What you need to know
- Google has launched a new Assistant tile on Wear OS smartwatches.
- This feature allows you to set custom commands on your watch’s shortcut panel.
- Tile is being introduced on smartwatches supported by Wear OS 3 and 4.
The latest update in a series of features Google has added to its Wear OS smartwatches is now rolling out. The tech giant is bringing a new Google Assistant tile to the wearable OS which was first reported to be in development in August.
Android Expert Mishaal Rahman looks at the feature roll-out After being told about the introduction by X user Lance Adams. As Rahman explains, Tiles is coming to Galaxy Watch and Pixel Watch users, letting them add custom commands to their watch’s shortcut panel.
A new Google Assistant tile that lets you add commands as shortcuts is coming to Wear OS! It is part of the Google Assistant app on Wear OS and is available to Galaxy Watch and Pixel Watch users. Thanks to @TheLanceAdams for the tip and winner00 for the screenshot! pic.twitter.com/javV37ZGFZ18 October 2023
See more
Google Assistant is already available on some Wear OS smartwatches, but right now, it requires users to issue commands in real time. Tile provides a more simplified process, especially for repetitive or complex tasks. It allows users to create ready-made commands that they can access through a simple screen tap on the tile without having to type or voice their own command for each action.
Based on Adams’ screenshot shared by Rahman, it looks like once users open the tile, they’ll be presented with common actions like “send a message,” “turn off the lights,” or “set a five-minute timer.” The user can choose which matches to do. However, you can also create your own customized action by clicking the microphone or keyboard icon to voice or type your command. These commands are then saved as shortcuts on the Tile and can be activated as needed.
The Tile is a valuable way to access Google’s digital voice assistant, especially since it was recently announced that the company will no longer support the Assistant on Wear OS 2. But now, it looks like the company has started rolling it out on Wear OS. 3 and Wear OS 4, which means users of the Galaxy Watch 4 and other older supported wearables should see Tile on their smartwatches soon.
The Google Pixel Watch 2 is one of the best smartwatches you can buy for your money right now. Its gorgeous design is complemented by its great performance and clean software. It also has great health and fitness tracking features with advanced sensors and Fitbit integration.