Wear OS watches could soon show workout routes more accurately

Google has released a new version of Google Play Services, bringing a useful improvement to Wear OS smartwatches along with a bunch of developer-oriented features.

The latest version of Google Play Services (v26.31) brings a feature that runners and cyclists will appreciate: Wear OS smartwatches can now process raw location data server-side. This could help improve the accuracy of workout routes displayed by users’ connected health apps. It’s a useful fitness feature for people who like running, walking, or cycling outdoors. It’s worth noting that Wear OS smartwatches without cellular connectivity will likely only be able to display more accurate workout routes once they are reconnected to Wi-Fi or to the user’s smartphone.

Google has also released a new Play Store v52.7 update, with improvements to the Play Store’s Top Charts page. Users will be able to open app details pages directly from the Top Charts page in the Play Store. The feature is limited to “large screens,” which likely means it will only be available on Android tablets and foldables.

There are also several developer-oriented features in the update. Google and third-party app developers can now add support for account management-related features within their apps. This will be available for both Android and Wear OS apps. The update also fixes bugs within developer services, as well as system management and diagnostic services.

Here’s the full changelog for Google Play Services v26.31:

• Account Management
  • [Phone] New developer features for Google and third party app developers to support Account Management related processes in their apps.
• Developer Services
  • [Phone, Wear] New developer features for Google and third party app developers to support Account Management related processes in their apps.
  • [Auto, PC, Phone, Wear] Bug fixes for Developer Services related services.
• Health & Fitness
  • [Wear] You’ll get more accurate workout routes through server-side processing of raw location measurements on Wear OS devices.
• System Management
  • [Phone] Bug fixes for System Management & Diagnostics related services.

You can update your phone to the latest Google System Services by heading to Settings > Google Settings > All Services > Privacy and Security > System Services. You can also enable automatic updates to ensure your phone is always running the latest version of Google System Services.