Wear OS 7 is now available for download
Do you own a smartwatch from the Pixel Watch range? If so, we have some good news for you. Google has started rolling out the update to Wear OS 7. The rollout coincides with the release of Android 17, which has also begun for the Pixel range. But what’s new in this update?
According to Google, Wear OS 7 features ‘in-depth system-level power optimisations’. This should ensure that battery life is up to 10 per cent longer than on Wear OS 6. We’ll of course be testing this with the Pixel Watch 4, which I wear every day. A new feature is support for Live Updates. This allows you to track ongoing events, such as sports results, a delivery, training progress or anything else. You’ll see a persistent icon at the bottom of the screen.
Another new feature can be found in the media controls. There’s an integrated output selector, which lets you control what’s being played on different devices – such as your headphones, a speaker or another connected device. In addition, Wear OS 7 should work even better with your connected devices. This should also include the audio glasses, which are due to be released in the autumn.
Widget enthusiasts will also be delighted with Wear OS 7. With ‘Create My Widget’, you can create customised dashboards for your wrist. Tiles are now referred to as widgets. Furthermore, thanks to Gemini automation, you can have multiple steps carried out directly from your watch. Furthermore, the Gemini app in Wear OS 7 utilises Personal Intelligence with the Neural Expressive design. It will feature a design similar to that of the smartphone app. It can also appear on the watch face, including transcription, without needing to open a new screen on your smartwatch.
The Pixel Watch models are now being offered the update. Google promises that many more new features will be released later this year.
