Google previewed Wear OS 4 a new version of the operating system for wearable devices which will be released in a stable version at the end of the year and which promises to improve battery life; more accessibility features; better synchronization with mobile phone and recovery in case of clock change; new watch face creation tools and new supported apps like WhatsApp.

The Google I/O keynote has come a long way, and in addition to announcing its own hardware with the introduction of the foldable Pixel Fold, the mid-range smartphone Pixel 7a and the Pixel tablet, there was software, a lot of software with everything coming from artificial intelligence technologies applied to Google services and apps like the big star of what was on display at the conference.

The announcement of Wear OS 4 is important for Google. Its partners have been using alternative systems for many years (mainly Samsung with Tizen) and are clearing the way for Apple, which is sweeping the segment as it does with tablets and – in our opinion – for the same reason. Unity is a force, and like Android on smartphones, Google needs to convince its partners that Wear OS is the best platform they can use on wearables.

Wear OS 4: WhatsApp and more

The popular instant messaging app WhatsApp, it will be available on WearOS next summer. This means it can be used directly from the wearable with key functions such as starting new conversations, receiving calls or sending voice messages. There’s no doubt that this is a welcome feature that’s also available for older versions of WearOS, but it serves as a promotion for the release of the new version.

Among the new features of the version is a new feature Watch Face Formatdeclarative XML format that allows developers to create new watch faces on Wear OS and publish them on Google Play. With this new design language, developers will be able to more easily create digital or analog designs and customizable elements for them.

Owners of Google watches will also find it easier to exchange them for new ones with the new system backup and restore support for the safe transfer of data and settings from the old watch to the new one. Or, if they are setting up the watch from a mobile, all permissions from the phone will be transferred to the watch.

The new operating system promises improving battery life, a key aspect in wearables. Also new and improved accessibility features, such as a new “faster and more reliable” text-to-speech engine, Google says.

The preview is just the beginning, and the Internet giant promises to announce more news in the coming months. Right now, there is a preview and emulator available for developers to start preparing for this release Wear OS 4 in late 2023.