Wear OS 4 has reportedly undergone a tweak aimed at significantly enhancing the battery life of smartwatches running on Google’s operating system. This adjustment modifies how notifications are processed, directing them to a different system to improve device battery performance. The OnePlus Watch 2, unveiled at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024, will be the first smartwatch to support this improved functionality, with potential for integration into future devices.
Until now, notifications on Wear OS were managed by the application processor (AP), which handles tasks requiring more computational processing. This resulted in increased power consumption when displaying notifications. Conversely, tasks requiring less power, such as step counting and heart rate monitoring, were handled by a separate microcontroller unit (MCU). The Verge reports that Google will enable manufacturers to transfer the notification system to the MCU on Wear OS 4, significantly reducing battery consumption associated with notifications.
Although initially designed for the OnePlus Watch 2, this feature is set to expand to more smartwatches. Bjorn Kilburn, Vice President of Wear OS at Google, confirmed that other companies will also have access to this capability. Consequently, tasks like displaying, dismissing, or replying to notifications will be managed by the MCU. While users may not visually notice the change, they will benefit from a longer-lasting battery cycle.
The OnePlus Watch 2, showcased at MWC, features a 1.43-inch round AMOLED display and is powered by a Snapdragon W5 chipset, along with a BES2700 chip for background activity management. With a 500mAh battery and 7.5W charging support, the OnePlus Watch 2 is priced at Rs. 24,999 and will be available starting March 4 via various online and offline retailers.
In addition to these advancements, Google also announced two new features for Wear OS. Firstly, Google Wallet passes are now accessible on Wear OS, allowing users to access various passes directly from their smartwatches. Secondly, Google Maps for Wear OS now provides public transit directions, assisting users in catching buses, trains, or ferries directly from their wrists.
