Google details Wear OS widgets replacing Tiles, showcases first supported apps
▼ Summary
– Wear OS introduces new Wear Widgets in two sizes (2×2 and 2×1), designed to resemble Android widgets for easier cross-platform development.
– Google is transitioning full-screen tiles to widgets, allowing Samsung Galaxy Watches to use the same widgets within their tile stack system.
– The Galaxy Watch 8 series features a new tile design under Wear OS 6/One UI Watch 8, enabling stacked info and tool cards next to the watch face.
– Google claims widgets will be “flexible and dynamic,” but only two sizes have been detailed, with more clarity expected when Wear OS 7 launches.
– Several apps, including Spotify, WhatsApp, Peloton, and Todoist, are already transitioning tiles into widgets for Wear OS 7.
Wear OS is evolving its interface with the introduction of Wear Widgets, a visual overhaul that will gradually replace the current Tiles system. Google has confirmed that several third-party apps are already preparing compatible widgets, a promising development for both Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch users.
These new widgets are available in two sizes: 2×2 (large) and 2×1 (small). Their design deliberately mirrors Android widgets, creating a unified visual language across devices. This shared construction will allow developers to more easily bring widgets to the Pixel Watch and other Wear OS devices.
Google is shifting away from full-screen Tiles in favor of widgets. For Samsung’s Galaxy Watch lineup, this means the same widget system can be integrated into its existing tile stack. The Galaxy Watch 8 series, running the Wear OS 6/One UI Watch 8 hybrid, already debuted a refreshed tile design that stacks multiple information and tool cards next to the watch face. The broader goal is to simplify development across the ecosystem.
Google describes these widgets as “flexible and dynamic,” though only two sizes have been detailed, leaving questions about how fluid the experience will be in practice. We will likely need to wait for Wear OS 7 to see how Wear Widgets fully replace Tiles.
When Wear OS 7 launches, several apps have already begun transitioning from Tiles to widgets. The confirmed list includes Spotify, WhatsApp, Peloton, and Todoist.
(Source: 9to5google.com)
