Galaxy Watch
Samsung and Google working on Wear OS 5 based on Android 14
Samsung and Google are both seen working at the same table again to prepare for the next generation of Wear OS, which is the Android 14-based Wear OS 5 update.
The upgrade cycle for Wear OS seems pretty slow as compared to other software upgrades. Although if we turn back the pages, it will appear that major Wear OS updates were few and far between. Back in 2018, Wear OS 2.2 based on Android 9 arrived with a few feature additions, such as tiles, and then for too long stayed unchanged.
Then, two years later, in 2021, Wear OS 3, based on Android 11, arrived with the Galaxy Watch 4 series; however, that began a new zone for smartwatches built on Google’s software. Then, the following year, Google also debuted its very first Pixel Watch, along with Wear OS 3.5 with Fitbit support and a reworked Google Assistant experience.
Wear OS 5 is arriving for Samsung and Pixel watches
Then the most recent addition is the Galaxy Watch 6, which debuted in 2023 and brought Android 13, backup capabilities, and convenient improvements to supported watches.
Recent reports indicate that Samsung is actively working to support a build of Android 14 for its forthcoming Galaxy Watch 7 chip. Several regions refer to this build as Wear OS 5. With this expectation, it appears that Samsung will introduce its Galaxy Watch 7 series based on Wear OS 5. Furthermore, reports indicate that the Pixel Watch 3, which may arrive in two sizes, is expected to follow in the fall.
However, at the moment, there are no specific details shared officially regarding what to expect from the update to Wear OS 5. Noticeably, in recent years, Wear OS has usually jumped out of Android versions, getting versions 9, 11, and 13. While preparing Android 14 for watches, it appears that Google is looking to deliver wearables in an annual update cycle rivaling smartphones.
With the revelation of the financial revenue statistics in Q1 2024, Samsung has confirmed that the brand is going to up its ante again by significantly improving the wearables sales, unveiling new devices along with certain prominent aspects like the Galaxy Ring, while also officially claiming to launch some more advanced premium Galaxy Watch lineups.
Samsung wishes to offer a more advanced yet premium experience to its Galaxy Watch users:
With the latest announcement, Samsung significantly aims to offer a highly interactive yet advanced wearable experience to its users and plans on powering the Galaxy smartwatch ecosystem by introducing the most significant Galaxy watch models that should include certain essential aspects, like the Galaxy Ring.
Is the Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra Next Variant part of the Galaxy Watch 7 line-up?
Moreover, the Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra variant could feature the next Galaxy smartwatch lineup, the Galaxy Watch 7, which might sport a square-shaped display screen rather than a circular display. Meanwhile, reports further revealed that the upcoming Galaxy Watch 7 might have 32GB of internal storage; the smartwatch could be powered by a 3nm Exynos chip; a square-shaped screen; an elegant look; and a premium finish would rather give a serious rivalry to the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Samsung clearly stated that the brand is significantly focused on spreading a more advanced Galaxy smartwatch ecosystem for its Galaxy watch users by introducing a premium Galaxy Watch lineup that could feature some impressive features and aspects that would significantly offer a better yet premium experience to the users.
In the last few years, Google has been dedicatedly working to improve the WearOS platform, which aims to provide services to make the smartwatch experience better. However, to bring about the enhancement, the company is not dependent on major software updates, while many of them provide changes through new updates.
For instance, last month saw the global implementation of a new update to Google Maps for WearOS devices, which included the ability to synchronize 3D buildings and display directions on public transport.
According to the information, now Google Developer is to guarantee the user OS that it will provide a whole new express for the Google Map. It has provided some new features, including a new shortcut to facilitate access to the map.
With the latest version of Google Maps 11.124.0702.W, the company has introduced a new Google Maps replacement search button with the ‘Map’ button, which allows you to directly access the map view.
However, there is no important or majorly significant feature spotted in the update, but the developers of Mountain View Company are dedicatedly providing some innovation in the next update. To take advantage of the new feature, you just need to search for the update.
Samsung is all set to expand its Galaxy smartwatch area, but this time under the new title, Galaxy Watch Ultra.
Surely, the Korean giant will introduce a brand new Galaxy watch at the Galaxy Unpacked event, but it appears that the plan is to ditch the Watch 7 Pro for the Galaxy Watch Ultra.
Previously, we reported that this time Samsung could introduce three variants of the next-generation Galaxy Watch 7: Standard, Classic, and Pro. But now a recent report is claiming that Samsung might introduce the Watch Utra instead of the Watch 7 Pro.
Earlier, a larger battery of 578 mAh was reported for the forthcoming Galaxy Watch, along with the model number EB-BL705ABY. If the recent reports are to be believed, three distinct model numbers will come into existence for the upcoming Galaxy Watch Ultra, which are as follows: SM-L705U, SM-L705N, and SM-L705F.
These model numbers represent the US, Korea, and Global. The new Watch Utra will be officially launched in various regions. The Galaxy Watch FE will bring similar features to the Galaxy Watch 4, introduced back in 2021. This fan edition of the Galaxy Watch is expected to arrive in the coming months and will be available with particular models for the US, Korea, and other regions.
- SM-R866F, SM-R866U, and SM-R866N
Since the Korean giant is working on two different Galaxy Watch models, we are expecting some significant differences between the Watch Ultra and Watch FE. However, the brand has not revealed anything regarding both watches officially yet, but it is expected that the Watch Ultra could offer advanced sensors to provide more accurate GPS and workout activity tracking. It will be interesting to see what novelty these watches will bring.