Hot topics

Wear OS 4 to Improve Battery and Data Transfer on Android Watches

nextpit google pixel watch front2
© nextpit

Read in other languages:

Google unveiled a suite of Pixel products and announced additional Android 14 features at the recently concluded I/O 2023 keynote. Apart from the company's focus on smartphones, it also previewed Wear OS 4 and its new features and improvements. The upcoming smartwatch operating system which is based on Android 13 is slated to be released later this year.

Wear OS 3 and Wear OS 3.5 haven't arrived yet on all smartwatches that were promised to receive these updates last year. However, Google has already teased what's to come with Wear OS 4. Incidentally, Wear OS 4 is also most likely powering the rumored Pixel Watch 2.

Wear OS 4 features: Better battery life, data backup, and transfer

Google is focusing the bulk of its efforts on improving the battery life of smartwatches that run Wear OS 4. To achieve this, they were inspired by Samsung, introducing the new Watch Face Format that will streamline watch face creations. At the same time, this will also optimize the performance and efficiency of watch faces (especially the more complicated ones), subsequently reflected by improved battery life.

Backing up watch data and settings will finally be supported by Wear OS 4. This means users can quickly restore and transfer data from an old Android smartwatch to a new one during the migration process. Furthermore, Google also mentioned that related account preferences made on a connected smartphone will be automatically applied to the watch as well.

Google Wear OS 4 with new watch faces based on WFF
New watch faces built on Wear OS 4. / © Google, Edit by NextPit

More apps on Wear OS 4: WhatsApp calls, Gmail, Calendar, etc.

As for the apps, Google is bringing Gmail and Calendar to Wear OS. Features like reading emails and quick replies have been integrated into the Gmail version for smartwatches. Meanwhile, checking off or completing created tasks and viewing appointments are available in the calendar app.

In addition to WhatsApp calling coming to Wear OS, there are also more features made available on third-party apps like Spotify and Peloton. For instance, users will be able to select and play podcast selections or switch to a Spotify DJ-curated playlist from the comfort of their own wrist. Likewise, Google enhanced smart home and Matter integration with Wear OS 4 via extended controls and shortcuts on the Home app.

Wear OS 4 compatibility and release date

Google didn't specify when Wear OS 4 will be released. There is no mention of which smartwatches will be supported. It is most likely the Pixel Watch we reviewed will receive the update first, followed by the unannounced Pixel Watch 2 shipping with the aforementioned OS out of the box.

Among the numerous Android manufacturers, it is safe to assume Samsung will also deliver Wear OS 4 via One UI to its Galaxy watches, including the Galaxy Watch 5 (review) and Galaxy Watch 4.

Is the short battery life on your smartwatch a problem you regularly face? Share your experience with us in the comments.

Source: Google Blog

 The best smartphones under $400

  Editorial tip Price tip 3rd place 4th place 5th place
Product
Image Google Pixel 6a Product Image Apple iPhone SE (2022) Product Image Samsung Galaxy A53 Product Image OnePlus Nord N20 Product Image Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) Product Image
Review
Review: Google Pixel 6a
Review: Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Review: Samsung Galaxy A53
Not yet tested
Not yet tested
Price (MSRP)
  • $449.00
  • $429.00
  • $449.99
  • $299.00
  • $399.00
Offer*
nextpit receives a commission for purchases made via the marked links. This has no influence on the editorial content and there are no costs for you. You can find out more about how we make money on our transparency page.
Go to comment (0)
Jade Bryan

Jade Bryan
Junior Editor

I still remember how amazed I was when I first got hold of the Nokia 3210 back when I was a kid, and it was during that time I developed my love for technology, particularly for mobile phones. I started sharing my knowledge through writing in different blogs and forums back in Nokia Nseries era. I even make videos before where I put different phones side-by-side. Today, I'm still an avid enthusiast of smartphones, but my interests have evolved into smart devices and electric vehicles.

To the author profile
Liked this article? Share now!
Recommended articles
Latest articles
Push notification Next article
No comments
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing