Maintaining Exclusivity for Pixel Watch Users
What You Need to Know
– Google’s Wear OS Clock application is now solely for Pixel smartwatches.
– Users of non-Pixel watches will lose access to the Clock application and any updates.
– Wear OS 6 upgrades are being distributed to eligible devices, improving user experience.
Earlier this week, Google announced that it will withdraw its Wear OS Clock application from non-Pixel smartwatches, impacting users who depended on its functionalities. The choice to reserve this feature for Pixel watches supposedly arises from intensifying competition as brands pursue their own proprietary solutions, shifting the Wear OS environment.
In a Wear OS support discussion, the tech company stated that it has ceased support for its Clock application on all non-Pixel smartwatches. The message indicates that if you own a Pixel Watch, this new move will not affect you. Conversely, if you possess “any other Wear OS” watch, you will notice this alteration. To clarify, Google mentions that watches that do not have the Clock application already installed will no longer be able to find it on the Play Store.
If you have previously installed the Clock application, you can continue utilizing it; however, it is important to note that it will not receive updates any longer.
Google clarifies that this change is due to other “watch brands providing their own default clock applications on Wear OS.” Consequently, Google’s Clock application, which could previously be downloaded on a Galaxy Watch, has been removed. The clock feature is gone, along with the integrated alarm, timer, and stopwatch functionalities within the application.
Some users on the Wear OS support discussion have expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision, but it appears that Google’s choice is definitive. The company highlights that there are alternative clock applications available on the Play Store for Wear OS watches for users seeking different options.
This is Certainly a Shift
Wear OS 6 began transitioning eligible devices into its new, more dynamic wrist-based interface this year. The Pixel Watch 4 already included this updated software, and Google initiated its rollout to older devices in October.
A few weeks ago, users of Pixel Watch 3 and 2 began receiving their Wear OS 6 upgrade (the outlook is not promising for the original Pixel Watch). Initially, the OTA images began appearing for the update, and Android Central swiftly confirmed that it had started being officially deployed to the two previously mentioned watches. Users were expected to see this earlier this month, but it’s likely that by now, late in October, many more should have it.
The Wear OS 6 demonstration that Google presented showcased a more seamless scrolling experience with a fully immersive UI for its unique glass-domed Pixel Watch display.
Does This Impact the Google Clock Application on Pixel Watches?
Owners of Pixel Watches remain unaffected. The Google Clock application will continue to be pre-installed, operate as intended, and receive future updates from the Play Store across all Pixel Watch models.
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