smartwatch Archives

AppWizard

April 6, 2026

Samsung will discontinue its Messages app in July and replace it with Google’s

Samsung will discontinue its Samsung Messages app by July of this year, as announced on its website. Users are recommended to transition to Google Messages, which offers enhanced features such as Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging, group chats, and real-time typing indicators. Google Messages also includes generative AI features for photo remixing and simplifies conversation switching across devices. Samsung has been phasing out its messaging app, starting with the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Flip 6, and Galaxy S25 series, which no longer preload Samsung Messages. The final date for the app's discontinuation will be communicated through the app.

AppWizard

April 3, 2026

PSA: CMF Watch owners need to switch over to a new app

Nothing plans to phase out the CMF Watch app, which will be removed from app stores on April 3, 2026, with the Google Play Store discontinuing it by the end of that year. Users must begin pairing their devices with the Nothing X app by July 19, 2026, to ensure a seamless transition. Essential data such as workout records, daily activity, sleep patterns, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, stress metrics, active score, and training load (for Watch Pro 2 users) will be transferred, while personal details like nicknames, avatars, height and weight, and female health data must be re-entered manually. Custom watch faces will not transfer, and CMF Watch app accounts will be deactivated once migration begins. Users should log into the Nothing X app, connect their smartwatch, and select the Data Migration option to initiate the process. Support is available for those who need assistance.

AppWizard

April 1, 2026

Google just announced Wear OS 6.1, and it adds a time zone feature I’ve wanted for years

Google has introduced Wear OS 6.1, which includes location-based time zone detection, allowing smartwatches to update time settings automatically based on the user's location without needing a paired smartphone. The update is based on Android 16 QPR2 and does not feature major visual changes. Additional features include a "Kids graduation" option for children's accounts and improved re-authentication processes. Wear OS 6.1 has not yet been rolled out but is expected to debut on the Pixel Watch 4 and later on older Pixel Watch models and Samsung's Galaxy Watch lineup.

Winsage

March 26, 2026

Samsung Brings Agentic AI to Windows with New Browser Launch

Samsung Electronics has launched the Samsung Browser for Windows, allowing seamless browsing between mobile and PC devices. Users can continue their browsing sessions across devices, manage personal information securely with Samsung Pass, and utilize an AI-powered assistant for enhanced web interaction. The browser features intelligent content understanding, advanced natural language processing for efficient searching, and multi-tab context awareness. It is compatible with Windows 11 and Windows 10 (version 1809 and above), with AI features currently available in South Korea and the United States. Users need the latest Samsung Account version and the Samsung Continuity Service or Galaxy Connect app to access these features. Initial availability is on the Galaxy Book3, 4, 5, and 6 series, with plans for broader device compatibility. The functions of Samsung Pass may vary by country, and agentic AI features require a network connection and Samsung Account login, available in version 29.0.4 and above.

AppWizard

March 18, 2026

Spotify rolls out its bold new smartwatch app experience on Wear OS

Spotify has launched a refreshed experience for its Wear OS app, featuring a gesture-based navigation system. Users can swipe down on the landing screen to view large album art and use simple touch gestures to play, pause, or skip tracks. Swiping up provides access to discovery tools like Home, Search, Your Library, and Downloads. The app also includes options for managing playback, such as adjusting the playback queue and setting a sleep timer. This update will be gradually rolled out, and users should ensure they have the latest version from the Google Play Store. Additional improvements for Wear OS are expected in the future.

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

Spotify on Wear OS just got a big redesign that makes it much easier to use

Spotify has updated its Wear OS app, enhancing navigation and introducing features for smartwatch users. The app now allows users to navigate through Home, Search, Library, and Downloads directly from their wrist. A new Music-First Mode emphasizes album art and includes gesture controls for a more engaging experience. Users can enter Music-First Mode with a swipe down, where a tap plays or pauses music, and a double tap skips tracks. The app still opens to a playback screen but now includes a button for managing the music queue, setting a sleep timer, or accessing a detailed context menu. The update will roll out in the coming days, and users are encouraged to download the latest version from the Google Play Store. Further improvements for Wear OS are expected in the future.

BetaBeacon

March 11, 2026

You can now get a ‘game changer’ of an app update for Sonos on Android — and it brings back a key feature

Sonos has brought back notification and lock screen controls for Android users, with ongoing work to support these controls on iOS. Users can also access these options from their Wear OS smartwatch.

AppWizard

February 13, 2026

Spotify is testing a bold new look for its Wear OS app

Spotify has introduced a new feature for Wear OS smartwatches, featuring a minimalist "Now Playing" screen that emphasizes album art and track details without traditional music controls. Instead, it uses gesture-based interactions: a tap to pause or resume playback, a double-tap on the right to advance to the next track, and a double-tap on the left to return to the previous track. This feature is currently in a limited server-side test, meaning not all users have access to it. Users can still access the conventional Now Playing screen with standard controls by swiping up from the cover art display.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Amazfit app update brings new feature to more smartwatch users

Amazfit has announced its integration with the Google Play Store to enhance user experience and accessibility for its fitness trackers and smartwatches. This move simplifies the download process, improves device functionality, and is expected to increase user engagement and satisfaction. Key features of Amazfit products include advanced health monitoring sensors, customizable interfaces, and long battery life.

AppWizard

January 8, 2026

Just got an Android smartwatch? Install these 3 apps immediately

Upon unboxing an Android smartwatch, users are presented with a variety of applications on the Google Play Store. It is recommended to start with three essential apps: an organization app for managing schedules and tasks, a fitness tracking app for monitoring physical activity and health metrics, and a music control app for managing music. These foundational apps enhance the smartwatch experience and allow users to explore more specialized options later.