Google announces improved battery life, new features, running metrics, and more for Wear OS 5.

Google’s IO event today unveiled exciting updates for Wear OS 5, set to revolutionize the wearable platform. The upcoming version, based on Android 14, promises significant improvements for smartwatches like the Google Pixel Watch 2.

One of the most anticipated features is the substantial increase in battery life, with up to 20% power savings during activities like GPS usage and marathon running. Additionally, new running metrics such as Ground Contact Time, Stride Length, Vertical Oscillation, and Vertical Ratio will enhance the user experience, similar to Apple’s WatchOS 9 metrics.

Health monitoring is also getting a boost with apps now able to log and track data in the background through Google’s Health Connect system. This system acts as a bridge between health-focused apps, allowing them to share data seamlessly.

Moreover, users can now enable apps to access historical health data beyond the current 30-day limit, providing a comprehensive overview of their health over time. This feature could be beneficial for setting long-term fitness goals or sharing information with healthcare providers.

While the Developer Preview is already available, the official release date for Wear OS 5 remains undisclosed. However, speculations suggest it may coincide with the launch of the highly anticipated Pixel Watch 3.

With new watch face features like customizable Flavors and improved complications, Wear OS 5 is shaping up to be a game-changer in the wearable tech industry. Although these updates may not immediately drive consumer adoption, they lay a solid foundation for future innovations in the wearable space.