Google announced that it is working on the feature of playing media from internal speakers for Android smart watches in Wear OS 5.1. This innovation, which appeared in the Android developer notes, was noticed by Mishaal Rahman. In addition, the new version will be based on Android 15 and will also add support for identity managers. As a reminder, the Wear OS 5 version released earlier this month was built on Android 14.
Google states that it will be possible to use internal speakers for “devices that support media playback through the watch speaker.” In compatible applications, users will be able to listen to music or other media directly from their watch by opting for the built-in speaker. However, it is not yet clear on which devices this feature will be supported.
Currently, Android smartwatches only work via Bluetooth connection for media playback. This was also true for Apple Watch devices until recently. The company did not support media playback through speakers until the Series 10 and Ultra 2 models. On the other hand, this feature will remain on hold for a while for Pixel Watch users. Google aims to offer this feature in the next Pixel Watch software update, scheduled for release in March 2024.
Pixel Watch users claim that in the past they were able to listen to music or podcasts through their watch’s speakers. There are various user comments regarding this issue, especially in the Pixel Watch subreddit. Some users who experienced this feature two years ago stated that this was possible as a result of a software error and that they were uncomfortable with it being fixed later.
Wear OS 5.1 may bring more flexibility in daily use
Although listening to music through smart watch speakers is not preferred for most people, this innovation attracts attention as it offers the option of listening to podcasts or music when headphones are not available. It can be said that Wear OS 5.1 has the potential to provide more flexibility, especially in daily use.