Google's Android Wear 5.1.1 OS Update Now Rolling Out to Compatible Smartwatches
Google, through its Android Wear Help Forum site, announced that they are now rolling out the new Android Wear 5.1.1 OS update to all compatible smartwatches.
Along with the announcement is the list of the new features that are coming along with the new firmware.
To name a few, there's the "Always-On Screen, Always-On Apps" which basically give the users the convenience when they need to check on the time without having to tap, twist, or shake the device in order to activate the feature.
Emojis are also coming to the Android-running watches. Whether it's for texting or emailing, owners can now send emojis by simply drawing on the watch screen.
The Heads-Up Notification system is now also integrated on the smartwatches whereby incoming notifications will now appear on-screen regardless if the user is looking at something in the watch's screen.
There's also a new security feature added to the watch's settings called the "Screen lock."
"When enabled, if your watch detects you're not wearing it (or it loses the connection to your phone) for a period of time, then your specified swipe pattern will be required to unlock it," Google's description of the feature reads.
Wi-Fi connectivity support is also a hot new feature in the Android Wear 5.1.1. The update is only available on the LG Watch Urbane, Moto 360, Sony Smartwatch 3, and the Samsung Gear Live.
Google noted that that the new firmware patch will roll out gradually which could take days or weeks before it arrive on the devices.
Users should also make sure that in order to receive the update, their units need to be running on the latest version of the Android wear companion app which, for those who weren't able to, they can find it in the Google Play Store.