One UI Watch: Samsung shows first preview of new user interface

The days of the Tizen OS on Samsung smartwatches are numbered. At the Mobile World Congress (MWC), Samsung has now presented the new One UI Watch, which was developed together with Google for upcoming wearables from the South Koreans. In the future, the interaction between Galaxy Watches and smartphones should be even more seamless.

Samsung creates unified platform

According to Samsung, the goal of One UI Watch is to create a unified platform for Galaxy smartphones and smartwatches. Thus, compatible apps that are installed on one device should also find their way directly to the other gadget.

Customizations and settings within the apps will also be synced directly between the two devices, while calls on the smartphone can also be accepted or rejected using the Galaxy Watches.

Compatible apps will also be automatically installed on the other device.

In addition, Samsung said the platform has existing features such as third-party app integration available for download from Google Play. Sameer Samat, vice president of product management at Google, also promises “strong battery life as well as fast performance and app diversity, including some apps from Google” in the announcement.

Free design of the watch faces

Samsung and Google are particularly proud of the new options for designers. Thus, users can expect an application for the design of watch faces at the end of 2021, where users are hardly limited in terms of creativity.

This makes it possible to create completely individual watchfaces and equip them with their own pictures, animations or widgets.

Screenshot of the new design tool for watchfaces — Developers will get the opportunity to create their own watchfaces at the end of the year

Availability

Already the next model of the popular Galaxy Watch, which will be unveiled during Samsung’s next Unpacked event in the summer, is expected to rely on the new One UI Watch. Although the new operating system is a collaboration between Samsung and Google, only Samsung smartwatches are supposed to enjoy One UI Watch, though.

Owners of current Galaxy Watch models can also breathe a sigh of relief: According to Samsung, Tizen-powered Galaxy smartwatches will receive software updates for at least three years after the product launch.