The Asus ZenWatch is set to give the LG Watch Urbane some company as the wearable is now also getting the much-awaited Android Wear 5.1.1 update.
Earlier in April, Google said that in the course of the next couple of weeks the update would be making its way to all seven Android Wear smartwatches.
The LG watch Urbane would be the first to benefit, followed by the others. True to its promise, the Asus ZenWatch has now started receiving the software update.
Eagle-eyed redditors were the first to give word that the Asus ZenWatch was receiving the Android Wear 5.1.1 software update. Reddit user Verdes8991 alerted the community that he had received the software upgrade, which bumped his smartwatch from Android Wear 5.0.2 to Android Wear 5.1.1
He also posted an image of the updated Asus ZenWatch to validate his claims.
"Just looked down and it was updating itself. Didn't even expect it but hey. Sorry for the potato pic. At work," wrote Verdes8891.
The software update has the build number LDZ21T and brings a slew of improvements and new features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity (for compatible devices), font size options, wrist gesture, always-on apps, new menu, and usable lock screen, among other unique features.
Users wil now be able to scroll through alerts timeline by simply flicking their wrist thanks to the wrist gesture feature. Instead of belting out commands if you're unable to talk, you can draw emojis that can be sent via text.
Ironically, the ZenWatch will not support Wi-Fi connectivity post the update as it is not compatible—no Wi-Fi radio.
Here's how to get the Android 5.1.1 update for your Asus ZenWatch by manually checking for the upgrade:
1. Swipe down on the watch face. Next swipe to settings.
2. Navigate to Go > About. Check System Updates.
Alternatively, the option to flash the file manually also exists and you can do so by downloading the OTA file.
Once your update to Android Wear 5.1.1 is through your smartwatch should show Google Play Services version 7.3.36 and Android Wear version 1.1.1.1910765.
For those wary of flashing manually—wait until the update hits your device.
