Google Unveils Wear OS 7: Enhanced Live Updates and Extended Battery Life

Exciting news for Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4 users as Google’s Wear OS 7 update begins rolling out today. One of the key features included in this update is the new Live Updates feature, which allows users to track live events directly from their Android smart watch. This feature syncs with Wear OS devices, ensuring that updates such as sports scores or ongoing meal deliveries are displayed on both the watch and the paired phone.

In addition to Live Updates, Wear OS 7 will introduce Gemini Intelligence features, although these are scheduled for release later this year. Among these features is ‘Create My Widget,’ a tool that allows users to generate custom Wear OS widgets using natural language prompts. Gemini will also support multi-step app automation, enabling tasks such as making reservations or placing restaurant orders directly from the watch. The update will also include Google’s new “neural expressive” design and support for Personal Intelligence, which leverages data from connected Google apps to provide personalized suggestions through Gemini.

Users will find controlling media from their watch easier with the new output switcher, allowing them to switch audio output between connected devices such as headphones or Nest speakers. Furthermore, Wear OS 7 is designed to connect with smart glasses showcased at the recent I/O event, enabling users to preview photos taken with the smart glasses on their watch.

For third-party app developers, Wear OS Widgets are now easier to develop and more dynamic than the previous custom Tiles. Apps that do not receive the update can continue to support Tiles or display the widgets as full-screen tiles on Wear OS 4, 5, and 6.

Google has also enhanced its Emergency Sharing feature in Wear OS 7. In the event of a fall, loss of pulse, or car crash detected by the Pixel Watch, the feature can now automatically call both emergency services and a user’s selected list of emergency contacts.