Google is teaming up with Samsung to take on the Apple Watch

Google CEO Sundar Pichai at the I/O conference on May 18, 2021.

Google (GOOG, GOOGL) on Tuesday revealed it is teaming up with Samsung to release a new smartwatch operating system. The OS, which will still be called WearOS, combines Google's OS with Samsung's Tizen OS to improve battery life and performance on the companies' smartwatches.

The new OS, announced at Google's I/O developer conference, will feature an updated look and capabilities including turn-by-turn directions from Google Maps, Google Pay, and on-device Google Music functionality.

Bringing Samsung on board to help further build out the WearOS could prove to be a huge benefit for Google, as the company has already put out a number of relatively successful wearables. Samsung's technology and devices are top-notch, with attractive designs and unique interfaces like a turnable watch face that allows you to control on-screen features.

A competitor to the Apple Watch