After rebranding Android Wear to Wear OS earlier this year, Google today announced that it is changing the design of the operating system for smartwatches and other wearable devices. The goal of the makeover is to let you gain a quicker access to notifications and get more proactive help from Google Assistant.
With the new design, you will be able to view all of the notifications by just swiping up. You can then take further actions on a message, for example, like tapping on it in order to choose a native smart reply while continuing to listen to your current music stream.
The features and shortcuts such as Google Pay or ‘Find my phone’ can be accessed by swiping down on your smartwatch. Plus, Google Assistant will now provide you proactive and personalized help such as your flight status or hotel reservation once you swipe right on your smartwatch. The personal assistant will also give you important reminders and alerts before you set out for a meeting or travel.
Finally, by swiping left on your watch, you can now begin an exercise or monitor the progress of your current activity. Google said the new changes are coming to Wear OS next month, though some features may vary by phone OS, smartwatch or country.