Is Wear OS by Google Dead? An In-Depth Analysis

It's a common misconception that Wear OS by Google is no longer relevant in the world of smartwatches. While it's true that Wear OS garners significantly less attention compared to watchOS on Apple Watch, it's far from dead. This piece aims to provide a comprehensive look at the current state of Wear OS, its functionalities, and its future prospects.

Wear OS: Still Alive and Vibrant

Wear OS, maintained by Google, remains an active and evolving platform. Despite not receiving as much publicity as its competitors, Wear OS continues to support and enhance certain smartwatch models. The bespoke features and functionalities offered by certain Wear OS-based smartwatches are the lifelines keeping the platform alive.

A notable aspect of Wear OS is its continuation of supporting local music playback, a feature that was originally developed for Google Play Music. However, with the end of Google Play Music's lifecycle, users of Wear OS-powered smartwatches may need to rely on alternative music streaming services or explore other options for enjoying music on their devices.

Alternatives to Wear OS

Even if your favorite smartwatch doesn't use Wear OS, the market offers viable alternatives. Huawei and Samsung offer popular smartwatch models that run on their proprietary operating systems, such as Huawei's watchOS (more accurately branded as "Huawei Wear OS") and Samsung's Tizen OS. Both platforms have their unique features and advantages, making them worth considering.

Comparing Wear OS and Tizen OS:

Design and User Interface: Tizen OS often offers a more polished and user-friendly experience, whereas Wear OS tends to have a more intuitive and customizable interface for developers. App Ecosystem: Although Wear OS has a growing app ecosystem, Tizen OS currently offers more apps and services for users to choose from. Integration with Smartphones: Tizen OS is better integrated with Samsung's ecosystem, providing a smoother experience for users of Samsung phones. Health and Fitness Features: Both platforms offer robust health and fitness tracking, but Wear OS is often praised for its seamless integration with GoogleFit, making it an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts.

Garmin: The Best Wear OS Alternative for Fitness Enthusiasts

While Wear OS is known for its broader app ecosystem and customizable features, Garmin is widely considered the best option for fitness enthusiasts. Garmin offers top-tier health and fitness tracking capabilities, making it a popular choice among athletes and health-conscious individuals.

Why Garmin is a Strong Alternative to Wear OS:

Advanced Fitness Tracking: Garmin watches are renowned for their detailed and comprehensive fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, GPS, and activity tracking. Long Battery Life: Garmin smartwatches often have longer battery life, allowing users to go longer between charges. Customizable Watch Faces: While Wear OS offers a wide range of watch faces, Garmin also provides numerous options, but with a stronger emphasis on functionality and ease of use. Compatibility with Other Fitness Devices: Garmin integrates well with other fitness devices, such as heart rate monitors and blood pressure cuffs, providing a holistic approach to health and fitness.

Full List of Best Wearables to Buy in 2021

For those interested in the best wearables to buy in 2021, we've compiled a comprehensive list that includes options across various operating systems. This list aims to guide you in selecting the perfect smartwatch to meet your needs and preferences.

Wear OS Smartwatches

LG Watch Urbane 2nd Gen: Known for its stylish design and robust smartwatch features. Amazfit GTR 2 Pro: Offers excellent battery life and a variety of smartwatch functions. HUAWEI Watch GT 2 Pro: Features advanced health and fitness tracking along with a long battery life.

Samsung Tizen Smartwatches

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2: Combines fashion and functionality in a sleek design. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3: Offers advanced features and a beautiful display. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: A top-tier option with excellent battery life and seamless integration with Samsung ecosystems.

Garmin Smartwatches

Garmin Venu 2 Plus: Offers a balance of sport and lifestyle features with advanced GPS tracking. Garmin Forerunner 945: A high-end model with extensive fitness tracking capabilities. Garmin Fenix 6 Pro GPS: Known for its durability, performance, and long battery life.

Whether you're drawn to the customizable and diverse features of Wear OS, the advanced health and fitness tracking of Garmin, or the polished user experience of Tizen OS, there's a smartwatch out there for every need and preference.