The development of Android 16 is in progress, but the focus is also on the upcoming Wear OS 6 that will power future Wear OS smartwatches. A recent report indicates that Google is working on addressing a significant issue related to the always-on display (AOD) feature in Wear OS 6.
AOD is a crucial feature for smartwatches as it ensures that the watch face remains visible even when not in use, mimicking the traditional watch experience. This feature allows users to interact with the watch face or apps without having to wake the screen constantly.
However, Wear OS 5 had a drawback when it came to AOD mode. If an app did not support AOD mode, users would see a blurred background with the time displayed over it when the watch entered ambient mode. This made it inconvenient to interact with certain apps without waking the screen.
The good news is that Wear OS 6 will address this issue. Google has confirmed that the upcoming update will introduce a “Forced Global AOD Experience,” ensuring that the previous top activity remains visible and active when the device enters ambient mode. This means users will be able to continue using the current app in the foreground without any interruptions.
The improvement in the AOD mode with Wear OS 6 is a welcome change that will enhance the user experience for smartwatch users. With Google’s commitment to fixing this issue, it raises anticipation for what other exciting features the new operating system will bring. Keep an eye out for more updates as the official announcement approaches.