During Google I/O 2024, Google announced the upcoming release of Wear OS 5, which will include a grid-based app launcher for the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2. This update will also bring the privacy dashboard feature from Android 12 to Wear OS smartwatches. The Wear OS 5 Developer Preview offers early access to these new features and APIs, showcasing the platform’s enhancements.
The grid-based app launcher can be toggled in the settings or by scrolling through the app list. This feature, previously available on other smartwatches, will now be a core part of the Wear OS platform. The privacy dashboard, found in the settings, allows users to manage app permissions and view permissions accessed in the past 24 hours.
Additionally, Wear OS 5 promises battery life improvements during workouts, with up to 20% less power consumption during marathon runs. The update also includes enhancements to the Watch Face Format, Health Services app, and introduces a screenshot detection API for developers. One feature missing in the Developer Preview is Material You dynamic theming, expected to arrive in a future update.
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