Google has decided to rename its Android Wear brand that it had launched in 2014. The brand Android Wear is now rebranded with a new name called Wear OS. As of now, Google hasn’t made any changes in the hardware or software, only the OS is being rebranded. The rebranding of the OS also comes with a new website and a new logo.
In a recent blog post, Google claimed that the new Wear OS is “a wearables operating system for everyone”. Google has also unveiled a list of smartwatches that will receive the new update. For now, apart from the landing page, it is Android Wear with a different name. This new update does not seem to have any new features.
Earlier, when Android Wear had been announced by Google, it was compatible only with Android smartwatches paired with Android smartphones. Later, even iPhone devices started receiving compatibility, which made the name Android Wear a little deceiving. The new name Wear OS seems to be on a more neutral ground.
Additionally, Google has unveiled this new change a week ahead of the Baselworld expo. The expo is held for all the manufacturers who will announce their latest Wear OS products.
Furthermore, the list of smartwatches that will get an upgrade from Android Wear to Wear OS include:
- Fossil Q Venture
- LG Watch Sport
- Louis Vuitton Tambour
- Michael Kors Sofie
- Montblanc Summit
- Hugo BOSS BOSS Touch
- Movado Connect
- Tommy Hilfiger 24/7 You
- Guess Connect
- Gc Connect
- Fossil Q Marshal
- Fossil Q Wander
- Michael Kors Access Bradshaw
- Michael Kors Access Dylan
- TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45
- Diesel Full Guard
- Emporio Armani Connected
- Fossil Q Explorist
- Michael Kors Access Grayson
- Fossil Q Control
- Fossil Q Founder 2.0
- LG Watch Style
- Misfit Vapor
- Nixon Mission
- And, Huawei Watch 2 (non-cellular versions)
Also, an additional benefit for existing Android Wear users is that the new app version of the Wear OS is available on APK mirror. Users can install it to upgrade to the new Wear OS version.