Hybrid Wear OS Promises Impressive Battery Life

Smartwatches have come a long way from being just basic fitness trackers to advanced devices that can detect heart rates and perform complex tasks. Despite these advancements, battery life remains a challenge. However, OnePlus and Google are addressing this issue with a new “hybrid” Wear OS interface set to debut on the OnePlus Watch 2.

Unveiled at MWC, the OnePlus Watch 2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, boasting a more robust battery life that can last up to 100 hours in smart mode. Early reviews confirm this improved endurance, with the device lasting up to 2 days with power to spare, outperforming competitors like Google’s Pixel Watch 2.

The key to the extended battery life of the OnePlus Watch 2 lies in its hybrid Wear OS interface. This setup involves running two operating systems and utilizing two chipsets. The device combines Wear OS 4 with the main Snapdragon W5 SoC for more intensive tasks, while less demanding functions are managed by RTOS, OnePlus’ proprietary operating system, and the BES 2700 low-power coprocessor.

The seamless transition between processors and optimized OS-switching in the hybrid Wear OS interface not only conserves power but also widens the scope of functions the secondary OS and processor can cover. This innovation is expected to be adopted by other smartwatch makers, potentially leading to improved battery life in future devices.

As more manufacturers embrace the hybrid Wear OS interface, consumers can look forward to smartwatches with better battery performance. The possibility of this technology being integrated into upcoming devices like the Google Pixel Watch 3 or Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7 signals a positive shift in the smartwatch market.

Overall, the introduction of the hybrid Wear OS interface by OnePlus and Google signifies a step towards enhancing battery life in smartwatches. It will be interesting to see how this innovation shapes the future of wearable technology and if other brands will follow suit in implementing similar advancements.