Google recently announced a new design revamp for its WearOS at IFA 2018 and this spurred the rumours of the company gearing up for releasing its own Pixel smartwatch. However, in a statement to Tom’s Guide, Google has confirmed that it won’t be releasing its own smartwatch this year as it wants to focus on improving the operating system for now. As per the report, Google is working with companies that manufacture devices running on WearOS to suggest new features and approve designs.
Google advised WearOS device makers to add the features that consumers wanted and this is said to be the reason why more Android smartwatches now are being launched with NFC capabilities and heart rate sensors. “To think of a one-size-fits-all watch, I don’t think we’re there yet,” says Miles Barr, Google's director of engineering for Wear OS. “Our focus is on our partners for now.” However, hinting at what might be his ideal smartwatch, Barr says, “Our Google Pixel line of phones is the best experience and Google’s take on it, so I imagine we would focus heavily on the [Google] Assistant to integrate AI and machine learning into the device, which is Google’s forte,” As mentioned above, Google recently updated the WearOS to feature new UI changes.
Important notifications and information are at the front and center, to be viewed at a glance and Google Assistant, as well as smarter health coaching, is also being made available for devices running on the OS. Now, swiping up lets users access their notifications and tapping on any message brings up Smart Replies.
Swiping down will enable users to access features like Google Pay or ‘Find My Phone’. As per Google, users will now receive proactive and personalised help from the Assistant. You can learn more about the new changes here.
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