Wear OS

AppWizard
May 7, 2025
Google's Pixel Watch companion app has transitioned to a light theme, moving away from its previous dark aesthetics. This change has been rolled out via a server-side update, with users noticing the new vibrant white backdrop on their Android devices. There is no option to toggle between themes in the app settings, indicating that the update was implemented without user intervention. The last official app update was version 3.4, released in April. The app operates independently of the phone's theme settings. Earlier this year, Pixel Studio also adopted a light theme, while the Clock app remains dark. The Pixel Watch is expected to receive a significant operating system update, possibly introducing Wear OS 6 based on Android 16, during the Google I/O 2025 event, but it will continue to run on Android 15 for now.
AppWizard
April 18, 2025
Google's Gemini platform will replace Assistant on Wear OS devices through an app update. This transition was hinted at in January, with the latest Assistant app version (1.18.x) revealing strings related to Gemini. Users can activate Gemini by holding the side button or using the "Hey Google" hotword. Gemini's capabilities will be similar to Google Assistant, allowing users to set alarms, timers, and message contacts, though it's unclear if it will integrate with Gmail or Google Maps. Location and Voice Match settings will remain unchanged, and the Wear OS Tile feature will still be available. The launch may coincide with a new flagship watch.
AppWizard
April 16, 2025
Google Wallet has introduced real-time train status alerts for users in India and Canada, allowing them to receive notifications about their train's status, such as "On Time" or "Delayed." Additionally, parents and guardians in select countries can now permit their children to add event tickets and generic passes to their Wallet accounts, with the rollout starting in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Spain, and Poland. Google will host its I/O 2025 event on May 20 at 10 am PT, where updates for Wallet and Pay will be discussed, along with developments related to Android 16, Android XR, and Wear OS 6. Android 16 will feature Live Updates and has reached Platform Stability, allowing developers to refine applications. The Android 16 Beta includes Auracast support for hearing aids to enhance accessibility.
AppWizard
April 15, 2025
Google has released an update to its April Play Services and Store changelog, introducing an automatic reboot function for Android phones that have been locked for three consecutive days to enhance data encryption. The initial batch of April updates included battery life improvements and a security patch for Pixel devices. The update also features optimizations for device connectivity and a minor enhancement to the "Ask a question" feature in the Play Store. Additionally, the April update includes the 2025 security update for Pixel devices, addressing camera issues and screen dimming problems reported by users of the Pixel 6 and 7 series. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has been introduced, featuring a 6.8-inch display and a commitment to seven years of updates.
AppWizard
April 15, 2025
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 10, 2025
Google Play services v25.13 introduces updates to improve battery life and connectivity across various Android devices, including Android Auto, PCs, phones, TVs, and Wear OS devices. Google Wallet now allows users to add nicknames to their passes. The Android System Intelligence v.23 update includes logging for Adaptive Sound and code optimization for Smart Dictation. The Google Play Store will implement verified badges for select VPN applications to enhance user trust and safety.
AppWizard
March 29, 2025
The Wear OS 5.1 update for Pixel Watch users enhances app visibility by adding a small circular app icon to the top of each tile. This update, part of the March feature drop and based on Android 15, was initially rolled out for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled Pixel Watches and later made available for LTE-capable devices, including Pixel Watch, Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel Watch 3. It includes features like the FDA-approved Loss of Pulse safety function, menstrual cycle tracking, and improved step tracking. However, the update has caused issues such as delayed notifications and battery performance problems, prompting user frustrations and temporary solutions like restarting or factory resetting watches. Google has acknowledged these problems affecting a small subset of users.
AppWizard
March 7, 2025
Samsung will introduce two new features for its Health app on Galaxy phones later this month to help users manage the transition to Daylight Savings Time. The first feature, the Sleep Environment Report, will analyze factors like room temperature and humidity to improve sleep quality. The second feature, an Activity Consistency metric, will enhance the Health app's Energy Score, allowing users to track their daily activity levels and health trends over the past four weeks. These updates are designed for devices running One UI 7, starting with the Galaxy S25 series, with a broader rollout expected in April.
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