If you own a Wear OS watch like the Galaxy Watch 5, Pixel Watch or Fossil Gen 6, you probably know that WhatsApp hasn’t released a new version yet. native application For Google’s operating system designed specifically for wearables. This fact means that although you can use the messaging service from your wrist, the experience is very limited.

Fortunately for smartwatches, most of WhatsApp’s shortcomings will soon be gone. Meta announced yesterday during Google I/O 2023 that the native WhatsApp app for Wear OS will arrive later this year. And it will do this with an important set of functions aimed at significantly increasing the usability of the service without having to use the smartphone.

Soon you will be able to install WhatsApp on your “Android” smartwatch

No specific date has been specified, when WhatsApp comes to Wear OS this year, you will be able to download the app like any other app. directly from the Play Store your smart watch. Once installed on a compatible model, you can browse messages, start new conversations and even reply with voice messages and answer calls.

Let’s remember that currently, users can read messages, view photos and stickers, reply to messages (with quick replies, on-screen keyboard or dictation), mark messages as read and send messages with the help of Google Assistant. As we can see, all the core features are included, but with the native app, the experience will improve significantly.

Future globes with native app

There is good news for all users who want to try it. They won’t have to wait until the end of the year, as the company has launched it. Beta app for Wear OS, with limitations. To test, you must first join the testing program and install WhatsApp version 2.23.10.10 or higher on both the smartphone and the watch.

In case the above-mentioned version of the app does not appear in the app store, there is always the possibility of manual installation. Our colleagues from Xataka Android explain how to download the APK file and install it on the smartwatch via Wear Installer. It should be noted that like any other beta app, it can be unstable and present bugs.

Although WhatsApp claims to be the most widely used instant messaging service in the world, it lags behind alternatives such as Telegram in some features. But the company responsible for the app seems to be doing just that. update effort. For example, at the end of last month, one of the most requested features by users was announced: multi-device support.

Pictures: WhatsApp | Google

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