The new WearOS update finally cured my Apple Watch envy - how to get it

Nina Raemont/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET's key takeaways WearOS has a new update and it's fantastic. You get a boost of Material 3 Expressive for the UI. Battery life is improved and animations are much smoother. I've been sporting Pixel Watches since the first iteration. Those early releases were functional but ugly, had weak battery life (a 10% improvement over the previous version), presented very poor animations, and just didn't match up with the Android UI. Every time I saw someone using their Apple Watch, I felt a bit jealous. Those watches were beautiful, smooth, and had much better battery life. Always a bridesmaid, right? The latest release of WearOS changes all of that, and now my Pixel Watch is on par with the Apple Watch. Also: Google Pixel Watch 3: Key specs, features, price, and everything else you need to know I know that sounds like crazy talk, but it's true. The new UI is beautiful, the animations are buttery smooth, and the battery life is much improved. In fact, after the latest update, I put my watch on, unlocked it, and was shocked at what I saw. Could this be? Did someone swap out my Pixel Watch with an Apple Watch? Nope. Google finally did WearOS justice and now it's as beautiful as the latest Android UI. On top of the aesthetic improvements, the performance is so much better. As far as watches that are compatible with the latest release of WearOS, the following are included: Pixel Watch 3 and 4, Samsung Galaxy 8 series, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. For those who want to see a simple list of the latest improvements, take a look: Material 3 Expressiv e: Like Android, WearOS gets a big boost in the looks department with more personalized and dynamic color themes, smoother animations, and a more consistent look. e: Like Android, WearOS gets a big boost in the looks department with more personalized and dynamic color themes, smoother animations, and a more consistent look. Updated Tiles : Even the tiles follow the Material 3 Expressive aesthetic, as well as mutli-slotted layouts capable of displaying even more information. : Even the tiles follow the Material 3 Expressive aesthetic, as well as mutli-slotted layouts capable of displaying even more information. Better all around visuals : Even the boot animations and first-time setup screen have been given a Material 3 Expressive kick. : Even the boot animations and first-time setup screen have been given a Material 3 Expressive kick. Adaptive Theming : All theming elements are automatically pulled from your chosen watchface, to create a more cohesive look. : All theming elements are automatically pulled from your chosen watchface, to create a more cohesive look. Better notifications : Notifications are now easier to read and now include images (such as a contact image, if applicable). : Notifications are now easier to read and now include images (such as a contact image, if applicable). A massively improved keyboard: When you need to type something (even just your unlock PIN), you'll find the keyboard is much easier to use. Other features with the latest update include: Offline Google Maps : You can now access downloaded maps on your watch for navigation without your phone. : You can now access downloaded maps on your watch for navigation without your phone. Google Wallet support : You'll find it possible to now access boarding passes, event tickets, and loyalty cards directly from your wrist. : You'll find it possible to now access boarding passes, event tickets, and loyalty cards directly from your wrist. Google Home shortcuts: You can now quickly control smart home devices using a new Favorites tile and complication. When you put all of the above together, you'll find WearOS to finally have arrived at a modernity that it has lacked since inception. In fact, prior to this latest update, every time my Pixel Watch received a new OS version, I was underwhelmed. This is the first iteration that actually had me excited. Now, I can walk up to someone wearing an Apple Watch and not feel like I have to hide my wrist in shame. That's how far WearOS has come with the latest iteration. How to get the new update There's really not much you need to go to get the latest update. When the update is available for your watch, you will see a notification in the WearOS Notification Shade informing you to place your phone on its charger. As soon as you place the phone on the charger, the update will begin. When the update is completed, remove your watch from the charger and you're good to go. If you don't see the update in the notifications, do this: Swipe down on the home screen Tap the gear icon Scroll down and tap System Tap System Updates If your watch doesn't automatically alert you of an update, go here. Jack Wallen/ZDNET If the update is available, you can tap to begin the process (at which point, you'll be prompted to place your watch on its charger). Must have update This is probably the first update to WearOS that I would call a "must have." If your watch is using any WearOS version earlier than 6.0, make sure to check for an update and apply it immediately. Trust me, you won't regret taking the time to do this.