Tag: Pixel Watch 3

  • Google Wear OS 7 Launches for Pixel Watch

    Google Wear OS 7 Launches for Pixel Watch

    Key Takeaway

    – Wear OS 7 rollout begins for Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4 (first-gen excluded), with updates rolling out over several days.
    – Battery life improves by up to 10% due to reduced power consumption.
    – Full-screen tiles are replaced by widgets similar to Android, and notifications can show live updates.
    – Enhanced accessory integration, such as viewing photos from AR glasses on the watch.
    – New Gemini AI features include “Create My Widget,” app automations via voice, and personalized Gmail/chat responses.

    Rollout of Wear OS 7 for Pixel Watch Begins

    In a blog post, Google announced that the rollout of Wear OS 7 for the Pixel Watch has started. It normally takes several days for the update to become accesible for download to every users of a compatible smartwatch.

    Compatibility and Battery Life Improvements

    According to Verizon, the update is avalible for the Pixel Watch 2, Pixel Watch 3, and Pixel Watch 4, but no longer for the first-generation Pixel Watch. The update is designd to not only introduce new features but also to reduce power consumption, which should extend battery life by up to 10 percent, depending on usage.

    Wear OS 7 replaces full-screen tiles with widgets that strongly resemble Android widgetts. In Wear OS 7, notifications can display live updates similar too those in Android. After the update, the Pixel Watch is expected to work more seamlessly with many accessories.

    AR Glasses Integration and Audio Panel

    For example, if a photo is taken with compatable AR glasses, it can be viewed directly on the smartwatch’s display, while the improved audio panel makes it easier to switch playback from a speaker to headphone’s.

    Finally, Google is introducing new Gemini Intelligence AI features. “Create My Widget” allowes users to create personalized dashboards using voice prompts. App automations can perform multiple actions acros different apps with a single voice command. The voice assistant can now access Gmail and past chats to provide more personalized responses.


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  • Google Pixel Watches 2, 3, 4 Get Wear OS 7 Soon

    Key Takeaway

    – Wear OS 7 will be released for Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4 on June 9, 2026, but not for the first-generation Pixel Watch.
    – Key improvements include roughly 10% longer battery life and replacement of tiles with more versatile Android-style widgets.
    – Standardized workout app UI and multi-headphone music streaming via Google Cast or Bluetooth are new features.
    – Watch face optimizations aim to reduce development effort for creators.

    Google’s Latest Update Drops Sooner Than Expected

    Google Wear OS 7 was anounced in mid-May. At the launch, Google only confirmed that the update would be released for the Pixel Watch “later this year”, without publishing a schedule or a list of compatible smartwatch models. The release could now take place surprisingly quickly, as Verizon has already published a changelog with a release date of June 9, 2026.

    Which Models Get The Update And What It Includes

    The update is listed for the Pixel Watch 2, the Pixel Watch 3 and the Pixel Watch 4 ($309 on Amazon), but not for the first-generation Pixel Watch, which was launched in 2022. Wear OS 7 therefore supports similarly old smartwatch models such as Apple watchOS 27. As usual, Verizon’s changelog is sparse – the update is said to include Wear OS 7, the latest security patch and performance improvements.

    Battery Life And Interface Changes Are Key

    Wear OS 7 is a moderate update, but there are a few significant improvements on board. First and foremost, Google promises around 10 percent longer battery life. Full-screen tiles are replaced by Widgets which look and function almost exactly like Android widgets. This should not only make them more versatile and interactive than tiles, it should also make it much easier for app developers to port an Android widget to Wear OS.

    Workout Apps, Music Streaming, And Watch Faces

    Google also wants to standardize workout apps by making the user interface of features such as heart rate measurement or music playback available to third-party apps. Wear OS 7 allows music to be streamed to multiple headphones via Google Cast or Bluetooth. Watch face optimizations are intended to reduce the development effort.

     


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  • Steam Controller Puck May Be a Fire Hazard Warning

    Steam Controller Puck May Be a Fire Hazard Warning

    Key Takeaway

    – Potential safety risk: exposed puck pins can short-circuit if they contact metal, causing heat and sizzling; a watch strap example triggered this incident.
    – Isolated incident with ongoing investigation; Valve’s Steam Hardware team is reviewing and plans to replace the puck.
    – Advisory takeaway: avoid placing the puck near metal objects or conductive surfaces until a fix is confirmed.

    Steam Controller Safety PSA: Puck Short-Circuit Issue

    The widely successful Steam Controller has been reaching customers, and feedback has been quite positive. It comes with a puck that enables a wireless 2.4 GHz connection with the controller, as well as magnetically attaches to the controller for charging. This design, as a Reddit user unfortunately found out, can lead to some unexpected safety issues.

    Incident Details and Immediate Effects

    A user named ‘Toikka’ shared a PSA on the SteamController subreddit about an unfortunate incident with the Steam Controller puck. No one was hurt, and damage was minimal, but the user found that if the exposed pins of the puck come in contact with a piece of metal, they can short-circuit and start sizzling, potentially causing a fire. The metal piece in this situation was a watch strap for the user’s Pixel Watch 3.

    What Happened and Outcomes

    While the smartwatch was on its own charger, it accidentally came in contact with the puck and started heating up. This left minor burn marks on the strap and the puck itself. Fortunately, the user realized in time, and neither of the devices suffered any functional damage.

    Valve Involvement and Next Steps

    Toikka also shared that the Steam Hardware team is investigating the issue, with the “items” being shipped to the team soon. The user will also be getting a replacement puck from Valve.

    Context and Reactions

    While this is an isolated incident and the chances of it happening to others are low, it should serve as a cautionary tale. Some commenters are of the opinion that this is a design flaw on Valve’s side, as the incident suggests the pins are always live. There could be a firmware update to address this issue at some point, but we’ll have to wait for Valve to complete its investigation.

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  • Google Pixel Watch 2 & 3: Wear OS 6 Update, Battery and Design Upgrades

    Google Pixel Watch 2 & 3: Wear OS 6 Update, Battery and Design Upgrades

    Key Takeaways

    1. Wear OS 6 rollout for Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 has started and will be completed by the end of October.
    2. The first-generation Pixel Watch will receive the update later.
    3. To update, watches must have at least a 50% charge and be connected to a charger; users can manually start the update in settings.
    4. New features include customizable accent colors, redesigned UI components, and optimizations for improved battery life by up to 10%.
    5. Wear OS 6 enhances Google Maps navigation by automatically taking control from the smartphone during walking or biking.

    Google has recently announced in a support document that the rollout of Wear OS 6 for the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 has started. This process will happen in multiple waves, and it is expected that by the end of October, all users of these two models will have the new software. The first-generation Pixel Watch will receive this update at a later time.

    How to Update Your Watch

    You can manually start the update by tapping on the smartwatch icon multiple times in the settings under System → About. Keep in mind that the update can only be installed if the smartwatch has at least a 50% charge and is connected to a charger. The Pixel Watch 4 already comes with Wear OS 6, making it a little bit ahead of the older models, which are now finally receiving the “Material 3 Expressive” design enhancements.

    New Features and Improvements

    After the update, users will be able to customize the system’s accent color in a more detailed way. Google has also changed the shapes of many buttons and UI components, resulting in a more contemporary appearance for the user interface. Alongside a more rounded font, the update also adds new scroll bars and tile layouts. Additionally, Wear OS 6 introduces useful enhancements beyond just aesthetic changes, including optimizations that are reported to boost battery life by up to 10%.

    Wear OS 6 enables Google Maps to automatically open and take control of navigation from your smartphone when you’re using it for walking or biking. Google also points out various performance enhancements, especially regarding the navigation of the operating system and the display of incoming alerts.

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    Google Pixel Watch 2 & 3: Wear OS 6 Update, Battery and Design Upgrades

     

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  • Facer Brings Thousands of Watch Faces to Wear OS 6 This Year

    Facer Brings Thousands of Watch Faces to Wear OS 6 This Year

    Key Takeaways

    1. Facer, a popular app for customizing smartwatch faces, was removed due to changes in Wear OS 5.
    2. The app will return with Wear OS 6 later this year, offering a “revitalized, more powerful” experience.
    3. Facer originally launched in 2016 and has a large library of over 500,000 watch faces.
    4. The new version will include thousands of compatible watch faces and improved syncing with mobile apps.
    5. Facer will also introduce new features, brands, and exclusive discounts at the launch.

    Those who have been using smartwatches for a while already know what Facer is but for those unaware, it was the go-to app for watch face customization. Unfortunately, it was removed from the platform due to changes brought by Wear OS 5. Now, the company has announced Facer will be returning “revitalized, more powerful” with Wear OS 6 later this year.

    A Brief History of Facer

    Facer was launched back in 2016 as a third-party app for smartwatches that brings a massive library of free and paid watch faces. It allowed users to customize their watch face outside of what the default available faces were. With the introduction of Wear OS 5 last year, watches running this OS such as Pixel Watch 3 (Buy on Amazon), Samsung Galaxy Watch7 (Buy on Amazon), and Galaxy Watch Ultra (Buy on Amazon), became incompatible with Facer due to some policy changes. Users were limited to only those watch faces built using Google’s “Watch Face Format”. To overcome this, Facer would have had to manually publish faces in the Google Play Store which was not “logistically feasible” for the massive catalog of over 500,000 faces.

    The Comeback of Facer

    Now, Facer has announced its return with the rollout of Wear OS 6 later this year. The company had been working with Google and it seems to have reached an amicable solution. “With new system-level capabilities coming in Wear OS 6, alongside innovations from Facer — the full Facer experience is set to be reintroduced — revitalized, more powerful, and better than ever,” the announcement on Medium reads.

    Exciting New Features

    Facer will bring thousands of watch faces from its catalog that are compatible with Wear OS 6 and more will be added by this fall that are compliant with Google’s new Watch Face Format. It will bring back seamless face syncing between the mobile app and the smartwatch thanks to Watch Face Push in Wear OS 6. Furthermore, Facer will also bring new features, new brands, and exclusive discounts at launch.

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  • New Features for Google Pixel Watch 2 and 3 in March Update

    New Features for Google Pixel Watch 2 and 3 in March Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Enhanced pedometer accuracy for activities like pushing strollers and hiking with walking sticks on Pixel Watch 2 and 3.
    2. Menstrual cycle tracking integrated into the Fitbit app on the Pixel Watch 3, with predictive features for upcoming periods.
    3. Automatic bedtime mode now available on Pixel Watch 2, turning off notifications and display when users fall asleep.
    4. New feature to reduce power usage at night and minimize distractions.
    5. Audio control option allows users to manage smartphone content directly from their watches.

    Google has just announced its latest feature drop, which will soon be available for Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 users. This update enhances the accuracy of the pedometer, particularly when users are engaged in activities like pushing a baby stroller, wheelchair, or shopping cart, as well as when hiking with walking sticks. The goal is to provide a more precise step count that aligns with daily objectives and the number of calories burned.

    Menstrual Cycle Tracking

    The Google Pixel Watch 3 now features menstrual cycle tracking directly integrated into the Fitbit app, so users can log and monitor their menstrual cycles right from their smartwatch. The app is also reported to have the ability to predict when the next period will occur. Additionally, the automatic bedtime mode, which has been a feature on the Pixel Watch 3 since its initial release, will also be available for the Pixel Watch 2 through this update. This mode allows the smartwatch to automatically detect when the user falls asleep, turning off notifications and the display.

    Reducing Distractions

    This feature is designed to help lessen power usage during the night and minimize distractions. Lastly, Google is launching a new audio control option that enables users to manage content playing on their smartphones from their watches. Users can pause, fast-forward, rewind, or even change the playback speed. As is typical, it may take several days for the update to be accessible for all Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 owners.

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    New Features for Google Pixel Watch 2 and 3 in March Update

     

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  • Pixel Watch 3 Gains Loss of Pulse Detection Feature in the US

    Pixel Watch 3 Gains Loss of Pulse Detection Feature in the US

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Pixel Watch 3 will introduce the Loss of Pulse detection feature in the U.S. by the end of March 2024, following FDA approval.
    2. This feature can detect if the heart has stopped due to various medical emergencies and will alert emergency services if the user does not respond to a notification.
    3. Loss of Pulse detection enhances existing safety features on the Pixel Watch 3, including Car Crash Detection and Fall Detection, and is available on an opt-in basis.
    4. The technology uses sensors, signal-processing algorithms, and AI to assess pulse presence and determine if a loss of pulse event has occurred.
    5. If the user fails to respond to alerts, the watch can trigger an audio alarm, initiate a countdown, and call emergency services with the user’s location.

    About six months after it was first announced during the Made by Google event, the Pixel Watch 3 is finally set to introduce the Loss of Pulse detection feature in the United States. The tech giant has confirmed that it has received the green light from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and users can expect this feature to be available by the end of March. Since its announcement in 2024, Loss of Pulse detection has already been rolled out in 14 other countries.

    Unique Life-Saving Technology

    Google claims that the Loss of Pulse feature is a groundbreaking addition that can identify if the heart has stopped beating due to cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, circulatory failure, overdose, or poisoning. In such cases, it can alert emergency services for quick, potentially life-saving intervention. Initially, the feature will send a notification to the user, asking if they are okay. If the user does not reply, emergency services will be notified automatically.

    Enhanced Safety Features

    The Loss of Pulse detection will complement the existing health and safety functionalities of the Pixel Watch 3, which already includes Car Crash Detection, an ECG app, Safety Check, notifications for irregular heart rhythms, and Fall Detection. This feature will be available for users of the Pixel Watch 3 on an opt-in basis.

    How It Works

    The Loss of Pulse detection operates by utilizing the smartwatch’s sensors, sophisticated signal-processing algorithms, and artificial intelligence to determine if a pulse is present. Initially, if the Heart Rate sensor, which utilizes green light, fails to detect a pulse, the infrared and red lights activate to search for other signs of a pulse. Simultaneously, the motion sensor looks for any indication of movement. Based on these findings, the AI algorithm assesses whether a loss of pulse event has occurred and sends out a check-in notification. If there is still no response, the watch will activate an audio alarm and begin a countdown. Should there still be no reply, the watch can use the paired phone (in the case of the non-LTE model) to call emergency services, providing them with the user’s location.

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  • New Features Coming to Fitbit Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers

    New Features Coming to Fitbit Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers

    Google has recently unveiled its newest Feature Drop for Pixel smartphones, and we’ve covered that in detail. Moreover, the Pixel Watch 3 has gained new capabilities for pulse detection and emergency services in more regions. However, if you dig deeper into the extensive blog post, you’ll find some exciting information regarding not only current Pixel Watch models but also Fitbit smartwatches and fitness trackers.

    Fitbit Transition and Features

    To give you some background, Google has shifted users from the Fitbit site to its own webstore. Yet, Fitbit is still rolling out new features for its gadgets, including the updates made to the Ace LTE (currently $227.99 on Amazon) last month. In the near future, Google’s revamped Daily Readiness algorithm will be integrated into the Fitbit app for a range of smartwatches and fitness trackers.

    New Metrics Coming Soon

    Additionally, Fitbit will introduce Cardio Load and Target Load metrics, set to launch on December 9. Interestingly, these features will also be accessible on the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 through the Fitbit Today app and the Readiness complication. To clarify, Google explains Cardio Load and Target Load as follows:

    These metrics, powered by Fitbit’s sophisticated health and fitness tools, allow you to understand your body better and balance your activity with recovery. This way, you can enhance your workouts and relaxation to avoid overtraining.

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  • Google December Feature Drop for Pixel 9 Pro and More

    Google December Feature Drop for Pixel 9 Pro and More

    Google is rolling out a life-saving feature called Loss of Pulse Detection for the Pixel Watch 3 as part of its December 2024 feature drop, and there are also new functions for Pixel smartphones. One of the standout updates is the ability to share Ultra HDR photos directly on Instagram.

    Enhanced Functionality in Apps

    In addition, Google has made image selection easier in Snapchat, which now lets users access albums, folders, and favorite images. The new dual mode on the Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold displays the camera preview on both screens, making it simpler to take selfies using the main camera.

    Exciting Updates for Pixel Fold Users

    The first-generation Pixel Fold will receive the "Made You Look" feature with this update. This function shows animations on the secondary display, encouraging children to look towards the camera. Furthermore, Google has revamped the Emoji Kitchen in Gboard, enabling users to combine two emojis into a new one more easily.

    Improvements in Audio and User Experience

    The recorder app has been enhanced to block out background noise more effectively when the "Clear voice" option is turned on. Also, the home screen now features a "Simple View," which provides a larger font and better touchscreen sensitivity for an easier user experience.

    After the update, Pixel tablet owners can swipe right on the lock screen to bring up a widget view, allowing control of smart home devices without needing to unlock the tablet. Lastly, the update introduces a beta feature named "Identity Check." If activated, this feature requires fingerprint or facial recognition to change sensitive settings, making it harder for thieves to disable features like "Find My Device," among others.

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  • Wear OS 5.1 Update Preview for Pixel Watch 3 and More

    Wear OS 5.1 Update Preview for Pixel Watch 3 and More

    In the last few years, Google has consistently kept Wear OS on an older version of Android compared to its smartphone and tablet counterparts. This summer saw the launch of Wear OS 5 for the Galaxy Watch7 and Pixel Watch 3 (currently priced at $279.99 on Amazon), both running Android 14 rather than the latest Android 15. In contrast, the Pixel 9 series has been able to upgrade freely to the most recent version of Android.

    Upcoming Changes

    It appears that Google is preparing to address this inconsistency between its smartwatch and smartphone platforms. As reported by sources like 9to5Google, the company has officially unveiled the first version of Wear OS based on Android 15, which it has named Wear OS 5.1. It’s important to keep in mind that this update is still in beta testing for now.

    Caution Recommended

    This means we wouldn’t advise installing it on your main device just yet. Nonetheless, Google has shared some features that are likely to be included in the stable versions of Wear OS 5.1. One of the highlights of the update is the option to set a Pixel Watch as the preferred choice for media output.

    New Features on the Horizon

    However, this feature will only work if the app supports the Wear Output Switcher. Additionally, Wear OS 5.1 brings a unified password manager that works with third-party services as well. Currently, Google plans to finalize its Android 15 update for smartwatches by spring 2025.

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