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Google fixes Android Wear lag caused by 'OK Google' detection
- At the end of 2017, Android Wear 2.0 users noticed that “OK Google” hotword detection caused a significant lag in their devices.
- The temporary workaround was to shut hotword detection off.
- Google has finally released an update to Android Wear 2.0 that fixes this bug.
In December, the subreddit /r/AndroidWear noticed a bug with their smart wearables running Android Wear 2.0. It seems that leaving on the “OK Google” hotword detection feature created significant lag in their smartwatches. A quick fix to the lag was to disable hotword detection, but obviously, this defeats the whole purpose of the feature.
Finally, Google announced that the newest update for the Google application in Android Wear devices (7.19.18.25arm) fixes this bug, so users will be able to turn the service back on without making their device a sluggish mess.
The over-the-air update is starting now. To check if your wearable has the latest update, simply go to Settings -> Apps -> System Apps -> Google -> App Info. If it lists 7.19.18.25arm, you are ready to go! If not, you will have to wait until the OTA update comes your way.
Once you know you have the update, you can toggle “OK Google” hotword detection back on by going to Settings -> Personalization. After that, you’ll be able to say “OK Google” at any time to initiate a voice command with Google Assistant.
If you simply can’t wait for the OTA update, you could always sideload the update after downloading the APK. This is an advanced procedure, so don’t perform it if you’re not comfortable tinkering with your device.
Don’t have a smartwatch yet? Check out our list of the best Android Wear watches!