Wear OS Archives

AppWizard

February 17, 2026

Google Messages is picking up a couple of genuinely useful upgrades

Google is updating its Messages app to include a feature that allows users to copy a selected portion of a message by tapping and holding to reveal interactive options for inline text selection. This feature will enable users to highlight specific sections of text and use Android's copy function, while still retaining the option to copy the full text. Additionally, a new 'Mark as read' button will be added for Wear OS, allowing users to mark messages as read directly from the initial notification. This option will only be available when the notification first arrives.

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

January 26, 2026

5 Of The Best Android Apps You Won’t Find On Windows

Microsoft's acknowledgment of challenges with Windows 11 has led users to explore alternative platforms, particularly Android, which offers applications not available on the Microsoft Store. Textra SMS is a messaging app with over 10 million downloads and a 4.3-star rating, allowing extensive customization and features like message scheduling. BuzzKill Notification Manager, recognized by Time Magazine, has a 4.6-star rating and offers detailed notification management for .99. Podcast Republic, a podcast app with over 1 million downloads and a 4.6-star rating, supports various listening formats and can be upgraded for an ad-free experience. Hermit - Lite Apps Browser allows users to create lightweight web apps, has over 1 million downloads, and a 4.6-star rating, with premium features available for .99. Web Video Cast – Browser to TV has over 50 million downloads and a 4.6-star rating, enabling media streaming from Android devices to TVs. The selection process for these apps involved user experience and functionality, ensuring high ratings and extensive reviews, with a minimum threshold of 3.5 stars and 1,000 user reviews.

BetaBeacon

January 8, 2026

Google Play Store May Add Try Before You Buy Feature for Games

Google's system updates impact multiple platforms including Android phones, tablets, Wear OS, Google TV, Android Auto, and PC platforms.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Essential Apps to Install First on Your New Android Phone

Google's Find My Device app is essential for Android phone users, providing security features such as locating a misplaced phone, playing a sound, and remotely locking or erasing data. The app's integration with Android has improved tracking accuracy and introduced features like offline finding and compatibility with Bluetooth trackers. Other recommended apps for a well-rounded Android setup include Bitwarden for password management, Solid Explorer for file management, Google Keep for note-taking, and Signal for secure messaging. Productivity apps like Microsoft’s SwiftKey keyboard and Todoist for task management are also highlighted. Customization options include Nova Launcher, while performance optimization can be achieved with Greenify. Privacy-focused tools include DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser and Authy for two-factor authentication. Emerging trends suggest increased AI integration in apps and innovations for foldable devices. Regular maintenance apps like CCleaner and update managers are recommended for long-term device health.

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

4 Essential Android Smartwatch Apps You Should Always Install First

Google Gemini's Wear OS app is a successor to Google Assistant, offering voice control, AI-driven reasoning, and automation for tasks like checking the weather, sending messages, and managing smart home devices. It enhances fitness app management, allowing users to control workouts without touching the device. Gemini integrates with Google services for real-time health inquiries and improves email productivity by summarizing and drafting responses. Google Keep is a note-taking app that allows text and voice input for capturing ideas and creating lists on an Android smartwatch. It features quick access through watch tiles and complications but lacks full editing capabilities. Strava is a fitness tracking app that allows users to monitor activities directly from their smartwatch, using built-in GPS to log routes and metrics. It syncs data to the mobile app after workouts, though social features are limited on the watch. SleepisolBio is a sleep management app that tracks heart rate and sleep patterns, offering therapy options and personalized recommendations. It operates on a freemium model, providing many features for free, but requires smartphone setup for effective use on a smartwatch.

AppWizard

December 22, 2025

Find Hub app rolling out map layers support on Android

Google has introduced an enhancement to its Find Hub for Android, adding map layers to improve user navigation. A Floating Action Button (FAB) allows users to choose between map types: "Default," "Satellite," and "Terrain," along with a "Traffic" layer from Google Maps. This feature is useful for locating misplaced devices but can only be accessed from the main map view. The update is part of version 3.1.485-2 of Find Hub for Android, which is being distributed through the Play Store, although a server-side component is still being rolled out to select devices.

AppWizard

December 19, 2025

Androidify for Wear OS: turn yourself into an Android bot for your Pixel Watch

Google's Androidify app has been updated to allow users to create an Android bot version of themselves for their smartwatches. This feature, which is being rolled out on December 18, enables users to transform selfies into unique Android bots that can be displayed as Wear OS watch faces. The app leverages Gemini and Imagen technologies for customization and allows users to download it from the Play Store. Users can capture a selfie, customize their digital doppelganger, and transfer it to their smartwatch easily. The updated app can dynamically generate a watch face within the phone app, facilitating a seamless transition to the smartwatch. Androidify was initially introduced in September, focusing on personalization, and allows users to reimagine themselves as various characters by uploading images and providing prompts.

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

Android 17 will boost Xiaomi’s app lock security to a new level

Android 17 introduces a system app locking feature, enhancing mobile security with a new permission structure called LOCK_APPS, allowing only system apps and designated launchers to execute this functionality. This feature utilizes the Biometric Prompt API for user authentication via fingerprint, facial recognition, or PIN. Users can lock or unlock apps by long-pressing the app icon on the launcher, which sends a SETAPPLOCK request to Android's core security service. The app lock will only be available on handheld devices, excluding Android Automotive, Wear OS, and Android TV. The feature is expected to debut later in the rollout of Android 17, benefiting Xiaomi devices and HyperOS.

AppWizard

December 10, 2025

Pixel Users Will Get Native App Lock With Android 17

Google is developing a system-level App Lock feature for Android 17, allowing Pixel users to secure individual applications with biometrics or a PIN. Recent Android Canary builds reveal a new API for integrating this feature into the default home screen launcher. This built-in App Lock aims to enhance user privacy by providing a straightforward way to protect sensitive apps without relying on third-party solutions. The implementation will allow users to long-press an app icon to lock it, with authentication options through Android’s BiometricPrompt. The feature is currently in early stages, with flags governing it still disabled. Android 17 is expected to be the earliest release for this feature. Unlike Android's Private Space, which isolates apps in a separate profile, the App Lock will allow easier access to frequently used applications. A system-level App Lock would offer stronger protection than third-party app lockers and align Pixel devices with OEM skins that already provide similar functionalities. Key questions remain regarding notification management and enterprise scenarios as the feature approaches release.