Google"s I/O developer conference last month came with a surprise announcement when the search giant revealed that it would build a unified platform with Samsung to overhaul Wear OS. The goal of the partnership was to improve the performance of the OS, introduce new user experiences, and bolster Google"s wearable platform.
At Mobile World Congress today, Samsung unveiled its latest smartwatch experience called One UI Watch. The new interface will run on top of Wear OS and it"s meant to bring more integration between your Galaxy Watch and smartphone. Samsung noted that One UI Watch will debut on the upcoming Galaxy Watch, which is scheduled for launch at its Unpacked event this summer.
As part of today"s announcement, the South Korean tech giant also revealed more details about how the updated interface works. The new experience will automatically download compatible apps that you install on your phone onto your smartwatch. Your phone settings such as the clocks you"ve set for different cities will also appear on your wearable device.
One UI Watch also removes an inherent limitation in Tizen as it brings support for third-party apps. This means you can install apps from Google Play directly onto your Galaxy Watch such as Adidas Running, GOLFBUDDY Smart Caddie, Strava, Spotify, YouTube Music, and more.
Samsung and Google are also working on a new watch face design tool for Android. Developers will be able to add to Samsung’s collection of watch faces later this year.