Skip to content
Electronics

Google is still being unclear on support for the new Wear OS

By Aiko Tanaka
2 min read
Google Tiles
Google Tiles
In this article (4)

It became clear how uncertain the future of current smartwatches is with the new Wear OS by Google and Samsung. We initially thought that the wearables we have now are not equipped with the horsepower to support the update.

In a recent report from Qualcomm, however, we found out that is not the case. The chipset manufacturer confirmed the Snapdragon Wear 3100 and Snapdragon Wear 4100/4100+ have what it takes to run Wear OS 3.0.

This then begs the question, why so many of the devices out now are not confirmed to receive it? One example is the Fossil Gen 5. The company recently opened up and stated that none of their intelligent timepieces will be getting the upgrade to the next version of Wear OS. Unfortunately, no further reasoning was given after that announcement which only arose further suspicion.

On the other hand, wearables like the TicWatch Pro 3 have a decent chance to make the transition, as we got a leaked conversation with a representative from their customer support earlier this month. Although, given the source, the information does not carry much weight and leaves us with little reassurance.

“User experience is a top priority for us. We have not confirmed eligibility or timeline on whether any Wear OS smartwatch will update to the new unified platform. There are many technical requirements in order to run the unified platform that ensures all components of the user experience are optimized.”

If we translate this message, it seems Google has very politely disagreed with Qualcomm’s statement. The big G is basically saying there is no guarantee current Wear OS devices can comfortably handle it. Despite that, the tone and wording do leave room for possibility and dare I say… hope.

Nevertheless, it seems Googe is being very tight with their plans and details on the topic. Your best course of action would probably be to wait a little while for the air to clear up if you are in the market for a new wrist buddy.

Questions & Answers

Q.

What is Google's stance on current smartwatches receiving the new Wear OS?

A.

Google has stated that user experience is a top priority and there are many technical requirements for the unified platform. They have not confirmed eligibility or a timeline for any Wear OS smartwatch to update, suggesting current devices may not comfortably handle it.

Q.

Why won't Fossil Gen 5 smartwatches be updated to the new Wear OS?

A.

Fossil recently announced that none of their intelligent timepieces will receive the upgrade to the next version of Wear OS. Unfortunately, no further reasoning was provided by the company after this announcement.

Q.

Does Qualcomm believe current smartwatches can run Wear OS 3.0?

A.

Yes, Qualcomm has confirmed that its Snapdragon Wear 3100 and Snapdragon Wear 4100/4100+ chipsets have the necessary capabilities to run Wear OS 3.0. This contradicts Google's apparent position on device eligibility.

Reader pulse

Google's Wear OS 3.0 communication is:

21,867 votes so far

Weekly Briefing

Asia's retail intelligence, in your inbox

Tuesday, Thursday and a Saturday Weekly Wrap: the retail stories, numbers and moves that mattered across Asia. Nothing else, and you can unsubscribe in one click.

  • Top industry moves and market shifts
  • Weekly data-driven analysis from across Asia
  • Tuesday, Thursday and the Saturday Weekly Wrap

Read by retail operators, investors and brand teams across Asia.

Protected by a quick human check. No spam, ever. Unsubscribe in one click.

SecureGDPR ready