watch; Google has all but abandoned the app.

Samsung and Google watches aren't compatible with iOS and won't ever be. The same applies to other new Wear OS watches from OnePlus and Xiaomi, as they're closely tied to the Android ecosystem and use proprietary Android apps for setup.

That said, there is a Play Store app called Merge — Connect to iPhone that (in theory) makes any Android watch compatible with an iPhone, including a Galaxy Watch or Pixel Watch, for notifications and Bluetooth calling.

Which Wear OS watches work with iPhone?

The Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition and the Mobvoi TicWatch E3 (Image credit: Android Central)

The unfortunate answer to this question is that your selection of Wear OS 3 or Wear OS 4 watches with iOS support is very limited.

The Fossil Gen 6, Gen 6 Wellness Edition, and spin-off models (Michael Kors or Skagen Falster Gen 6) do support iOS after their jump to Wear OS 3, via the Fossil Smartwatches iOS app. Unfortunately, you can't access Google Assistant and notifications aren't actionable like they are through an Android phone.

Another issue is that Fossil is abandoning Wear OS after running into serious issues keeping up with new Wear OS updates; it'll continue to support its existing smartwatches "for the next few years," but it's probably time to move on, regardless.

The TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra (Image credit: Chris Wedel / Android Central)

Mobvoi is another brand that supported Wear OS/ iOS cross-platform compatibility in the past. It took two years for Wear OS 3 to roll out to models like the TicWatch E3 and TicWatch Pro 3, so now, technically, they qualify as Wear OS 3 watches with iOS support. The same limitations with messaging and voice assistant support apply, of course.

We'll also point out that Mobvoi chose not to make the newest TicWatch Pro 5 iOS-compatible, which is another portent that you shouldn't expect future Wear OS models of any brand to work with iPhones directly.

Lastly, the ultra-expensive Montblanc Summit 3 received Wear OS 3 and has an iOS app.

The problem of Wear OS and iOS compatibility

Before Wear OS 3, many Wear OS 2 watches were compatible with iOS, including the Galaxy Watch 3. Brands like Mobvoi and Fossil still have their own iOS apps, while the Wear OS by Google app offers a more generalized option for connecting an Android watch to an iPhone.

Since the launch of Wear OS 3, though, most brands have relied solely on their individual apps for smartwatch set-up and phone connectivity, which means the Wear OS by Google app is mostly useless.

Beyond that, Samsung abandoned iOS for a reason: the company "could not deliver the same level of experience with Android and iOS," as Samsung Director of Global Product Planning Junho Park told Techradar. Wear OS watches don't stay connected to iPhones consistently, and you don't get the same voice assistant support or the ability to download watch apps through your phone.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Truly, there is very little reason to buy Wear OS watches as an iPhone owner. They only last a day or two per charge because of their battery-guzzling CPUs and RAM, but you can't even take advantage of the processing power because iOS only lets Apple Watches use "smart" features.

That being said, the aforementioned Merge app essentially does what Wear OS by Google is supposed to do: lets you see iOS notifications on your Wear OS watch. It may not work for every Android watch model, it won't give your watch its missing functionality, and it may still have the same frustrating connectivity issues with your iPhone at times.

We still appreciate having the option! And some Merge app reviewers say they managed to connect their Android watch to their iPhone and their Android phone simultaneously, getting notifications from both. That's a pretty neat function if you have a work phone and a personal phone.

Ultimately, you may be better off looking into watches from fitness brands like Garmin or Fitbit, designed to work with both iOS and Android, and with better battery life and fitness features.