Here’s a closer look at Wear OS 6; customizable color themes, Material updates [Gallery]

WIRED

Google’s first preview of Wear OS 6 has arrived, with some major redesigns in tow.
Wear OS 6 is the first version of Google’s smartwatch OS to be based on Android 16.
Advertisement – scroll for more content It’s not overbearing, though, at least in this initial preview of Wear OS 6.
Customizable color themes Perhaps the biggest update in Wear OS 6 is that Material You themeing has arrived.
More on Wear OS: Material 3 Expressive is already making its way to Wear OS Tiles Wear OS 6 brings Material 3 Expressive redesign, Gemini Follow Ben: Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram

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Google has released its first preview of Wear OS 6, which includes some significant redesigns. Here’s an initial glance.

The first Android 16-based version of Google’s smartwatch operating system is called Wear OS 6. Bringing Material 3 Expressive, the platform’s new design language, into the fold is in keeping with Android 16’s QPR1 update.

Several places use the new design language. The bottom button now has a new “bubble” shape that matches the display’s radius where lists end. This is most easily observed in the multitasking menu, notifications, and app drawer.

The influence of Material 3 Expressive is also evident in the design language. The unlock page features fresh animations that blend in perfectly with Material 3 Expressive, and the Quick Settings feature the new, bolder icons that are used throughout Google’s designs.

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It isn’t intrusive, though, at least not in this early Wear OS 6 preview. Things are looking good to start, but Google is likely going to make some more changes and improvements before the full release. For instance, toggles haven’t been updated to match the new design in this build, but they are confirmed to be coming.

customizable color schemes.

The arrival of Material You themeing in Wear OS 6 is arguably the most significant update. This changes as you switch between faces and is initially based on your watch face. Whenever you switch watch faces, a notification stating that the theme is being applied appears, and the themeing is extensive across the operating system. It can be found on buttons, Quick Settings, notifications, and other places.

However, you have the option to manually set a theme in addition to automatic ones. You can choose from eight different color theme options under Settings > Display > Color theme.

Moonstone: purple and gray.

Ivy: Green tones.

Earthy tones made of porcelain.

Green and light purple iris.

Lemongrass: Green with blue and purple undertones.

Earthy green hues are found in jade.

Indigo: Pink-tinged blue.

Peony: maroon, purple, and pink.

Another option is to completely disable the colors, which would result in a purple theme with orange accents. This is an intriguing option for “no theme.”. “”.

When is Wear OS 6 going to be accessible?

As of right now, Wear OS 6 is only available as an Android Studio preview. It cannot be sideloaded onto a Pixel Watch, and no updates are available at this time. If past performance is any indication, Wear OS 6 will make its debut on Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Watch release, which is scheduled for July, before making its way to the Pixel Watch later this year. The design modifications seen here are also probably not going to be present in Samsung’s version of the update.

So far, how do you feel about the update?

Read more about Wear OS.

Wear OS Tiles is already incorporating Material 3 Expressive.

Wear OS 6 introduces Gemini, the Material 3 Expressive redesign.

Join Ben’s following on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X.

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