Google Wear OS 4: Features, release date, and more

Because the wearables market continues to warmth up, Google launched Put on OS 4, this yr’s replace to the corporate’s working system. Android-based smartwatches eligible for the replace can anticipate a bunch of enchancment and some new options. Learn on to search out out every part we all know to this point concerning the latest Put on OS and study which watches can anticipate to see the replace.

What’s Put on OS 4?

Put on OS 4 is the most recent model of Google’s working system for Android-based smartwatches. It’s the follow-up to Put on OS 3, the profitable Samsung-Google collaboration that landed in 2021 and revolutionized the Put on OS platform, in addition to Put on OS 3.5 which may at the moment be discovered on various main Put on OS gadgets. The most recent Put on OS introduces a variety of enhancements and some helpful new options.

Formally debuted on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 sequence on July 26, Put on OS 4 is right here. The replace formally hits wrists on August 11, nonetheless many retailers, together with Android Authority, have been lucky sufficient to start out reviewing the brand new Put on OS already. Plus, whereas Samsung is first to the punch, we anticipate to see Put on OS 4 roll out to different gadgets shortly. It would even be discovered on the Pixel Watch 2 this fall.

Put on OS 4 options

Thus far, we’ve solely gotten our eyes on Put on OS 4 with a One UI 5 Watch overlay. We’ll have to attend for the Pixel Watch to obtain the replace to take a look at the inventory Put on OS 4 expertise. From a comfort standpoint, essentially the most thrilling (and lengthy overdue) Put on OS 4 function is its new backup and restore assist. Customers can lastly swap to a brand new cellphone or watch with out manufacturing facility resetting their wearables. The replace additionally provides new apps for Gmail and Google Calendar making it simpler than ever to handle occasions and schedules and reply emails proper from the wrist.

In the meantime, Put on OS 4 additionally brings improved integration inside the Residence app, together with good system controls and notifications. Moreover, the platform boasts a WhatsApp app which rolled out to Put on OS 3 earlier this summer time. This app even permits customers to reply WhatsApp calls from their gadgets. Common apps Spotify and Peloton additionally every issued app enhancements inside the platform.

Lastly, when Google introduced Put on OS 4, the corporate additionally promised extra energy effectivity and battery-saving efficiency. To this finish, Samsung and Google teamed as much as create Watch Face Format, making it simpler for builders to create watch faces that may drain much less juice.

As of but, the rollout schedule isn’t totally clear concerning the most recent Put on OS. As of now, Galaxy Watch 6 sequence gadgets are the one watches at the moment working the most recent software program, and so they hit cabinets on August 11. In response to Samsung, the replace ought to arrive on Galaxy Watch Sequence 5 and Galaxy Watch Sequence 4 gadgets within the coming months. Given its position in creating Put on OS 3, we’re not shocked to see Samsung get a lead on opponents in terms of the most recent software program.

Then again, it’s additionally very possible Google’s personal Pixel Watch will see the brand new software program within the coming weeks. We’ll maintain this hub up to date because the platform makes its method to extra wrists. Primarily based on rumors, we anticipate the Google Pixel Watch 2 will land someday this October and anticipate to see the system working Put on OS 4 out of the field.

Different gadgets doubtlessly eligible for the replace embody Mobvoi’s TicWatch Professional 5, which arrived in Might, and Fossil’s newest household of Put on OS gadgets. To be frank although, the Put on OS 3 rollout was a little bit of a multitude. Some promised gadgets nonetheless haven’t obtained the replace greater than two years later. We hope to see a smoother launch for Put on OS 4 however we’re skeptical.