Interactive watch faces
The watch-faces are the different aspects that we can give to our smart watch so that it shows the time. One of the latest news from A was to release an API so that watch faces could be created for watches and run natively on the smartwatch itself. However, the new version of Android Wear could allow these watch faces are interactive. Next, we have a feature of these interactive watch faces. By tapping the screen repeatedly, it changes color. It could also be used to track the steps we've taken. By tapping on the steps, we also see how long we've been walking, and by tapping again, we return to seeing the time normally.
Current iterations incorporate a watch face format enhanced with features like flavors (presets) to explore styles from the companion app, a goal progress complication type (ideal when you exceed your step count), another of weighted elements to display discrete subsets (e.g. heart rate zones), and system data sources such as climate (current and planned) or heart rateThese improvements allow a single tap to change the displayed data or open the associated app, without losing efficiency or battery life.
For creators, follow the guidelines of adaptive icons ensures that shortcuts and complications look perfect on any watch face. For users, the result is faster access to the day's key information.
Communication between clocks
But in addition to this, the new Android Wear could also include an option that allows us to communicate through our watches, somehow dispensing with the mobile phone, although it is the latter that provides the network to the watch. We know all this because the code that would arrive in the new version of the operating system has appeared, in which you can clearly see the Sending messages, either by drawing or with emojis, between users.
This is especially useful now that Android Wear smartwatches, at least most of them, are autonomous, at least in part, by being able to connect to WiFi networks, which would allow us, for example, to communicate with other users who have a smart watch, without having to have the mobile phone connected. In addition, functions such as (Together allow you to share drawings, photos, emojis, stickers and activities (whether you're on the phone, working out or driving) directly from the watch face.
Grid app switcher and media control
Recent versions of Wear OS include a grid app switcher integrated into the system, which can be toggled between the classic list from Settings or by switching at the bottom of the selector. This design speeds up access to apps and makes better use of the watch screen. System UI It also allows you to choose which device you are using plays the content and see media information in progress from the wrist.
More power in health and fitness
Wear OS Health Services supports advanced running metrics such as ground contact time, stride length, vertical oscillation, and vertical relationship, which are key to fine-tuning technique and preventing injuries. Also considered are bounce-cancelling targets to maintain thresholds (e.g. heart rate) with less intrusive alerts. As always, it's a good idea to check the supported exercise functions on each device.
Privacy and accessibility on the wrist
A new addition is made Screenshot Detection API which preserves privacy, useful for apps to properly manage sensitive information displayed on the watch. In accessibility, the mono-audio mode to avoid disorientation by stereo separation and options of color correction and grayscale which facilitate reading in different visual conditions.
Productivity and Google apps on the watch
Google boosts productivity with a Keep widget that syncs notes, background colors and images, plus shortcuts on Wear OS for create notes and lists with one tap. In Drive, the app allows annotate PDFs and save changes, and Chrome adds control for increase content size up to 300% (text, images, videos and controls), configurable as default.
Gboard is also updated with new emoji combinations, Google Meet with Noise Cancellation, and the platform improves the link with Fast Pair in the ecosystem, while Google Wallet adds animations when paying from your device.
Catalog of recommended interactive watch faces
There are already collections on the Play Store with spheres like Bits (time, unread emails, upcoming meetings, steps and missed calls), Pujie Black (access to calendar and configurable complications) or that of Under Armour (steps, calories and distance). These spheres take advantage of the touches on screen to expand data or open related apps.
Installing apps directly on the watch
The integrated store in the watch allows download apps from the Wear OS interface without having to go through your mobile phone, making it easier to discover and manage software specifically optimized for the wrist.
Connectivity and Wi-Fi on compatible models
In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, many waterproof smartwatches with Wear OS offer Wi ‑ Fi and even LTE on some models, which provides greater autonomy with respect to the mobile phone. At one time, system updates even enabled Wi‑Fi on watches with the hardware ready, as was the case with LG G Watch R.
Android Wear and Wear OS have evolved from a promising system to a mature platformMore useful and interactive watch faces, direct on-wrist communications, accurate health metrics, and a layer of productivity and privacy to match. The result is a watch that helps you do more without taking your phone out of your pocket.
