Good news for owners of the Sony Smartwatch 3 as the device is now receiving the latest Android Wear update in the form of Android Marshmallow.
The Android Wear Marshmallow update for the Sony SmartWatch 3 has been released as an over-the-air update and may take around a week to reach everyone.
The OTA for the Sony Smartwatch 3 (tetra) has started today, and within a week or so, it should be available for all users. When all Android Wear devices have the update, I will make another announcement so that developers know when they can remove API 22 support from their apps. We are almost there with the API 23 rollout. Follow me on G+ for further updates!
The update comes with the build number MEC245H and it brings the SmartWatch 3 to Android Wear 1.4.
New Features and Improvements
The Android Marshmallow update introduces several new features and improvements to the Sony Smartwatch 3. One of the most notable additions is the enhanced battery life management. With Doze mode, the smartwatch can now enter a deep sleep state when not in use, significantly extending battery life. This is particularly beneficial for users who rely on their smartwatch throughout the day and night.
Another key feature is the improved app permissions model. Users now have more control over the permissions that apps request, allowing for a more secure and personalized experience. For instance, you can now choose to grant or deny specific permissions such as location access or notifications, ensuring that your personal data remains protected.
Enhanced User Experience
The update also brings a more intuitive user interface, making it easier to navigate through the smartwatch’s features. The new gestures introduced in Android Wear 1.4 allow users to interact with their smartwatch more naturally. For example, you can now flick your wrist to scroll through notifications or shake your wrist to return to the home screen. These gestures make it more convenient to use the smartwatch, especially when your other hand is occupied.
Additionally, the update includes support for new languages and improved voice recognition capabilities. This makes it easier for users from different regions to interact with their smartwatch using voice commands. The enhanced voice recognition also ensures that commands are understood more accurately, reducing the frustration of having to repeat yourself.
The update also brings improvements to the smartwatch’s connectivity options. With better Bluetooth and Wi-Fi performance, users can expect more reliable connections and faster data transfer rates. This is particularly useful for those who use their smartwatch to stream music or receive notifications from their smartphone.
Developer Benefits
For developers, the rollout of Android Wear 1.4 with API 23 support is a significant milestone. It allows them to take advantage of the latest features and improvements in their apps. The new API includes support for additional sensors, such as the heart rate monitor and GPS, enabling developers to create more sophisticated and feature-rich applications.
Moreover, the update simplifies the development process by allowing developers to remove API 22 support from their apps. This means they can focus on optimizing their apps for the latest version of Android Wear, ensuring a better user experience for everyone.
The Android Marshmallow update for the Sony Smartwatch 3 brings a host of new features and improvements that enhance both the user and developer experience. From better battery management and improved app permissions to a more intuitive user interface and enhanced connectivity, this update ensures that the Sony Smartwatch 3 remains a competitive and capable device in the ever-evolving smartwatch market.
Source Wayne Piekarski, Android Police
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