After announcing the latest update for Android Wear earlier this month, Google has announced via their products forum that they have begun rolling out the update to Android Wear watches now.
The announcement is a little odd, in that we’ve been seeing the update hitting the Asus ZenWatch and the LG Watch Urbane launched with the updated features. Google has again re-iterated the features that the update brings to Android Wear:
- Always-on screen, always-on apps: Most Android Wear watches include an always-on screen—no tapping, twisting or shaking required to see what time it is. Now we’re expanding this option to apps, so they can stay visible as long as you need them, instead of disappearing when you drop your arm. Perfect for running, navigating, or grocery shopping!
- New launcher & Wrist gestures: Now you can access your apps and contacts by simply swiping left from the watch face. Android Wear also now responds to specific navigation gestures so you can scroll between cards with a simple flick of the wrist. Learn more with our YouTube video.
- Draw emojis: In response to texts, instant messages, or emails, you can now send emojis to your contacts by drawing them on your watch screen. The watch will recognize the emoji you drew and send it via whichever messaging app you’re using. Give it a try by selecting “Draw emoji” whenever you’re replying to a message!
- Heads-up notifications: Incoming notifications like text messages will now appear on-screen even when you’re looking at something else on your watch, like directions or fitness stats, so you won’t miss anything important.
- Switching watches made easier: The Android Wear companion app now lets you pair your phone with more than one watch at a time – ideal for swapping watches to match your style.
- Change your font size: Want to see more text on your watch screen? Or less? You can now adjust the font size from your watch’s settings.
- Lock your watch’s screen: Want to lock your watch’s screen when you’re not wearing it? Turn on the new “Screen lock” feature from your watch’s settings. When enabled, if your watch detects you’re not wearing it (or it loses the connection to your phone) for a period of time, then your specified swipe pattern will be required to unlock it.
Google has finally clarified which Android Wear devices will be using WiFi support, announcing that the only ones not to bring support will be the Asus ZenWatch, LG G Watch and G Watch R. The list of watches that will use Wi-Fi includes :
- LG Watch Urbane
- Moto 360
- Sony Smartwatch 3
- Samsung Gear Live
It is a timely reminder that in order to get the updates, you will need to ensure you have the latest Android Wear app on your phone, by opening the Play Store, searching for “Android Wear” or by hitting the link below to download the latest Android Wear App version.
As stated, the updates are rolling out progressively and you check if you have the update by going into the setting within your smartwatch or the Android Wear App and looking out for an update banner to appear.
Has anyone actually got an update notification yet? On a Sony SW3 for example?
I have a SW3. Just checked for an update. Message said the SW3 is up-to-date at 5.0.2. Hopefully it won’t be long before the update lands.
It seems my decision to cancel my g watch and switch to the Gear Live before they launched continues to reward me. Now that multiple watch support is nearly here, I might just go for a second Gear Live!
G watch R is ditched, how come older moto 360 getting support for wifi? LG is just for money. Will be same with G4 too
I should’ve kept my Moto360 instead of this GWR 🙁
Definitely not buying another LG product
Excellent way to get people to buy the overpriced Watch Urbane. Or in my case, good reason why i will not buy any more LG products
Ars Technica had an article a month ago confirming that those three phones had WiFi on the SoC but no WiFi antenna. I don’t think this is an arbitrary decision that LG has made to increase sales of another product but an actual hardware limitation.
You do realize that Bluetooth and Wifi Work of the same antenna right? Both operate on the 2.4Ghz frequency and an antenna is only defined by the frequency not the technology. So WiFi, Bluetooth or any other tech operating on 2.4 can use the same antenna. And that the LG G Watch R and Urbane have almost identical hardware from all teardowns
Yes, of course they can. You make it seem straightforward – it actually requires some complex nanotechnology to get all those protocols working on the same antenna without interference. Regardless, it has been quite common for the last few years and LG could have used a shared antenna system with G Watch R if they chose. LG says there is a hardware limitation – I’d guess that the WiFi segment of the Broadcom BCM4343 module is not connected to the antenna. You say they are lying but I’ve yet to see any proof that this is the case.
Nanotechnology to get all those protocols working? Are you serious. That what the Broadcom BCM4343 chip does. Just like it does it on the Watch Urbane