Almost two months after Samsung and Google announced their combined Wear platform for smartwatches, Samsung is back with the custom software experience that’ll be used on all future Galaxy Watch models — One UI Watch.
Samsung’s Galaxy Watches and phones will connect seamlessly
The One UI Watch interface aims to better connect the software experience that Samsung offers across smartphones and smartwatches by opening access to even more apps and simplifying tasks.
Smaller software tweaks like a unified clock experience across Galaxy smartphones and Galaxy Watches are central to the Wear-backed update and demonstrate Samsung’s attention to detail.
Expect access to more apps and watch faces than ever before
While Samsung’s Tizen operating system has served it well over the years, there have often been complaints from customers about the lack of third-party apps available on the platform.
Google and Samsung’s combined Wear platform solves that problem with the introduction of Play Store support. You’ll be able to use apps like Spotify or YouTube Music, Strava or Adidas Running, Calm or Sleep Cycle, and even Google Maps.
In addition to apps, the South Korean giant is hoping developers will create tons of new watch faces for One UI Watch. It’s announced the introduction of an improved watch face design tool that’ll make it easier than ever to create one.
Samsung One UI Watch release date and Galaxy Watch compatibility
Both One UI Watch and the new, unified Wear software platform will “debut at the Unpacked event later this summer” on the new Galaxy Watch — expected to be the Galaxy Watch 4 that leaked recently.
The bad news for existing Galaxy Watch users is that Samsung won’t be bringing the update to Tizen-powered models. Instead, Samsung has promised to offer at least three years of Tizen software support.
In summary, if you want access to One UI Watch and Google’s Play Store, you’re going to have to purchase one of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Watch models when they hit shelves later this quarter.
