- Material 3 Expressive redesigns the interface and improves the visual experience and customization in Wear OS 6.
- Increased autonomy, with up to 10% more battery life compared to the previous version.
- Advanced developer tools and new APIs make it easier to create richer, more engaging apps and spheres.
- Improvements to multimedia controls and the addition of new authentication and watch face customization options.
Google has unveiled the next version of its smartwatch operating system, Wear OS 6, setting a new course in both design and the set of features available to users and developers. The company is committed to an evolution focused on a more visual, customizable and efficient experience, with a focus on optimizing daily use and opening up new creative possibilities.
The arrival of Material 3 Expressive, Google's revamped design language is one of the key points of this update. In addition, there are a number of under-the-hood improvements designed to increase battery life, simplify navigation, and strengthen device security.
A new visual approach: Material 3 Expressive
The main revolution of Wear OS 6 It is given by the integration of the style Material 3 Expressive, which transforms the interface to fit the circular shape of most smartwatches. Menus, buttons, and tiles now make better use of the screen space and They relate organically to the curved edges of the watches. The experience is fluid and dynamic, with animaciones más suaves and visual elements that adjust to the user's movement and preferences.
In addition, customization is gaining ground: it is possible synchronize the color palette system with your chosen watch face or select from several options inspired by the hues of Pixel devices, such as peony, ivy, or indigo. When you change the theme, the watch displays a message informing you of the process, although the theme is not currently shared with the paired phone.
In the aesthetic section, the Icons and controls have grown in size, facilitating interaction, especially on devices with small screens. Some classic elements remain in the settings, reflecting the fact that the new aesthetic will be rolled out gradually.
Improvements in autonomy and fluidity of use
Another key aspect of Wear OS 6 is the optimization of energy consumptionAccording to Google, the update may mean up to 10% extra autonomy Compared to Wear OS 5, though the exact figure will vary depending on the model and usage. Work has been done on smoother transitions for always-on mode and system tweaks to maintain fluidity without compromising battery life.
La Navigation has been simplified thanks to the reorganization of buttons and tiles on the screen. The new "Edge Hugging" buttons maximize the use of space, and the lists and cards are visually transformed to offer more intuitive navigation.
New possibilities for developers
Google has made available to developers A preview of Wear OS 6 and updates to its libraries, such as Wear Compose Material 3 and ProtoLayout Material 3, optimized for redesign and creating visually consistent apps. They are also available design kits for Figma and guidelines that facilitate creative work, allowing to integrate dynamic color themes and expressive animations con menos esfuerzo.
They are also released New frameworks for custom spheres, with improvements to the Watch Face Format API (version 4) and tools for building more functional and comprehensive watch face marketplaces. The return of Facer, after adapting to the new standards, expands the options for those looking to add a unique touch to their smartwatch.
Advanced user functions
Cada vez más, Wear OS 6 brings watches closer to the smartphone experience, without losing their identity. Highlights include new multimedia controls, which allow you to manage music and podcasts with greater flexibility: you can fast-forward, rewind, mark favorites, and use modes like shuffle or repeat.
The arrival of Credential Manager introduces the use of passkeys, making it easier and more secure to log in to services and applications directly from the watch, even using biometric methods such as fingerprint or facial recognition.
In addition, Wear OS 6 comes standard with improvements to notifications and shortcuts, as well as improved integrations with Google Gemini, the company's artificial intelligence, to facilitate contextual management and responses from the wrist.
Unlimited customization and new spheres
One of the most valued features by smartwatch users is the ability to customize the watch face. With this version, The Watch Face Format is updated to enable much richer, more customizable, and energy-efficient watch faces. The return of Facer, now fully supported, allows you to apply exclusive designs and instantly sync the watch face.
Besides, the sphere marketplaces API It makes it easier for developers and brands to offer more varied catalogs, opening up even more possibilities for customization to suit all tastes.
Disponibilidad y dispositivos compatibles
La Developer Preview version is now available so that developers can test and adapt their applications to the new system, while the final version of Wear OS 6 will arrive throughout the year. The first to be updated are expected to be the Pixel Watch 4, Galaxy Watch 8 and other latest generation models, although the final list will be expanded.
Google intends that Wear OS 6 mark a before and after in the experience of the smartwatches, focusing on a more attractive, versatile platform with improved battery life. The gradual rollout will allow users to experience a modern interface and new ways to interact with their wearables.
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