The WearOS update that finally makes Android users proud – and how to install it

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ZDNET Highlights

• There’s a new update to WearOS and it’s fantastic.
• You get the boost of Material 3 Expressive for the UI.
• Battery life has improved and animations are more smooth.

I’ve been wearing Pixel watches since the first time. Those initial releases were functional but ugly, had weak battery life (10% improvement over the previous version), presented very poor animations, and did not mesh with the Android UI. Whenever I saw someone using my Apple Watch, I felt a little jealous. Those watches were prettier, sleeker, and had better battery life.

Always a bridesmaid, right?

The latest release of WearOS has changed all this, and now my Pixel Watch is on par with the Apple Watch.

Also: I tried the Google Pixel Watch 4 – and these key features made it indispensable

I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true. The new UI is beautiful, the animations are great and battery life is vastly improved. In fact, after the latest update, I put on my watch, unlocked it and I was shocked by what I saw.

Can this happen? Did someone replace my Pixel watch with an Apple watch?

No. Google finally did justice to WearOS and now it is as beautiful as the latest Android UI. Apart from the aesthetic improvements, the performance is much better.

The following watches are compatible with the latest release of WearOS: Pixel Watch 3 and 4, Samsung Galaxy 8 series, and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.

For those who want to see a simple list of the latest improvements, take a look:

• Contents 3 ExpressiveE: Like Android, WearOS gets a big boost in the looks department with more personalized and dynamic color themes, smoother animations, and a more consistent look.
• update tiles: Even the tiles follow the Material 3 expressive aesthetic, with multi-slotted layouts able to display even more information.
• better view all around: Even the boot animations and first-time setup screen have been given a Material 3 expressive kick.
• Adaptive Theme: All theme elements are automatically pulled from your chosen watchface, to create a more cohesive look.
• better notifications:Notifications are now easier to read and now include images (such as a contact image, if applicable).
• a vastly improved keyboard: When you need to type something (even just your unlock PIN), you’ll find that the keyboard is much easier to use.

Other features with the latest update include:

• offline google maps: You can now access maps downloaded to your watch for navigation without your phone.
• Google Wallet support: You’ll now find it possible to access boarding passes, event tickets and loyalty cards right from your wrist.
• Google Home Shortcuts: Now you can instantly control smart home devices using the new Favorites tile and complication.

When you put all of the above together, you’ll find that WearOS has finally reached the modernity it’s been lacking since its inception. In fact, before this latest update, I would get overwhelmed whenever my Pixel Watch received a new OS version. This is the first iteration that has really excited me. Now, I can walk up to someone wearing an Apple Watch and not feel like I have to hide my wrist in shame.

WearOS has come so far with the latest iteration.

How to get the new update

You don’t really need to do much to get the latest updates. When an update is available for your watch, you’ll see a notification in the WearOS notification shade informing you to put your phone on its charger. The update will start as soon as you place the phone on the charger.

When the update is complete, unplug your watch from the charger and you’re good to go.

If you don’t see the update in your notification, do this:

1. Swipe down on the home screen
2. tap the gear icon
3. Scroll down and tap System
4. Tap System Update

If an update is available, you can tap to start the process (at which point, you’ll be asked to place your watch on its charger).

must be updated

This is probably the first WearOS update that I would call a “must have.” If your watch is using a WearOS version prior to 6.0, make sure to check for the update and apply it immediately.

Trust me, you won’t regret taking the time to do this.