Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Mobile
  3. News

Samsung rebrands Gear app as ‘Galaxy Wearables,’ supports Android 9.0 Pie

Brenda Stolyar
By
Samsung wearable
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Samsung Gear owners were experiencing issues pairing their Gear S3 with their smartphone after downloading Android 9.o Pie in early August, Digital Trends previously reported. Since then, Samsung has responded with a solution. First spotted by Android Central, the company has officially rolled out an update for its Gear wearables.

Samsung was aware of the problem Gear S3 users were having — a spokesperson had even responded to related comments in Play Store reviews. The company made it clear that an update would be released for Android Pie as soon as possible.

Recommended Videos

The fix is part of the v2.2.21.18080361 update, and can be downloaded via the Google Play Store. Users will notice that in addition to releasing an update, the company also rebranded its Samsung Gear app to Galaxy Wearable — which is more in line with Galaxy Watch branding. For those who already have the app, make sure you’ve updated it to the latest version.

Related

According to a thread on Reddit, one user wasn’t running into any issues until they tried to pair and use their Samsung Gear S3 with a Pixel after upgrading to Android Pie. Apparently, the Samsung Gear app will not connect to the wearable once the phone is running the new OS.

While attention was drawn to the issue the same day as Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event in Brooklyn, New York, one of our readers, known as “techiekeki,” pointed out the connectivity problems have existed for a while now. According to a thread on XDA-Developer’s forum, a user who goes by the name “skersh” reported the problem on July 7 after signing up for the Android P beta program.

A user on Reddit experienced the same issue — explaining that there weren’t any issues with the Gear S3 until after having upgraded to Android Pie. The Samsung Gear app wouldn’t connect to the wearable once the phone was running the new OS.

The app would open and begin to load, but would then crash a little while later. Even if your device was already connected prior to the update, Android P reportedly broke the connection.

Google launched Android 9.0 Pie on August 9. For now, the new operating system is only available on the Pixel, Pixel 2, and the Essential Phone, but will be released on additional devices in the near future. The OS comes with a slew of new features from improvements to Do Not Disturb to new gesture features, and more.

In addition to products like the Galaxy Note 9, Wireless Charger Duo, and more, Samsung also announced its Galaxy Watch at the event. The new smartwatch happens to be the successor to the Gear S3 and Gear Sport.

Updated August 14: Samsung rolls out a fix for its Gear wearables. 

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Brenda Stolyar
Brenda Stolyar
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Brenda became obsessed with technology after receiving her first Dell computer from her grandpa in the second grade. While…
Pixel 6 vs. Samsung Galaxy S21: Which Android wins?
Pixel 6 screen.

The Pixel 6 is quite possibly the best sub-$800 Android phone you can buy right now. It takes what was great about previous Pixels (namely the excellent camera and software), and adds a strikingly fresh design, a stunning AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a new Google-made processor, and a bigger battery than ever. It even soups up its main camera lens by swapping 12 megapixels for a more substantial 50MP.

All in all, it looks like a very compelling smartphone, but it isn't alone in the category of Android phones that aim to be great all-rounders while also not being too expensive. Another contender in this field is the Samsung Galaxy S21, which also checks a large number of boxes. Its 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen is lusciously vibrant, its processor is dizzyingly fast, it sports a versatile triple-lens rear camera, and it also looks stylishly unique. However, which is better: it or the Pixel 6?

Read more
How to sell your old Samsung Galaxy (without getting ripped off)
galaxy s9 hands-on review both back hand

If you’re tempted by the Samsung Galaxy S21, the Note 20 Ultra 5G, or another new smartphone, then you may want to sell your old handset. Many used Samsung Galaxy smartphones change hands every day, but you need to plan properly if you want to secure the best price.

Whether you have a Galaxy S20, Galaxy S10, S9 Plus, or S8 to sell, the sooner you do it, the more cash you’re likely to make. Let’s take a closer look at how to sell your old Samsung Galaxy.
Sell it to others directly on Craigslist, eBay, etc
There is a roaring trade in used Samsung Galaxy smartphones on eBay, Craigslist, and other sites where you can sell your old handset directly to a private buyer. Prices are variable and it’s not as straightforward as some of your other options below, but this is potentially the most lucrative way to dispose of your old handset.

Read more
The best Samsung Galaxy Note 9 screen protectors
Galaxy Note 9 blue offset

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 features a 6.4-inch screen with an AMOLED display. The quality of the image and color accuracy are two features that make the Galaxy Note 9 stand out from other phones, even though it isn’t the newest model.

With its premium glass and metal build, the last thing you want is for the screen to be damaged. Accidents happen, which is why it is so essential to protect the screen with the best cover. If you own a Samsung Galaxy Note 9, investing in a screen protector will ensure that you keep getting the stunning image quality that sets this phone apart. A screen protector is a simple accessory that prevents scratches and other issues that can affect your display.

Read more