Wear OS gets smarter notifications, longer battery life with new update

Photo: OnePlus

At Mobile World Congress 2024, Google unveiled a significant update for Wear OS that focuses on improving performance and battery life, particularly in handling notifications.

Since 2018, Wear OS watches have utilized two processors: an application processor (AP) for demanding tasks and a low-power co-processor (MCU) for simpler functions like step counting. This update allows wearable manufacturers to delegate notification processing to the MCU, including reading, dismissing, and sending quick replies.

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Android ups its music game with easier device switching for Spotify users

GIF: Google

Just like with YouTube Music, you can now seamlessly switch between different playback devices for Spotify using the handy output switcher directly on your Android home screen. This means no more digging through the Spotify app to change your sound source—it's all at your fingertips!

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Handwritten annotations arrive in Google Docs for Android users

Image: Google

Another one of the newer Android updates streamlines document review on your Android device. Google Docs now supports handwritten annotations. Just use your finger or stylus to add handwritten annotations directly in Docs. You can choose from various pen colours and highlighters, making providing feedback fast, flexible, and effortless.

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Android Auto gets AI summaries and suggestions

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Android Auto is another feature getting spruced up. Its new AI update allows it to summarize long messages or conversations so you can stay focused on driving while staying in touch. It can also smartly recommend replies and actions based on the situation, such as offering to share your ETA when someone asks about your arrival time.

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