We expected a Pixel smartwatch, but ultimately the inaugural Google I / O conference didn’t include any hardware announcements. On the other hand, in the smartwatch sector, Google did not remain indifferent and announced a partnership with Samsung to integrate Wear OS and Tizen into one platform that houses only the best.

Samsung and Google come hand in hand

Building on the acquisition power of Fitbit, Google approaches the one who is its worst enemy and biggest ally. Thus, the new platform, which should retain the name Wear OS, will be available on both Samsung smartwatches and on all smartwatches that have already used the Google software solution.

Third-party manufacturers will still have the option to add their own overlay, but the way the database works changes little. Switching between many applications will now be easier, and Google announces that developers can create “tiles” for their apps, which can be accessed from the home screen.

If the company does not reveal in more detail the design of this comprehensive Wear OS overhaul, it still gives us some clear information about its strengths. Thus, this new platform will significantly enhance the autonomy of the smartwatches, which will be reduced to two days for some models. The new Wear OS should also speed up app launches – up to 30% faster – and All your favorite Google apps »In addition to many apps from the Play Store, will now be available on Samsung smartwatches.

Currently, Google is not moving on a specific release date, other than the launch of “Later this year”. But since Samsung is now a major player in Wear OS, there’s no doubt we should have news when the manufacturer’s upcoming Galaxy Watch launches in South Korea.