In the ever-evolving world of wearable technology, Samsung’s Galaxy Watches are set to receive an exciting update with the arrival of OneUI 5. Among the new features, one stands out—the Watch Unlock feature. Let’s explore the details of this innovative addition.
Details of OneUI 5 Watch Unlock features
The concept of unlocking a smartphone using a linked smartwatch is not entirely new, as Google introduced this functionality with Wear OS 4. It functions similarly to how an Apple Watch can seamlessly unlock a connected iPhone. With this feature, there’s no need to enter a PIN, password, or use biometric authentication to unlock your phone. It’s a practical solution for situations when your hands are wet, dirty, or when you’re wearing gear like a helmet that hinders the use of Face Unlock. Although this feature isn’t available just yet, it’s expected to arrive in a future software update.
Mishaal Rahman, an Android enthusiast, recently discovered this capability for the Pixel Watch, sparking excitement among wearable tech aficionados. However, it’s not limited to the Pixel Watch; it appears that all Wear OS 4-based smartwatches, including the Galaxy Watch 4, Galaxy Watch 5, and Galaxy Watch 6, will be eligible to access this convenient feature. Armando subsequently uncovered the Watch Unlock option within the One UI 5 Watch update (com.google.android.clockwork.active_unlock).
It’s important to note that Watch Unlock differs from Trusted Handsets, a long-standing feature available on Android devices. Watch Unlock offers a more secure method of unlocking a linked phone if the smartwatch itself is unlocked using a PIN or another authentication method. To take advantage of this functionality, users will need to set up a PIN or password on their Wear OS smartwatch, ensuring an added layer of security to the unlocking process.
As OneUI 5 rolls out to Galaxy Watches, the introduction of Watch Unlock features promises a more seamless and convenient experience for users, bridging the gap between their smartwatches and smartphones. With this innovation, Samsung continues to enhance the usability and security of its wearable devices, setting the stage for a future where unlocking your smartphone becomes even more effortless.
