Google Home for Wear OS: Custom Favorites Feature Rolled Out

Google Home for Wear OS now allows users to set a custom list of device Favorites. Previously, Favorites set on phones were synced across Wear OS and Google TV's Home Panel. Users can now have device-specific shortcuts, such as pinning security cameras to Google TV, kitchen speakers to Android phones, and thermostats to Wear OS smartwatches. To set Favorites, open the Google Home app on the wrist, scroll down for the "Edit" button, and tap "Open on phone."

Google Home for Wear OS has introduced a new feature allowing users to set custom lists of device Favorites. This update, which is part of recent Android updates, allows users to have device-specific shortcuts, enhancing the convenience and management of their smart home devices. Previously, Favorites set on phones were synced across Wear OS and Google TV’s Home Panel. Now, users can pin their security cameras to Google TV, their kitchen speakers to Android phones, and their thermostats to Wear OS smartwatches, among other combinations [1].

To set these Favorites, users need to open the Google Home app on their Wear OS device, scroll down to the "Edit" button, and tap "Open on phone." This action opens the Google Home app to a page grouped by Actions, Automations, and Devices, organized into rooms. Users can then add or remove devices and reorder favorites before saving their changes. The Favorites feed updates on the Wear OS Tile when pulled down to refresh [1].

While this feature is a significant improvement, it is essential to note that customization for the Google TV Home Panel is not yet live. The current versions are Google Home 2.78.4.2 on Wear OS and version 3.35.55.0 on phones with the Public Preview program [1].

Looking ahead, the smartwatch market is poised for a significant performance upgrade with the rumored new Qualcomm Wear OS chip. According to Android Authority, Qualcomm is in the early testing phase of a new chip codenamed "Aspen," which is expected to feature a 1+4 core setup based on a TSMC node and a RAM controller upgrade, potentially improving battery life [2]. This chip, if it debuts in 2026, could considerably boost the performance of Wear OS devices, addressing some of the limitations of the current generation of chips [2].

The new chip, internally known as SW6100, is expected to feature one Arm Cortex-A78 core alongside four Arm Cortex-A55 cores, providing a noticeable CPU upgrade. Additionally, it will support LPDDR5X RAM, offering a slight battery life boost compared to previous Qualcomm platforms [2]. While the exact name for this chip is yet to be confirmed, it is likely to be called the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 or something similar when it debuts [2].

This development is significant for investors and financial professionals, as it indicates a potential resurgence in the Wear OS market, driven by enhanced performance and improved battery life. The new chip is expected to be announced at Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon Summit in September 2025, providing more details on its specifications and capabilities [3].

References:
[1] https://9to5google.com/2025/07/15/google-home-wear-os-favorites-custom/
[2] https://www.androidcentral.com/wearables/alleged-qualcomm-snapdragon-wear-os-chip-development-reported
[3] https://www.t3.com/tech/smartwatches/your-next-smartwatch-could-be-a-performance-powerhouse-thanks-to-new-wear-os-chip