Tag: Wear OS

  • HMD’s First Smartwatches with Wear OS and Camera Leaked

    HMD’s First Smartwatches with Wear OS and Camera Leaked

    Key Takeaways

    1. HMD is launching its first smartwatches, named HMD Rubber 1 and HMD Rubber 1S, powered by Wear OS.
    2. The HMD Rubber 1 will feature a 1.85” OLED display, heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, a 400mAh battery, and a 2MP camera.
    3. The HMD Rubber 1S will have a smaller 1.05-inch OLED display, a 290mAh battery, and will track similar health metrics but without NFC.
    4. Both smartwatches will have a 5 ATM waterproof rating and support USB-C and Qi wireless charging.
    5. There is speculation that these smartwatches are aimed at children, especially with features like a camera and basic health tracking.

    HMD appears to be gearing up to broaden its range of devices with the introduction of its very first smartwatch, and it aims to release not just any smartwatch, but one powered by Wear OS. In fact, two Wear OS smartwatches are on the way, with one reportedly featuring a camera, as per a leaked specification sheet.

    Details on the Smartwatches

    The forthcoming smartwatches are expected to be named HMD Rubber 1 and HMD Rubber 1S, according to HMD_MEME (@smashx_60). The leak shared on X indicates that the HMD Rubber 1 will sport a 1.85” OLED display. It will be capable of monitoring heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and counting steps. Additionally, the Rubber 1 will come with a 400mAh battery, supporting both USB-C charging and Qi wireless charging. Other features mentioned in the leak include a 5 ATM waterproof rating, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, and NFC.

    Unique Features of the Rubber 1

    A notable aspect of the Rubber 1 is that it is said to include a 2MP camera. Currently, there are no Wear OS smartwatches equipped with a camera, which means HMD could be the first to launch one in the market. The specifics of how the camera will be positioned remain unclear, but it’s likely to sit above the display, similar to the layout seen in the JrTrack 4 Kids Smartwatch (priced at $129.99 on Amazon).

    The Rubber 1S will feature a smaller 1.05-inch OLED display and a reduced 290mAh battery capacity. Like its counterpart, it will track heart rate and blood oxygen levels. It will also come with an accelerometer, Bluetooth 5.0, and Wi-Fi, but it will lack NFC. Additionally, it will also have a 5 ATM waterproof rating while supporting both USB-C and Qi wireless charging.

    Target Audience Speculation

    While the leak did not specify, there’s a chance that the Rubber 1 and Rubber 1S are actually aimed at children. The basic health tracking features and the inclusion of a camera on the Rubber 1 could serve as tools for kids to stay connected with their parents. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that last October, HMD announced a collaboration with Xplora Technologies, a Norwegian firm recognized for producing smartwatches for kids.

    The timing couldn’t be better, considering that Google and Samsung introduced the Galaxy Watch for Kids earlier this year. This smartwatch offers a child-friendly interface and allows parents to monitor their kids and adjust watch settings using the Family Link app. Google has also partnered with developers to deliver educator-approved apps and watch faces to Google Play.

    While this child-centric version of Wear OS initially launched on a Samsung smartwatch, there’s potential that it could soon be available to other brands. However, this is merely speculation for now, and it seems possible that HMD’s upcoming smartwatches might indeed be designed for children rather than adults.

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  • Wear OS Smartwatches Set for Exciting Messaging Upgrade

    Wear OS Smartwatches Set for Exciting Messaging Upgrade

    RCS messaging is a feature that Google has been advocating for quite a while. The tech giant has also been urging Apple to implement it. However, currently, Google’s Wear OS does not support this feature. Messages sent from smartwatches using this operating system are treated as regular SMS texts.

    Potential Changes Ahead

    The good news is that this situation might soon improve. According to a report from Android Authority, the latest beta version of Google Messages has started to establish the groundwork for standalone RCS messaging on Wear OS smartwatches. This information emerged following an APK teardown conducted by Android Authority.

    In the new Google Messages beta for Wear OS, there are "some flags" which suggest that standalone RCS support might be on the way for these smartwatches. Additionally, the new code hints that the devices could support voice messages through RCS, enhancing the messaging capabilities significantly.

    Questions Remain

    It is still uncertain whether this update will be available for non-LTE smartwatches (like the 40 mm LTE Galaxy Watch 7 currently priced at $319.99 on Amazon). Nevertheless, Google could potentially roll out RCS messaging for these models since the protocol can transmit messages via WiFi. As for when this update may be released, a specific timeline has not been provided yet.

    Another important point to consider is that these code lines might have been mistakenly included in the recent Google Messages beta. If that is the case, the rollout of RCS messaging support on Wear OS smartwatches could take longer than initially expected.

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  • Wear OS 5 Development with Android 14 in Progress; Possible Launch with Galaxy Watch 7

    Wear OS 5 Development with Android 14 in Progress; Possible Launch with Galaxy Watch 7

    Collaboration between Samsung and Google for the Upcoming Launch of Wear OS 5

    In the past year, a number of new original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have adopted Wear OS for their latest wearable devices. Xiaomi, the renowned Chinese electronics manufacturer, entered the Wear OS arena with the introduction of its inaugural Wear OS smartwatch, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro running on Wear OS 4. Samsung also jumped aboard the trend by unveiling the Galaxy Watch 6, equipped with Wear OS 4, eventually extending compatibility to Pixel smartwatches. Leveraging this positive momentum, Samsung and Google are now engaged in a collaborative effort towards the development of the forthcoming iteration, Wear OS 5, which will be rooted in Android 14. Recent reports hint at Samsung’s dedicated efforts towards the imminent launch of Wear OS 5 in conjunction with the upcoming Galaxy Watch 7.

    Anticipated Schedule for the Release of Wear OS 5

    As per insights from 9to5Google, the release of Wear OS 5 is slated for this summer, coinciding with the debut of Samsung’s fresh Galaxy Watch 7. The release schedule for Wear OS 5 is projected to mirror the progression of its forerunner, Wear OS 4. Notably, Wear OS 4 initially materialized with the introduction of the Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic as part of One UI 5 Watch. This was subsequently rolled out to devices such as the Pixel Watch 2, Pixel Watch, Galaxy Watch 4, Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, Galaxy Watch 5, and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.

    Samsung’s Endeavors in Crafting Wear OS 5

    Insights hint at the presence of various allusions to Wear OS 5 within the unreleased Android 14 build. Samsung is actively engaged in refining the new build to ensure optimal performance of the Exynos 5535 chipset when operating with Wear OS 5. These developments point towards the upcoming Samsung smartwatch, anticipated for a summer launch, debuting with Wear OS 5. The update is also expected to extend to the Pixel Watch 3 during the fall season.

    Enhancements and Modifications in Wear OS 5

    While specific details concerning the enhancements and modifications in Wear OS 5 are not yet public, the shift towards an annual update cycle for wearable devices aligns it more closely with the customary update timelines observed in smartphones. This shift from past practices, where Wear OS often lagged behind in adopting new Android versions, indicates a more synchronized and systematic approach to updates.

    With much anticipation surrounding the release of Wear OS 5 and Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7, it is evident that the collaborative efforts between Samsung and Google are geared towards elevating the user experience and performance of Wear OS smartwatches. Stay tuned for further disclosures on Wear OS 5 and its range of exciting new functionalities.

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  • Google Calendar on Wear OS: A Dive into New Features and User Experience

    Google Calendar on Wear OS: A Dive into New Features and User Experience

    In a bid to enhance user accessibility and functionality on smartwatches, Google has seamlessly integrated its widely used Google Calendar into the Wear OS platform. This integration came in quick succession after the tech giant extended Gmail support to the platform, clearly showcasing Google’s commitment to boosting the utility of its primary services on Wear OS​1​.

    Seamless Transition to Your Wrist

    Google Calendar’s arrival on Wear OS smartwatches is more than just a mere extension. It is meticulously tailored to cater to the on-the-go needs of users, providing a Schedule-like view right on their wrists. This view simplifies the tracking of daily events, mirroring a similar user experience to that on phones. Notably, the app allows users to delve into event details, change RSVP statuses, and even manage notifications with a few taps on their smartwatch screens​2​​3​.

    Enhanced Features for Better Management

    Google Calendar on Wear OS: A Dive into New Features and User Experience

    Among the new facets introduced, the Google Calendar app on Wear OS brings forth specialized tiles labeled “Next Event” and “Next Tasks”. These tiles are designed to provide users with a quick glance at their upcoming events and tasks without the need to open the full app, thus saving time and making schedule management a breeze​4​.

    Moreover, the app facilitates a closer interaction with one’s schedule by providing precise location details for events and offering options to mark events as complete, thanks to its integration with Google Tasks. For those who prefer a larger view, the app also enables users to open any date or event on their smartphone, making the transition between devices seamless and efficient​5​.

    Towards a Holistic Smartwatch Experience

    With this integration, Google nudges Wear OS a step closer to becoming a more holistic platform for managing day-to-day tasks. As Wear OS 3 and Wear OS 4 continue evolving with new features, the inclusion of Google Calendar is indeed a significant stride towards enriching the user experience on smartwatches.

    The Google Calendar app for Wear OS is now available for download on the Play Store, making it easier for users to stay organized and manage their schedules efficiently, whether they are on their phone or smartwatch.

    In conclusion, the addition of Google Calendar to Wear OS is not just a feature upgrade; it’s a substantial move towards intertwining smartwatch technology with everyday life, making schedule management more intuitive and less of a chore.

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