Latest news with #WearOS6
Android Authority
3 days ago
- Android Authority
Galaxy Watch Ultra users rejoice: Wear OS 6 rolls out ahead of schedule!
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority TL;DR The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024) is receiving the One UI 8 update with Wear OS 6 earlier than expected. The rollout has started for T-Mobile, AT&T, and Google Fi models in the US, as well as in some overseas markets. New features include better notifications, new gestures, improved health tracking, and more personalization options. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, and Watch Ultra (2025) are the first smartwatches to get Wear OS 6 update as they shipped with One UI 8 Watch right out of the box. Since there aren't any real spec differences between the older Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024) and the newer Watch Ultra (2025), it was expected that the older Watch Ultra would also get Wear OS 6 very soon. Samsung dampened expectations by giving itself a wide timeline for stable release, and in a healthy surprise, One UI 8 Watch is already here for older Watch Ultra! Reddit users confirm that their older Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024) is receiving its One UI 8 Watch update based on Wear OS 6. This 1.9GB update has been reported on Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024) on T-Mobile, AT&T, and even Google Fi. Outside the US, Reddit users have confirmed receiving the update in Thailand, but nothing yet for regions like the UK. There's a good chance that it's a staged rollout, so more regions and more users should be receiving the update gradually over the week. At Galaxy Unpacked when the Watch Ultra (2025) was being launched, Samsung was asked when the One UI 8 Watch update would arrive for the Watch Ultra (2024). The company mentioned that the older smartwatch is slated to get the Wear OS 6 update either later this year or early next year. It's a happy surprise to see the update roll out in the same month as the launch and release of the Watch Ultra (2025), as otherwise it was nothing but artificial exclusivity to sell the newer version. The company has yet to provide a timeline for when the stable update will be available for older Galaxy Watch models, such as the Galaxy Watch 7 series and earlier. A beta program is already underway for the Galaxy Watch 7, so we're crossing our fingers to see the update soon. Here's the full One UI 8 Watch changelog highlighting all the changes you can look forward to with the update: Get things done: Stay on top of important tasks with the Now bar: Check the information you need right now and start essential features straight from your watch face. Ongoing tasks will appear in the Now bar at the bottom of your watch face so you can check key information quickly. Do more with double pinch: Just pinch your thumb and index finger together twice to scroll through notifications, control music, take pictures, and more. You can also customize what happens when you double pinch on the watch face, music controller, as well as alarm, calendar, and reminder alerts. Choose the actions you need most in each situation. Mark reminders as important: Mark reminders as important by tapping the Star icon. Important reminders will appear at the top of your reminder list to make sure you notice them. New charging effects: When your watch is charging, the new screen layout and animations make it easier to check the current battery level and remaining charging time. Stay connected: Easily respond to notifications and alerts: Use gestures to quickly respond to notifications and alerts. When a notification appears, you can double pinch to view the details or send a reply. You can also shake your wrist to return to the watch face. Enhanced notification view: Notifications on your watch are now easier to use with an attractive new design. Notifications from the same app are stacked vertically, allowing you to view more notifications with fewer swipes. Smarter notification settings: It's now easier to decide how to receive notifications from your phone on your watch. If you choose Smart device selection, notifications will appear on your phone only when you're using it and on your watch when you're not using your phone. If you choose Always show on both, notifications will always appear on both your phone and watch. Upgrade your health: Bedtime guidance: Get to sleep at the right time so you wake up feeling refreshed. The new Bedtime guidance feature analyzes your sleep data and recommends the best time to go to sleep each night. Mindfulness: Manage stress and anxiety in your daily life with the new Mindfulness feature in Samsung Health. You can keep track of your moods and emotions and practice breathing exercises to reduce stress. Tailored to you: Find the perfect watch face: It's now easier to find the watch face that's right for you. Just choose a few keywords such as your preferred style, color, and information to show. The best matches will be suggested from our collection of more than 300 watch faces. Recommended watch faces: Discover new watch faces that you might like. Watch faces with colors, style, or information similar to your current watch face will be recommended on the watch face selection screen. Create your own tiles: Create your own custom tiles that show the information you need. You can even combine information from different apps into a single tile. You can include weather information, calendar events, reminders, and more. Personalized Apps screen: Featured apps now appear at the top of your Apps screen to give you quick access to the apps you need the most. Apps will be featured based on how often you use them and other usage patterns. You can also view your apps as a list with names instead of only icons. Choose calendars to show on your watch: You can now choose which calendars to show in the Calendar app on your watch. You can show all of the same calendars that are on your phone or customize to show only the calendars you need. 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.
Bloomberg
4 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Review: AI Everywhere in a Polarizing Design
Samsung Electronics Co. isn't having an easy time in the smartwatch space. Apple Inc., despite seeing declining sales, dominates the category with its namesake device. And while the overall market is expanding, the South Korean tech giant's share isn't growing much either. With its $350 Galaxy Watch 8, available July 25, Samsung is leaning heavily on artificial intelligence and a divisive design to stand out. The company is also rolling out a $500 Galaxy Watch 8 classic — and both smartwatches are the first to hit the market with Google's Wear OS 6 operating system, which has the search giant's Gemini AI chatbot built in. This allows you to do things like ask for the name of the new coffee shop your friend recommended without needing to pull out your phone.
Android Authority
16-07-2025
- Android Authority
New Pixel Watch 4 leak details even more hardware upgrades ahead of next month's launch
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority TL;DR The Pixel Watch 4 is said to feature a Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 chip. Both models are expected to have a new co-processor called the M55. For the first time, the smartwatch may feature side charging. Google confirmed today that it will hold its hardware event on August 20. The showcase should include its Pixel phones, watches, earbuds, and more. Coincidentally, a new leak about the Pixel Watch 4 also arrived today. This leak reveals what could be the specs for both the 41mm and 45mm models. Just in time for Google's announcement, Android Headlines has shared the specs for the Pixel Watch 4. According to the report, Google's next smartwatch will have the same processor as its predecessor — the Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1. While the chip is staying the same, the company is at least upgrading the battery (which we mentioned in our own report) and making the display brighter. Additionally, it's said to have a new co-processor that Google calls M55. The outlet mentions that the M55 will allow the Pixel Watch 4 to handle five times the 'AI workload at a fraction of the power.' Pixel Watch 4 (41mm) Display: 3,000nits peak brightness, 320 ppi AMOLED LTPO, 1-60Hz 3,000nits peak brightness, 320 ppi AMOLED LTPO, 1-60Hz Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 Co-processor: M55 M55 RAM: 2GB SDRAM 2GB SDRAM Storage: 32GB eMMC flash 32GB eMMC flash Battery: 325mAh 325mAh Software: Wear OS 6 Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) Display: 3,000nits peak brightness, 320 ppi AMOLED LTPO, 1-60Hz 3,000nits peak brightness, 320 ppi AMOLED LTPO, 1-60Hz Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 Co-processor: M55 M55 RAM: 2GB SDRAM 2GB SDRAM Storage: 32GB eMMC flash 32GB eMMC flash Battery: 455mAh 455mAh Software: Wear OS 6 The larger battery Google has fit into the 41mm model is said to provide 30 hours of battery life with always-on display turned on. If you turn on battery saver, it looks like you'll get 48 hours. Meanwhile, the 45mm model offers 40 hours with always-on display, and 72 hours in battery saver mode. While the co-processor is a new addition, it won't be the only new thing coming to the Pixel Watch line. The report mentions that the smartwatch will feature side charging, which is something that has been absent on previous models. So you'll be able to charge your device while it's on its side. Like any smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 4 will have a range of sensors. These sensors will reportedly include: Compass Red and infrared sensors for SpO2 monitoring Multipurpose electrical sensors (compatible with ECG app) Multi-path optical heart rate sensor Altimeter Gyroscope 3-axis accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Magnatometer Ultrawideband When the Pixel Watch 4 launches next month, it's expected to be available in five colors. An earlier leak revealed that these colors could be Black/Obsidian, Gold/Lemon, Moonstone, Silver/Iris, and Silver/Porcelain. 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.
Phone Arena
16-07-2025
- Phone Arena
Running an early Android build can cause a significant headache for new Galaxy Watch 8 users
Samsung recently announced the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic, both running One UI Watch 8 based on Wear OS 6. These are the first smartwatches to launch with the new version of Google's wearable platform, and while the updates are promising, some users may face issues if they're also using beta software on their OS 6 brings a redesigned interface with vertically stacked tiles and smoother performance. The new layout makes it easier to navigate, and the upgraded chip inside the Watch 8 series adds to the overall speed. But there's a known problem affecting users who are on the Android 16 QPR1 reports suggest that the Watch 8 series doesn't pair properly with devices running this beta, especially Pixel phones. When trying to set up the watch, the Galaxy Wearable app fails to install a required plugin. This causes the app to crash and restart, leading to an endless loop where the watch needs to be rebooted and pairing fails was first noticed when pairing a Watch 8 to a Pixel 8a using Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.1. However, according to some Redditors, this is also happening when using a Galaxy Watch 8 Classic with a Pixel 9 Pro Fold on the same build. The pairing bug appears to be caused by the beta Android software, not the watch itself. Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. | Image credit — PhoneArena If you're using a stable version of Android, this issue doesn't occur. The Galaxy Watch 8 pairs normally and works without major problems. However, do keep in mind that you might still lose access to some Samsung-specific features if your phone isn't a Galaxy model. The Watch 8 series offers solid improvements in design and performance, although some people may not be fans of the new cushion-shaped casing. But for now, if you're planning to buy one and are running Android 16 QPR1 beta, it's best to wait or use another device to complete the pairing. Considering Google's close relationship with Samsung, I believe this problem will likely be resolved in a future update as Android 16 gets closer to a public release. Until then, beta testers may need to use a backup phone or switch to the stable Android build for full compatibility. This is par for the course when running beta, and although an inconvenience, it's part of the deal with signing up for the Public Beta program. Let's hope it doesn't take too long for Google and Samsung to work together to address the issue. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Hindustan Times
10-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Google Gemini AI gets major upgrades for foldables, Wear OS and mobile gaming
Google has just dropped a bombshell for Android users and it's one that could change the way you use your phone, smartwatch and even your games. Gemini AI now sees through your camera, talks to your apps, and lives on your wrist.(Unsplash) Unveiled at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event, five new Gemini features are coming to Android 16 and Wear OS 6, signalling a significant shift in how AI will operate across devices. From foldables and smartwatches to mobile games and system apps, Gemini is being embedded into everyday interactions, not just in the background. Foldable phones just got smarter with Gemini Live Let's start with the Galaxy Z Flip 7. Gemini Live, Google's hands-free and real-time AI companion will now work directly from the cover screen of the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 7. That means users won't even need to unfold the device to access Gemini for quick tasks, instructions or conversational assistance. More impressively, Gemini is gaining camera awareness via Flex Mode. Open the phone halfway, activate the camera and Gemini will use visual input to understand what you're doing, offering context-aware help while cooking, assembling furniture or reviewing an outfit. Circle to search becomes conversational and contextual Circle to Search, originally designed to let users draw a circle around on-screen content and trigger a search, is getting a major upgrade. Gemini now powers the results through a conversational interface. Instead of just returning links, it will offer summaries, allow follow-up questions and help explore topics without leaving the current screen. In a surprise move, Google is extending this feature to mobile gaming. Players can now circle in-game elements like enemies, tools or puzzles, and Gemini will offer real-time tips, strategy suggestions, or walkthrough guidance tailored to their progress. Gemini starts talking to your native apps Google is also embedding Gemini into Samsung's default Calendar, Notes and Reminders apps. You can now ask Gemini to summarise your schedule, add reminders or extract key points from your notes, without needing to open or switch between apps. More third-party integrations are expected in future updates. Wear OS gets a smarter assistant Gemini is replacing Google Assistant on the Galaxy Watch8 series and other upcoming Wear OS 6 devices. It will offer more natural conversations, smarter notifications and better contextual responses, finally addressing one of Wear OS's long-standing weak points. Final word This rollout by Google isn't just an AI feature drop but a platform-level shift. With Gemini becoming visually aware, contextually embedded and cross-device fluent, Google is clearly repositioning Android to not only be smarter, but also meaningfully assistive.
