Guide shows how to repurpose old smartwatches as AI assistant devices
A tech guide details ways to reuse an old smartwatch, including converting it into a dedicated AI assistant that works with Gemini on Wear OS or Siri, ChatGPT, and Gemini on Apple Watch. Wear OS users can activate Gemini via voice or button press, while Apple Watch owners can use the Wrist AI app for ChatGPT or Gemini access, or sideload WristAssist for ChatGPT on Wear OS devices using an OpenAI API key.
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The guide suggests that older smartwatches, often left unused after upgrades, could gain renewed utility as lightweight AI interfaces, reducing reliance on pulling out a phone. This points to a broader trend of embedding conversational AI into everyday wearables, though the reliance on sideloading apps and API billing indicates these setups remain workarounds rather than official features.
- Wear OS watches can activate Gemini via voice command or button press after installation and updates.
- Apple Watch users can access ChatGPT or Gemini through the Wrist AI app, though free usage is limited.
- Wear OS users seeking ChatGPT must sideload the discontinued WristAssist app and use a billed OpenAI API key.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 — Perfect for anyone looking to repurpose or upgrade their smartwatch setup, the Galaxy Watch 6 runs Wear OS and supports Gemini integration right out of the box. It's a great way to experience hands-free AI assistant features directly from your wrist, as described in the article's tips for giving old watches new life.
See Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Isaac Egbon, 2026-11-08
Published there as: “5 unexpected uses for your old smartwatch”
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