Google’s latest attempt at a smartwatch has really given Apple something to worry about, but it’s not just the price that’s appealing, as new Wear OS devices like the Pixel Watch could soon be more powerful than initially thought.
According to rumors noticed by 9To5Google (opens in a new tab)The tech giant is reportedly working on redesigned Gmail and Calendar apps that could make their way to Wear OS.
So far, no app is available on the wrists of Google fans that 9To5Google suggests that this may be due to the company’s “reliance” on rich notifications that allow users to interact with content without fully opening the app, which is easier to pull off on a larger smartphone display.
Gmail for Pixel Watch
The Pixel Watch currently ships with the Agenda app, which shows a three-day view of upcoming events, but there’s no way to create new entries (other than using the built-in Google Assistant).
And while there’s no dedicated Gmail app, users can still get notifications that are copied from a connected smartphone, just as they do with the Apple Watch when there’s no watchOS app available.
So far this has been fine for checking incoming mail, but sending even a short reply required a connected Android phone.
9To5Google notes that “it has been learned that Google is testing both Gmail and Calendar for Wear OS”, the experience promises to be “full”, indicating dedicated Google Workspace apps with better interaction, such as the ability to create new events or emails, although we’ll have to wait and see what’s on the horizon.
In contrast, all versions of watchOS for the Apple Watch included versions of dedicated Mail and Calendar apps that received incremental updates along with their respective iOS updates.
For now, some Pixel Watch users may benefit more from using the dedicated Outlook Wear OS app for their email services instead of just getting notifications from the Gmail app on their wrist phone.