smartwatches Archives

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

Google patches an annoying Wear OS authentication bug affecting Wallet

A bug affecting Google Wallet caused repeated authentication prompts for Wear OS users, which has now been patched by Google. Wear OS users can make Wallet payments without needing to authenticate if their smartwatch is unlocked and worn on their wrist. The issue was acknowledged by Google on May 20, and the fix was confirmed in a community post on May 29. The Google Wallet app on Wear OS has been updated to version 25.17, though it is unclear if the patch requires a manual update or was implemented server-side.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Wear OS 6 will bring Facer back onto Android smartwatches; we asked Facer what to expect

Wear OS 6 will support third-party watch face stores like Facer, which were restricted on Wear OS 5. Facer collaborated with Google to ensure watch faces feature "instant syncing" with Pixel Watches. Third-party faces must utilize the Watch Face Format (WFF), but many older animated and 3D watch faces will not sync. The rollout of Wear OS 6 is anticipated to begin in late summer or early fall 2025. Developers are encouraged to create watch face marketplaces using WFF, addressing previous challenges in promoting watch faces through the Play Store. Facer, TIMEFLIK, WatchMaker, Pujie, and Recreative will be among the first to offer their watch faces on Wear OS 6 devices. The WFF format uses cached sensor data to minimize battery consumption. Facer is preparing to unveil thousands of watch faces for Wear OS 6, available for free or through a premium subscription model. Some legacy faces will be adapted to the WFF standard, but not all previous favorites will be available. Facer aims to equip developers with tools for creating WFF-compliant watch faces and plans to introduce new features and partnerships this summer.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Google’s Find My Device gets a much-needed update

Google's Android operating system update on May 13 rebranded Find My Device to Find Hub, adding Ultra-Wideband (UWB) tag support and satellite connectivity for improved tracking. Google plans to partner with airlines to enable Bluetooth tag location sharing for lost luggage recovery, launching early next year. The update is part of the Android 16 revamp, which includes personalization options and the introduction of Material 3 Expressive. Additionally, Google I/O announced the transition from Google Assistant to Gemini Live across various platforms for a more intuitive AI experience.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

Google’s May 2025 Pixel update is here with bug fixes and a critical security patch

The May 2025 security update for Google Pixel devices began deployment on May 6, addressing a critical zero-day security vulnerability (CVE-2025-27363) and including three bug fixes along with 28 security patches. The rollout may take about one week to reach all devices, depending on models and carriers. The update prevents devices from reverting to older, vulnerable versions of the bootloader. It also resolves specific issues for Google Pixel 6 and newer devices, including improvements in microphone recording quality, resolution of Bluetooth pairing issues with certain smartwatches, and correction of secondary language display issues in quick settings. Users are advised to check for the update in the Settings app under System > Software update.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

Gemini on Wear OS should stick to the Assistant status quo, mostly

Google is set to introduce Gemini support to Wear OS smartwatches, replacing the existing Google Assistant. This transition follows Google's plan to fully transition to Gemini, starting with Android phones and expanding to tablets, Android Auto, headphones, Nest speakers, Google TV, and smartwatches. Insights from 9to5Google suggest that Gemini may be a straightforward app enhancement rather than a radical overhaul. The Pixel 9a features a Tensor G4 chip but has limited AI capabilities due to its 8GB of RAM, while the Pixel Watch 3 has 2GB of RAM and older Arm Cortex cores, which may hinder Gemini's performance compared to Assistant. There is potential for improved interaction with applications through Gemini extensions, but true Gemini Live-style conversations on smartwatches may not be feasible without significant battery drain. Future iterations of the Pixel Watch may showcase enhanced Gemini capabilities, especially with a new Wear OS chip expected from Qualcomm, but Google's current focus is on ensuring Gemini operates effectively on existing Android watches.

AppWizard

April 7, 2025

How to switch to grid app view on a Google Pixel Watch

The Google Pixel Watch 3 allows users to customize their experience by switching between list view and grid view for app organization. In list view, apps are arranged alphabetically, while grid view displays three icons per row for intuitive navigation. To switch to grid view, tap the side Crown, scroll to the bottom of the App List, select the App View option with the grid icon, and the apps will display in grid format. The Google Pixel Watch 3 is noted for its enhancements, particularly in battery life, and integrates well with other smart devices, making it a popular choice in the smartwatch market.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

Introducing Windows on arm. And by arm, we mean wrist

Gustave Monce, a PhD student from Bordeaux, is working on a project to run Windows on the Google Pixel Watch 3, referred to as "Windows on ARM." Initially announced on April Fools' Day, Monce clarified that the project is serious and involves UEFI on the Pixel Watch 3 with the capability to boot Windows and Linux. He has previously developed DuoWOA, enabling Windows 11 to run on Microsoft's Surface Duo, and is also working on LumiaWOA for the Nokia Lumia 950 and 950XL. The smartwatch project utilizes an Arm64 build of Windows PE, allowing the Pixel Watch 3 to boot a WinPE image via UEFI, though the final installation steps remain undocumented. Monce describes the project as real and goofy, acknowledging its current limitations while inviting others to explore the code.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

Keeper Security Enhances WearOS App and Android Offline Mode

Keeper Security has enhanced its Keeper WearOS app, previously known as KeeperDNA, to improve security and user experience for smartwatch users. The app now aligns with Google's Android guidelines, featuring a modern interface that allows users to securely view stored credentials and utilize Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) more easily. Key features include Time-Based One-Time Password (TOTP) code viewing, Watch Favorites for quick access to frequently used logins, and improved offline functionality that allows users to access Keeper data without an internet connection. The account setup process has been simplified, and users can manage offline access and 2FA settings separately. The updated app is available on the Google Play Store and supports zero-knowledge encryption. Future updates are planned to include passkey support and standalone functionality for managing security directly from wearable devices.

AppWizard

March 27, 2025

Keeper Security Unveils Latest WearOS App for Seamless Password Management

Keeper Security has launched an updated version of its WearOS app for Android, enhancing security and user experience for smartwatch users. The app, formerly known as KeeperDNA, features a redesigned interface, instant access to credentials and 2FA codes, and a "Watch Favorites" option for quick access to frequently used logins. Improvements to offline functionality include a simplified account setup, enhanced offline mode with configurable vault access durations, and decoupled offline mode and 2FA settings. The updated app is available for download on the Google Play Store and maintains zero-knowledge encryption for user data security.

AppWizard

March 19, 2025

Kids with Android phones can now tap and pay with Google Wallet

Google Wallet is introducing tap-to-pay for children on Android, allowing them to make in-store purchases. This feature will be available in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Spain, and Poland in the coming weeks. Parental approval is required for kids to add a card, and parents can monitor spending or remove the card at any time. Children can unlock the app using a fingerprint, face scan, PIN, or passcode, and the app can also store gift cards and event tickets. The feature is limited to in-store transactions and does not allow online shopping.