In a bid to make Android Wear more “helpful”, Google Inc. is rolling out a major update to its smartwatch operating system over the coming weeks. Announced Monday, the update includes a new app launcher, Wi-Fi support, new ways to access apps, contacts and notifications and the ability to draw emoji on-screen.

The update will be available first on the LG Watch Urbane (pictured above), slated to go on sale this month, before rolling out to Android Wear smartwatches already available from Samsung, LG, Motorola, Sony, Asus and Huawei.

Here is what you need to know about the latest Android Wear update:

Apps stay on-screen, even when you’re not looking

Right now, apps on Android Wear ‘close’ when you are no longer looking at the screen – when, for instance, you drop your arm the watch reverts to the clock face. The new update will keep an active app on screen regardless of whether you are looking at it or constantly moving your arm. To save battery life, the display will default to monochrome when you’re not actively looking at it.

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Connect your Android Wear watch to Wi-Fi and leave your phone at home

Android Wear already supports offline music and GPS-based services. Going forward – provided your Android Wear smartwatch has built in Wi-Fi – you’ll be able to use your watch even if you don’t have your smartphone with you. All that is needed is that your watch is connected to a Wi-Fi network and that your phone – which is likely at home – is also connected to a data network. You’ll be able to receive notifications, send and receive messages and use apps without your phone being nearby.

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Access features with the flick of the wrist and draw emoji

The update also adds new ways to access your news and notifications. A flick of the wrist – away from you – brings up the next card or notification in your stream. A flick of the wrist towards you takes you to the previous card.

Accessing apps is easier with the new update. Swipe left from the idle screen to access a list of installed apps and a second left swipe brings up your contacts. A third left swipe brings up a list of actions such as “Take a note” or Google’s “Speak Now” voice command.

If a simple emoji will suffice in reply to a message, Android Wear will now let you draw an emoji on-screen using your finger. The system will recognize your drawing and convert it into the correct emoji and send it via message or text. According to Google recognition of hundreds of emoji has been tested.

Image credits: LG Watch Urbane via LG; Android Wear via Android