Google’s Wear OS is getting a new software update, called ‘H’, which is primarily focusing on tweaking battery life. The rebranded version of Google’s Android Wear OS is powering a number of smartwatches.
One of the primary problems cited by smartwatch users is poor battery life, which is also one of the main reasons why the smart wearables did not sell in the way they were expected to by analysts; and this update coming to Wear OS is addressing this issue in particular; further details of which has been posted on the official Wear OS community forum, according to a report by DroidLife. To begin with, the system update is including a few software tweaks to improve battery life, including the introduction of new features to the Battery Saver Mode, and improved off body efficiency. Along with the Battery Saver Mode, the updated feature will further extend battery life by turning on Battery Saver to display only the time as the battery falls below 10%; a feature already present in Apple smartwatches.
Apart from this, an improved off body efficiency will include the smartwatch entering a deep sleep mode after 30 minutes of inactivity to conserve battery. The update shall also introduce a smart app resume feature, intended to help users easily pick up where they left off across all apps on the watch.
Finally, the Wear OS will also get a new two-step power off function, using which users will be able to hold the power button until they see the power off screen, then select ‘power off’ or ‘restart’ option, according to their need.
The update is expected to roll out progressively over the coming months, says Google. And the eligibility for the update shall depend on the manufacturer as well, and not all watches will get the System H update.