Samsung gave us a small insight into what could be its upcoming One Watch UI, created in partnership with Google at MWC 2021. The new Galaxy Watch will be the first device to get the new unified platform and One Watch UI updates.
The One Watch UI unified platform brings the Android WearOS ecosystem to Tizen, including Google apps like Maps, Youtube Music, Messages and even the Google Play Store.
In addition, there are other notable improvement and sync features in the new update as well. The new interface is designed with the Galaxy watch and phone ecosystem in mind. However, courtesy of the unified platform, it should also enhance useability with almost any Android phone.
“In collaboration with Samsung, we’re thrilled to bring longer battery life, faster performance, and a wide range of apps, including many from Google to a whole new wearable experience,” said Sameer Samat, Vice President of Product Management, Android and Wear, Google.
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So what’s new?
First up, there are notable sync improvements. For example, if you now install a watch compatible app on your smartphone, it’ll automatically be installed on your watch. If you’ve got multiple timezones set on your phone, your watch will update to reflect those as well. If you’ve blocked a call or phone number on your watch, it’ll be blocked on your phone and vice-versa.
As mentioned earlier, the new unified platform update also brings WearOS’ large app ecosystem to TizenOS. Users can now download integrations and third-party apps on their Galaxy watch straight from the Google Play Store. Popular apps like Adidas Running, Golf Buddy Smart Caddie, Strava, Swim.com, Calm, Spotify, Youtube Music, or even Google Maps will run natively without any issues.
According to Sameer Samat, Vice President of Product Management, Android and Wear, Google, “In collaboration with Samsung, we’re thrilled to bring longer battery life, faster performance, and a wide range of apps, including many from Google to a whole new wearable experience.”
More watch faces
Samsung’s existing watch face library is already huge. However, alongwith this update, the company also plans to bring an improved watch face design tool making it easier for designers to create new watch faces. The tool will launch later this year and give Android developers a chance to contribute to the existing Galaxy watch face library.
The new Galaxy Watch will be the first device to feature the new One Watch UI and unified platform updates, which will be announced at Samsung’s unpacked event later this summer.
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