What to know
- Google will bring Live Updates to Wear OS smartwatches in 2026, expanding beyond the current Android phone implementation.
- The feature will deliver real-time information like sports scores, ride-sharing status, and delivery tracking directly to your wrist.
- Google is working with developers to create more use cases for Live Updates across both phones and watches.
Google has announced plans to bring its Live Updates feature to Wear OS smartwatches next year. The company revealed this expansion during a developer session at its annual conference yesterday.
Live Updates first appeared on Android phones last year, showing real-time information in a small widget-like interface. The feature currently displays things like sports scores, weather alerts, and ride status updates without requiring you to open the full app.
When Live Updates comes to Wear OS in 2026, you'll be able to see this same time-sensitive information directly on your watch face or in complications. This means you can check the status of your food delivery or see if your flight is delayed with just a glance at your wrist.
"We're expanding Live Updates to give users more ways to stay informed about what matters most to them," said a Google spokesperson during the announcement. "Bringing this functionality to watches is a natural next step."
Google is currently working with app developers to create more use cases for Live Updates. The company mentioned several examples including package tracking, sports scores, ride-sharing status updates, and transit information.
Developers will be able to create Live Updates that work across both phones and watches, with the system automatically formatting the information appropriately for each screen size.
The feature will require Wear OS 5.0 or higher, which means it should work on most current-generation smartwatches when it launches next year.
Google also noted that Live Updates on watches will be designed to minimize battery impact, with careful attention to how frequently the information refreshes.
This announcement comes as Google continues to invest in its wearable platform. The company has been steadily improving Wear OS over the past few years, with more frequent updates and new features aimed at competing with Apple Watch.
Via: 9to5google.com
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