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topicnews · October 16, 2024

Facer watch faces are not compatible with Wear OS 5, but the company is working with Google to resolve the issue

Facer watch faces are not compatible with Wear OS 5, but the company is working with Google to resolve the issue

Google’s Wear OS 5 update has resulted in a significant change in the way watch faces work, causing compatibility issues with Facer, a widely used watch face marketplace. Facer is a popular platform for Android smartwatch users and offers an extensive collection of watch faces with different features and designs. However, due to recent changes in Wear OS, Facer is no longer compatible with the latest version. The incompatibility is due to the introduction of the “Watch Face Format” by Google. This new format aims to extend battery life and reduce maintenance by eliminating executable code in the watch faces. While this change offers long-term benefits to users, it has created roadblocks for Facer and its user base.

Facer encounters several challenges with the Watch Face format. A big hurdle is the obligation to individually submit watch faces to the Play Store. With over 500,000 faces available on Facer, this would be a logistical challenge. Additionally, the limitations of the new format would result in a loss of functionality for many watch faces, including animations and interactive elements that Facer users have come to value. This could significantly impact the user experience and limit the creative options for watch face designers.

If you’re using a Wear OS watch with Wear OS 4 or earlier, nothing changes and you’ll still have access to the largest catalog of watch faces in the world. This applies even if this watch is updated to Wear OS 5. Unfortunately, if you decide to upgrade to the Pixel Watch 3, Galaxy Watch7, or Galaxy Watch Ultra, you will no longer be able to use Facer, the watch faces you purchased on our platform, or via your Facer Premium subscription to all 500,000 watch faces from our catalog.

Support team at Facer, October 2, 2024

Another problem arises from Facer’s business model. The platform currently offers a subscription service that gives users access to an extensive library of watch faces for a recurring fee. However, the new format’s requirement for individual purchases would disrupt this model and potentially force users to repurchase watch faces they already own. This could lead to dissatisfaction among Facer’s loyal user base and have a financial impact on the company.

Despite these challenges, Facer has been actively working with Google to find a solution. However, no solution has yet been found. Therefore, smartwatches with Wear OS 5, such as the Pixel Watch 3 and the Galaxy Watch 7, cannot use Facer. Users of older watches are advised to delay upgrading to Wear OS 5 if they want to continue using Facer and its extensive library of watch faces. In the meantime, Facer plans to gradually introduce some of its watch faces in the new format to the Play Store. However, it remains unclear which faces will be made available and when.

I have always appreciated the variety and customization options that Facer offers for my smartwatch. The Play Store’s limited selection of watch faces pales in comparison to Facer’s vast library. I hope that Google and Facer will eventually find a solution that enables both functionality and compatibility, ensuring that users can continue to enjoy Facer’s diverse and creative watch faces.

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