Wear OS

The Skagen Falster 2 was one of our favorite Wear OS watches of 2018, and just ahead of the new year it got a few new options. At CES 2019, we’ve had the chance to sit down and try out these new products.

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A few months ago, Google released a sorely needed Wear OS update which brought more focus to health tracking. This came along with a revamp of Google Fit. However, on the popular Mobvoi Ticwatch Wear OS smartwatches, the swipe gesture to access Google Fit was replaced. Now, users have the choice to bring it back.

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Besides other performance issues, Wear OS lacks a good third-party app ecosystem. The most notable launch in recent months was the company’s own revamped Fit app, which just added breathing exercises. Today, the wearable platform is getting a big addition with Dark Sky for Wear OS.

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Wear OS has been trying to figure itself out in some major ways in recent months, and currently, it’s on track to get a lot better. Mobvoi has been one of the go-to brands for a solid Wear OS watch, and today its new Ticwatch C2 officially launches. Here’s what you need to know, as well as my first impressions from a couple of days of use.

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Wear OS has been in a rough spot for the past few years, but in terms of hardware, 2018 has actually been pretty great. We’ve seen some creative solutions to common complaints, as well as a new chipset that promises some major improvements over the next few years. Lately, I’ve been testing out the Fossil Q Explorist HR and the Skagen Falster 2, and I’ve got to say, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying both of them. Here’s what you need to know.

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Smartwatches come in an array of shapes, sizes, and styles. At the low-end, these are a utilitarian affair. Plastic dominates with quality not always top of the priorities list. That makes the Fossil-made Michael Kors Access Runway smartwatch all the more attractive to anyone wanting a more ‘high-end’ feeling wearable.
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On Thursday, Google announced the “System Version: H Update” for Wear OS, with a handful of features focused on battery life. What the company failed to mention is that the new naming scheme coincides with the release of Android 9 Pie for wearables, and that it’s already rolling out for some devices.

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This year has seen some big improvements to Google’s Wear OS ecosystem. There’s been a ton of new hardware, major updates to the software, and even a new chipset with big promises. Today, Google is announcing Wear OS version H, and it delivers some big improvements for the OS.

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A lot of new Wear OS hardware has been hitting the market in recent weeks, but only a single watch has offered up Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipset. Today, though, the Fossil Sport has been unveiled with the latest chipset and a fantastic starting price point as well.

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Mobvoi isn’t exactly a household name, but it makes some of the best Wear OS watches on the market today. Now, the Ticwatch C2 is launching with a fancy new design, welcome features, and an affordable price tag.

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Misfit’s first entry into the Wear OS ecosystem was kind of a mess. Originally designed for a different OS, the Misfit Vapor went through several delays and adjustments before finally launching. Now, the Misfit Vapor 2 has arrived, and it packs some welcome upgrades.

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A year after the Misfit Vapor launched, a follow-up Wear OS device might be in the works according to several early retail listings. The Misfit Vapor 2 is a Gen 4 Wear OS device from the Fossil Group with two case sizes and built-in GPS.

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Spotify is one of the most popular music services out there today with millions of active users. Now, a new Spotify Wear OS app is debuting with music controls, improved UI, and integration with Spotify Connect.

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Last month, Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon Wear 3100 to power the next generation of Wear OS devices. Focused on providing an always-on mode and longer battery life, the first smartwatch powered by that chipset is available today with the Montblanc Summit 2.

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The redesigned Wear OS started rolling out to users this week, but some are finding a change to the experience. Google Fit on Ticwatch E, an affordable watch from Mobvoi, is actually replaced with the company’s own TicHealth service.

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