Samsung announces new Google-based smartwatch software One UI Watch

Samsung recently hosted a virtual event at MWC 2021, where the South Korean tech giant unveiled the next smartwatch OS, which will be called One UI Watch and is based on Google’s Wear OS. While the company didn’t reveal any hardware, it did detail the user experience.

One UI Watch will offer deeper integration with Android as it is based on Wear OS rather than Tizen OS. Samsung also elaborated on its partnership with Google and what it means for Galaxy Watches in the future. It is worth noting that One UI Watch is similar to Samsung’s One UI on smartwatches, it is a skin on top of Wear OS that is designed for Samsung smartwatches.

One UI Watch will feature a bigger list of apps than Tizen with popular apps like Strava, Adidas Running, Calm, Spotify, YouTube Music, and Google Maps. Samsung also claims that the new watch OS will help future Galaxy Watch models deliver longer battery life, faster performance, and a larger selection of apps.

Samsung is also bringing improved watch face design tools for designers. The Settings menu on One UI Watch has undergone a redesign to look more like the menu on a smartphone. It is also bringing an Apple Watch feature that will automatically download a compatible app on your smartwatch after it is downloaded on your phone.

Samsung didn’t reveal the Galaxy Watch 4 and will likely unveil it during a Galaxy Unpacked event that is coming later this summer.