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Small number, big change

Google quietly releases new Wear OS

Google has started rolling out the final version of Wear OS 5.1 for smartwatches.

Ove Kaufeldt
Published Modified

It was in November last year that Google began beta testing Wear OS 5.1, and now they have started rolling out the final version of the operating system. Looking at the version number, it might not seem like there's a big difference between v5.0 and the new v5.1, but in reality, it is a very significant upgrade. Version 5.0 is based on Android 14, while version 5.1 is based on Android 15, so it is essentially a generational shift for the operating system. 

Currently, the operating system is being rolled out for Pixel Watch 1, Watch 2, and Watch 3, making them the first wearables to receive it.

Two of the major new features, aside from it being a new operating system behind the scenes, are streaming media to the watch's speaker and the Credentials Manager function. The latter makes it easier to log into apps and services by saving PIN codes, passwords, passkeys, and identity authentication (like Sign-in with Google). 

Among other details in Wear OS 5.1 for Pixel watches, it offers three additional features: support for menstrual health, an upgrade of media controls, and improvements in step counting. However, there is no information on whether they are part of Wear OS 5.1 or if Google offers them exclusively to Pixel watches. 

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