What is Wear OS 3.0

Wear OS 3.0 is an operating system developed by Google and Samsung for wearables, combining the best of both worlds.

To operate a smartwatch, you need an operating system (OS). Apple, for example, uses watchOS, while Samsung previously used Tizen before partnering with Google.

Google’s operating system was known as Android Wear in 2014. In 2018, Google rebranded it to Wear OS 2, introducing related updates.

However, before partnering with Samsung, Google faced criticism for a lack of innovation, prompting a need for change. The collaboration with Samsung was intended as the solution, announced at Google I/O 2021, an annual event where Google developers share the latest advancements with the world.

Which Watches Run on Wear OS 3.0?

The first smartwatch with Wear OS 3.0 was the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 in 2021, and since then, it has been available on only a few watches. Not all smartwatches with Wear OS 2.0 can update to Wear OS 3.0. Google has confirmed that those models will receive security updates for the next two years, but that’s it. This is likely a strategy to encourage purchases of new smartwatches.

A list of smartwatches running on Wear OS 3.0:

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 & Watch 5 Pro
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 & Watch 4 Classic
• Google Pixel Watch
• Montblanc Summit 3
• Fossil Gen 6
• Skagen Falster Gen 6
• Michael Kors Access 6
• Razer x Fossil Gen 6
• Ticwatch Pro 3
• Ticwatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS
• Ticwatch E3

What Wear OS 3.0 Offers

The collaboration with Samsung has greatly benefited Google, as significant progress is evident with Wear OS 3.0. Performance has improved, with faster app loading and extended battery life. Additionally, there are more features that make it a robust operating system.

Here are some of the key strengths of Wear OS 3.0:

New User Interface

The new user interface in Wear OS 3.0 allows you to navigate your smartwatch more quickly and easily. Apps not in use can run continuously in the background, enabling seamless switching between them.

You can view your most recent apps at the top of the new app launcher. Apps open and close faster, and there are handy shortcuts and mini widgets you can place on your home screen.

Performance

Google claimed Wear OS 3.0 would perform 30% faster, noticeable in smoother animations, an enhanced user interface, and quicker load times. It’s been some time since the launch of Wear OS 3.0, and it’s safe to say this holds true. Compared to older Wear OS versions, this is certainly an upgrade.

Alongside this improvement, Google also claimed better battery capacity. Unfortunately, this isn’t fully accurate, as the battery still lasts 1 to 2 days depending on the features used.

Fitbit Features

Google acquired Fitbit in early 2021. Fitbit is renowned for advanced sleep monitoring, heart rate monitoring, stress monitoring, and other fitness and health tracking. With this Fitbit expertise, Google has made a significant leap forward in tracking daily activities, increasing the appeal of Wear OS 3.0 smartwatches.

The Google Pixel Watch, recently debuted with Wear OS 3.0, showcased Fitbit influences with enhanced fitness and health capabilities. We previously wrote a detailed blog comparing two top smartwatches.

Google Wallet Changes

Improvements are also visible in Google Wallet, where you can now store more items. This includes saving tickets for your favourite festival, boarding passes for your trip, and your payment card.

Better Third-Party Apps

More widgets are available in Wear OS 3.0. Google has opened the API for widgets to more third-party apps, offering more options to choose from. You can now add widgets for Spotify, Strava, Deezer, sleep monitoring, and Adidas Running on your Wear OS 3.0 smartwatch.

Improved Google Assistant

You can now give commands to Google Assistant without saying ‘Hey Google’ first. Instead, you can issue your command directly, and your smartwatch will execute it.

iOS Support

Initially, it seemed Wear OS 3.0 might not support iPhones, as the Galaxy Watch 4 and 5 don’t work well with them, nor does the Google Pixel Watch.

However, the Montblanc Summit 3 promises iPhone support, suggesting other Wear OS 3.0 devices might follow suit. Still, Android remains the optimal platform for the best Wear OS experience, and Google and Samsung’s priority isn’t to cater to iPhone users navigating the Android ecosystem.

Fossil Gen 6 Wear OS 3.0 Update from December

In October, Fossil began rolling out the Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition, with the first operating system update occurring this month. Fossil notes these are minor improvements.

Six improvement points were shared. The highlights of this update include:

Various Watch Face Solutions: You can now change font type, size, and colour. The watch face ambient mode has also been adjusted.

Button Improvements: You can now answer or end calls with a button press.

Smart Battery Mode Update: A fix resolved an issue where location turned on in battery-saving mode, which increased power consumption.

Wellness Tracking Updates: A sensor software update fixed an issue where heart rate LEDs weren’t always active, caused by a calorie algorithm. The problem with repeated permission requests has also been resolved.

Synchronisation, Bluetooth, Pairing Improvements: Various updates to synchronisation, Bluetooth, and background sync optimisations have fixed a pairing issue with some devices that blocked connections.

Other Updates: This includes updates for media management, support for new users, security, Google Assistant, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wear OS 3.0?

Wear OS 3 is the new smartwatch operating system launched by Google and Samsung at Google I/O 2021. Previously, Samsung used its own Tizen OS, while Google relied on Wear OS.

Which recently released smartwatches run on Wear OS?

• Google Pixel Watch
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro
• Fossil Gen 6