Google Assistant, the AI helper developed by Google, disappeared from many smartwatches when the Wear OS 3 update was released. This left only the Pixel Watch and Samsung’s newer Galaxy Watches with the feature. However, Fossil is now rolling out an update this month that adds Google Assistant to its Gen 6 watches running Wear OS 3. This means that Fossil’s own models, as well as counterparts from Diesel, Michael Kors, and Skagen, will now support Google Assistant. It’s important to note that in order to use Google Assistant on these watches, you need to be paired with a phone running standard Android with Google apps. Android Go and many Chinese phones may not be compatible with this feature.
If you’re familiar with using Google or Samsung wristwear, you’ll find the functionality of Google Assistant on Fossil’s Gen 6 watches to be quite similar. You can activate the AI helper by saying “hey Google,” holding a button, or tapping a watch face complication. Once activated, you can use Google Assistant to answer texts, control music, and perform various tasks that you would normally need your phone for. One advantage of Fossil’s implementation is that you will also have Alexa at your disposal, so you won’t be limited to just one ecosystem for voice commands.
Unfortunately, if you own a Wear OS 3 watch from another brand like Mobvoi or Montblanc, this update from Fossil won’t be of much help. However, Fossil is one of the most popular names in Google-powered smartwatches, so the addition of Google Assistant support on their Gen 6 watches is significant. This ensures that a larger number of wearable owners can now enjoy the benefits of Google Assistant without having to rely solely on a tiny phone screen for commands.
If you’re considering purchasing a smartwatch and are new to the market, it might be worth waiting for a while. Fossil typically introduces new Wear OS models in late summer, except for this year’s Gen 6 Wellness Edition, which was released in January. Although there’s currently no information available regarding the release date or features of Gen 7, it is expected to be a significant upgrade whenever it does arrive. Therefore, it may be wise to hold off on buying a Gen 6 model simply because Google Assistant is now available. This update is mainly intended for existing Gen 6 owners who lost functionality with the previous Wear OS update.
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In conclusion, Fossil’s latest update brings Google Assistant support to its Gen 6 smartwatches running Wear OS 3. This includes models from Fossil, Diesel, Michael Kors, and Skagen. With Google Assistant on your wrist, you can conveniently perform tasks such as answering texts and controlling music without having to rely on your phone. However, if you own a Wear OS 3 watch from another brand, you’ll have to wait for their respective updates. Lastly, if you’re new to the smartwatch market, it may be worth waiting for the next generation of Wear OS watches for a more significant upgrade.
