All articles tagged with #wearos
An FCC listing confirms Google's unnamed Pixel smartwatch will run Wear OS and include on-device GPS (GNSS), with a metal frame and Pixel branding signaling a Pixel-focused release, though Google has issued no official comment yet.
A mystery Google wearable surfaced in an FCC filing, described via a Goertek-made device with a screen and regulatory-info access similar to Wear OS. It appears to have Bluetooth and GPS but no Wi‑Fi, suggesting a screen-capable device that could run Wear OS. While it might be a Fitbit-branded gadget (potentially a Charge 7) rather than a Pixel Watch A‑Series, the device’s exact identity remains unconfirmed.
Pixel Watch 5 is a solid upgrade that brings on-device Gemini, notably faster tasks, refreshed Gemini UI, improved GPS accuracy, and strong battery charging, while maintaining a similar form factor to Pixel Watch 4. Key new features like the workout builder and blood pressure/insulin trend reports are delayed until September, and some users may face a steep setup with additional app updates. The watch offers two-day battery life alongside a replaceable screen and battery, and includes handy gestures and a revamped At A Glance system, but its AI-created watch faces are more of a novelty than a necessity. Overall, it justifies the $50 price bump for many users, though upgrade from Pixel Watch 4 isn’t essential.
Google will remove Assistant from Android phones, tablets, WearOS watches, and related devices starting September 4, 2026 as it shifts to Gemini; legacy Assistant remains on older Android versions with limited RAM, and cars with Google built-ins stay supported, with Gemini available via the Play Store to switch over.
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 9 arrives with bigger batteries, a new Qualcomm processor, and enhanced health features, but at premium prices and with limited differences from the Watch 8; the article recommends five solid alternatives: Galaxy Watch 8 for value and similar health metrics, Google Pixel Watch 4 for a pure Wear OS experience and strong design/battery life, Galaxy Watch 7 for a budget-friendly Wear OS option, Garmin Venu 4 for elite health tracking and long battery life, and Amazfit Balance 2 for a feature-packed, budget-friendly package.
Rumors claim Samsung’s Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will launch with new bands, colors, and faces under One UI 9 Watch on Wear OS 7. The Watch9 is expected to be boxier, the Ultra 2 to feature thinner bezels and a redesigned side-button area, with the orange button now having an orange outline. No Classic model this year. Colors for the Watch9 include beige, black with a bluish band, and silver with a green band; straps appear largely the same aside from the Hole row. Samsung is tipped to unveil them July 22 at a Galaxy Unpacked in London alongside the Z Fold8/Ultra and Z Flip8. The Ultra 2 may sport an 800 mAh battery, while the Watch9 could have a 400 mAh cell.
An unreleased Google Pixel Watch 5 prototype was found underwater off St. Martin by a scuba diver after a Google employee dropped it; it's being returned to its owner amid social-media buzz, with rumors noting the Pixel Watch 5’s circular design, 41mm/45mm options, Sapphire-crystal display, OLED with up to 3,000 nits, and WearOS 7, possibly powered by Google's 'NPT' Tensor chip or Qualcomm's W5 Gen 3.
OnePlus announces the Watch 4 with a titanium case and sapphire glass, running Wear OS with Google apps. It uses a 646 mAh battery and claims up to 16 days of endurance in power-saving mode (about five days under normal use). The device includes ECG (China only at the moment) along with heart rate, SpO2, and skin temperature sensors, over 100 sport modes, and is powered by a Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 with a BES 2800 co‑processor. Pricing isn’t listed on OnePlus’ site, but AliExpress lists it around $342.
Google Gemini AI has been rolled out to the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 series and is expanding to older Galaxy Watch models, but only for devices running the latest One UI 8 Watch interface on Wear OS 4 or newer. The app is available for download on older watches, though it currently doesn't replace the older Google Assistant on devices with earlier software versions. Samsung is gradually updating its Galaxy Watch series with One UI 8 Watch beta, including the Galaxy Watch5 and Watch5 Pro, with plans for the Galaxy Watch6 and Watch7.
Google Calendar has launched a simple Apple Watch app that displays a week's worth of events and tasks with color-coded cards, offering quick views and complications, but does not support event creation from the watch. The app is part of Google's expanding smartwatch offerings and is available with the latest iPhone app update.
Google is testing media playback directly from the built-in speakers of Android smartwatches in the upcoming Wear OS 5.1 update, which is based on Android 15. This feature will allow users to play music and podcasts without Bluetooth, provided their device supports it. The update also includes support for credential managers. However, Pixel Watch users will have to wait until March next year for this capability, as the next software update is scheduled for then.
OnePlus is set to launch the OnePlus Watch 3 internationally alongside the OnePlus 13 and 13R smartphones. The Watch 3 is expected to run on Google's Wear OS, similar to its predecessors, the Watch 2 and 2R, which were released earlier this year. While details about the Watch 3's features are still under wraps, its release is anticipated to coincide with the global launch of the OnePlus 13 series.
Google has announced that the latest update for the Pixel Watch series, including models 1, 2, and 3, will be the last until March 2025. The November update resumes the Wear OS 5 rollout for earlier models and provides a security patch for the Pixel Watch 3. Google has not disclosed the reason for the delay in updates, leading to speculation about potential issues with Wear OS 5 or alignment with the Android 16 schedule. Users are advised to enjoy the current update as no further updates will be available for the next few months.
Google has resumed the rollout of the Wear OS 5 update for the Pixel Watch series, including the Pixel Watch 1, 2, and 3, after pausing due to issues that caused devices to brick or display blank screens. The November update, confirmed by Google and scheduled by Verizon, includes security patches and fixes for various bugs, such as watch face loading issues and Bluetooth connection problems. The update is identified by build number AW2A.241105.012.
OnePlus has revealed its new smartwatch, the Watch 2, boasting up to 100 hours of battery life in Smart mode and set to be launched at MWC 2024. The watch features a stainless steel chassis, sapphire crystal watch face, and comes in Black Steel and Radiant Steel colorways. It is expected to run on WearOS, departing from its predecessor's RTOS. OnePlus aims to redefine the concept of a flagship smartwatch and transition into an "ecosystem builder."