When the Wear OS 3 update arrived, Google Assistant vanished from many smartwatches, leaving just the Pixel Watch and Samsung’s newer Galaxy Watches with the capability.
Thankfully, you don’t have to switch brands simply to communicate with Google on your wrist. This month, Fossil will release an update that will add Assistant to Gen 6 watches running Wear OS 3.
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This includes models from Fossil as well as Diesel, Michael Kors, and Skagen, however, you must be coupled with a phone running regular Android with Google apps (Android Go and many Chinese phones do not qualify).
If you’ve used Google or Samsung wristwear, the functionality will be familiar. By saying “hey Google,” holding a button, or tapping a watch face complication, you can activate the AI assistant.
The capability allows you to respond to SMS, control music, and perform other actions that would normally require your phone. However, unlike many options, you will also have Alexa at your disposal. You will not be restricted to a single ecology for speaking commands.
If you’re using a Wear OS 3 watch from another manufacturer, such as Mobvoi or Montblanc, this won’t be much assistance.
However, Fossil is one of the most well-known brands of Google-powered smartwatches. Support in this area ensures that many more wearable owners can utilize Assistant without having to tap a tiny screen.
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If you’re new to smartwatches, you might want to wait before purchasing. Fossil has traditionally released new Wear OS models in late summer, with the exception of this year’s marginally enhanced Gen 6 Wellness Edition, which was released in January.
While there’s no news on when or what Gen 7 will have, it’s sure to be a big boost if and when it emerges – we wouldn’t buy Gen 6 just because Assistant is available. The upgrade is primarily intended for existing owners who lost functionality last year.
