Curious update the Android Wear 5.1.1, and we're not referring in this case to its truly interesting new features. We say this because the arrival of this new iteration specifically for smartwatches was announced quite some time ago, but until now, its full global rollout hadn't begun. Well, Google itself has confirmed the start of the deployment.
So far the devices that enjoyed Android Wear 5.1.1 were the LG Watch Urbane (which integrates this development right out of its box) and, also, some models of the ASUS ZenWatch, who began receiving the update last week. The rest have had to wait until now, something that has put nervous more than one user like is logic.
The fact is that the deployment of the new iteration is already a reality and, for example, some owners of models such as the LG G Watch R have already confirmed receipt of the new version of the operating system including new gestures to increase its usefulness (as you can see in the video that we leave after this paragraph), the possibility of protecting the smartwatch screen by using a standard, and, of course, the arrival of WiFi connectivity to the models that are compatible, which we discuss below.
Key new features in Android Wear 5.1.1
In addition to the improvements already known, this version incorporates changes that make it more practical and safer daily use of the watch. Here's an organized overview:
- Active screen in applications: Not only the watch face, but also apps can remain visible continuously. In this mode, the interface changes to monochrome to save battery when appropriate, ideal for lists, maps or training routines.
- New launcher and wrist gestures: Faster access to apps and contacts with a swipe, and card navigation with wrist movements without touching the screen, useful when you have your hands full.
- Reply with drawn emojis: When receiving messages, you can draw an emoji on the screen and the system recognizes it and sends it through your messaging app.
- Heads-up notifications- Important notifications appear in the foreground even if you are checking indications or statistics so you do not miss anything.
- More customization and readability: is added change font size from settings and makes switching between easier covers, balancing style and usability.
- Security with screen lock: If the watch detects that it is not on your wrist or loses connection with your phone, activate an unlock pattern to protect your data.
- Multiple watches with the same phone: The companion app allows switch between watches linked without having to reconfigure from scratch.
- Sports focus with Google Fit: the system automatically identifies activities such as walking, running or cycling and offers useful metrics; even introduced golf improvements in its app ecosystem.
- WiFi connectivity: the clock can stay connected without Bluetooth when there is a wireless network, gaining range and stability in notifications and compatible apps.
- Expanding ecosystem: : at the same time as the deployment, Google already had thousands of optimized apps for Android Wear, strengthening its catalog of utilities.
Google confirms watches with WiFi
Well, this is one of the issues about which there was, until now, no confirmation from the Mountain View company and, the truth is, there were doubts about some wearable accessories that were currently on the market. The fact is that any doubts have been dispelled and the list that the company has indicated developed by Android Wear 5.1.1 is as follows (and therefore these are the only models that offer support for wireless networks):
- LG Watch Urbane
- Motorola Moto 360
- Sony Smartwatch 3
- Samsung Gear Live
The rest of the models will not be able to independently access the Internet using WiFi networks and, therefore, if you are an owner of a LG G Watch R, you must discard its use for a lot of Snapdragon 400 that it includes inside (it is confirmed, therefore, that the variant of this processor is the one that does not integrate the corresponding antenna).
How it unfolds and what you should keep in mind
so that the Android Wear 5.1.1 update arrives correctly to your smartwatch, Google indicates that it must be completely updated the clock and also the application that is installed on the phones with which they are synchronized (which can be done from the Play Store). The deployment is done gradually (OTA), so it may take a while to appear on all devices.
It is advisable to have enough battery, be connected to Stable WiFi and keep the watch on the charger during the download and installation process. If you don't receive the notification, check Settings > System > System Updates and restart your watch after updating the companion app.
From Android Wear to Wear OS: What Came Next
Starting with Android Wear 5.1.1, the platform continued to evolve towards Wear OS, with update cycles that have brought improvements such as battery optimization, new Security APIs (e.g. Credential Manager for credentials) and options like audio routing to the clock speaker from compatible apps. Google has unified its development into a main trunk and the system has adopted conventions of compilation nomenclature more aligned with Android (e.g., identifiers starting with AP4A), improving consistency across platforms. Builds have even been seen in the android studio emulator before its OTA arrival, giving third-party apps time to take advantage of the changes.
With this context, Android Wear 5.1.1 marked the turning point that made the watch more useful without relying so much on your phone, and laid the groundwork for later features in sports, notifications, security, and connectivity. If your model is supported, it's worth checking availability and trying out the gestures, locking, and always-on mode in apps, which are the changes that users notice most on a daily basis.
Source: Google.
