Upgrade Alert: Google Assistant Now Requires Wear OS 3
If you’re still holding onto a Wear OS 2 smartwatch, it might be time to consider making the leap to Wear OS 3. The latest update to the Wear OS 2 companion app hints at the urgency, urging users to upgrade because Google Assistant support is set to end soon. While this isn’t official yet and a concrete timeline for when this change will take effect remains unclear, it sheds light on the complexities of the transition to Wear OS 3.
Google Assistant was initially a standout feature when Google and Samsung introduced the platform in May 2021. However, it wasn’t until a year later that it became available on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series, and Fossil users had to wait until this summer to access it.
Product Image | Product Name | Specifications | Reviews | Price |
  | SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 4 |
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  | SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 4 |
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  | SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 4 Classic |
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Even today, not every Wear OS 3 watch comes with Google Assistant. For instance, the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5, despite running Wear OS 3 and boasting the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Plus chipset, still lacks Assistant support. While there are workarounds, the official Assistant app isn’t yet available on the Play Store for these devices. Meanwhile, owners of eligible Wear OS 2 Mobvoi watches are still eagerly awaiting their upgrade to Wear OS 3.
Adding to the complexity is the impending arrival of Wear OS 4, announced earlier this year at I/O. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 recently became the first to feature this new platform, and the Pixel Watch 2, expected alongside the Pixel 8 later this fall, is likely to run Wear OS 4. While Google Assistant is currently available on the Galaxy Watch 6, its availability on Wear OS 4 for other smartwatch makers is yet to be clarified.
It’s logical for Google to sunset Assistant on Wear OS 2, considering its decline in reliability over time. The experience of using Assistant on Wear OS 3 is significantly improved. Although Google has made efforts to support and introduce new features to Wear OS 2 during the transition, reducing fragmentation is essential. While Wear OS 4 is already available (albeit on a single smartwatch), Wear OS 3 hasn’t yet reached all eligible Wear OS 2 watches. The official release regarding the upgrade process from Wear OS 3 to Wear OS 4 is still pending, contributing to the confusion.
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The transition from Wear OS 2 to Wear OS 3 was indeed a significant undertaking, but with two years elapsed, it’s time for more clarity, especially with Google actively phasing out Wear OS 2. To stay updated, users should explore options like updating their operating system, using Assistant on alternative devices, or considering a new smartwatch, such as the recently released Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, which comes with Wear OS 4.
