Xiaomi could finally be making a true rival to the Galaxy Watch and Pixel Watch
A wearable running Google’s Wear OS 3 could be en route
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The wearable wars could be about to take an interesting turn, with news that Xiaomi may be about to launch a smartwatch running onGoogle’s Wear OS 3.
The Chinese manufacturer has been a major playing in the wearable market, but has so far opted to use its ownoperating systemsfor its smartwatches, with itsXiaomi Watch S1and the recently unveiled Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro running on its MIUI Watch OS – a heavily modified version of Android.
However, a report from9to5Googleclaims that the company now looks set to change tact, with the tech giant readying an all-new device for later this year which will run on fullWear OS 3.
That means that unlike current Xiaomi wearables, the new watch will feature full support forGoogle Playapps and services, in turn making it a direct competitor to theSamsung Galaxy Watch 5andGoogle Pixel Watch.
The report goes on to claim that the new device will still be synced and managed by the same Mi Fitness app that Xiaomi’s wearables currently use today.
Analysis: a potential battery boost for Wear OS
As well offering some much needed choice and competition to those pondering a smartwatch purchase, a potential Xiaomi Wear OS 3 watch could bring some much needed juice to Google’s wearable platform.
The key criticism of smartwatches using Wear OS has been their staying power, with flagship devices like theSamsung Galaxy Watch 5struggling to last a day on moderate usage after a full charge.
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While they may not boast the same sort of compelling feature sets asSamsungor Google Pixel smartwatches, Xiaomi wearables lead the way for battery life by some margin, with devices like theXiaomi Watch S1 Proable to last up to an astonishing two weeks on a single charge depending on your usage.
The next generation of Samsung watches are reported to feature higher capacity 425mAh batteries which may help future Galaxy wearables. But if the Xiaomi can integrate Wear OS 3 while also maintaining its super long-life performance, we may have a new table-topper for ourbest smartwatchguide.
Kevin Lynch is a London-born, Dublin-based writer and journalist. The author ofSteve Jobs: A Biographic Portrait, Kevin is a regular feature writer for a number of tech sites and the former Technology Editor for the Daily Mirror. He has also served as editor ofGuinnessWorldRecords.comand has been a member of the judging panel for the BAFTA British Academy Video Game Awards. Alongside reviewing the latest AV gear, smartphones and computers, Kevin also specialises in music tech and can often be found putting the latest DAWs, MIDI controllers and guitar modellers through their paces. Born within the sound of Bow Bells, Kevin is also a lifelong West Ham fan for his troubles.
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