The last couple of days have been seeing people get updates to their Android Wear devices, bringing them forward on the software version to 4.4w.2. For the most part the updates were the same across all available Android Wear devices,(save for the Moto 360 which got some of its own specific little tweaks)bringing support for offline music playback and storage, which will allow people to listen to music using just their Android Wear devices once the capability to connect Bluetooth headsets is patched in. So far we had heard of the LG G Watch getting the update to 4.4w.2 along with the Moto 360, and the upcoming Sony Smartwatch 3 will reportedly be shipping with the version of software already on board.
Today, we’re learning that Samsung Gear Live, the third currently available Android Wear smartwatch is beginning to get the update to Android Wear 4.4w.2 as well, which means some bug fixes and improvements as well as offline music playback and storage eventually. There are a couple of other features to this update of note, like the GPS capability although so far only the Sony Smartwatch 3 has embedded GPS so it won’t matter much for Samsung Gear Live users.
Another feature that has been making the rounds is the ability to now “hide” notification cards that come in to the watch, by simply swiping down on the card to tuck it away for interaction later. Prior to this update, notification cards either had to be interacted with right then and there, left alone which meant they would stay on the watch face, or dismissed entirely. With 4.4w.2, Samsung Gear Live users will now have the option temporarily dismiss the notification by hiding it, so they can go back to it later when they have the time or desire to check the notification. The music playback feature seems like it might be rather nice improvement. If you have a set of Bluetooth earbuds that you can use for music, this could allow you to leave the phone at home when you go out for a run or a ride, although we have to wonder how music playback will affect the battery life on the watches. Do you own a Samsung Gear Live? Have you gotten the update yet?