Google to make BLE available with Wear-OS 5
Pixel Watch 3 to be the first one to receive Bluetooth Low Energy(BLE) Update
The Wear OS 5 Developer Preview reveals exciting features for future smartwatches, with the upcoming Google Pixel Watch 3, set for an August announcement, likely to be the first to showcase them. The two standout features are UWB (Ultra-Wideband) and Bluetooth LE Audio. UWB connectivity, hinted at in previous reports, is expected to allow secure phone unlocking and more accurate location tracking of both the phone and the watch, provided the phone also supports UWB. This technology enhances precision and security in device interactions. Bluetooth LE Audio is another groundbreaking feature not yet available on smartwatches.
Initially designed for IoT devices requiring Bluetooth connectivity with minimal battery drain, this protocol could revolutionize smartwatches. While Bluetooth LE alone can’t carry audio data, its integration into smartwatches would enable connection to headphones for music streaming without significant battery consumption. Bluetooth LE Audio can connect to multiple devices simultaneously, making it ideal for users streaming music on the go, preserving battery life efficiently. Despite the absence of smartwatches supporting Bluetooth LE Audio, some earbuds and headphones already use the protocol. The Pixel Watch 3 could be the first smartwatch to offer this advanced connectivity, benefiting users relying on their wearables for music streaming.