Update 2/15/18: Google has updated the list of smartwatch devices that will be receiving Android Oreo.
Android Wear, Google’s Android-based smartwatch OS, is being updated to Android Oreo this week. Android 8.0 for Android Wear devices doesn’t bring a huge amount of features, rather a few bug fixes and general performance improvements. It does still bring one or two other changes though, such as Touch Lock which will allow an owner of the device to lock the touchscreen, so submerged waterproof smartwatches won’t suffer from random taps on the touchscreen.
For those of you wondering whether your Android Wear smartwatch will be eligible for the Android Oreo update, Google has released the list of devices which will receive the update that is rolling out now as well as the list of devices which are starting to receive the update slowly.
Google has confirmed the following devices have received the upgrade:
- Fossil Q Venture
- LG Watch Sport
- Louis Vuitton Tambour
- Michael Kors Sofie
- Montblanc Summit
- Hugo BOSS BOSS Touch
- Movado Connect
- Tommy Hilfiger 24/7 You
- Guess Connect
- Gc Connect
- Fossil Q Founder 2.0
- Fossil Q Marshal
- Fossil Q Wander
- Michael Kors Access Bradshaw
- Michael Kors Access Dylan
- TAG Heuer Tag Connected Modular 45
- Diesel Full Guard
- Emporio Armani Connected
- Fossil Q Explorist
- Michael Kors Access Grayson
- Fossil Q Control
- LG Watch Style
- Misfit Vapor
- Nixon Mission
Google has provided the following list of devices which are currently pursuing the upgrade:
- Casio PRO TREK Smart WSD-F20
- Casio WSD-F10 Smart Outdoor Watch
- Huawei Watch 2
- Mobvoi Ticwatch S & E
- Polar M600
- ZTE Quartz
Currently, the Android smartwatch market has stagnated heavily, to the point that some companies are even pulling out of the market altogether. A large contributing factor to Android Wear’s stagnation is the fact that most consumers don’t see the need for purchasing a smartwatch to accompany their smartphone. Furthermore, existing Android Wear users are less likely to consider upgrading their devices when new models are released, which means there is less incentive for manufacturers to follow up on their product lines.
Source: Google