![\"google](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/google-pixel-watch-1-facer-watch-face-9.jpg\"\/ "\\"google")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Rita El Khoury \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n
TL;DR<\/p>\n
In 2023, Google set out to improve the state of battery-hungry third-party watch faces on Wear OS. It introduced a new standard called Watch Face Format (or WFF) and started blocking legacy watch faces on Wear OS 5 \u2014 stifling third-party watch face marketplaces<\/a> in the process \u2014\u00a0 to ensure an effective transition. In response to these changes, Facer, the most popular provider of watch faces, is adopting WFF support and reviving compatibility for newer Wear OS devices<\/a>, including the recently launched Galaxy Watch 8 series<\/a> and upcoming Pixel Watch 4<\/a>.<\/p>\n WFF creates a lighter environment for the watch face to exist and operate. It essentially enables custom watch face designers to create lightweight XML-based variations without executable code. While designers can configure the visual elements, the Wear OS platform handles the rest.<\/p>\n In essence, this saves battery and processing resources on the watch. However, WFF\u2019s downside is that it can limit visual effects, such as depth, shadows, and movement, making the watch faces appear very digital.<\/p>\n Since Google has left no alternatives for developers<\/a>, Facer\u2019s move was inevitable. With today\u2019s update, numerous watch faces in Facer\u2019s library have been revised in WFF format. It says that \u201chundreds of thousands\u201d of watch faces are already available in the new store, which is a good sign.<\/p>\n Facer is also launching new watch faces to celebrate the transition. Besides watch faces by indie developers, it has official collaborations with big franchises, such as Fallout, Star Trek, and The Smurfs, etc., and is now introducing an official range of SpongeBob SquarePants faces. It will soon add more options from Borderlands 4, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, and Masters of the Universe.<\/p>\n In addition to adopting the newer standard, listings for Facer\u2019s watch faces will now display a \u201cPower Impact\u201d score, similar to energy ratings of appliances, to inform users about a particular watch face\u2019s tendency to hog the smartwatch\u2019s battery.<\/p>\n Along with these changes, Facer is introducing a new section, called \u201cLooks,\u201d to its Android and iPhone apps. Looks is a social feed where Facer users will be able to upload pictures of their watch faces, which will be automatically linked back to the app\u2019s download page. This will roll out based on the region. The section will also link back to Facer\u2019s official watch bands for various supported smartwatches. Note that you should ensure checking for compatibility if you have just bought the Galaxy Watch 8, since it uses a redesigned lug mechanism<\/a> and won\u2019t support watch bands from older models.<\/p>\n For watch face designers, Facer also brings a simpler Creator hub to help them generate WFF faces. Finally, to entice new users who may have missed using the app on the smartwatches running Wear OS 5 or newer versions, Facer is offering an introductory annual subscription of $14.99 (which is usually $19.99 for the first year and $39.99 thereafter). While there are no promos for existing Facer Premium subscribers, the company is offering 50% off on watch bands.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s note: We have removed earlier statements that misreported Facer\u2019s level of Wear OS 5 support.<\/p>\n![\"facer](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/facer-franchice-watch-faces.jpg\"\/ "\\"facer")
<\/p>\n![\"Facer](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/facer-energy-impact.jpg\"\/)
![\"facer](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/facer-looks-social-feed.jpg\"\/ "\\"facer")
<\/p>\n