Latest news with #WearOS


Android Authority
2 days ago
- Android Authority
Some Wear OS owners can't wait for Gemini, so they're sideloading now
Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority TL;DR Google Gemini is coming to replace Assistant on Wear OS smartwatches. Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 series, which launched earlier this week, introduces Gemini, but updates are coming to existing hardware. Users have discovered that simply sideloading the Gemini APK works on many Wear OS devices. This week's big news has been all about Samsung's latest launches, and while the company's new foldables and smartwatches are debuting with some hot new features, they're not necessarily the only hardware that's learning these tricks. That's exactly what's going on with Gemini and the Galaxy Watch 8, and even with Samsung's new wearables leading the path, Google's been clear that Gemini is coming to Wear OS devices running Wear OS 4 and later, including its own Pixel Watch models. That's well and good, but with lots of Assistant users already comfortable with Gemini on their phones, many have been eager to make the switch on their watches, as well — and they don't quite feel like waiting patiently for an update. Luckily for them, there is a solution to bypass all that waiting and get started with Gemini right now — it's just a bit more complicated than we imagine some users will want to bother with. Reddit user eliasacab outlines the process they took in a recent post to the site's Wear OS sub. Basically, you need to download the Gemini on Wear OS APK from a site like APKMirror, and then sideload it onto your wearable. That's slightly more involved than sideloading an APK on your phone (which itself is enough to make some users nervous), but the good news is that it sounds like it works pretty well, with users reporting success on models like the Fossil Gen 6, OnePlus Watch 3, and of course, Pixel Watches. That said, some are running into trouble, and we see a couple reports of issues with the TicWatch Pro 5. If you're patient, just sit tight, and Gemini will come to your Wear OS watch in due time. But for everyone who's craving a more timely update (and given how rarely wearables pick up major new features, we certainly understand the interest) the path forward awaits — if you're up for it. 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.


Fintech News ME
2 days ago
- Business
- Fintech News ME
Google Pay Launches in Oman and Lebanon
Google has announced the launch of Google Pay in Lebanon and Oman, expanding its digital payment offering in the Middle East and North Africa region. The service is now available for Android and Wear OS users in both countries. With this expansion, users in Lebanon and Oman can make secure payments in stores that accept contactless transactions, as well as in apps and on websites. Cardholders will also be able to store their debit and credit cards in Google Wallet, which is launching concurrently in both markets. Google Pay offers multiple layers of security to support safe transactions. This includes the use of industry standard tokenisation, which replaces card details with a virtual account number. Each token is specific to a device and is paired with a dynamic security code that changes with every transaction. The introduction of Google Pay in Lebanon and Oman forms part of Google's ongoing efforts to enhance access to digital payment tools across the region.


Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
How AI-Powered Smartwatches Are Your New Accountability Partner
Shot of a beautiful smiling young sportswoman resting after workout outdoors with smartwatch With the rise of AI-powered smartwatches like the Pixel Watch, professionals are discovering new ways to stay focused, stick to their goals, and reduce distractions, without relying on their phones. Yes, my smart watch has become my accountability partner. Staying productive in today's distraction-heavy world requires more than just good intentions. Most professionals I coach are looking for more innovative ways to manage their time and energy, but often find that technology works against them. A glance at a notification can easily turn into 30 minutes of scrolling social media or replying to Slack messages, without even noticing it. That's where wearable tech can step in as an efficient accountability partner. With the latest updates to the Pixel Watch and Pixel Phones—including Gemini on Wear OS—Google is turning smartwatches into AI-powered focus tools. These innovations are helping users stay on task, reduce phone dependency, and support routines like timeboxing without the usual distractions. 1. Timeboxing With Smartwatches Equals Less Disruptive Reminders Timeboxing, a method I use to schedule specific tasks into blocks of time on my calendar, is much easier to follow when you have reminders on your watch. With your calendar synced, you no longer need to rely on loud phone alarms or risk opening your phone and getting distracted by other apps. You can check your timeboxes directly on your watch and stay focused on the task at hand. The Pixel Watch not only displays your calendar but also the first two tasks on your Google Tasks app. If you've set a date and time, those tasks appear on your calendar too, effectively becoming timeboxes. And now, Google is also rolling out a wearable Gemini assistant. With conversational AI on your wrist, you can ask for updates on your agenda, draft quick reminders, or adjust plans without opening an app or browser. For professionals on the move, this creates a more seamless and intentional workflow that supports your goals without disrupting your momentum. And if you also like to work out, the watch helps you quickly track calories, cardio load, and on the Pixel Watch, your fitness readiness. Now you can even start or pause your workout, or ask Gemini to create a playlist for that sprint, just by talking to your watch. That way, you can make time for a workout when your body needs it most and stay on track with both your fitness and timeboxing goals. 2. Less Screen, More Focus One of the most common productivity challenges is the 'phone trap,' where you check your phone for a specific reason only to get pulled into notifications, social media, or unrelated apps. This type of context switching can cost more than 20 minutes of productive time to regain flow, according to studies on cognitive load. Smartwatches help avoid this trap by showing essential information, such as calendar events, reminders, and messages with minimal disruption. Instead of unlocking your phone and falling down a rabbit hole of distractions, you can quickly glance at what matters and move on. New features like Circle to Search, now enhanced with AI Mode, offer an added layer of utility. You can ask follow-up questions or dig deeper into a topic—whether researching a client, reviewing a concept, or solving a quick tech issue—without switching tabs or picking up your phone. The result: more uninterrupted focus time. If you're using a Pixel 9 Pro, there's also an added bonus: you get a full year of the Google AI Pro subscription at no cost. That includes access to advanced tools in the Gemini app like Veo 3, which lets you describe an idea and turn it into a high-quality short video, complete with natural audio. Whether you're preparing a presentation, creating content, or pitching a new concept, this can help you communicate your vision faster, without toggling between tools or apps. 3. Smartwatches Can Help You Create New Habits Many people assume that having a smartwatch on your wrist will only increase distractions. But the opposite can be true when you use it intentionally. In my experience, by turning on Do Not Disturb during deep work or workouts (I keep it on during my tennis classes, coaching sessions, and writing sprints), and limiting interactions to quick glances or reminders, you can stay on track without falling into unnecessary scrolling. Why Smartwatches Make a Difference for High Performers In high-pressure roles and extremely busy family schedules where every minute counts, having a system that gently keeps you accountable can lead to more consistent performance, better boundaries, and ultimately, greater satisfaction with how you spend your time. Smartwatches are valuable not because they introduce more tech into our lives, but because they help reinforce mindful habits. Used intentionally, wearable tech becomes more than a convenience, it becomes a catalyst for focus, alignment, and sustainable habits
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business Standard
Pixel drop: Google brings Gemini to Wear OS, enhances Circle to Search
Google's latest Pixel drop upgrades Circle to Search, rolls out Gemini assistant to supported Wear OS watches, and integrates Veo 3 access for free in AI Pro subscription for select Pixel users Aashish Kumar Shrivastava New Delhi Google has announced the arrival of the July Pixel drop, which is enhancing Gemini's Circle to Search feature, bringing Gemini to Wear OS based smartwatches, and integrating Veo 3 in the Gemini AI Pro package. Samsung, during its latest Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9, announced new Gemini-based features coming to its One UI 8 Watch platform. Now, Google has begun rolling them out for other eligible smartwatches such as Pixel Watch, and devices from brands like OnePlus, OPPO, and Xiaomi. Pixel Drop: What is new Circle to Search enhanced Google is introducing a new feature that brings deeper reasoning and follow-up capability directly into your visual searches. Users can now long-press the home button or navigation bar, then circle or tap on what they see to trigger an AI Overview, followed by the option to 'dive deeper with AI Mode' for more layered responses — all without leaving the app they're in. The feature is also expanding its utility to mobile gaming. Players can now access Circle to Search while in-game to identify characters, strategies, or walkthroughs on the fly. With a simple gesture, AI Overviews appear with context-specific insights and even recommended videos, helping users solve problems without interrupting gameplay. According to Google, AI Overviews themselves are getting smarter and more visual. Leveraging Google's Gemini models, these summaries now break down information more clearly and add contextual images to make responses easier to grasp at a glance. Whether you're using Lens, the Google app, or Circle to Search, AI Mode is now more accessible and visually rich — currently rolling out in the US and India. Gemini is coming to Wear OS Google is now bringing its AI assistant Gemini to smartwatches running Wear OS, starting with Pixel Watches and devices from brands like Samsung, OnePlus, OPPO, and Xiaomi. This update introduces a smarter, more conversational experience directly on your wrist, allowing users to ask natural questions, get instant information, and manage daily tasks without needing their phone. Gemini uses the same AI capabilities as on smartphones, but is now optimised for quick, glanceable responses on smaller screens like smartwatches. What's new is Gemini's deeper integration in Wear OS with Google services like Gmail and Calendar, enabling users to perform complex actions with simple voice commands — such as summarising emails, creating playlists, or navigating to appointments. It also introduces memory functions, like remembering your parking spot or gym locker number, and can set timely reminders. The rollout has begun for Wear OS 4 smartwatches, with broader support expected as more devices update to Wear OS 6. AI Pro subscription free for select Pixel users The US technology giant has announced the integration of the Veo 3 video generation model into the Google AI Pro subscription plan and is offering it to Pixel 9 Pro (and presumably for Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold) users with a complimentary one-year subscription. This integration unlocks access to the newest tools within the Gemini app, including Veo 3. As per the company, Veo 3 is Google's most powerful video generation tool so far. It can turn written prompts into realistic videos complete with matching background sounds and even spoken dialogue. The model handles everything from understanding stories and visuals to syncing lip movements accurately, making the results feel more natural. Veo 3 also supports Flow, offering features like full HD video creation, camera movement controls, and the ability to build on existing clips.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Google brings Gemini to Wear OS watches, adds AI Mode to Circle to Search
Google announced on Wednesday that it's rolling out Gemini to Wear OS watches, nearly two months after teasing the move back in May. The tech giant is also adding new Circle to Search capabilities by integrating its AI Mode search experience directly into the feature and adding support for gaming-related queries. Gemini is rolling out to watches from Pixel, Samsung, OPPO, OnePlus, and Xiaomi that are running Wear OS 4+ over the coming weeks, the company says. The announcement is part of Google's plans to replace Google Assistant with Gemini across all of its devices and platforms. To start talking to Gemini, users need to say 'Hey Google,' press and hold the side button on their watch, or tap on the Gemini app icon on their watch screen. Users will be able to ask Gemini questions like, 'For how long should I roast sliced vegetables, and at what temperature?' when busy cooking with messy hands. Or, a user could ask, 'Do I need an umbrella today?' when heading out the door. Additionally, users can utilize Gemini to complete tasks across multiple apps. For example, a user could ask Gemini to 'Summarize my last email from Emily' or 'Add my son's next five baseball games to my calendar.' Google notes that users can ask Gemini to remember important details such as 'Remember I parked on level 4, spot 27' or 'Remind me to go grocery shopping after work.' As for the new Circle to Search capabilities, Google says it's making it easier to explore information to get quick help. Launched last year, Circle to Search allows users to initiate a Google search by circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping on something they see on their screen. Now, users will be able to use AI Mode's advanced reasoning to dig into complex topics and ask follow-up questions, all without switching apps. After starting a search with Circle to Search, an AI Overview will appear in the results. From there, users can scroll to the bottom and tap 'dive deeper with AI Mode' to ask follow-up questions and explore more about the visual search. The company is also making it easier to use AI Mode in Google Lens, as it's now available through the Google app on both Android and iOS. The capability is now available in the U.S. and India. In addition, Google says users can now use Circle to Search when gaming on mobile. For example, you could leverage Circle to Search to identify a new character or find a winning strategy when playing a game. Google also announced that it's making AI Overviews more helpful, as responses are now better formatted and easier to read. The tech giant notes that AI Overviews now break down key information and include more visuals. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data