September Google Play system updates add some new features for Wear OS users

Earlier this year, Google started publicizingall the changesit regularly delivered via Google Play system updates. We saw the firstSeptember updatemake an appearance yesterday, with enhancements to Google Kids Space, account syncing, and account recovery. These releases aren’t strictly once-a-month, though, and it turns out we did not have to wait very long at all for the next one this time. The latest Google Play system updates are now looking to enhance the way Androidworks with Wear OS, fixing some problems and introducing several small refinements.

Google Play system updates add features and quality-of-life changes to Android devices without the need to distribute a full-blown Android update. That makes them a handy way to roll out immediate changes which cannot wait until the next major Android release.

4

Therevised changelogincludes a host of smartwatch-related improvements, like it getting easier to find recommended apps inthe Play Store for Wear OS. We’re also seeing new behavior where if you install an app on your wearable which requires a companion smartphone app, the latter will be automatically downloaded and installed for you.

A new, secondary menu in the Play Store on your phone will also highlight Wear OS apps you might be interested in, and Google mentions some additional tweaks to enhance discoverability across all apps. The rest of this update sounds pretty standard, with improvements to Play Protect and behind-the-scenes optimizations for speed and stability on the Play Store.

Google Home icon with some gadgets around it.

You can get check for the latest Google Play system update by heading to the Settings app on your Android device, tapping Security, and then selecting Google Play system update. Keep in mind that these updates roll out in a phased manner, so they may not show up on your device immediately.

Not yet, anyway

Samsung Notes logo in front of image containing S Pen and devices using Samsung Notes

Breaking language barriers, one feed at a time

Goodbye, text-only analysis

Galaxy S21 screen side up on the edge of table.

An advanced, compact, purpose-built device

It’s $30 off for a limited time

Montblanc Summit 3 Wear OS 3 hands on9

I found the only AI photo app worth keeping on my phone