Your Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is about to get loads of great upgrades

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
(Image credit: Samsung)

In the midst of the Google I/O 2022 conference, Samsung reveals that some of Google’s upcoming changes will be making their way to its Galaxy Watch 4.

The changes include the new Google Assistant for quicker and more natural interactions, new apps, Google Wallet, and even an emergency contact feature. Disappointedly, none of these features have a set launch date, but some are arriving soon.

New features and apps to Wear OS

While we wait, let's take a look at what we can expect in these Wear OS updates.

The new Google Assistant will be able to better understand more natural conservations. You no longer have to be so strict with the AI and start every command by first saying “Hey Google” followed by the command description.

The intelligent assistant should, with your permission, be able to understand when you talk to it directly. This Google Assistant update will arrive first on the Next Hub Max, while the Wear OS version has a pending release day.

In the same boat are all the new music, athletic, and communication apps coming this year. Spotify, Adidas Running, LINE, messaging app KakaoTalk, SoundCloud, and Deezer will be coming this year. Spotify, in particular, will have unique interactivity with Google Assistant, as you’ll be able to change songs with just your voice.

Samsung also notes in a blog post outlining the updates that more Google apps and services will be optimized for the Wear OS, but doesn't go into detail as to which ones or when.

Then there’s the revamped Google Wallet, which is no longer an afterthought. The new app will start with support for payment cards. Later on, Wallet will be able to save hotel keys, office badges, and even driver’s licenses on the OS.

And finally, the Galaxy Watch 4 will have Emergency SOS which allows you to contact a friend, family, and even emergency services straight from your watch. Something like this already exists via Early Earthquake Warnings, which will see a global rollout but only in places where earthquakes are more common.

Analysis: Bringing back the old

A common theme for I/O 2022 was the return of old and or somewhat ignored apps and platforms. We saw the return of Google Wallet and revitalizing Assistant. Wear OS was hardly forgotten, but often saw large periods of time without a substantial update, and those we did see were pretty small.

Samsung may not be done. In the post, it concludes by telling everyone to stay tuned for future updates. It’ll be fascinating to see what it and Google have in store.

TOPICS
Cesar Cadenas
Contributor

Cesar Cadenas has been writing about the tech industry for several years now specializing in consumer electronics, entertainment devices, Windows, and the gaming industry. But he’s also passionate about smartphones, GPUs, and cybersecurity. 

Read more
Samsung Galaxy watch 4
Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4 is getting the Wear OS 5 treatment, and you can download your free upgrade now
Google Pixel Watch 3 side dial and button
Wear OS could soon get an Apple Watch feature that makes commuting effortless
Google Pixel Watch 3
Gemini looks set to replace Google Assistant on your wrist as Google plans a massive AI upgrade for Wear OS
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 front
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: latest rumors, updates, and what we want to see
An image of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra from a hands-on event
Samsung's One UI 7 update is finally launching in April – these are the 5 new features I can't wait to try
Google Pixel Watch 3
Google rolls out major Pixel Watch upgrade for all users – here's what's new in Wear OS 5.1
Latest in Smartwatches
The Apple Watch Series 10 on a pink background with text saying Don't Miss next to it.
The beautiful Apple Watch Series 10 drops to its lowest-ever price at Amazon
Amazfit Active 2
I ditched all my strength training plans for a $99 smartwatch – here's what happened
Google Pixel Watch 3 side dial and button
The Pixel Watch just got a secret display upgrade in Wear OS 5.1, but here’s why you probably shouldn’t use it
OnePlus Watch 3
Good news for OnePlus fans as it confirms the OnePlus Watch 3 will get three years of updates, not two
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 with orange 7 on watch face and olive green wristband on orange background with TechRadar don't miss icon
Get the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 for as little as $129.99 with this tempting trade-in deal
Google Pixel Watch 3
Google rolls out major Pixel Watch upgrade for all users – here's what's new in Wear OS 5.1
Latest in News
MacBook Air mute key
The new M4 MacBook Air finally fixes an Apple keyboard annoyance that's been around for decades
A collage of Ellie and Joel in The Last of Us season 2
The Last of Us season 2's new trailer teases a huge showdown between Bella Ramsey's Ellie and Pedro Pascal's Joel, but the big moment I'm waiting for is still being held back
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max REVIEW
New iPhone 17 Air leak may have revealed some key specs – and how it compares to the iPhone 17 Pro Max
Gaming with AI
I asked Gemini to play a text-based adventure game with me and the AI whisked me away to a word-based fantasy
Apple iPhone 16 Review
Three iPhone 17 model dummy units appear in a hands-on video leak
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display the January 22, 2025 Galaxy Unpacked event.
New Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge may have revealed some key details – including its price