Prior to now, most Put on OS apps would conceal their content material when the display screen entered ambient mode. Except you had been utilizing apps like Google Maps, Hold, or Spotify, you’ll solely see the time and a blurred display screen when your wrist was down. This made it more durable to shortly look at helpful data with out waking the watch.
Put on OS 5.1 all the time on show with media controls. | Picture credit score — 9to5Google
Google is now altering that. With Put on OS 6, the interface will maintain exhibiting the final display screen you had been utilizing in a low-power state. In accordance with the corporate, the replace combines completely different options right into a constant AOD expertise throughout units. For instance, in case you are taking part in music, you’ll nonetheless see the present monitor and playback buttons, even when the display screen is in ambient mode.
Put on OS 6 all the time on show with media controls. | Picture credit score — 9to5Google
Media controls are additionally getting a visible replace. The buttons at the moment are styled utilizing the Materials 3 Expressive design. Whereas in lively use, the buttons seem daring and stuffed in. When the AOD is on, the identical buttons turn out to be skinny outlines, however they nonetheless present up clearly and stay usable. You may nonetheless see the music title and take motion with out tapping to wake the watch.
This characteristic builds on what Google began with the Pixel Watch in Put on OS 5.1. That model had a hidden developer setting referred to as Drive International AOD Expertise, which stored the present display screen seen in a dimmed state. Put on OS 6 is popping that concept into a normal characteristic.
There are different enhancements in Put on OS 6 as effectively. All tiles will now use the identical font, making it simpler to maneuver by means of the tile carousel. Well being permissions are additionally being up to date, giving customers extra management over what information every app can entry.
Put on OS 6 is predicated on Android 16 and is predicted to reach later this 12 months. Whereas there isn’t a confirmed rollout date but, the modifications might result in a extra constant and useful expertise for smartwatch customers.
