Google has announced the third major update of its "Wear" operating system (OS) that is set to debut with a tweaked user interface (UI), quicker access to notifications, smarter health coaching and more proactive help from the Assistant.
"We're making it easier to browse, dismiss or take action on your notifications with the new notification stream,” Google highlighted in its blog post.
The revamped Wear OS would begin rolling-out in mid-September.
Apart from maintaining schedules, checking weather, making reservations, the Google Assistant on the re-branded Wear OS would also suggest features on the device that could become helpful over time as it gets familiar with the user's preferences and requirements.
Swipe up to see all your notifications at once and swipe down to get quicker access to shortcuts like Google Pay or ‘Find My Phone’.Dennis Troper, Director of Product Management, Wear OS by Google
The revamped Wear OS would also incorporate Google's health-tracking platform Google Fit.
The new-look interface and ability to use the Assistant from the smartwatch are much-needed additions to a product that Google has been unable to succeed with.
Apple, on the other hand, claims to have sold millions of units year-on-year with the Watch Series and is expected to announced the Watch Series 4 in September.
Google’s wearable journey started off with Android Wear and earlier this year, they decided to re-brand its software to Wear OS, sort of inspired by Apple’s watchOS, it seems. We can expect to hear more about Google’s ambition with wearables later this year, when the next series of Pixel phones are expected to be launched.
Brands like Motorola, Huawei and Asus have shown their loyalty to Wear OS over the years and it remains to be seen if they would jump on to wearables with Google yet again.
(With inputs from IANS.)
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