Trending Now - Google Unveils Wear OS 7 Featuring Live Updates and Widgets

WHO:

Engadget - Google is the organization announcing the new Wear OS 7.

9to5Google - Pixel Watches are mentioned as the devices that will receive the update.

WHAT:

Dezeen - Google and Samsung announced the launch of Intelligent Eyewear, which includes an audio-only version scheduled for launch in the autumn and a version with a small in-lens display that will launch later.

Dezeen - The audio glasses will provide spoken AI assistance privately into the wearer's ear, while the display glasses will overlay information on the wearer's sightline, creating an "extended-reality" (XR) experience.

Dezeen - The Intelligent Eyewear will include a front-facing camera and will be primarily operated through voice interaction.

Dezeen - The Gentle Monster style of the glasses will be elongated oval sunglasses, while Warby Parker's style will be a classic rounded square shape.

Dezeen - Google and Samsung's Intelligent Eyewear is based on the Android XR platform and will work with both Android and iOS operating systems.

9to5Google - Google states that "select watches set for launch will come with Gemini Intelligence, which will provide proactive and personalized help to users."

Droid Life - The new Watch Face Format version 5 (WFF5) is designed to make watch face building easier, including Enhanced Alignment Options, Auto-Size Enhancements, Blend Modes, and Stroke Joins.

9to5Google - Google states that "select watches" will get access to Gemini Intelligence for more personalized features.

Droid Life - Google claims that watches upgrading from Wear OS 6 to Wear OS 7 can expect up to 10% improvement in battery life.

Droid Life - The new media controls will allow users to personalize their media auto-launch experience per-app directly from the System Media Controls on a watch.

9to5Google - Wear OS 7 will feature a redesigned notification page that showcases Live Update notifications with dynamic information based on the app, such as a countdown for delivery apps.

9to5Google - The new widgets in Wear OS 7 will be displayed in 2×1 or 2×2 blocks, resembling Android 16’s widgets, and will not allow stacking on the same screen.

9to5Google - The universal workout-tracking experience in Wear OS 7 will allow exercise apps to use Google’s tracking experience and design language instead of creating their own.

9to5Google - The media controls page in Wear OS 7 will include a new Remote Output Switcher for audio outputs, featuring Google Cast options and Bluetooth devices.

Engadget - Wear OS 7 integrates Gemini Intelligence and introduces a new widget system.

9to5Google - Wear OS 7 will be 10% easier on battery than Wear OS 6.

9to5Google - The update will feature Live Updates notifications that appear on the main watch face.

9to5Google - Widgets will replace full-screen tiles in Wear OS 7, displayed in 2×1 or 2×2 blocks.

9to5Google - A universal workout-tracking experience will be built into Wear OS 7, including heart rate monitoring and media control.

9to5Google - Users will have control over auto-launch options for media playback in Wear OS 7.

WHEN:

9to5Google - Wear OS 7 will be available later in the year.

9to5Google - Wear OS 7 Canary will be available for developers starting today.

WHY:

9to5Google - The update aims to align Wear OS features more closely with Android’s design.

HOW:

Droid Life - The AppFunctions API will allow developers to integrate their apps with Google Gemini for seamless command execution, including task automation like placing orders with DoorDash.

9to5Google - The AppFunctions API will allow developers to integrate their apps with Google Gemini for seamless command execution.

9to5Google - The new media controls page will include a Remote Output Switcher for audio outputs, including Google Cast options and Bluetooth devices.

(UPDATED May 20, 2026 19:42 UTC)

Google and Samsung have unveiled their new Intelligent Eyewear, which includes an audio-only version set to launch in the autumn and a model featuring a small in-lens display that will follow later. The audio glasses will offer private AI assistance directly into the wearer's ear, while the display version will enhance the user's view with an "extended-reality" experience, all operated primarily through voice commands. Designed in styles reminiscent of Gentle Monster's elongated oval sunglasses and Warby Parker's classic rounded square shape, these glasses will be compatible with both Android and iOS systems, built on the Android XR platform.

(UPDATED May 20, 2026 13:52 UTC)

Google has announced that select watches set for launch will feature Gemini Intelligence, offering users proactive and personalized assistance. Additionally, the new Watch Face Format version 5, or WFF5, aims to simplify the process of creating watch faces with improvements like Enhanced Alignment Options, Auto-Size Enhancements, Blend Modes, and Stroke Joins. These updates are expected to enhance the overall user experience for smartwatch owners.

(UPDATED May 20, 2026 08:07 UTC)

Google has announced that select watches will soon gain access to Gemini Intelligence, enhancing personalization features for users. Additionally, those upgrading from Wear OS 6 to Wear OS 7 can look forward to a battery life improvement of up to 10 percent, along with new media controls that allow for personalized app-specific media auto-launch experiences. Developers will also benefit from the AppFunctions API, which enables seamless integration with Google Gemini for tasks like automating orders through apps such as DoorDash.

(UPDATED May 20, 2026 04:21 UTC)

Wear OS 7 is set to introduce a redesigned notification page that will feature Live Update notifications, providing dynamic information like delivery countdowns directly from apps. The update will also bring new widgets displayed in 2×1 or 2×2 blocks, similar to those in Android 16, but without the option to stack them on the same screen. Additionally, the universal workout-tracking experience will allow exercise apps to utilize Google’s tracking design, while the media controls page will include a new Remote Output Switcher for audio outputs, featuring options for Google Cast and Bluetooth devices.

(UPDATED May 19, 2026 23:25 UTC)

Google has announced the upcoming release of Wear OS 7, which will be available later in the year and will bring significant updates to devices like the Pixel Watch. The new operating system will integrate Gemini Intelligence, feature a new widget system that replaces full-screen tiles, and offer a universal workout-tracking experience with heart rate monitoring and media control. Additionally, developers can access Wear OS 7 Canary starting today, allowing them to integrate their apps with Google Gemini for improved functionality.