Android Wear continues to improve with the arrival of the Apple Watch, which is much more than a threat, it is the one that has set the standard in the world of smart watches. It seems that a feature that could be crucial will come soon, and that is to be able to make calls from the watch itself. The ability to manage calls without taking out your phone changes the way we use the smartwatch both on the go and at home.
Calls from the watch
Being able to make calls from your watch isn't something new to us. In fact, it's been possible since the first Samsung Galaxy Gear, which allowed you to make calls from the watch itself, albeit using the mobile network. Samsung took it a step further, even launching the Samsung S Gear, which had its own mobile network so you could completely dispense with your smartphone when making calls. But while this isn't new to us, it is in the world of Android Wear. So far, no smartwatch with Android Wear allows you to make calls from the watch, either using the mobile network or your own network. However, that's about to change. The calling experience is increasingly integrated into the wrist.
In addition to the so-called “classic” method, Android Wear/Wear OS offers several other methods: voice commands to start a call, direct access to contacts and recents and the option to dial numbers from the clock. For critical situations, an emergency call is available even with a blocked SIM card. In certain countries, it is also possible to dictate an emergency SMS with the voice action "Hey Google, send a text message to 911," although due to the inaccuracy of the transcription, it is recommended to call emergency services directly.
Android Wear will allow you to call
And it's not just a question of hardware, but also a question of software. You've already seen that some smartwatches with Android Wear had Wi-Fi antennas, but they still couldn't use them because, until now, Google's operating system for wearables wasn't compatible. The same thing happens, for example, with speakers. The new feature is that Android Wear will now be compatible with speakers. That is, manufacturers will be able to integrate speakers into their watches and use them, for example, for phone calls. This new feature would also come with compatibility for the watch itself to manage the call, which will allow both the mobile network and its own network to be used, and it will be up to the manufacturer to decide whether they want a standalone watch or one that depends on the smartphone. The software stack enables call control, in addition to allowing the use of speakers and microphones when the manufacturer integrates them.
During the conversation, the watch offers quick access: keyboard for DTMF tones, pause/hold, silence y adjust volume; Use the side button to return to the watch face without hanging up. If your watch has a speaker, you can use it as a hands-free device for phone calls with the Bluetooth option "Play phone audio on watch."
Practical requirements: a watch with microphone and speaker to use it as hands-free, and if you want to do without the mobile phone, that it has mobile connectivity (eSIM)In the watch app, the presence of the “Cellular” setting indicates compatibility; if it doesn't appear, the model doesn't support cellular service. Using the same carrier on your watch and phone makes it easier. share the number between them.
Number management varies depending on coverage: out of the phone's Bluetooth range, Calls go out with the watch number (if you have your own line); near the mobile phone, you can choose whether to use the watch number or the phone number. You can also activate call forwarding so that what you don't answer on your phone rings on your watch. Keep in mind that some carriers limit features; for example, there are cases where Calling outside of Bluetooth range is not allowed even if the clock has data.
To expand capabilities, multi-device operator services (type “OneNumber”) allow extend your number to up to four devices: smartwatches with eSIM, tablets, other phones and even Alexa smart speakersActivation is usually done through the carrier's app. In Alexa, you can link your number, choose which speakers receive/make calls, and use the "Out of home” so they only ring at your home. Useful commands: “Alexa, call…”, “Alexa, answer,” or “Alexa, hang up,” plus volume up/down by voice.
If your watch doesn't offer a native dialer, there are third-party solutions such as Wear Dialer, which provide dial pad, access to Contact, articles y favorites. They usually add Speed ​​Dial, contact photos and color themes (advanced paid features). They require minimum versions of Android and Wear OS and may not be compatible with all models.
Android Wear/Wear OS is moving toward offering full-featured wrist-based calling, with hands-free voice control and support for mobile networks or the phone itself; with the help of carrier and specialized apps, the watch can become a truly autonomous device to communicate in any situation.
