Can you Install Wear OS On Any Smartwatch? Here's the Truth

One of the most revolutionary software programs for smartwatches has been Wear OS by Google.

Wear OS lets the user make the most out of the advanced features of a wristwatch. These features include positional tracking, music storage, Google Assistant, Wi-FI, NFC, LTE connectivity, and more.

Because of this, many non-Wear OS users are eager to get Wear OS running on their smartwatches.

Certain well-known brands like Asus, Samsung, Huawei, Polar, TAG Heuer, Mobvoi, New Balance, Fossil, LG, MediaTek, Imagination Technologies, and many such brands are Wear OS’s hardware partners.

Before I answer whether Wear OS can be installed on any smartwatch, one question will probably pop up in your head: “Is using Wear OS worth it?”

Well, let’s take a look at this.

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What Are The Benefits Of Wear OS?

Wear OS by Google keeps updating over and over again. As for 2022, some of the most remarkable benefits of Wear OS are discussed below in detail:

Google Assistant

You can use Google Assistant on your smartwatch to check the weather, start a timer, make a call, control some smart home devices, and a lot more just by your voice.

Google Assistant also supports Smart Suggestions. If you command or ask Google Assistant something, it will automatically come up with a follow-up related to that conversation.

The answers are often displayed on your watch’s screen.

Storing and Playing Music

The Wear OS smartwatches offer 1 GB RAM and around 8 GB storage, implying that Wear OS watches can store music and play them while you are on a walk or simply sitting. You can even stream music from platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play Music, and much more.

Downloading Apps

Did you know that you can even download third-party apps on your smartwatch, thanks to Wear OS?

If you wish to download an application on your smartwatch, you must press the power button on your watch and head to the Play Store (if using an Android device). Then, you need to search for the application you wish to download and click on Install.

Staying Connected

You can use Wear OS to text, access your emails, and see who calls you without taking your phone out of your pocket.

Using Google Apps

When setting up your Wear OS, you will be asked to sign in to your Google Account. When you do so, you can receive notifications, sync apps, share contacts, and so on. You also access more Google apps like Google Calendar, Maps, Google Pay, Google Translate, and much more.

Well, these were a couple of benefits of Wear OS. Let’s move on to our next segment, where we discuss installing the Wear OS on different smartwatches.

Can you Install Wear OS On Any Smartwatch?

There is no way to install Wear OS on a smartwatch that is not already running Android Wear OS. Wear OS requires a blend of hardware requirements like sensors, Snapdragon Wear CPUs, and GPUs. Along with that, it also needs ample RAM and ROM to function.

It has also to do with the fact that smartwatches do not function the same way as computers or smartphones where one can install an Operating System of their choice.

The smaller and sleeker the device becomes, the more difficult it becomes to integrate the hardware and software so that the device can support other operating systems than the pre-installed one.

What’s the solution? The only solution is to get yourself a smartwatch that runs Wear OS right out of the box. Thankfully, many popular manufacturers have partnered with Google to bring you the benefit of Wear OS on your wrist.

What Watch Brands Are Compatible With Wear OS?

Wear OS is compatible with a lot of brands; some of the popular ones are listed below:

Samsung Galaxy 4 Series
Fossil
Michael Kors
Mobvoi TicWatch
Montblanc
G-SHOCK

Citizen
Hublot
TAG Heuer
Skagen
SUUNTO
Emporio Armani

Is It Worth Getting a Wear OS Smartwatch?

In our opinion, yes! The Wear OS Smartwatch is worth splurging on. There are a few reasons why you must get your hands on the Wear OS smartwatch.

As with Android, Wear OS offers a variety of options. You get a familiar software experience, but the hardware indeed differs. The reason is that Google’s hardware suppliers are tech companies, fitness companies, fashion brands, and traditional watchmakers.

It is not the case with Apple, as their users receive the same hardware no matter which model they choose.

The Wear OS smartwatches have different sizes, shapes, and price ranges. This gives the user the liberty to pick a watch that fits their budget. Also, if you are looking for a stylish watch, a formal watch, or something with a sporty look, everything is taken care of with Wear OS.

Wrap Up

Despite your best efforts, you cannot manually install Wear OS on any smartwatch. Google as a company manages the Android Wear OS framework as a closed-source project. As a result, manufacturers need to form partnerships with Google to install Wear OS on their smartwatches.

You’re highly recommended to get yourself a Wear OS smartwatch as it is versatile and offers the same features that a smartphone has to offer, making your life easier and everyday tasks a lot more efficient.

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