Mobvoi has finally started rolling out the Wear OS 4 update for its TicWatch Pro 5 and Pro 5 Enduro smartwatches. This update has been eagerly anticipated by users for several months, especially considering the recent launch of Wear OS 5 on new devices like the Pixel Watch 3. The update will be rolled out in phases starting in early September, varying by region and device.
The Wear OS 4 update brings several new features and enhancements to the TicWatch Pro 5 series, including:
- Backup and Restore: Securely backup your data and settings to the cloud, ensuring you can easily restore your watch to a previous state if needed.
- Phone Transfer: Seamlessly transfer your watch to a new smartphone without having to perform a factory reset.
- Enhanced TicMotion Accuracy: Improved accuracy for various activities like running, cycling, and swimming.
- New Workout Types in TicExercise: Support for 25 new workout types, including hiking, kayaking, pickleball, and more.
- Automatic Pause for Workouts: Automatically pauses tracking for many workout types when you stop moving.
- Latest Security Patch: Includes the September 2024 security patch.
This update is a significant step forward for TicWatch Pro 5 users, offering improved functionality and security. However, some users may be disappointed that Mobvoi took so long to release the update, especially with Wear OS 5 already on the horizon.
The Long Wait for Wear OS 4
The TicWatch Pro 5 series was launched in early 2024 with Wear OS 3.5. Wear OS 4 was released in August 2023, but Mobvoi didn’t start its beta program for the update until April 2024. This delay has left many users frustrated, especially as other smartwatch manufacturers have been much quicker to roll out Wear OS 4 updates.
Is it too little too late?
While the Wear OS 4 update does bring some welcome improvements, some users are questioning whether it’s too little too late. With Wear OS 5 already making its way to new devices, the TicWatch Pro 5 series may soon feel outdated again.
New Features in Detail
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features included in the Wear OS 4 update for the TicWatch Pro 5 series:
Backup and Restore
This is a crucial feature that allows you to securely backup your watch’s data and settings to the cloud. This means that if you ever need to reset your watch or switch to a new device, you can easily restore your data and settings without losing anything.
Phone Transfer
This feature makes it easy to transfer your watch to a new smartphone without having to perform a factory reset. This is a convenient feature if you upgrade your phone or if you need to use your watch with a different phone temporarily.
Enhanced TicMotion Accuracy
TicMotion is Mobvoi’s proprietary motion tracking technology. The Wear OS 4 update brings improved accuracy for various activities like running, cycling, and swimming. This means that your watch will be able to track your workouts more accurately, providing you with more reliable data.
New Workout Types in TicExercise
The TicExercise app now supports 25 new workout types, including hiking, kayaking, pickleball, and more. This gives you more options for tracking your workouts, and it makes the TicWatch Pro 5 series a more versatile fitness companion.
Automatic Pause for Workouts
This is a handy feature that automatically pauses tracking for many workout types when you stop moving. This means that you don’t have to worry about manually pausing and resuming your workouts, and it ensures that your workout data is more accurate.
Latest Security Patch
The Wear OS 4 update also includes the September 2024 security patch. This helps to protect your watch from potential vulnerabilities, ensuring that your data is safe.
User Reactions and Expectations
The Wear OS 4 update has been met with mixed reactions from TicWatch Pro 5 users. Some users are happy to finally have the update, while others are disappointed that it took so long. There are also some concerns about whether the update will improve battery life, which has been a common complaint among users.
Here are some of the reactions from TicWatch Pro 5 users on Reddit and Quora:
- “Finally! I’ve been waiting for this update for months.”
- “It’s about time. I was starting to think Mobvoi had forgotten about us.”
- “I’m hoping this update improves battery life. That’s been my biggest issue with this watch.”
- “I’m glad they’ve added more workout types. That’s a big plus for me.”
- “I’m still not sure if I’ll keep this watch. Wear OS 5 is already out, and I don’t want to be left behind again.”
Overall, the Wear OS 4 update is a positive step for TicWatch Pro 5 users. It brings some welcome improvements and enhancements, and it helps to keep the watch up-to-date. However, the long wait for the update has left some users frustrated, and there are concerns about whether the update will be enough to keep the watch competitive in the rapidly evolving smartwatch market.
