Google's Wear OS watches get serious about better battery life
Future Wear OS watches might finally last a bit longer.
- Nearly 20 years writing about tech, and over a decade reviewing wearable tech, VR, and AR products and apps
Odds are, the next big wave of Google smartwatches are coming later this year. In the meantime, Google's updating Wear OS (formerly Android Wear ) with a few key upgrades. In addition to a better on-board Google Assistant, Google's added battery-saving functions to the new developer build of Wear OS, the company announced Wednesday.
The key parts of that involve re-enabling Wi-Fi when Bluetooth is disconnected, something Google automatically deactivated previously. Google's also recommending that apps don't use background app functions if at all possible, making foreground function the main way apps work, and keeping apps from chewing up processor and battery life.
It's still a big problem with smartwatches. The Apple Watch lasts two days, max. Wear OS watches are largely similar. The Fitbit Versa leads Apple and Google's watches on battery, but still needs two charges a week. But face it: Right now, smartwatches mean keeping a charger handy.
Batteries can't get too large on watches, but upcoming Qualcomm processors might be better at sipping power for longer. And Google's Wear OS changes might help with that, much like Android P. Perhaps.
See also
Google I/O: All our coverage of this year's developer conference.
Google Assistant could become the most lifelike AI yet: Experimental technology called Duplex, rolling out soon in a limited release, makes you think you're talking to a real person.