After the super-slow rollout of Wear OS 3 to Mobvoi’s TicWatch line of smartwatches, we weren’t necessarily expecting another major update to come to the brand’s latest Pro 5 series.
But that’s exactly what we’ve got – Wear OS 4 is coming to the Pro 5 and Pro 5 Enduro.
We’ve long criticized the brand for its slow adoption of newer Google software, but this is a serious step in the right direction. It means the watches can finally graduate from the Wear OS 3.5 update launched back in October 2022.
The move ensures the pair are now right in line with other non-Google/Samsung vendors like OnePlus – with its Watch 2 and Watch 2R – in offering the 2023 software, and, crucially, means Pro 5 and Pro 5 Enduro users can enjoy headline features such as cloud backups and Watch Face Format support.
The former means that data transfer and settings can all be carried over to a new smartphone without a factory reset, while the latter is a feature that allows developers to build more power-efficient and customizable faces.
Plus, all the standard benefits that come with a newer platform will also form part of the upgrade, such as improved stability and security patches.
The update will be released in phases over the coming weeks and users will be notified on their watch, Mobvoi says, with improvements to TicMotion (automatic exercise detection), TicExercise (activity tracking), and TicHealth (health tracking) all in tow, too.
Specifically, cyclists should experience improved detection, while improved data tracking and expanded workout options are being touted for TicExercise.
The real-time data display from third-party fitness apps on the ultra-low power display – initially only available on the Enduro – will now also be integrated into the Pro 5, with the new unified TicHealth app (reducing the bloatware) also coming.
