Google Messages on Wear OS to Gain New Interaction Features

Google is working to introduce new features to the Messages app for Wear OS smartwatches, aiming to enhance the user experience and interaction directly from the wrist. These upcoming updates are designed to bring more functionality to smartwatch users.

Emoji Reactions

Currently, Wear OS users can view emoji reactions to messages received on their smartwatches, but they do not have the capability to create and send their own reactions. Upcoming updates are expected to address this limitation.

"Upcoming updates are expected to enable users to react with emojis directly from their Wear OS smartwatches."

This will allow for more dynamic communication directly from the wrist. While these updates will support standard emoji reactions, there is no indication that support for creating Photomojis will be introduced. Nevertheless, users will still be able to see Photomojis sent from others.

"Mark as read" Button

Another anticipated feature for Wear OS notifications is the introduction of a "Mark as read" button. This functionality is already a common feature on Android phones and is also available in other Google apps, such as Gmail on Wear OS.

"This functionality... will allow users to dismiss unimportant messages directly from their smartwatch notifications, helping to manage unread message counts."

The new button will allow users to dismiss unimportant messages directly from their smartwatch notifications. This will provide a more convenient way to manage their unread message counts without needing to access their phone, improving overall notification management.