Google has announced a new Android Wear beta, the software is based on the latest release of Android, Android 8.0 Oreo.
The new Android Wear beta will only be available for the LG Watch Sport at first, of course this could possibly change in the future.
Today, we are launching the beta of the next Android Wear update. As we mentioned at Google I/O, this will mainly be a technical upgrade to API 26 with enhancements to background limits and notification channels. LG Watch Sport users can go to this webpage to sign up and the factory image will automatically be downloaded to the watch you enroll. As this is a beta, please be sure to review the known issues before enrolling. If you don’t have a watch to test on, you can use the Android emulator. For developers working with Android Wear for China, an updated emulator image is also available.
Key Features and Enhancements
The new Android Wear beta brings several key features and enhancements that are designed to improve the overall user experience. One of the primary updates is the technical upgrade to API 26, which includes significant improvements to background limits. These enhancements are aimed at optimizing battery life and ensuring that apps running in the background do not consume excessive resources. This is particularly important for wearable devices, which have smaller batteries compared to smartphones.
Another major update is the introduction of notification channels. This feature allows users to have more granular control over their notifications, enabling them to customize the types of alerts they receive from different apps. For instance, users can choose to receive only high-priority notifications from a messaging app while muting less important updates. This level of customization can greatly enhance the user experience by reducing notification fatigue.
Developer Tools and Resources
For developers, the new Android Wear beta offers a range of tools and resources to facilitate the development and testing of apps. The beta includes an updated Android emulator, which allows developers to test their apps without needing physical hardware. This is particularly useful for those who do not own an LG Watch Sport but still want to ensure their apps are compatible with the new update.
Additionally, Google has provided an updated emulator image specifically for developers working with Android Wear for China. This ensures that developers can create and test apps that are tailored to the unique requirements and regulations of the Chinese market.
To enroll in the beta, LG Watch Sport users can visit the designated webpage where the factory image will be automatically downloaded to their watch. However, it is important to review the known issues before enrolling, as beta software can sometimes be unstable and may contain bugs.
The introduction of this beta is a clear indication of Google’s commitment to continuously improving the Android Wear platform. By involving both users and developers in the testing process, Google can gather valuable feedback and make necessary adjustments before the final release.
You can find out full information about the new beta version of Google’s Android Wear OS over at the Android Developers website at the link below.
Source Android Developers
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