Wear OS Users Can Now Access WhatsApp Directly From Watches

WhatsApp display on Wear OS (photo: Google)

JAKARTA - During the Google I/O 2023 live broadcast, the search giant announced several features that will come to Wear OS' smartwatches, in the near future.

"Today we share a glimpse of the new features that come this year to help you complete more on your smartwatch, from checking your schedule on the Google Calendar to listening to your favorite podcast on Spotify," Bjorn Kilburn, GM and Senior Director, Wear OS. in its announcement.

First, thanks to the new controls in the Google Home app, you can now check who rang your Nest door bell immediately notification, unlock the door remotely, and so on via your smartwatch.

Google will also be rolling out capabilities for where users will be able to access two of Google Workspace's favorite apps, Gmail and Google Calendar later this year.

With the addition of this feature, you can quickly respond to emails in Gmail, and check your schedule, see and RSVP to the event, and update the status of tasks in the Calendar.

Another app Google has introduced to Wear OS is WhatsApp, which will roll out in the next few weeks. That way, you will be able to start a new conversation and reply to messages in voice, and answer a direct call from Wear OS watch, without having to take out your phone.

Lastly, Google is providing an update to the Spotify app on Wear OS, where you will see three new Spotify tilings. This update will be coming soon in the near future.

Not to forget, Google has also just launched the Watch Face Format, which was built in partnership with Samsung, so developers and designers can easily make high-quality and power-efficient clock views for Wear OS 4.

"Wear OS 4 will bring more updates later this year, with new and better accessibility capabilities such as a faster and more reliable text-to-speech experience. It will also provide backup and recovery support, helping you transfer data and settings safely between watches," concluded Kilburn.