Tag: Wear OS 5.1

  • Google Pixel Watch 3 Adds Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding Support

    Google Pixel Watch 3 Adds Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding Support

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Google Pixel Watch 3 currently supports Bluetooth 5.3 but will soon receive a Wear OS 5.1 update to include Bluetooth 6.0 features.
    2. The key feature being added is Channel Sounding, allowing precise distance measurement between Bluetooth devices, potentially accurate within half a meter.
    3. Channel Sounding improves automatic pairing of devices in close proximity and helps locate nearby trackers with distance indications.
    4. While Bluetooth 6.0 offers enhanced tracking, it doesn’t require additional hardware like an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip for functionality.
    5. Google has not confirmed if the Pixel Watch 3 will fully adopt Bluetooth 6.0 but aims to improve Android tracker positioning to compete with Apple’s AirTag.

    According to information from Google’s data sheet, the Google Pixel Watch 3 currently only has support for Bluetooth 5.3. However, a recent report from Android Authority indicates that this is set to change with the upcoming Wear OS 5.1 update. After the update, the Pixel Watch 3 will feature at least one capability introduced with Bluetooth 6.0: Channel Sounding. This capability enables users to measure the distance between two Bluetooth devices with a good degree of precision – it is suggested that location accuracy could be within half a meter.

    Advantages of Channel Sounding

    In practical terms, this brings about two significant benefits. First, it allows for more reliable automatic pairing of devices when they are in close proximity. Second, it enhances the ability to locate nearby trackers, as not only will a sound be emitted, but the approximate distance to the respective tracker will also be shown, making it simpler to figure out which direction to go. Although the tracking accuracy via Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding is not as exact as that provided by an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, it has the key advantage of not needing any extra hardware.

    UWB Chip Considerations

    While the Google Pixel Watch 3 includes a UWB chip, this feature is not found in most smartphones, smartwatches, and Google “Find Hub” trackers, with the exception being the Motorola Moto Tag. Google has yet to officially clarify if the Pixel Watch 3 will embrace the complete Bluetooth 6.0 standard post-update or if it will only incorporate certain features. Nonetheless, this update indicates Google’s intentions to leverage channel sounding to enhance the positioning of Android trackers in competition with Apple’s AirTag in the future.

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  • Wear OS 5.1 Update Causes Notification Problems for Pixel Watch Users

    Wear OS 5.1 Update Causes Notification Problems for Pixel Watch Users

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Pixel series hasn’t been upgraded since November 2024, with the next update expected in March 2025.
    2. The Wear OS 5.1 upgrade introduced new features but caused issues like delayed notifications and various glitches.
    3. Users of Pixel Watch 2 and Watch 3 are experiencing significant notification problems, including late or missing alerts.
    4. Other glitches include unexpected crashes when changing watch faces, unresponsive touchscreens, and slow Fitbit syncing.
    5. Google is aware of these issues and is working on an OTA fix, expected before June 2025, with temporary relief possible through rebooting the watch.

    Google’s Pixel series hasn’t seen any upgrades since November 2024, with the next update being the March 2025 patch. This significant Wear OS 5.1 upgrade brought several cool features like enhanced media controls, improved pulse detection, and menstrual cycle tracking. Nevertheless, according to user feedback, it has also led to problems like delayed notifications and various other glitches.

    Notification Problems

    Specifically, numerous users of the Pixel Watch 2 (currently priced at $199.99 on Amazon) and Watch 3 are encountering notification troubles. Reports indicate that notifications are either arriving late or are completely absent. While this may not appear to be a serious issue, the over-the-air (OTA) update has also introduced additional bugs impacting the smartwatches.

    Other Glitches

    Among these glitches are unexpected crashes when modifying the watch face, unresponsive touchscreens, and slow Fitbit synchronization. Naturally, these issues don’t seem to occur as frequently as the notification delays. Presently, there isn’t a straightforward solution for Pixel Watch users to eliminate these complications. In fact, some users have attempted to restore factory settings without success in resolving the issues.

    Temporary Fixes and Future Updates

    Interestingly, some users have noticed that rebooting the smartwatch may temporarily alleviate some problems. The good news is that Google appears to be aware of the issues related to Wear OS 5.1. A company spokesperson mentioned they are currently working on an OTA fix to rectify the notification delays and other bugs. This update is anticipated to be released before June 2025.

    r/PixelWatch via: 9to5Google

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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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