Wear OS - SlashGear

Wear OS Version H silently rolls out to improve battery life

JC Torres | Nov 15, 2018

Is Google itself downplaying the relevance of its Wear OS smartwatch platform? That seems to be the case when nary a mention of smartwatches was made in its latest Google Assistant dump of new features. And now it has almost silently made an update to Wear OS, simply called "Version H" that you'd think would actually be of interest to its users. Because while it might not be a grand update, it addresses one of the biggest flaws of smartwatches to date: battery life.

Fossil Sport puts latest Wear 3100 chip in colorful smartwatch

Eric Abent | Nov 8, 2018

With Wear OS receiving a redesign back in September, a few manufacturers have been looking to leverage the OS in new devices. Fossil is one of those manufacturers, today announcing a new smartwatch simply called Fossil Sport. Customization is the name of the game here, as the Fossil Sport is launching in six colors with what Fossil describes as "endless" strap options.

Wear OS is headed down the road of irrelevance

JC Torres | Oct 31, 2018

Days before its big Pixel event, Google released its latest version of its wearable spin on Android. Not Android Wear, of course, but Wear OS, this time version 2.0. The release was met with generally positive response, praising the more streamlined UI that finally makes it more convenient to use navigate through the smartwatch. It didn’t take long, however, for the initial excitement over Wear OS 2.0 to die down, for one reason or another. It is, unfortunately, indicative of the problem that threatens to ultimately make Android smartwatches obsolete and irrelevant.

TicWatch C2 Wear OS watch unveiled, TicPods Free now available

Brittany A. Roston | Oct 24, 2018

Mobvoi has unveiled the TicWatch C2, a Wear OS smartwatch joining the company's previously launched TicWatch models. The new offering features a combination of stainless steel and genuine leather, as well as classy designs and various color options. According to the maker, the rose gold version of the TicWatch C2 is Mobvoi's thinnest smartwatch to date, this one designed specifically for slim wrists.

Misfit Vapor 2 gets GPS, NFC and two sizes

Eric Abent | Oct 23, 2018

It seems that Misfit found some success with the Vapor, because today the company announced the Vapor 2. The first Vapor launched nearly a year ago, and the newer Vapor 2 has some things in common with its predecessor. For instance, if you own an original Vapor, then some models of the Vapor 2 will look instantly familiar.

Spotify finally arrives on Wear OS with standalone app

Eric Abent | Oct 17, 2018

If you're one of the Spotify faithful and you own a Wear OS smartwatch, then today you're getting another option when it comes to controlling your music. Spotify has announced a standalone app for Wear OS, which means that you no longer need to rely on your phone when it comes to listening to your Spotify library. For those that use a smartwatch regularly, this will likely be a welcome launch.

Montblanc Summit 2, first with Snapdragon Wear 3100, is expensive

JC Torres | Oct 15, 2018

With a brand like Montblanc, it's really no surprise that the Summit 2, which follows from last year's model, is just as expensive as its predecessor. But, at the same time, for the smartwatch market's first Snapdragon Wear 3100 wearable, you'd expect, maybe even wish, it to be something most people can afford. But reality quickly sinks in and you are faced with the harsh reality that if you want the latest Wear OS smartwatch, you'll have to spend as much as a new premium smartphone.

LG Watch W7 pokes mechanical hands through a Wear OS touchscreen

Chris Davies | Oct 3, 2018

LG doesn't just have the new V40 ThinQ smartphone today, it also has a brand new wearable, the LG Watch W7, which pairs physical hands with a touchscreen display. It's the first Wear OS by Google smartwatch to have a full screen along with mechanical hands, with LG promising the digital functionality you expect but with the look and reliability of a traditional timepiece.

Wear OS update today: 5 reasons to be excited

Chris Burns | Sep 28, 2018

Today Wear OS was updated for all Android devices able to run the software. With this newest version of Wear OS, the wearable (mostly watch-based) software becomes more proactive - quite literally with a feature Google calls "proactive and personalized help". It's also the most health-conscious version of Wear OS, as it provides insight into your activities with Google Fit.

Armani Exchange Connected is a full touchscreen Wear OS watch

JC Torres | Sep 24, 2018

Fashion brands have taken over the smartwatch market but not all of them sell smartwatches the way we think smartwatches to be. Some opt for the “hybrid” approach that combines analog watches with sensors, Bluetooth control buttons and sometimes even notifications. As part of the Fossil Group, Armani Exchange also has its fair share of Hybrid smartwatches. This time, however, it’s mixing things up a bit. Enter the Armani Exchange Connected, the marque’s first “true” smartwatch featuring a full, touch-enabled screen and running Wear OS by Google.

Snapdragon Wear 3100: The 5 big things you need to know

Chris Davies | Sep 10, 2018

Time waits for no-one, and in smartwatch terms that means the Qualcomm Snapdragon 3100 is long overdue. The latest chipset for Wear OS by Google wearables, it picks up where its predecessor left off, only with the promise of better performance, more flexible displays, and significantly longer battery life. Read on for five things you need to know.

Montblanc Summit 2 promises more smartwatch luxe in October

Chris Davies | Sep 10, 2018

Montblanc has revealed its newest smartwatch, the Summit 2, powered by Qualcomm's new Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipset. Announced in San Francisco, CA today, the Summit 2 follows the original Summit luxury smartwatch, launched back in early 2017.