@jamie-bg i did see that post from Google (although after my other posts on here).
I’m inclined to believe a bit of both of them, but also think that they are both covering their own backsides.
Yes, it is likely that the 3100, 4100, and 4100+ can run WearOS 3. But will they run it well?
If a watch runs it badly then it will damage the reputation of the OS and the hardware. In fact, WearOS 3 could be dead on arrival if too many devices run it badly.
Obviously Google wants as many devices as possible to run it, but they want, no, they NEED it to run perfectly. This is likely their last chance to take on the Apple Watch and if all of the initial reviews are that it runs like a dog then it’s game over.
Consumers won’t take into consideration that the hardware is old, they will see the headlines that WearOS 3 is slow and that will be it.
Qualcomm however, don’t care two hoots about WearOS (i think that have become obvious over the years). All they care about it selling chips, saving reputation, and saying they are market leaders. So if their older chips are no longer supported then it hurts them as a company.
Qualcomm would put WearOS 3 on every chip they ever made if they thought it would benefit them, but sod the customer, as long as it makes them money.
Google want (and again, NEED) WearOS to run perfectly, so they should be pushing for it on only the absolute best hardware.
As good as the 3100 is and as good a job Suunto have done with it (which they really have!), it is old, slow and power hungry. There is no point having the amazing Suunto App if the OS underneath it is running slow due to the hardware.
IF (and it’s a big if) the 3100 can run WearOS 3 well then I would expect Suunto to support the S7 for quite a while yet.
However, if it runs with even the slightest lag then Suunto need to keep the S7 on WearOS 2 and get a new model out ASAP.
As I mentioned before, the average consumer already considers the TWP3 better than the S7 purely based on it having the 4100 (despite there being no notable improvement in having that chip).
The S7 is already over 18 months old, so is long in the tooth in the tech world. I personally think a 2 year cycle for something like this is perfect, as it allows each iteration to have noticeable improvements and ensures support from manufacturer.
However if Suunto are too late to the WearOS 3 party then they could lose out on sales.
A newer S7 (whatever it may be called) with Samsung silicone, better battery life, reduced bezel, lighter, slimmer, etc with still the Suunto smarts inside (and with continued updates) could be the WearOS device to beat and with proper advertising (and a sensible price unlike the S7 at launch!) could take a serious chunk of the market.
Just my thoughts for this wet and soggy British morning 🙂
