Tag: wearOS

One UI 8 Watch Beta brings more design changes

The One UI 8 Watch Beta update for the Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra, which is based on Wear OS 6, was released by Samsung a few hours ago. According to the changelog, the firm wants to improve the Galaxy Watch experience by adding smarter controls, new health features, simpler notification management, and other significant updates. Early previews of the major new upgrade, featuring the revised user interface, are now available.

A first look at key changes in One UI 8 Watch

People will notice a cleaner, more polished interface as soon as they install One UI 8 Watch. The system’s user interface has been completely revamped by Samsung. The screen seems smoother and more layered thanks to a blurred backdrop effect, and the battery icon now resembles the one seen on Galaxy phones running One UI 7. Additionally, a stylish new charging animation has been included, which gives even the act of plugging in your watch a more contemporary vibe.

Now Bar is also included to Samsung’s watch platform with this upgrade. The Now Bar, which provides instant access to ongoing tasks and important information, is located at the bottom of the watch face, just like on Galaxy phones (thanks, @DalgleishGX!). Its style can be altered to better fit your requirements.

One UI 8 Watch significantly improves tile usability. To cut down on screen clutter, you can now group related tiles into one. You can also make custom tiles that show the information you care about most, like the weather, upcoming events, or reminders, all in one location. Although it’s a little adjustment, it greatly streamlines daily use.

Additionally, Samsung updated the Apps screen, enabling users to alternate between list view and grid view. You may now choose whether you want a traditional scrolling list or a condensed overview of your apps on the screen. Notifications have also been changed; they are now simpler to view and use, with clearer formatting that highlights alerts without being obtrusive.

A more organized Settings menu

Finding what you need is now faster thanks to a redesigned and more structured Settings menu. Additionally, Samsung is adding Routines to its portfolio of Galaxy Watches. For users who prefer their devices to anticipate their requirements, this automation function allows you to set rules such as turning off notifications when you go to bed or changing modes based on time or activity.

Last but not least, the Double Pinch gesture is new to the One UI 8 Watch. You can start apps, control music, activate the Now Bar, and scroll through notifications by just pinching your thumb and index finger together twice. Particularly for accessibility and fast interactions without touching the screen, it’s a potent addition. As we discover more intriguing improvements in the initial One UI 8 Watch beta, we’ll keep you informed.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
1.5″ Super AMOLED, 480x480px ~327ppi, 425mAh Battery, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, MIL-STD-810H compliant, 50m/5ATM water resistant (IP68), ECG certified, Sleep Coach, Heart Monitor
~~$269.99~~ $199.99Get It Now

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July 5, 2025
OnePlus Watch 3 43mm will be announced on July 8

For several months now, there have been rumors that OnePlus will be releasing a smaller smartwatch. Naturally, when OPPO unveiled its Watch X2 Mini on April 10, those rumors intensified. And this morning, OnePlus officially announced the arrival of a smaller watch with the name OnePlus Watch 3 43mm.

Exclusive CAD renders of the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm have now been made available to us by Onleaks, and they reveal some design modifications from the larger OnePlus Watch 3. However, as anticipated, it still has the same appearance as the OPPO Watch X2 Mini.

In terms of specifications, the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm ought to have a 1.32-inch AMOLED 2.5D screen with 466 x 466 resolution. The 43mm body, which is significantly smaller than the 47mm Watch 3, will house that. Surprisingly, though, it is only somewhat smaller than the “bigger” sizes of the Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 7.

Wear OS and RTOS will continue to be the two operating systems that the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm will support, as anticipated. Additionally, it will share the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor with its bigger sibling. containing 32GB of storage and 2GB of RAM. Additionally, it will come in two colors: black and white.

Shorter battery life for OnePlus Watch 3 43mm

The battery life will be one of the drawbacks of this smaller smartwatch form. The 345mAh battery that OnePlus has included this time around is supposed to last up to 72 hours. In contrast, it can be used for 100 hours, or slightly more than five days. With RTOS, you could probably extend it to about a week, even though this figure probably refers to Wear OS usage.

OnePlus did preserve a lot of the other specs from the bigger broather, such 5 ATM water resistance, IP68 sensors and tracking, WiFi, and Bluetooth 5.2. A variety of sensors are also included, such as a barometer, gyroscope, accelerometer, geomagnetic sensor, optical pulse oximeter, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, and optical heart rate sensor.

June 24, 2025
Samsung pushes an new update for the latest Galaxy watches models
A new software update is coming out for some Galaxy Watch models, so you might want to check your settings if you use one.

Samsung usually only releases a few upgrades for the Galaxy Watch annually, but at least one significant one. One of the company’s less significant updates is currently being released for a few Galaxy Watch models.

The May 2025 security update is being released by the firm for the most recent models of the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra. This covers Verizon variants as well, although we’re seeing a very short changelog for basic phones that displays the March 2025 security patch:
- The usability of device operations has been improved.
In the meantime, the March 2025 security patch is being applied to the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. However, this most recent upgrade is the first one for these devices to be made generally available in 2025. A few weeks ago, some customers received an April update, but it omitted many regions and variants.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 40mm
~~$299.99~~$199.99Amazon

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
~~$399.00~~$346.99Amazon

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June 8, 2025
#dealalert – Pixel Watch 3 gets a nice discount from Amazon

This is the ideal moment to purchase a brand-new Pixel Watch 3 if you’ve been searching for one. You can choose the model of Google’s flagship watch that best suits your needs, preferences, and price range thanks to Amazon’s ongoing excellent discounts.

As of this writing, for example, all Wi-Fi models are on sale for $50 off, making them as cheap as $350. Additionally, you can choose the paint job that you like most because all color selections are priced the same.

Google Pixel Watch 3 – Wi-FI
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit; the 41mm screen is twice as bright and 10% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info
~~$349.99~~$299.99Amazon

Feel free to purchase one of the LTE variants if you would prefer to be able to make calls while leaving your Pixel phone at home. All cellular-powered models of the watch are delightfully discounted and on sale for $70 off, much like the Wi-Fi versions.

It’s important to note that Amazon frequently offers similar price reductions for the Pixel Watch 3. They show up, stay for a few weeks, then fade away for a bit before resurfacing. However, should this deter you from buying one of the top smartwatches available?

Even though the $50 and $70 discounts are sporadic, they nevertheless allow you to upgrade your smartwatch game by obtaining the best Pixel Watch at a lower cost. And simply have a peek! It looks stunning with its dome-like form and may work well with both a pricey suit and casual wear.

Naturally, as a direct competitor to the Apple Watch Series 10 and Galaxy Watch 7, its many features complement its attractive appearance. In fact, it has a temperature sensor and all the other health-tracking capabilities that a smartwatch of this kind should have. Additionally, the readings are accurate because Fitbit’s tracking powers it.

Numerous apps will also be available to you. You can download apps straight to your wearable as the watch, which runs Wear OS, supports Google’s Play Store. Additionally, the battery has a good lifespan, easily lasting a full day between charges. Just bear in mind that, as is quite typical with this kind of smartwatch, you’ll probably need to recharge it every night.

Google Pixel Watch 3 – LTE
Know what your body is ready for each day with readiness; it uses sleep, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability to show if you’re ready to take on a workout or prioritize recovery.
~~$449.99~~$379.99Amazon

June 5, 2025
Wear OS 6 will allow AOD controls

Due to limits in its actual “always-on” functioning, the always-on display (AOD) mode on Android smartwatches hasn’t always been the smoothest feature. This seems to be fixed in Wear OS 6, which would allow for more usage even when the watch’s display is off.

Wear OS’s always-on display mode hasn’t changed much. At the moment, the majority of apps only show the clock; only Spotify and Maps completely adjust to the mode. This is a major reduction in productivity, particularly when you want to control or modify something on your watch without waking the screen completely.

Control more from directly from AOD in Wear OS 6

In Wear OS 5.1, Google is already developing a feature dubbed “Force Global AOD” that, as the name implies, attempts to compel active app displays to switch to an always-on display state. Although it is presently undergoing developer testing, the firm has started to share updates regarding the feature, so we can now anticipate its arrival with Wear OS 6.

Google claims to be offering a complete solution with seamless cross-device integration of this capability as part of Wear OS 6. Google gave an example of the existing music control interface, which will change to a black-and-white user interface in AOD mode when utilizing the Material 3 Expressive design. Importantly, the rich and whimsical shapes of many elements, including text and navigational buttons, will be preserved in this AOD version.

How this will seem in other apps that eventually make use of Google’s Material 3 Expressive’s “glanceable UI” is yet unknown. For apps that don’t support always-on display natively, there might be a default screen.

Google Pixel Watches and Samsung Galaxy Watches stand to gain the most from this improved always-on display, which will significantly improve Wear OS user experience. With this enhancement, Wear OS smartwatches may even surpass Apple’s watchOS, which does not yet have a real always-on display mode.

Later this year, Wear OS 6 is anticipated to be made available to compatible Android smartwatches. Improved battery life and performance are two of the improvements in the upcoming main Android wristwatch OS, in addition to the actual AOD. In keeping with Google’s long-term strategy, Gemini will also become more deeply integrated into the system.

Google Pixel Watch 3
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit[1,2]; the 41mm screen is twice as bright and 10% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info
~~$349.99~~$299.99Amazon

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June 3, 2025
#dealalert – Google Pixel Watch 2 LTE down to $135.59

Since the formal announcement of its sequel back in August 2024, the 2023-released Pixel Watch 2, which was initially priced at $350 and above, has, of course, grown ever less expensive. The Wear OS-powered watch is currently more reasonably priced than ever in a 4G LTE-enabled form, despite the fact that Black Friday and Amazon’s Prime Day 2025 event are not exactly approaching.

You should probably act quickly if you want to save a whooping $150 on a black-coated Google Pixel Watch 2 with standalone cellular connectivity, since this completely unusual Amazon deal is not expected to last long.

Google Pixel Watch 2 LTE
The Pixel Watch 2 comes with three new advanced sensors for heart rate tracking, skin temperature, and stress management; 100% recycled light aluminum housing makes it comfortable to wear
~~$199.99~~$135.59Amazon

That’s $150 off the $299.99 “normal” price, which was already permanently reduced from the $399.99 that Amazon and other major US retailers used to charge for a Pixel Watch 2 with cellular capabilities at launch. Additionally, there is only one color available at this historically low price, which suggests you don’t have much time to take advantage of your Memorial Day savings.

It goes without saying that the more recent Watch 3 is the superior wearable manufactured by Google, which is also why it costs significantly more. The Watch 2, with its stunning circular display, incredibly comfortable all-day wear, precise heart rate tracking technology, and outstanding overall performance, is the objectively superior value proposition at this 50% discount.

Google Pixel Watch 2 LTE
The Pixel Watch 2 comes with three new advanced sensors for heart rate tracking, skin temperature, and stress management; 100% recycled light aluminum housing makes it comfortable to wear
~~$199.99~~$135.59Amazon

The Pixel Watch 2 with 4G LTE must, however, be compared to similarly priced gadgets such as the entry-level Apple Watch SE 2 (without LTE) or Samsung Galaxy Watch FE (which is also only capable of GPS and Bluetooth).

May 31, 2025
4 best smartwatches for Android phones

Your phone allows you to answer calls, make and receive texts, and give commands to a voice-activated assistant. But sometimes it is more convenient to perform those things on your wrist, which is where a smartwatch comes in.

The Apple Watch is the gold standard for smartwatches, but it is only compatible with Apple iPhones. If you own an Android phone, you have a lot more smartwatch alternatives, but there is also a lot more opportunity for misunderstanding. Most of the watches we have seen are too slow, cumbersome, or lacking in functionality to be worthwhile purchases. After testing hundreds of smartwatches for Android phones, including the most recent versions, we determined that the Samsung Galaxy Watch7 is the best option for the majority of Android phone users.

Samsung Galaxy Watch7
Looking for a great way to bring out your personal best every day? Challenge yourself to excel on your next run or bike ride using tracking with Galaxy AI that lets you compare your current performance to your last one
Best choice
~~$299.99~~$209.99Amazon

The Samsung Galaxy Watch7‘s robust shell comes in two sizes and is one of the most comfortable watches we have tested. The Watch7 runs the most recent Wear OS software and includes additional health and fitness capabilities such as sleep apnea detection, metabolic health monitoring, and an AI-based Energy Score that combines workout and sleep information. You can also use your fingers to engage with some watch features without touching the screen. Unfortunately, like its predecessor, the battery only lasts one day and requires hours to fully recharge.

Google Pixel Watch 3
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit; the 45mm screen is twice as bright and 40% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info
Very good choice
~~$399.99~~$349.99Amazon

The Google Pixel Watch 3 looks similar to the original Pixel Watch, but with slimmer bezels. The 41 mm and 44 mm variants have equal features, but the 44 mm watch has a longer-lasting battery. The Pixel Watch 3 has a new OLED display that can reach up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness. It also runs the most recent version of Google’s Wear OS 5, which includes additional health-related functions and improved connection with Google’s ecosystem. It retains the previous version’s unique band connector, which is only compatible with the bands provided by Google.

OnePlus Watch 2R
The OnePlus Watch 2 fuses a stainless-steel chassis with a robust 2.5D sapphire crystal face, delivering a sophisticated design that withstands daily wear and tear with a 5ATM and IP68 rating, and military-grade standard for durability.
Good choice
~~$299.99~~$209.99Amazon

The OnePlus Watch 2R may last many days on a single charge while also providing important health tracking—all at an inexpensive price. Its 46 mm shell houses a big 1.43-inch OLED display with a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits, and it runs a hybrid system made up of two chips and two software setups, including Google’s Wear OS 4 and Google Assistant.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
The Watch Ultra sports a huge 47 mm titanium body with a display that can reach up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness, making it easier to see your screen even in the darkest of nights and brightest of days.
~~$390.00~~$291.00Amazon

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra incorporates a few extra capabilities than the Watch7 into a larger, more robust smartwatch. It offers fitness monitoring for triathletes, bikers, swimmers, and strong endurance users, with twice the battery life of the Watch 7. Many people are put off by its large size, heavy weight, and high price, but the features and battery life may be worth the premium.

May 5, 2025
WearOS receives more media controls on Pixel Watch 3
Google has released rich media controls for the Pixel Watch, following the March 2025 Feature Drop teaser.

Last month, Google teased the upgrade as such:
- “Make it easier to control audio content from the watch with control types based on content being played (such as Podcasts within YouTube music).”
- “Manage your favorite audio content with new actions on Pixel Watch to fast forward and rewind, adjust playback speed or control playback queue.”
In the past, the Pixel Watch‘s system media controls only let you to change the volume, play/pause, and next/previous. This is on top of the tracking data for the music that is currently playing on your phone.

By tapping the new button on the left, you can now see your Up Next queue in addition to those actions. With YouTube Music, this displays the next 24 tracks, which can be tapped to begin playing right now.

In the meanwhile, you can repeat, thumbs up, and shuffle a track (in YTM) with the three-dot overflow button on the right. For Up Next, you also receive an additional tablet.

You may adjust the playback speed of podcasts (in YouTube Music), with each tap resulting in a larger increment. Additionally, you can go to the previous or next episode.

These updated media controls for the Pixel Watch are not supported by all apps. The extra features are grayed out in the screenshot below, which is from Pocket Casts (played on my phone).

The Pixel Watch 3 running Wear OS 5.1 is where we are experiencing this, and you should confirm that “Wear Media” in the on-watch Play Store is completely current (version 1.6.7.x).

Google Pixel Watch 3
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit; the 41mm screen is twice as bright and 10% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info.
~~$349.99~~$299.99Amazon
April 27, 2025
Loss of Pulse Detection was launched in US for Pixel Watch 3

Google is now implementing Loss of Pulse Detection in the US after yesterday’s April 2025 OTA update and Scam Detection.

Google is officially launching Loss of Pulse Detection in the US after receiving FDA approval, which was initially anticipated at the end of March. Last year, it became available throughout Europe.

Make sure your Pixel Watch 3’s Personal Safety Wear OS software is up to date before turning it on. 2025.03.19.x is the most recent version that is available on the Play Store.

Afterwards, go to the Pixel Watch companion app on your phone (version 3.4+) > Safety & emergency > Loss of Pulse Detection to start the set-up process.

Google tells us that it’s beginning to roll out today and will be fully available over the coming weeks.

Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit; the 41mm screen is twice as bright and 10% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info[
Best choice
$399.99See It

A loss-of-pulse event is when your heart stops beating, which can happen during a cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure, overdose, or poisoning. Similar to Fall and Car Crash Detection, the Pixel Watch 3 will ask users to certify their safety when it detects something.

In the event that there is no reaction (or movement), the wearable will notify emergency personnel, give your location, and provide information about what is going on. The Pixel Watch 3‘s multipath heart rate monitor, additional sensors, and a “multi-check, AI-based algorithm” are all used by Loss of Pulse Detection.

According to the official statement, “Loss of Pulse Detection may not detect every instance of a loss of pulse and is not intended for users who require cardiac monitoring or who have pre-existing heart conditions.” It does not offer follow-up care or diagnose or treat any medical conditions.

Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit; the 41mm screen is twice as bright and 10% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info[
Best choice
$399.99See It

April 13, 2025
Top 10 best Wear OS smartwatches: must-have picks for tech enthusiasts
The market for Wear OS smartwatches has been around for a while. We are eager to see what 2025 has in store for fans of smartwatches, given the most recent advancements in the field, such as Google Gemini, Snapdragon processor updates, and new watch faces and designs. This list will assist you in selecting the finest Android Wear OS smartwatch if you are also looking for one.

Google Pixel Watch 3

We begin our list with the incredibly powerful Google Pixel Watch 3. You can definitely rely on this watch if you are searching for one that tracks your health and do not want to worry about performance. Four traditional colors are available.

Features:
- good battery life
- powered by Snapdragon W5 gen 1 chip
- bright and vibrant display
Google Pixel Watch 3
Feature-Packed Smartwatch: The Google Pixel Watch 3 boasts a 45mm vibrant display, powered by a robust processor and ample storage, running on the Android Wear OS.
Best Wear OS choice
$399.00Buy on Amazon

Amazfit Balance

The Amazfit Balance is a state-of-the-art smartwatch that combines performance, style, and health-focused features to improve your everyday routine.

With its brilliant AMOLED display, sophisticated fitness tracking, and sleep monitoring features, this wearable is the perfect partner for helping you remain on top of your objectives. The Amazfit Balance provides seamless integration with your lifestyle, whether you are using it to check your wellness, take calls while on the go, or work out.

Features
- offline maps.
- great display
- good for fitness tracking
Amazfit Balance
Comprehensive Health Tracking: Monitor your body’s key health metrics, including heart rate, blood oxygen, stress levels, breathing rate, sleep quality, and body composition (fat, muscle, water, bone mass, and more) with advanced sensors and AI analysis.
$199.99Buy on Amazon

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 comes in at number three on our list. When compared to the Galaxy Watch 6, this watch has a few minor improvements. Nonetheless, it is a feature-rich watch with smooth Wear OS 5 performance.

Features:
- +1 day battery life
- fast charging
- advanced health tracking
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Looking for a great way to bring out your personal best every day? Challenge yourself to excel on your next run or bike ride using tracking with Galaxy AI that lets you compare your current performance to your last one
Good choice
~~$329.99~~$266.31Buy on Amazon

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is another Samsung device that made our list of the top Android Wear OS smartwatches. All things considered, it is a high-end smartwatch, affordable, with all-around functionality.

Features:
- over 24 hours per charge battery.
- irregular heart rhythm notification
- advanced fitness and sleep tracking.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Track over 90 exercises, monitor heart rate zones, get insights on workout duration, distance, calories burned, and more to achieve your fitness goals.
~~$229.00~~$169.99buy on Amazon

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5

Despite being less well-known, this the watch is among the most feature rich Wear OS devices in 2025. Fitness enthusiasts are the target market for the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5. Like the Google Pixel Watch on our list, it has a potent Snapdragon W5+ chip, which makes the pricing far lower and more reasonable.

Features
- great battery life, around 80 hours.
- great fitness tracking
- dual-screen design for better usability.
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5
Powered by the latest Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 Wearable Platform and Wear OS by Google, the TicWatch Pro 5 delivers faster and smoother performance with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage, enabling seamless multitasking and app usage.
~~$349.99~~$164.50Buy on Amazon

OnePlus Watch 2

The OnePlus Watch 2, which has a dual-chip system for efficiency and seamless Wear OS + RTOS integration, combines performance and style. Its stylish design fits most wrists, even though it does not have an LTE version. The AMOLED screen is excellent.

Key Features
- Snapdragon W5 + BES2700
- great battery life
- accurate fitness tracking,
- dual operating system
OnePlus Watch 2
The OnePlus Watch 2 boasts a durable stainless-steel chassis and a robust 2.5D sapphire crystal face, offering a sophisticated design with 5ATM and IP68 water resistance ratings, ensuring protection against water and dust.
~~$299.99~~$249.95Buy on Amazon

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

The 3nm fast CPU powers this high-end, long-lasting smartwatch. Simple pinch movements can be used to control tasks like answering calls. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra elevates health tracking with its intelligent Galaxy AI technology. If you do not want to sacrifice user experience, do not skimp on this one.

Features
- battery life is 36-48 hours per charge.
- 2nd gen BioActive Sensor
- 10ATM & IP68 Rating
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Climb the highest peak; Bike the long way home; The durable titanium design is our toughest yet, able to stand up to the rigors of your workout, including rainy or dusty conditions — even ocean swimming
~~$649.99~~$432.44See It

Wear OS is still concentrating on enhancing the user interface, allowing dual-band GPS, and polishing health-tracking features this year. You are aware that now is the ideal moment to purchase the newest smartwatches running Android Wear OS.

Fitness monitoring, battery life, and high-end design are just a few of the features that the smartwatches on our list provide to meet various needs. In 2025, take advantage of an improved Wear OS experience by selecting the one that most closely matches your lifestyle!
January 28, 2025