Latest news with #WearOS6
Phone Arena
2 days ago
- General
- Phone Arena
This long-overdue change could make your Wear OS smartwatch way more useful
Wear OS 6 is introducing a key upgrade that many users have been waiting for. With the new version, Google is improving how the always-on display (AOD) works by allowing more parts of the interface, like media controls, to stay visible even when the screen dims. In the past, most Wear OS apps would hide their content when the screen entered ambient mode. Unless you were using apps like Google Maps, Keep, or Spotify, you would only see the time and a blurred screen when your wrist was down. This made it harder to quickly glance at useful information without waking the watch. Wear OS 5.1 always on display with media controls. | Image credit — 9to5Google Google is now changing that. With Wear OS 6, the interface will keep showing the last screen you were using in a low-power state. According to the company, the update combines different solutions into a consistent AOD experience across devices. For example, if you are playing music, you will still see the current track and playback buttons, even when the screen is in ambient mode. Wear OS 6 always on display with media controls. | Image credit — 9to5Google Media controls are also getting a visual update. The buttons are now styled using the Material 3 Expressive design. While in active use, the buttons appear bold and filled in. When the AOD is on, the same buttons become thin outlines, but they still show up clearly and remain usable. You can still see the song name and take action without tapping to wake the feature builds on what Google started with the Pixel Watch in Wear OS 5.1. That version had a hidden developer setting called Force Global AOD Experience, which kept the current screen visible in a dimmed state. Wear OS 6 is turning that idea into a standard are other improvements in Wear OS 6 as well. All tiles will now use the same font, making it easier to move through the tile carousel. Health permissions are also being updated, giving users more control over what data each app can access. Wear OS 6 is based on Android 16 and is expected to arrive later this year. While there is no confirmed rollout date yet, the changes could lead to a more consistent and helpful experience for smartwatch users.
Android Authority
3 days ago
- Business
- Android Authority
Google will put the always-on display to good use in Wear OS 6
Google TL;DR Google has confirmed that Wear OS 6 will offer media controls on a smartwatch's always-on display. This will allow you to control your music playback without turning on your watch's screen. It seems like the always-on display could support more than just media controls, though. Google announced Wear OS 6 earlier this month, bringing some visual changes in line with its Material 3 Expressive design language. However, it looks like a welcome addition to the always-on display went unnoticed until now. Google quietly revealed on its Android Developers website (h/t: 9to5Google) that media controls will stay active on the always-on display when you're not using your Wear OS 6 smartwatch. Check out the image below for a better idea of what we mean. 'The current song and media controls remain visible even when the user isn't interacting with the Wear OS device,' read an accompanying caption. This would be a major improvement over previous Wear OS versions, which forced you to turn on the display. Google adds that this is part of an initiative to deliver a 'consistent' always-on display experience across devices. 'As part of this change, the previous top activity remains visible and in the 'resumed' state when the device enters system ambient mode,' Google explains, suggesting that this will apply to more than just media-related activities. Our fingers are crossed that the Wear OS 6 always-on display also supports activities like workouts, timers, and navigation. The new smartwatch OS is currently available as a developer preview and is expected to launch in the 'coming months.' The software also brings up to 10% better battery life, Live Updates, and a variety of aesthetic tweaks. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
GSM Arena
21-05-2025
- GSM Arena
Google announces Wear OS 6 with 10% better battery life, first Developer Preview is out
Google has just made Wear OS 6 official at its I/O conference today. This comes with the previously unveiled Material 3 Expressive design, which will also be incorporated into Android 16, due to be released next month. The first Developer Preview of Wear OS 6 is now available - for developers only, as the name implies. Wear OS 6 brings a 10% improvement in battery life compared to Wear OS 5, Google boasts, and it's all thanks to "Wear OS platform optimizations". That's great news if it pans out. Material 3 Expressive is "fully optimized for the round display", and brings dynamic color theming (that's been available in Android for a while now). Tiles are promised to be "more consistent and glanceable", and Google is introducing a 3-slot tile layout to improve visual consistency in the Tiles carousel. This comes with a title slot, a main content slot, and a bottom slot. Material 3 Expressive adapts to larger screen sizes, and has "an iconic design" that maximizes the space within the circular form factor. Navigation through lists is more fluid, and there's a new visual and motion design making it easier for you to visualize your progress through a list. Media controls are enhanced too. Watch faces will be able to contain photos you select. Wear OS 6 will be available "later this year", Google isn't saying anything less vague than that right now. Source
Android Authority
21-05-2025
- Android Authority
Wear OS 6 preview: Google's next-gen smartwatch UI starts to take shape
Adamya Sharma / Android Authority Google has officially rolled out the first Developer Preview of Wear OS 6 based on Android 16. This early release introduces the new Material 3 Expressive design language to smartwatches, bringing dynamic theming, fluid animations, and improved scrolling. We spent some time exploring the preview. Here's what's new and what we've noticed so far. Curved buttons and new UI elements As previously announced, Wear OS 6 embraces Material 3 Expressive's design cues, with UI elements now curving to follow the circular shape of devices like the Pixel Watch. This design shift is immediately noticeable in areas like the recents menu and app drawer, where new display-hugging buttons appear at the bottom of the screen. These buttons also dynamically adjust their size as you scroll, giving the interface a more responsive and lively feel. However, this updated button style isn't consistent across the entire UI just yet. In areas like Settings, the older pill-shaped buttons are still present, highlighting that Wear OS 6 is very much a work in progress. That said, this is only the first developer preview, so it's likely that Google will continue to refine and make the interface more unified in upcoming builds. Beyond the curved buttons, Material 3 Expressive's influence can also be seen in larger, bolder Quick Settings icons, new lock screen animations, and smooth transitions throughout the system. These changes not only enhance aesthetics but would also improve usability, especially on smartwatches with smaller screens. Dynamic color theming One of the most noticeable upgrades in Wear OS 6 is its dynamic theming system. You can now set your color theme to match your watch face by default or pick from a set of preset color palettes, which feel inspired by Pixel phone colorways: Peony Moonstone Ivy Porcelain Iris Lemongrass Jade Indigo Once a theme is applied, it consistently permeates throughout the system UI. You'll even see a brief 'Applying theme' prompt as the watch updates its interface to reflect your new choice. It's worth noting, however, that theming still remains local to the Wear OS 6 watch. Your phone and wearable won't sync color themes despite the update. This is only the beginning for Wear OS 6. Google has hinted at more changes on the horizon, including bouncier transitions, motion effects, and refreshed Tiles. Wear OS 6 apps are also expected to start adopting the new Material 3 Expressive design language. We'll be keeping a close eye on future updates, but even in its early stage, Wear OS 6 is shaping up to be a meaningful visual and functional upgrade for Android smartwatches.
Phone Arena
20-05-2025
- Phone Arena
Google makes Wear OS 6 official — and it could completely change your smartwatch experience
After treating us to a sneak peek during the Android Show last week, Google just officially introduced Wear OS 6. While a lot of the behind-the-scenes talk at Google I/O focuses on tools for developers, there are quite a few changes everyday users will actually notice and appreciate. From a refreshed look to better battery life and smarter features, this update is shaping up to be one of the most user-friendly versions of Wear OS you already use a Wear OS smartwatch, or if you're thinking of picking one up later this year, here's what to know about what's coming to your wrist: Material 3 Expressive on Wear OS 6. | Image credit — Google Wear OS 6 brings in a major visual update thanks to the new Material 3 Expressive design language. This new look is built with round watch screens in mind, so apps and tiles now look and feel more natural on your smartwatch. It's not just about nicer colors and fonts either, as Google has redesigned motion, layout, and spacing so that everything from scrolling through lists to tapping buttons feels more fluid and of the big improvements is dynamic color theming. Your watch interface will now match your chosen watch face, automatically pulling colors to give everything a more unified and personal look. This will be especially noticeable on the Pixel Watch 3 , where the system adapts to your style without any extra setup. Wear OS 6 dynamic color theming. | Image credit — Google The great part is that all of these design upgrades don't come at the cost of battery life. In fact, Google says smartwatches upgrading from Wear OS 5 to 6 could see up to 10 percent better battery performance. That's a big deal if you often find yourself reaching for the charger before the day ends. Thanks to more efficient software and platform-level tweaks, watches can now handle animations, sensors, and background tasks better while using less power overall. Wear OS 6 notifications. | Image credit — Google Tiles are those glanceable cards you can swipe through on your smartwatch to check things like the weather, heart rate, or calendar events. In Wear OS 6, these tiles are getting a major refresh with a new layout that includes a title, a main content area, and an optional bottom slot. This structure makes tiles easier to read and interact with at a glance. Google also introduced new components designed for round screens, like the Edge Button, which hugs the edge of your display and makes it easier to tap without taking up too much space. There are also new scroll indicators and list animations that help you navigate your watch more of this makes everyday tasks feel faster and more natural. Wear OS 6 tiles. | Image credit — Google For anyone who listens to music or podcasts using their watch, media controls just got a lot more useful. With Wear OS 6, you can now fast-forward, rewind, shuffle, or repeat tracks right from your wrist. You'll also be able to access your playlist more easily through a new menu. These features work right away on devices like the Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 7 , as long as they're running Wear OS 6 or version 5.1 or later. Wear OS 6 media controls. | Image credit — Google Google is also bringing the Credential Manager to Wear OS, starting with devices like the Pixel Watch 3 . This means you'll now be able to use passkeys and sign in with Google on your smartwatch, just like you would on your phone — and without needing to have your phone makes logging into apps on your watch faster and more secure, while still letting you keep other methods like passwords as a backup if needed. What to expect next Wear OS 6 is currently available as a developer preview, but users should start seeing it roll out later this year. If you have a newer watch — like the Google Pixel Watch 3 , Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 , or OnePlus Watch 3 — there's a good chance you'll be among the first to get the update. Even the little ones can get in on the action with the Galaxy Watch experience for kids. And if you're planning to buy a new watch this fall, there's a strong possibility it will come with Wear OS 6 right out of the box. At the end of the day, Wear OS 6 is about making your smartwatch feel more modern, more personal, and more useful, without compromising battery life or ease of use. Whether you're already wearing one of these watches or looking to upgrade soon, this update is one to look forward to.
