Fossil’s Gen 6 smartwatches can start updating to Wear OS 3 from October 17. The update was slow to arrive, and even may still be disappointing for some as it lacks a few things, including Google Assistant.
Fossil detailed the upgrade process and some of the caveats users should consider before upgrading in a lengthy Reddit post (via android font). First, the upgrade process will be a bit more complicated than a typical watch update. Fossil notes that the update won’t be automatic, and instead users will need to head to the watch’s settings to update (Settings > System > About > System updates).
More importantly, the Wear OS 3 update will reset the watch, erasing all data. Also, the update cannot be undone afterwards, which could prove problematic if users encounter any issues. Fossil says the process will require reconfiguring the watch, except this time with the Fossil Smartwatches app and not the older Google Wear OS app.
Fossil says “the whole process takes time and patience” and recommends doing it while watching TV or some other activity, as well as leaving the watch on the charger because it’s running out of battery and ” a little sluggish” after the update while the apps receive updates from Google Play.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the update is technically for Wear OS 3.2, which Fossil says is the most recent version available for watches using the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4100 or 4100+ chips. However, Fossil says users shouldn’t notice any major differences compared to watches running another version of Wear OS 3 (like the Pixel Watch with Wear OS 3.5). There are some minor differences and some watches sport manufacturer added features and capabilities, but for the most part there doesn’t seem to be a major difference between 3.2 and 3.5.
What’s missing and what’s new
If that didn’t scare you, it might. Fossil also warns that some items will be missing after the Wear OS 3 update. First, Google Assistant is not available on “all Qualcomm 4100-based watches”, which includes Fossil’s Gen 6 range. . Fossil said it’s heard Google is “actively working” to bring Google Assistant to a number of devices, but the company doesn’t yet have a timeline from Google. In the meantime, Fossil is offering Amazon Alexa on Gen 6, so users won’t be without a digital assistant.
Google Fit also won’t be on Gen 6 after updating to Wear OS 3, although the app is still available. Fossil says that’s because Fit hasn’t been updated to work with the latest Wear Health services, so the company opted not to preload Fit on Wear OS.
Finally, for iOS users, some Google apps will also be missing. This includes Google Wallet, although support may come for this in the future. Google Maps is also not officially supported for iOS users, but Fossil notes that the app seems to work fine once downloaded.
Beyond that, Fossil says the latest third-party apps built for Wear OS 3 work on its watches. Interestingly, Fossil also notes that “Fitbit appears to be only available on Pixel at the moment for other reasons”, suggesting that the Fitbit app may be coming to other Wear OS devices.
Speaking of third-party apps, Fossil lists improved apps as one of the main features of the Wear OS 3 update. Other benefits include better health and wellness tracking with Wear Health services. mentioned above, which are more battery efficient than before. There’s a new interface that’s very similar to the experience you get on the Pixel Watch, although Fossil notes it has more access to make changes than before. As mentioned earlier, there’s a new companion app for phones and lots of other tweaks and changes.
Ultimately, if you have a Fossil Gen 6 watch and are considering the Wear OS 3 update, it’s worth reading the informative Reddit post. If you have any questions about the update, the post will likely answer them.
Source: Fossil (Reddit) Via: Android Police
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