Google has unveiled plans for new Google Play features that will make it easier for Wear OS users to find and download the watch apps they want from their phone and watch.
Building for the future of Wear OS
Planned improvements to Google Play are specifically focused on Wear OS to improve the discoverability and installation of watch apps on both Android smartphones and smartwatches. These updates are not yet available, but will be coming soon, according to the announcement from Google Help.
If you’re using an Android phone, you can use new search filters like “Watch” or “watch faces” to better discover the Wear OS apps you’re looking for. The update also includes curated clusters specifically for Wear OS, which provide browsers with popular recommendations on the “Wear OS” and “Watch Faces for Wear OS” category pages. If you find an app you like, you can remotely install it to your Wear OS device directly from your Android phone by tapping “Install,” with all compatible smartwatches automatically selected by default.
Google Play is also getting a visual overhaul on Wear OS devices, with Google simplifying the design to make it easier to use on smartwatch screens, which are much smaller than those on phones. It bases the design on Material You, placing the most relevant information on cards that can be expanded for more detail, and making navigation more accessible overall.