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Launch apps on Android Wear

Third-party apps on Android Wear are what makes the platform so appealing. But how the heck do you launch one?

Jason Cipriani Contributing Writer, ZDNet
Jason Cipriani is based out of beautiful Colorado and has been covering mobile technology news and reviewing the latest gadgets for the last six years. His work can also be found on sister site CNET in the How To section, as well as across several more online publications.
Jason Cipriani

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Jason Cipriani/CNET

When you install an Android app that also has an Android Wear app, the app is automatically installed on your watch. Offerings from the likes of Delta, Eat24, and Runkeeper are just a few of the Wear-compatiable apps that can be found in the Play Store. But installing them is only half the battle. Once you've installed a Wear app, where do you find it and how do you launch it? There's actually two different methods.

  • The first method involves using voice commands. Just raise your wrist and quip "OK Google, start Fly Delta." A few seconds later, the Delta app will open. Of course you can replace Fly Delta with the name of whatever app you wanting to use. You can also replace "start" with "open" or "launch," depending on your personal preference.
  • The second method takes some taps and swipes. Tap on your home screen, and instead of giving a voice command swipe up to enter the menu. Keep scrolling down, all the way to the bottom of the list, until you find "Start..." and select it. Here you'll find a list of all installed apps, and can launch one by by tapping on it.

It's important to remember, clearing out an app's card from your Android Wear timeline will close the app, forcing you to relaunch it the next time you need it (unless it sends you a notification).