An Empowered Assistant Is How Wear OS Could Get Back on Track

When Google changed the name of its smartwatch atomic number 8 from Android Wear to Wear OS , I was pissed . Not because the name sucked , as Wear type O does do a practiced job of reflecting the program ’s support for both Android and iOS devices . The problem was that the rebranding did n’t fall with any new feature article or updates that advanced the capabilities of the platform . That meant the name change was more symbolic than anything , or at the very least , poorly time .

However , after checking out a prevue of the next interpretation of Wear atomic number 8 at Google I / O 2018 , it seems Google could be finally become around its floundering smartwatch system , which as of late has seen much more success in the hands of style brands like Louis Vuitton or Movado than traditional technical school makers , who had mostly abandon Android Wear / Wear OS .

That ’s because in addition to a slick new dark - themed UI , by empowering the Google Assistant in Wear OS , Google has figured out something that can fix Wear OS apart from theApple WatchorSamsung ’s Gear S family .

Photo: Sam Rutherford (Gizmodo)

In premature version of Wear OS , you could require the Assistant questions and get a reaction , but that ’s about it . However , in the new Wear OS , the Google Assistant has the ability to make smart suggestions based on your motion . So for illustration , after asking about the weather , the Assistant in Wear OS will also provide you with an extended forecast cover the next five days .

or else , if you require the Assistant about an upcoming flight , it can provide piddling buttons mighty on the watch , so you’re able to tap on one to find out about an air hose ’s baggage policy , a list of connecting flights , and what clip your check - in is . And like the Google Assistant on your phone or a Google - power smart speaker , the Assistant in Wear OS now has full Actions living so you could change by reversal on your robo vacuum , get update on the fund market or check the local underpass schedule without needing to use a unlike equipment .

And for when you ’re too meddling to front down at your wrist , the new Wear osmium update also includes a new text - to - manner of speaking function that play back result via associate Bluetooth headphones , or even on the watch itself , assuming it has a ramp up - in loudspeaker system .

Photo: Sam Rutherford

After seeing a dark-themed UI in Wear OS, I really want one for actual Android.Photo: Sam Rutherford (Gizmodo)

While Google example were hesitating to spill the beans upcoming features past what ’s contained in the latest update ( which should be rolling out to Wear OS watch now ) , when I spoke to the Wear osmium squad at Google I / O , they also beleaguer next advance to wear out OS ’ fitness and wellness tracking and shelling lifespan that could arrive within the next few months . And with a new dev cycle that features smaller , monthly updates or else of big- once - a - class dumps , along with arumored LG smartwatchwith a slick circular UI , Wear oxygen ’ flight seems like its finally on the upswing .

Android WearGoogleGoogle I / OSmartwatches

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