In the world of smartwatches, getting the newest devices and the latest version of Android on your device often go hand-in-hand. However, Samsung’s latest offering, the Galaxy Watch 8, has encountered some compatibility challenges when paired with the beta version of Android 16. As of the update on July 22, significant improvements have been made with the rollout of Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3, effectively resolving the previous bug that hindered the installation of the Galaxy Watch Manager plugin.
Following the installation of the update, users have successfully paired the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, without needing to perform a complete reset. This is a notable improvement, especially considering that the earlier version of Android often resulted in crashes within the Galaxy Wearable app during the pairing process. With the latest beta, the app no longer fails at the Watch Manager prompt, allowing users to easily pair their devices.
The Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic are well-regarded for their comfort and aesthetic appeal. Many users appreciate the way these devices feel on the wrist and their stylish design, despite some differing opinions on the cushion case design. Samsung has seized the opportunity to introduce these new watches with One UI Watch 8, which operates on the advanced Wear OS 6. This marks the first time Wear OS 6 is featured in smartwatches, and users can immediately notice changes, including stacked tiles and a notably snappier user interface.
Despite the positives, some users have reported compatibility issues right out of the box with the Watch 8 series. If you are using an Android device running any version of the Android 16 QPR1 beta, particularly on a Pixel, you may face difficulties pairing the watch to your phone. This issue first emerged a few weeks ago when the Android 16 beta was still in early stages. The transition to this unfinished beta version of Google’s latest software led to Samsung’s smartwatches becoming incompatible with paired phones.
The specific pairing issue was prominent while using Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.1 on a Pixel 8a. Users also experienced similar problems when trying to connect a Galaxy Watch 8 Classic to a Pixel 9 Pro Fold on the same build. In these cases, the Galaxy Wearable app attempted to download the Watch Manager plugin, but the process failed, leading to app crashes. This ultimately resulted in the pairing process restarting, with the Galaxy Watch 8 needing to restart in some instances.
If you’re considering purchasing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 or Watch 8 Classic, it is advisable to do so with a stable public build of Android. These devices function seamlessly with Pixel phones and other compatible Android devices, albeit with minor feature losses. Overall, the Galaxy Watch 8 series represents a significant upgrade for anyone looking to enhance their smartwatch experience.
In conclusion, while the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic have received positive acclaim for their design and functionality, potential buyers should be aware of the compatibility issues with the Android 16 beta. Opting for a stable Android build will ensure a smoother pairing experience and enable users to fully enjoy the capabilities of these innovative smartwatches.
