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(Image credit: Samsung)
(Image credit: Samsung)
I’ve been usingGoogle’s smartwatch operating system, Wear OS (previouslyAndroidWear), since it was first launched all the way back in 2014. Whether that’s on the popularMoto 360, that weird-looking Sony SWR50 SmartWatch 3, or, most recently, the excellentSamsung Galaxy Watch 4.
Everybody uses their Wear OSsmartwatchin different ways, especially as there are so many variations out there, but there are some things we all do – and some mistakes I think most of us make too. These are the top five mistakes everyone is making with Wear OS.
1. Assuming all Wear OS smartwatches are equal
One of the biggest differences between theApple Watchand Wear OS smartwatches is the amount of choice out there. With the Apple Watch, you can choose between theApple Watch Series 7,Apple Watch SEandApple Watch Series 3, and although they offer a different number of features, they all offer a similar experience and level of polish. Basically, whichever model you choose, you know you’re getting a quality smartwatch. The same can’t be said for Wear OS smartwatches, with a number of different brands, models, and price points, all offering different experiences.
To make sure you’re not buying the wrong Android Wear smartwatch, read T3’sbest smartwatchguide for up-to-date reviews and recommendations.
2. Not using the Google Assistant voice control
One of the best things about Wear OS, and Android in general, is Google Assistant. It’s especially useful on smartwatches, where the small screen can often be difficult to use.
Wear OS can be activated using the OK Google phrase (although this does drain the smartwatch battery quicker) and can be used to do anything you’d usually use Google Assistant for on your phone or Nest hub. I personally like to use it for dictating Whatsapp messages.
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(Image credit: Google)
(Image credit: Google)
3. Not downloading new watch faces and apps
There are also apps which add even more functionality to your smartwatch. It’s great for people who like to tinker with their technology.
4. Not pinning your favourite apps
As I mentioned previously, smartwatch displays are smaller and sometimes fiddly to use. This is especially true when you’re trying to select an app from a long list of installed apps (which also move around depending on how recently you’ve used them).
If there is an app (or several apps) that you use regularly and often find yourself hunting for in the app list, then you can pin them to the top of the app list. This moves them to the top of the list permanently, so you’ll save time scrolling. This is one feature I really wish I’d found sooner.
5. Accepting all notifications
One of the best things about smartwatches, aside from the health and fitness benefits, is the ability to display notifications from your phone. In some cases, it’s much more convenient to look down at your wrist when you get a notification than it is to pull your phone out.
There’s no denying it can be a nuisance, however, especially if your phone is filled with apps that constantly ping you with irrelevant information. You can block specific apps from sending you notifications on Wear OS, this will certainly help cut down the levels of annoying distractions.
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