Android Wear 2.0 updates and latest news
Android Wear 2.0 was showcased at Google I/O in May 2016 and it started rolling out to smartwatches in February. Below you will find out all you need to know about the second version of the Android Wear operating system, including when to expect the update for each manufacturer. The latest news is that the Moto 360 Sport is receiving the update now.
- The smartwatch market is about to heat up
- Android Wear problems and solutions
Jump to manufacturer:
| Asus | Casio | Fossil | Huawei |
| LG | Michael Kors | Motorola (Lenovo) | New Balance |
| Nixon | Polar | Samsung | Sony |
| Tag Heuer |
Android Wear 2.0 unveiled
The biggest release for Android Wear yet, version 2.0, brings a more refined approach from Google, narrowing down its aspirations for the technology. An Android Wear 2.0 Developer Preview is available already, and in its fifth version since January 2017. Find out how you can get the Developer Preview up and running over at the Google Android Wear Developers page.
We gave Android Wear 2.0 Developer Preview a test run with the futuristic Huawei Watch. Check out the video below to hear our thoughts and see the new version of the OS in action.
Most notably, Android Wear 2.0 can run standalone apps, meaning the watch doesn't need to be in range of a smartphone for an app to work. This makes Android Wear more independent, striking out from the impression people have of smartwatches being expensive and unnecessary smartphone accessories.
With cellular support, Android Wear 2.0 lets you make calls, use OK Google, and more without relying on your phone being nearby. Not only that, the latest update to smartwatches brings support for Google Assistant, which we first saw with the release of its Pixel smartphones, the Pixel and Pixel XL, in addition to Android Pay.
Messaging saw an improvement through handwriting recognition, smart reply, and a swipe-enabled keyboard. Google placed many of its products at I/O under the umbrella of its machine learning expertise, and here things are no different. All three of these input methods are held up by Google's AI. And, although a keyboard may seem a poor choice of input on a screen so small, Google hopes that its machine learning algorithms are powerful enough to predict the words you want based on just the first letter or two that you enter.
When it comes to fitness, Google is providing interaction between fitness apps through the Google Fit API. This effectively allows apps to exchange information, such as calories burned and consumed, creating a more holistic experience. There's also activity recognition, so when you begin running, this can automatically be detected by a running app, which can begin timing your run, or counting your calories burned, for example.
There's also a Material Design overhaul of the Android Wear interface. This can be seen immediately in how notifications appear.
When is my smartwatch getting the Android Wear 2.0 update?
Newer smartwatches like the Huawei Watch 2 are shipping with Android Wear 2.0, but many older smartwatches will get the update as well.
According to the Android Wear support forum community manager, seven more smartwatches will be receiving the update between the end of April and late May. These devices include the Moto 360 Gen 2, Moto 360 Sport, LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE, Huawei Watch, Huawei Watch Ladies, Asus ZenWatch 2 and Asus ZenWatch 3. For more details, check out the respective manufacturer sections below.
Google has indicated that it's the manufacturers who are deciding on when devices receive the upgrade, so the blame for delays can be squarely placed on the companies.
Android Wear 2.0's features will breathe new life into older smartwatches starting in February 2017 when the roll out begins. The OTA updates will happen gradually throughout the year. You can find out if and when your watch is being updated below:
Asus Android Wear Update
| Device | Android Wear | Android Wear 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Asus ZenWatch | Yes | No |
| Asus ZenWatch 2 | Yes | Planned, end of April/late May |
| Asus ZenWatch 3 | Yes | Planned, end of April/late May |
Some older smartwatches won't be getting the update to Android Wear 2.0, and unfortunately the very first Asus ZenWatch is one of them. The update for the Asus ZenWatch 2 and 3 is planned.
Casio Android Wear Update
| Device | Android Wear | Android Wear 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Casio Smart Outdoor Watch (WSD-F10) | Yes | Yes |
| Casio Smart Outdoor Watch (WSD-F20) | - | Yes |
Google has confirmed that the Casio Smart Outdoor Watch (WSD-F10) will be receiving an upgrade to Android Wear 2.0. The roll out has already started, and should be completed by April 4. The newer one, WSD-F20, already ships with Android Wear 2.0.
Fossil Android Wear Update
| Device | Android Wear | Android Wear 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Fossil Q Founder | Yes | Yes |
| Fossil Q Marshal | Yes | Planned |
| Fossil Q Wander | Yes | Planned |
The devices Fossil Q Founder, Marshal and Wander all still have the original Android Wear, but sit tight as an update to Android Wear 2.0 for all Fossil devices is expected before the end of the month. For the moment, Google has confirmed that the only Fossil device that is due to receive the update to Android Wear 2.0 is the Fossil Q Founder. The roll out has already started, and should be done by April. That said, there is still no word on when the update will be rolled out to the remaining Fossil Android wearables.
@NicoNeum911 We are hoping that 2.0 will be available for all devices before the end of March.
— Fossil (@Fossil) March 14, 2017
Huawei Android Wear Update
| Device | Android Wear | Android Wear 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Huawei Watch | Yes | Planned (end of March) |
| Huawei Watch Ladies | Yes | Planned, end of April/late May |
| Huawei Watch 2 | - | Yes |
Huawei's German customer service department just posted on Twitter that the original Huawei Watch will be getting the Android Wear 2.0 update at the end of March 2017. The Huawei Watch Ladies is also planned to get Android Wear 2.0, as well. The Huawei Watch 2 will be released with the new version of Android Wear.
LG Android Wear Update
| Device | Android Wear | Android Wear 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| LG G Watch | Yes | No |
| LG G Watch R | Yes | Yes |
| LG Watch Sport | - | Yes |
| LG Watch Style | - | Yes |
| LG Watch Urbane | Yes | Yes |
| LG Watch Urbane 2nd. Ed. LTE | Yes | Planned for early May |
The LG Watch Sport and Style were released with Android Wear 2.0. LG has several watches which will be updated to the new version of Android Wear, including the LG G Watch R, LG Watch Urbane and LG Watch Urbane 2nd. Ed. LTE. The LG G Watch, however, will not be updated, as it is an older device.
The rollout of Android Wear 2.0 has begun for users of the LG G Watch R and LG Watch Urbane. Watch Urbane 2nd Gen users will have to wait until early May to get the update to Android Wear 2.0, according to LG.
Michael Kors Android Wear Update
| Device | Android Wear | Android Wear 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Kors Access Bradshaw Smartwatch | Yes | Planned |
| Michael Kors Access Dylan Smartwatch | Yes | Planned |
The Bradshaw and Dylan Michael Kors Access smartwatches will be updated to Android Wear 2.0, but we don't have any news about when just yet. Check back soon!
Motorola Android Wear Update
| Device | Android Wear | Android Wear 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Moto 360 (1st Gen.) | Yes | No |
| Moto 360 (2nd Gen.) | Yes | Planned |
| Moto 360 Sport | Yes | Yes |
The first generation of the Moto 360 smartwatch unfortunately won't get updated to Android Wear 2.0. But, we have good news - the second generation will.
The Moto 360 Sport is now getting the update to Android Wear 2.0. That is, if the sudden appearance of an official support page is anything to go by. The update, which will be version NXH20Z, should be coming imminently as a staggered update. That means you can expect it soon if you haven't received it already.
New Balance Android Wear Update
| Device | Android Wear | Android Wear 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| New Balance RunIQ Watch | Yes | Planned for April 14 |
The New Balance RunIQ fitness tracker watch is made for runners, but does not yet run Android Wear 2.0. The update will happen no later than April 14 according to New Balance, but until then, you're stuck with Android Wear 1.5.
For the surfers and skiers among us, rest assured, the Android Wear 2.0 update is on its way to the Nixon Mission. With 100 m of water resistance and built-in GPS, this is one of the best outdoor smartwatches, and the update to the new Android Wear will ensure you don't have to worry about upgrading anytime soon.
Polar Android Wear Update
| Device | Android Wear | Android Wear 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Polar M600 | Yes | Planned (Q1 2017) |
In addition to the Android Wear 2.0 update scheduled for sometime in Q1 this year, the Polar M600 will also get new swimming metrics, making this sporty little GPS fitness watch stand out from the majority that focus on running and cycling.
Unfortunately, the Samsung Gear Live is one of the handful of older smartwatches not getting the Android Wear 2.0 update. The popular Samsung smartwatches, Gear S3 and S2, run on Tizen, so if you're looking for an Android Wear update for those, you won't find it.
The Sony Smartwatch 3 won't be getting an Android Wear 2.0 update. This smartwatch may have swayed you with its attractive specs back in the day when it was released, but there are far better (and less bulky!) smartwatches available now with Android Wear 2.0 for a good price.
Tag Heuer Android Wear Update
| Device | Android Wear | Android Wear 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Tag Heuer Connected | Yes | Yes |
| Tag Heuer Connected Modular 45 | - | Yes |
For those of you who invested in a Tag Heuer Connected, you've probably been waiting patiently to hear when you'll receive the upgrade to Android Wear 2.0. Happily, the wait is now over. Google has confirmed that an upgrade to all Tag Heuer Connected devices has started to be rolled out, and should be completed by April 4.
Does your smartwatch have Android Wear 2.0? Tell us what you think of it in the comments!
Michael Kors had update to 2.0 😀
I heard that Tag Heuer Connected will be update to 2.0 around the end of March.
do you have a source? I havent heard anything about that yet
who cares? I'll stick to my Timex!
Odd, so people will have Google assistant on their wrists with Android wear 2.0, but their phones won't have it, unless they have a pixel, at this point in time.
i just downloaded Android Wear to my HTC One phone and it shows that it is version 2.0.x - same with Iphone 6
Google Assistant is now available to all phones
My phone hasn't got it. Running Marshmallow.
I hope Sony Smartwatch 3 become the Update.
the wording of this article was very odd. will i NEED a phone to access any single, all, or specific features, apps, etc? will the watch be able to pair/control the same connected devices that my phone is capable of? will it require a 4G Micro Sim? what i'm getting at here, is I am not at all comforted by the "possibility" of standalone, i want to know that any device running wear 2.0 os will function, not as an extension of my smartphone, but as a smartphone. i don't want a screen to mirror my phone (ala chromecast), speakerphone accessory (like moto hint), I want go-go gadget's wrist phone. PS if any US readers know of any standalone device on the market android or other wise capable of making phone calls WITHOUT a screen, get at me.
Love my Moto, can't wait
There is something wrong with 2.0... HOW DO YOU WANT TO WRITE ANYTHING WITH A QWERTY KEYBORD ON A 1.5 INCH DISPLAY??
Swype is pretty intelligent...
How useful is a smartwatch?
Yeah lasers and being able to control you're watch and settings from your PC Tab/Phab or phone. Using a bigger interface might make watch life easier
When will Samsung Galaxy A3 get this version. I really like this version 5.5.1.
I want lazers.
So, prior to the 5.1.1 update, swiping right cleared the notification. Now, the only option is to swipe down and it doesn't get rid of it but simply "hides" it. (Swipe up and it shows up again) How the hell do you get RID of it.
Wow my moto 360 surprised me a lot so far even I am a pebble fun but still waiting for my pebble time right now so I bought the moto to try.
Android wear updates are always anticipated! They give you the latest advancement in your smartwatch.