WhatsApp has announced the opening of the beta of its application for Wear OSthe version of the Android operating system aimed at wearables and that is mainly found in supposedly smart watches. It is important to note that at the moment, at least officially, it is not a product to be used on a day-to-day basis, but those who are interested can try it to report bugs and other details to the developer.
WhatsApp beta for wearables based on Android technology is available as of Wear OS 3, which can be found in that version or a later one on devices like the Galaxy Watch 5, the Pixel Watch and others. The app offers quite a few of the features available in the mobile builds, including showing recent contacts and conversations and allowing you to send messages in both text and voice formats.
Keep in mind that, to access the application for Wear OS, it is necessary have the beta version of WhatsApp installed on the phone, more specifically version 2.23.10.10+ on both fronts. After installing the build targeting wearables that work with Google technology and put it into operation, the user will be shown an eight-digit alphanumeric code that they will have to enter into the mobile. This will obviously allow the two devices to be linked.
After logging into the wearable, on that device you’ll see a list of recent conversations next to Settings and an option to “Open in Phone,” which needs no explanation. After clicking on any conversation, whether individual or group, the messages, images sent and other typical elements in this type of application will appear.
At the bottom of every conversation it is possible to send a voice message or in text format with the virtual keyboard of the system. As expected, the user can see and listen to the messages of the other participants in the conversations. The app is also capable of displaying the number of unread messages.
As we can see, WhatsApp for Wear OS arrives largely fulfilling what can be expected from the application, especially with regard to minimizing the use of the smartphone. On the other hand, we will see if this incorporation serves to give a boost to a sector that is there, but which may not be the mass success that some expected.