Developers of Wear OS 3 apps have been sent a new set of guidelines from Google, which emphasize a number of quality improvements with the end user in mind. All Wear OS apps must now be built with Android 11 (API level 30) in mind, as this version of Wear OS is the policy’s foundation.
The usage of a uniform black backdrop for all applications and tiles is one of the most significant shifts that Google is advocating. Google claims that this will improve legibility and reduce power consumption in the watch. It’s important to keep track of the time when wearing a watch, thus Google recommends that developers provide a prominent clock on the app’s home screen and on any active activity screens.
Furthermore, Google recommends that developers use a minimum font size of 12sp for critical information and a minimum of 10sp for supplementary material. In the eyes of the manufacturer, this will make it such that all information displayed on the wearable may be seen at a look. In addition, according to Google’s standards, a watch’s app should fit entirely within the watch’s visible display area so that no content is obscured and the user can easily view, read, and interact with all available options.
As of the 31st of August, 2023, Google is requiring all Wear OS 3 app developers to make these and other updates. Wear OS app quality page on Android Developers has the full list of future improvements, but Google has emphasized some of the significant changes it feels will give a better experience to customers.
Google’s updated policy for Wear OS 3 apps, in conclusion, is aimed around doing what’s best for the user. Developers have until August 31, 2023 to adopt these modifications, which prioritize readability, accessibility, and usability. These tweaks to Wear OS 3, while apparently inconsequential, have the potential to greatly improve the user experience.
In An Effort To Enhance Both Form And Function, Google Has Released New Standards For Wear OS 3
