Google has released an update for the Play Store that significantly improves the Wear OS experience by enabling faster downloads through Wi-Fi or mobile networks instead of Bluetooth. This change eliminates the need for users to disable Bluetooth for updates. Additionally, a new feature allows smartwatches to automatically adjust their time zones based on location, even without internet access. Various manufacturers using Wear OS, like Samsung and Xiaomi, may experience delays in updates due to their custom interfaces.
Exciting New Update for Google Play Store Enhances Wear OS Experience
Google has unveiled a fresh update for the Play Store, bringing a host of enhancements tailored not just for smartphones but also for wearable devices. According to the update notes, updates for wearables are now optimized to be downloaded through a Wi-Fi or mobile network connection, offering significantly faster speeds compared to the previous reliance on Bluetooth connections. This upgrade represents a major leap forward for Wear OS smartwatches.
Streamlined Download Process for Wear OS Devices
Previously, many smartwatch models, including the Google Pixel Watch 2, relied heavily on Bluetooth for downloading updates, which often resulted in slower transfer speeds, especially for large system updates that could reach gigabyte sizes. Users were frequently advised to disable Bluetooth to ensure their smartwatches could utilize Wi-Fi, but with the latest Play Store update, this workaround is now unnecessary.
Post-update, Wear OS devices will automatically prefer Wi-Fi or, where available, a mobile network for downloads instead of Bluetooth. Users can still select their preferred method if Wi-Fi is not an option, though it’s important to note that Wi-Fi transfers may drain battery life more quickly than Bluetooth. Despite this drawback, it’s advisable to avoid conducting large system updates while on the move to ensure optimal performance.
In addition to the download improvements, a second update for Wear OS provides the convenience of automatically adjusting the smartwatch’s time zone based on the user’s location—even without an internet connection. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who frequently travel.
Beyond Google, various manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Mobvoi, and Fossil also leverage the Android-based Wear OS for their smartwatches. However, these brands often customize the operating system with unique user interfaces, which can lead to delays in receiving system updates. Recently, Samsung has begun rolling out a significant Wear OS 5 update across numerous Galaxy wearables. It’s worth noting that Apple Watches operate on a proprietary system, as do devices from Huawei and Garmin.