Wear OS Smartwatches May Soon Gain AI-Powered Query Responses and Enhanced Gemini Features

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Google’s Gemini AI Set to Enhance Wear OS Smartwatches with Smarter Task Management

After confirming plans to extend its Gemini AI beyond smartphones, Google appears ready to bring these smart capabilities to Wear OS-powered smartwatches, including Samsung’s Galaxy Watch line. Recent leaks suggest that Samsung’s upcoming One UI 8 update will integrate Gemini Actions, enabling smartwatch users to get intelligent responses to queries, summarize emails, and perform various automated tasks right from their wrist. This expansion aims to boost the productivity and convenience of smartwatches by leveraging the same AI-driven automation features already found on smartphones.

The discovery comes from a detailed teardown of leaked One UI 8 APK files by Android Authority, in collaboration with AssembleDebug. Inside the Google Assistant app’s code, references to Gemini Actions hint at a range of new functionalities in development. These features include managing calendar events, summarizing emails, and answering general questions—functions that transform the smartwatch from a simple notification device into a more proactive assistant capable of handling everyday tasks on the go.

According to the code, users may also be able to interact with Gemini through customizable tiles, allowing quick access to specific AI-powered actions like rescheduling meetings or checking the weather. Additionally, there are indications that the smartwatch interface will provide easy controls to mute the AI’s voice feedback, giving users flexible options for interaction depending on their environment. This combination of voice and touch controls aims to make the AI assistant more intuitive and less intrusive during use.

While the leaked code strongly suggests these features will debut on Samsung Galaxy Watches with One UI 8, industry insiders speculate that the Gemini AI rollout could extend to other Wear OS smartwatches as well. Notably, Samsung might skip the intermediate One UI 7 update entirely and move directly to One UI 8 for its wearables, signaling a significant leap in software capabilities. This development reflects Google and Samsung’s commitment to making smartwatches smarter and more helpful through AI innovation.

Apple Watch Sees Second Year of Shipment Decline Amid Stagnant Upgrades and No New Model: Report

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Apple Watch Shipments Dip Again Amid Lack of Innovation and Product Gaps

Apple is reportedly facing a continued decline in demand for its smartwatch lineup, with 2024 marking the second straight year of shrinking shipments. Market research indicates that one of the hardest-hit regions is North America—Apple’s largest market—where the drop in sales has been particularly steep. Analysts attribute this slump to a lack of new product launches and minimal upgrades in the current Apple Watch range, leaving consumers with little incentive to upgrade.

According to data from Counterpoint Research’s Global Smartwatch Shipment Tracker for Q4 2024, Apple Watch shipments fell by 19% year-over-year. This marks the fifth consecutive quarter of declining performance for the company in the wearables segment. While Apple’s shipment numbers slipped, several Chinese manufacturers gained momentum, closing the gap in the competitive global smartwatch market. Notably, Apple’s market share dropped by 8 percentage points over the past year, largely due to weakened performance in North America, which typically accounts for over half of its annual smartwatch sales.

A major reason behind this dip appears to be Apple’s subdued product strategy. The Apple Watch Series 10, launched last year, introduced only minor improvements, failing to generate enthusiasm among potential buyers. Furthermore, Apple skipped launching two key models—the Apple Watch SE (3rd Gen), a popular budget-friendly variant, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3, its premium flagship that contributes over 10% of the company’s smartwatch sales. The absence of these models left noticeable gaps in Apple’s product portfolio, affecting shipment volumes significantly.

Compounding the issue, Apple has also been navigating legal challenges related to the Watch’s health-tracking features. A patent dispute with medical tech firm Masimo over blood oxygen sensor technology led to a temporary sales halt in the U.S. To comply with legal rulings, Apple later disabled the SpO2 functionality on some models. These setbacks, combined with muted hardware changes and fewer product releases, appear to have weakened Apple’s grip on the smartwatch market, even as rivals step up innovation and affordability in the segment.

Sony WH-1000XM6 Leak Reveals Pricing and Key Specs, Including Up to 30-Hour Battery Life

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Sony is gearing up to launch the WH-1000XM6 headphones, the anticipated successor to the popular WH-1000XM5 model. Although Sony has yet to officially confirm the release date, key details about the new wireless headset have already surfaced online. The WH-1000XM6 is expected to debut at a higher price point compared to its predecessor, reflecting upgraded features and enhanced audio performance. The WH-1000XM5 originally launched globally in May 2022 and arrived in India later that September, setting a high bar for its successor.

According to recent leaks, the WH-1000XM6 headphones could launch in select markets as early as May 15. Pricing rumors suggest the headset will retail for around EUR 449.99 in countries like France and Germany, and slightly higher at EUR 469.99 in Spain and Portugal. In the UK, the expected price is about GBP 399.99, while US customers may see a price tag near $449.99. Battery life is expected to improve, with the WH-1000XM6 offering up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge. Additionally, a quick charge of just three minutes could provide an hour of listening time, with charging via a USB Type-C port.

The headphones are said to feature Sony’s QN3 processor, which dynamically adjusts active noise cancellation based on the surrounding environment. Along with active noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM6 is rumored to include an Ambient Sound Mode and a Talk Mode, allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings or engage in conversations without removing the headset. Other expected features include touch controls for easy navigation, wear detection to pause playback when removed, and call noise reduction to improve voice clarity.

In terms of audio hardware, the WH-1000XM6 may be equipped with 30mm carbon fiber dome drivers designed to deliver rich sound quality. The headset is expected to support Hi-Res Audio, LDAC codec, as well as popular formats like SBC, AAC, and LC3. It will likely cover a wide frequency range from 4Hz to 40kHz, catering to audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Compatibility with Sony’s Sound Connect app is anticipated, providing users with 10-band equalizer customization and personalized sound settings.