Google is on the brink of launch a brand new model of its smartwatch software program, Put on OS 5.1, and it is already out as a developer preview. In fact, this might not be out within the wild with out some keen-eyed builders noticing some thrilling new options and enhancements, and sharing their findings with the neighborhood.
One vital replace is that it is constructed on the newest Android 15. This can be a fairly massive leap, contemplating Put on OS 3 was primarily based on Android 11, Put on OS 4 on Android 13, and Put on OS 5 on Android 14. Based mostly on this, it seems that Google is aiming to align the smartwatch software program extra carefully with the newest cellphone software program.
A notable characteristic in Put on OS 5.1 is the power to play audio instantly out of your watch speaker. The Apple Watch Collection 10 lately launched this characteristic, which may be very handy. This functionality is already obtainable on the Galaxy Watch 4, highlighting Google’s progress in catching up. This implies you will not at all times have to make use of Bluetooth headphones together with your smartwatch, which could be a actual problem generally.
Submit this week confirming Put on OS 5.1 relies on Android 15. | Picture credit score — Mishaal Rahman on X
One other neat characteristic in Put on OS 5.1 is help for passkeys. These are like a contemporary substitute for passwords, and so they’re far more safe. Google really talked about this again at I/O 2024 in Might, so it is not a complete shock. With passkeys, you may register to apps and web sites with out the necessity to keep in mind a posh password. It is all about making issues simpler and safer.
The precise launch date of this replace stays unknown, however Google has confirmed that the Pixel Watch will not be receiving an replace till March. So, it would make sense for them to launch Put on OS 5.1 across the similar time.
Personally, I believe these new options are going to make Put on OS rather a lot higher. Though I do not suppose I will be listening to music or podcasts by means of my watch’s speaker anytime quickly, I’m trying ahead to passkey help to make it simpler to register to some apps. With the smaller measurement and keyboard on smartwatches, not having to manually kind in passwords into that tiny keyboard shall be a game-changer.