Google to introduce status bar to Wear OS smartwatches
Google is preparing to add a status bar to Wear OS smartwatches, a feature Android phones have had for years. The addition, which displays the time and other indicators while using apps, has surprised some given the delay.
According to Android Authority, Google has released a new version of its Wear OS emulator 7.1, based on Android 17, where this feature can be seen in action. However, the status bar will not be included in Wear OS 7.1, but in a later version of the operating system. It is currently only available for testing by developers in the emulator.
Android phones have long featured a status bar at the top of the screen, displaying the time and other indicators. Wear OS, until now, has lacked this standardized feature, with each app responsible for its own indicators.
The new status bar will display information consistently at the top of the circular screen, using a common font and background. This will ensure the time and system indicators look the same regardless of the app being used.
The status bar will temporarily disappear when scrolling through lists to maximize screen space, reappearing after two seconds of inactivity. It will also hide when full-screen menus, such as those used for selecting dates or times, are open.
The feature is currently in an early stage of development. Google has not yet finalized the system icons, and the emulator displays a placeholder star. This allows developers to test how the status bar interacts with their applications before it reaches users.
Google’s documentation clarifies that the status bar is included only in this development emulator to facilitate initial testing and feedback. It will not be included in the stable Wear OS 7.1 emulator, meaning users should not expect it with the next system update.
The new status bar is now slated for Wear OS 8. Google has been steadily adding new features to Wear OS, often drawing from Android, but this is a relatively basic addition. Users will need to wait for Wear OS 8 to access it.
The release date for Wear OS 8 and which watches will be updated remains unknown. While apps will need to be adapted to utilize the new status bar, older apps can continue to display their own indicators. Google has not announced a launch schedule, so the feature remains limited to developer testing.
Source
“Google prepara una función para los relojes inteligentes con Wear OS que los móviles Android llevan años teniendo, y sorprende que haya tardado tanto”
Read the original report (in Spanish) ↗This story is an AI-assisted version of the original report, checked and edited by the Plainwire desk before publication. Read our editorial policy · Report an error
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