August 2022 HarmonyOS 2.1 update introduces new features for Huawei Watch 3

Huawei has released a new update for the Watch 3, which it most recently updated last month in Europe. While Huawei introduced HarmonyOS 2.1.0.237 outside its home market in July, it has now released HarmonyOS 2.1.0.239 to Watch 3 models in China. Predictably, Huawei has bundled several bug fixes in its latest build, plus a few new features.

Specifically, Huawei has enabled car key functionality on the Watch 3, a feature that it has made available on some of its other high-end smartwatches. Typically, this feature will not make it out of China though, because of its limited compatibility. However, the company has also added two new watch faces, which feature cat animations and a galaxy theme, respectively. Presumably, Huawei will include these in the Watch 3's next global update, whenever that arrives. 

Moreover, HarmonyOS 2.1.0.239 optimises the experience of using the audio control centre on the Watch 3, as well as improving the voice broadcast experience in certain scenarios. Furthermore, Huawei claims to have optimised the stability of the smartwatch's first-party notes app, among other general stability improvements. As always, HarmonyOS 2.1.0.239 will be available as an over-the-air (OTA) update via the Huawei Health app. Unfortunately, it remains to be seen whether Huawei will release another update soon for the Watch 3 Pro, which has received hardly any updates outside China. Potentially, the Watch 3 Pro new could change this, although Huawei has not announced this model outside its home market yet, either.

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