Google's Pixel Watch has long been my favorite smartwatch design. It's not only uniquely beautiful with the curved, circular glass that looks like a perfect watch design, but the curved back is by far the most comfortable design of any smartwatch I've ever worn. That watch will look just as good on your budget as on your wrist, too, thanks to this incredible Prime Day deal!

Add the Pixel Watch 4 to your cart today and get an instant $60 off the 41mm version, or grab the larger display version with better battery life and get $80 off the 45mm version.

For me, this is a no-brainer upgrade. Google's been substantially improving Wear OS over the years, and the Wear OS 7 upgrade just rolled out last week, delivering even more improvements to Google's best smartwatch yet.

✅Recommended if: You're looking for one of the best Wear OS watches available, including a gorgeous, unique design and a great new charger.

❌Skip this deal if: Garmin and Amazfit watches have better battery life and track more workout activities, so check to make sure your favorite activities are supported before you choose.

In our Pixel Watch 4 review last year, we noted that "Google has been building toward a water-droplet smartwatch for years, and the Pixel Watch 4 has reached the finish line." This includes an improved design that's now user-replaceable — something most smartwatches don't even seem to bother with — as well as a brand new UI, deeper Gemini integration, and the new Google health app.

Fitbit users were largely unhappy with the changeover from Fitbit to Google Health when it launched in May, but Google has taken feedback and improved several pain points since then. We even published a guide for how to make the most of the new Google health app, including how to deeply customize your experience.

Before you order, we've also assembled a list of the best Pixel Watch 4 bands on sale for Prime Day, so you can get the look you want and make that gorgeous watch shine even brighter!

What you need to know

• Verizon's support page suggests Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4 are getting Wear OS 7 with the June update.
• The original Pixel Watch appears to be missing from the Wear OS 7 upgrade list once again.
• Wear OS 7 brings new Wear Widgets, Live Updates, and Gemini-powered task automation features.

A new support document from Verizon may have accidentally revealed which Pixel Watch models are getting Wear OS 7.

At I/O 2026, Google quietly unveiled Wear OS 7, but the company stopped short of confirming which smartwatches would receive the update or when it would begin rolling out. Now, a newly published Verizon support document may have filled in some of those gaps (via Droid-Life).

According to the support page(s), the Pixel Watch 2, Pixel Watch 3, and Pixel Watch 4 are all set to receive the Wear OS 7 update. Verizon says the update will arrive alongside the June 2026 security patch and will include Wear OS 7 along with additional performance and stability improvements. The carrier lists the software version as CP2A.260603.001.

Unfortunately, that also appears to confirm that the original Pixel Watch won't be getting Wear OS 7. The first-generation Pixel Watch also missed out on Wear OS 6, so it's not entirely surprising. Still, it's a disappointing outcome for early Pixel Watch owners, especially since smartwatch software support has become an increasingly important selling point.

For those who don't remember, Wear OS 7 is more than just a minor update. It introduces Wear Widgets, replacing the older static Tiles system with a more flexible widget experience.

The update also brings Live Updates, allowing smartwatches to display persistent real-time information like deliveries, ride tracking, and sports scores, similar to what Android phones already offer.

Google is also bringing some Gemini Intelligence features to Wear OS 7, including task automation capabilities that will allow users to trigger certain actions directly from their smartwatch.

There's still no official rollout date from Google just yet, but since Verizon has already published the update details, it seems likely that Wear OS 7 will begin arriving sometime this month.

Google wearable fans have long clamored for a minimal Pixel tracker, and the brand somewhat answered the call with the Fitbit Air. While it bears the Fitbit brand name rather than the Pixel name, it's a Google fitness band nonetheless. The screenless tracker is incredibly tiny, taking up less space on the wrist than a Whoop band. In many ways, the Fitbit Air serves as an alternative to traditional smartwatches, so how does it stack up against the Google Pixel Watch 4?

One thing's clear — the Pixel Watch 4 and the Fitbit Air aren't completely at odds. Sure, if you need a no-frills fitness tracker with a low-profile design, the Fitbit Air is for you. The same could be said of the Pixel Watch 4 for those who want advanced smartwatch features, such as dual-band GPS, Wear OS 6, or LTE connectivity. However, the Fitbit Air and the Pixel Watch 4 also work better together, and the former makes a great sleep tracking companion, allowing you to charge the latter overnight.

The jump from the $99 Fitbit Air to the $350 Pixel Watch 4 is steep, but both Google fitness trackers excel in their own right. Here's how.

Fitbit Air vs. Google Pixel Watch 4: Design and display, or lack thereof

First, let's review the categorical differences between the Pixel Watch 4 and the Fitbit Air. The Pixel Watch 4 is classified as a smartwatch and features a touchscreen display, runs Wear OS 6 with app support, offers a full suite of health sensors, and supports a range of connectivity standards, including optional LTE. Meanwhile, the Fitbit Air is a passive fitness tracker without a screen. It's essentially a tiny oval-shaped tracking device that snaps into different bands, including the fabric one that comes in the box.

The two trackers both have similar band options, with the Fitbit Air shipping inside a fabric, textile Performance Loop band that uses Velcro for a one-size-fits-all approach. On the other hand, the Pixel Watch 4 comes with a silicone Active band by default. Separately, you can buy Active or Elevated Modern bands for the Fitbit Air. The Pixel Watch 4 offers more variety, with Performance Loop, Stretch, Woven, Crafted Leather, Two-Tone Leather, Metal Mesh, Metal Slim, and Metal Links bands all available for purchase separately from Google.

As you can imagine, the Fitbit Air is much smaller than a Pixel Watch 4. The tracker itself only measures 34.9 x 17 x 8.3mm, and weighs just 5.2 grams. Add in a band, and the entire package gets thicker and weighs 12 grams — but it's still incredibly tiny.

That's quite a far cry from the Pixel Watch 4, which is available in 41mm and 45mm sizes. Either way, you're getting a smartwatch that's 12.3mm thick, and that number doesn't account for the sensors that protrude from the bottom of the Pixel Watch 4 case. It's quite heavy, at 31 grams for the 41mm model and 36.7 grams for the 45mm model. Neither of those numbers includes the band, and some bands are heavier than others.

The Pixel Watch 4 could certainly be worth the extra thickness and weight if you care about the additional hardware and features it offers. The big difference is the display. The domed Actua 360 display, which uses an AMOLED LTPO panel, supports 3,000-nit brightness and variable refresh rates up to 60Hz. It's a gorgeous display that offers numerous practical benefits, including being able to view workout stats or change activity types on your wrist, things that the Fitbit Air can't do.

I personally find the low-profile, lightweight design of the Fitbit Air more comfortable than smartwatches like the Pixel Watch 4, but it all comes down to personal preference — and how many features you need on your wrist.

Fitbit Air vs. Google Pixel Watch 4: Hardware and specs

There are numerous hardware differences between the Fitbit Air and the Pixel Watch 4. For the user, the short summary is that the Pixel Watch 4 (especially the LTE model) is a standalone device, whereas the Fitbit Air is more reliant on a connected smartphone for features. As an example, the Pixel Watch 4 offers dual-band GPS for location detection during workouts, while the Fitbit Air lacks GPS support entirely. To track a workout with GPS on your Fitbit Air, you need to bring your phone.

Since there's no screen or Wear OS operating system running on the Fitbit Air, all controls, settings, and activity tracking are handled in the Google Health app on a connected smartphone. The Fitbit Air has sensors that can detect firm taps on its surface, plus a vibration motor. You can double-tap the tracker to check battery life using the side LED or to silence alarms in the morning.

That's about the extent of the Fitbit Air's standalone features, though. The Google Pixel Watch 4, by comparison, has the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 and Cortex M55 co-processor working inside. The chip pairs with Wear OS 6 to run an Android-based operating system, complete with rich third-party app support. If you want to do more on your device, the Pixel Watch 4 is the Google tracker to choose.

The Fitbit Air has a modest set of sensors, including an optical heart rate monitor (HRM), a blood oxygen sensor, a skin temperature sensor, an accelerometer, and a gyroscope. The Pixel Watch 4 has a more accurate HRM and a more versatile sensor suite overall. It adds a cEDA body response sensor, ECG support, an ambient light sensor, altimeter, barometer, magnetometer, and compass. These sensors, paired with the aforementioned dual-frequency GPS onboard, make the Pixel Watch 4 better than the Fitbit Air for serious workout tracking.

The Fitbit Air's respectable, but limited, assortment of sensors is best for the kind of person who wants to review stats and automatically detected activities in the Google Health app at the end of the day.

Fitbit Air vs. Google Pixel Watch 4: Fitness and health features

Both the Fitbit Air and the Pixel Watch 4 will heavily rely on the new Google Health app for analyzing and reviewing tracked activity data. This is a refreshed and rebranded version of the Fitbit app. Crucially, neither device requires a subscription.

There is a Google Health Premium (formerly Fitbit Premium) plan available for $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. It unlocks extras like the AI-powered Google Health Coach. But all the basics are included for free, and frankly, I suspect many users will like the Google Health app better without the AI tools that require a subscription.

The Google Health app opens with a Today page with customizable focus tiles at the top. Underneath, you'll see Google Health Coach insights if you're a subscriber. Then, there are Fitness, Sleep, and Health pages. The Fitness page is where you'll start manual workouts on the Fitbit Air, while the Pixel Watch 4 starts a workout on its screen. The Sleep page is where you'll find your daily sleep score, and the Health page is the home for long-term fitness insights.

The data you can see for each tracker will vary, with the Pixel Watch 4 offering more information and features due to its extra sensors. Features like Satellite SOS, Loss of Pulse Detection, and Gemini Raise to Talk are only available on the Pixel Watch 4.

Notably, you can pair a Fitbit Air and a Pixel Watch 4 to the same Google Health app and Google account. This makes it possible to use the two trackers in tandem. You could use the Pixel Watch 4 as a smartwatch during the day and rely on the Fitbit Air as a sleep tracker, for example. This could make the Fitbit Air a competitor to the Garmin Index Sleep Monitor, a $170 sleep tracker designed to work with a Garmin watch.

Fitbit Air vs. Google Pixel Watch 4: Which should you buy?

The Google Pixel Watch 4 isn't a perfect smartwatch, and the Fitbit Air isn't a perfect fitness tracker. The Pixel Watch 4 is light on battery life and lacks the thin and light design of modern smartwatches, while the Fitbit Air forgoes some advanced sensors, features, and metrics.

The two devices may be better together. You could use the Pixel Watch 4 as a smartwatch and activity tracker during the day, and wear the more comfortable Fitbit Air to bed for sleep tracking while the other is charging overnight.

If you're considering a Pixel Watch 4 or already have one, the Fitbit Air is easy to tack on for just $99 more, and it'll greatly improve the experience of using either device alone. Those who aren't sold on the Pixel Watch 4 — or already have a different smartwatch — might like the Fitbit Air on its own at $99. It provides the fitness and health-tracking basics at a low cost that isn't dependent on a subscription, and that's hard to beat.

The Google Pixel Watch 4 and Fitbit Air exist in separate spheres, as one is a smartwatch and the other is a screenless band. Their audience appeal will overlap, though, and both achieve their goals of being slim and accessible (Fitbit Air) or smart and fully featured (Pixel Watch 4).

What you need to know

• An alleged Pixel Watch 5 was reportedly found on the ocean floor near St. Martin.
• Photos shared online show “Google” and “Pixel Watch 5” branding, along with references to SpO2, EDA, heart-rate tracking, UWB, and IP68 water resistance.
• Unlike most early prototypes hidden inside bulky cases, the leaked watch appears remarkably complete and close to a retail-ready product.

Google’s next smartwatch may have just leaked in the strangest way possible, and no, it wasn’t left behind in a coffee shop or spotted in a blurry subway photo. Instead, what appears to be an unreleased Pixel Watch 5 was allegedly found sitting at the bottom of the ocean.

The bizarre story started when Gearbox Software co-founder Randy Pitchford shared photos on X, claiming a friend discovered the smartwatch while scuba diving near the Caribbean island of St. Martin. According to Pitchford, the watch was recovered underwater and still appeared to be partially functional despite an apparently drained battery.

That alone would make this one of the weirdest gadget leaks in recent memory. But it’s the photos that have really captured the Android community’s attention.

Key specs revealed

The images reveal a smartwatch that appears to be very similar to Google’s existing Pixel Watch lineup. More importantly, the rear casing seems to be clearly labeled with both “Google” and “Pixel Watch 5.” There are also a few health and connectivity elements mentioned around the sensor housing, including SpO2 monitoring, EDA, a heart-rate sensor, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) support. The back panel also references IP68 water resistance.

If this story sounds strangely familiar, it’s because Google’s smartwatch leaks have a habit of showing up in unexpected places. Back in 2022, months before the first Pixel Watch was officially announced, a prototype was reportedly left behind at a restaurant in the U.S. Photos later shared with Android Central gave the world its first real look at Google’s long-rumored wearable, complete with its signature domed display and rotating crown. The incident quickly drew comparisons to Apple’s infamous lost iPhone 4 prototype saga.

Somehow, this latest leak is even better than that tale. Unlike the restaurant prototype, the alleged Pixel Watch 5 appears to have survived a long stint in the water. Even more surprisingly, the device appears to be pretty complete. Most of the early leaks of unreleased hardware are camouflaged in bulky protective shells to mask their look. This watch appears much more like a finished product than an engineering sample.

There’s no official word yet from Google on a successor to the Pixel Watch 4, and no one outside of Google can definitively say whether the watch found in the ocean is real. The company has not issued any public comments, and the device could always be a well-made fake. Still, several details shown in the images line up with what you would expect from a real Pixel Watch prototype, which is why the leak has gained so much traction so quickly.

Adding another twist, Pitchford later claimed that, thanks to the “magic of the internet,” he managed to identify the owner of the watch and that efforts were underway to return it. That means the alleged prototype might end up back in somebody’s hands as mysteriously as it vanished.

Android Central's Take

I like this leak better than most carefully planned teaser campaigns. If the watch is real, then the apparent survival through an underwater jaunt is a positive sign for those buyers concerned about durability. But you have to wonder how Google is always in the middle of these strange prototype stories. A restaurant prototype was rare enough in 2022, but an unreleased smartwatch allegedly washing up on the ocean floor seems like something straight out of a tech-themed treasure hunt. At this rate, Google may spend as much time tracking its hardware as it does building it.

Update (May 19, 8:21 pm ET): In an emailed statement to Android Central, a Google spokesperson said: "We are aware of the issue and are working on a fix."

What you need to know

• Pixel Watch users are reporting a new bug that hides sleep data on the watch, even though Fitbit still records it in the background.
• Many affected users keep seeing a “No recent data” message despite having complete sleep stats available in the Fitbit app.
• The issue reportedly lasts for multiple nights, and basic fixes like restarting the watch are not reliably solving it.

Another health-tracking nightmare is hitting Google’s Pixel Watch series, and this time it’s sleep data that’s the latest victim. Some Pixel Watch users are reporting that their watches have stopped displaying sleep stats on the device itself, although the data is still being recorded in the background.

Complaints started surfacing on Reddit late last week, with Pixel Watch users reporting their devices kept showing a frustrating “No recent data. Wear your watch to sleep” message (via Android Authority). The weird thing is that many of those same users could still see full sleep records from within the Fitbit app on their phones.

Restarting won't fix it

Users have reported the issue to happen for several nights in a row and that simple troubleshooting such as restarting the watch does not always fix the issue.

The problem arises as the company is in the middle of turning Fitbit into a more expansive Google Health platform, and some Fitbit features have already been discontinued or altered as part of that transition. While there is no confirmation that these backend changes caused the issue, the timing has left Pixel Watch owners scratching their heads as their health metrics have been erratic.

This isn't the first time Pixel Watch users have had to deal with health-tracking bugs in recent months. Earlier this year, a slew of Fitbit-related glitches meant that step counts were wrong, SpO2 readings were broken, skin temperature data was absent, and syncing was wonky on several generations of Pixel Watches. In one case, users said their watches were recording thousands of steps that couldn’t have been taken as they sat mostly still. In one, a Fitbit update supposedly stripped all permissions for health sensors altogether.

For now, those affected can still access their sleep records through the Fitbit app, so the data itself doesn’t appear to be lost. It looks like the issue is in the presentation or local fetching of the data on the watch.

Google has not officially explained what is causing the bug yet, but Android Central has contacted the company for comment. For now, until a fix arrives, Pixel Watch owners may have to resort to checking their phones instead of their wrists to see whether they actually got a decent night’s sleep.

Android Central's Take

This bug is indicative of a bigger issue with Google’s wearables strategy at the moment: the company still sells the Pixel Watch as a health partner, but it almost invariably feels shaky when it comes to basic reliability. While it’s comforting that the sleep data is at least being saved in the Fitbit app instead of disappearing altogether, users shouldn’t have to play a guessing game every morning to find last night’s stats.

What you need to know

• Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 4 users report broken SpO2 and skin temperature tracking after Fitbit firmware version 3.57.1.2.910093395.release.
• The update reportedly removes sensor permissions, and users cannot re-enable them because the system says no app is requesting access.
• Google has acknowledged the issue and says a fix is in the works.

Google recently launched the Fitbit Air, a new screenless tracker designed to be an easy entry point into its revamped health ecosystem. However, as Google tries to lure more users, a recent software update is causing major problems with health tracking on its top wearables.

If you noticed missing health data on your watch recently, you aren't alone. Many Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 4 owners say their devices have stopped tracking blood oxygen (SpO2) and skin temperature (via Android Authority).

The culprit seems to be a recent Fitbit firmware update (version 3.57.1.2.910093395.release), which has a bug that quietly removes sensor permissions. When users try to turn these permissions back on in their watch settings, they are greeted with a system message stating, "no app is requesting permissions," so they cannot restore access. This software issue leaves the hardware unable to work properly.

Premium hardware, broken software

People on forums like Reddit are understandably frustrated. One Pixel Watch 3 owner shared that similar update problems have happened to them about 10 times in the past 10 months. They said the software is so unreliable that it feels like being an unpaid beta tester for unfinished products.

In another thread on r/fitbit, Pixel Watch 4 users are also reporting the same bug. Some have been missing important sensor data for more than a week.

Since SpO2 and skin temperature are tracked in the background, you might not notice if your watch stops recording them until you check the Fitbit app. This means you could lose several days of health data without any clear warning.

Google is promising that a fix is being worked on. The official PixelCommunity account posted on Reddit to admit the problem, saying, "We regret the disruption to your health tracking experience caused by these permission resets." A Fitbit representative has also said they are working to restore sensor access.

Some users have found that restarting their smartwatches can help for now. It is also a good idea to check your dashboard often to make sure your data is syncing correctly.

Android Central's Take

This situation shows both the good and bad sides of modern smartwatches. Features like SpO2 and skin temperature tracking can really help users notice changes in sleep quality, recovery, or overall wellness without any extra effort. This kind of passive health tracking is a big reason people spend so much on wearables. But when a simple software update suddenly breaks those features, it is a reminder of how fragile the smart experience still is in 2026.

What you need to know

• Wear OS 6.1 adds location-based time zone detection, letting watches update time without a paired phone.
• The update is based on Android 16 QPR2 and doesn't bring any major visible UI changes.
• Other new features include kids account "graduation" and improved re-authentication without factory reset.

Google today quietly announced Wear OS 6.1, bringing a small but useful location-based time feature that arguably should've arrived much earlier.

Visually, Google hasn't revealed any UI changes with Wear OS 6.1, but it has confirmed that the update is based on Android 16's Quarterly Platform Release (QPR) at API level 36.1. This isn't the latest March Android 16 QPR3 update, but rather the Android 16 QPR2 build from December 2025.

That said, Wear OS 6.1 does bring some new features. One of the key additions, as detailed in Google's Android Developers blog post, is location-based time zone detection. Google says smartwatches running Wear OS 6.1 and above can now automatically set their time zone based on their physical location.

Currently, Wear OS smartwatches rely on their paired Android phone to determine the time zone. With Wear OS 6.1, that changes, as watches can now update their time zone independently. Google notes that this helps keep time accurate when traveling between regions, even without a network connection.

Users will be able to set this feature by heading to Settings > Date & Time > Use location.

In addition, Wear OS 6.1 introduces some improvements for kids' accounts. There's a new "Kids graduation" feature, which allows supervised accounts to transition into regular accounts once the user reaches the appropriate age.

Google has also improved re-authentication support. If a user's credentials become invalid, for example, if they change their password, they can now re-verify their Google account directly on the watch or through the companion app, without needing to factory reset the device.

For now, Google hasn't rolled out Wear OS 6.1 to any smartwatches yet. It's expected to arrive first on the Pixel Watch 4 and then expand to older Pixel Watch models in a future update. Samsung is also likely to adopt Wear OS 6.1 for its Galaxy Watch lineup soon. We'll update this as and when the rollout begins.

Android Central's Take

After reading Google's post, I wondered why this wasn't already a thing on Wear OS. It feels so basic, but I'm just glad Google's finally fixing it, especially for anyone who travels frequently.

The Pixel Watch has easily become one of the best Android smartwatches on the market, and the latest version from Google is currently on sale, although with some caveats. This Pixel Watch 4 deal slashes the price down to less than $400, but you'll have to opt for the LTE variant, and the deal is only for the smaller 41mm model.

The 41mm Pixel Watch 4 LTE normally retails for $449, but with the watch hitting its lowest price in the last 30 days, it can be yours for just $389, which is a savings of $60. Of course, you can still get the Wi-Fi version for less, but there doesn't appear to be a sale on that model at the time of writing, so if you were looking to get an LTE version anyway, now's your chance.

• See the full list of deals during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

✅Recommended if: If you want a powerful smartwatch with a data connection so that you can still use it to its full extend without a smartphone nearby, which may be handy in emergencies.

❌Skip this deal if: You don't think LTE on a smartwatch is necessary and would be okay with just having Wi-Fi.

The Pixel Watch 4 is Google's best smartwatch, featuring one of the latest Snapdragon Wear chips for excellent performance. It's also one of the only smartwatches to feature satellite connectivity, which could come in handy. The caveat is that you need an LTE Pixel Watch 4 for satellite connectivity, which makes this the most decked-out version of the watch you can buy.

Not everyone cares about LTE on their smartwatches, but alongside satellite connectivity, there are reasons it could be useful. Streaming music directly on your watch is a great way to discover new music, instead of relying on downloads. You can also make calls and send texts without your smartphone nearby, which can be useful, especially if you find yourself in a bind.

It also helps that Google Fi Wireless offers two years of free LTE with the purchase of a Pixel Watch 4, meaning you can save about $240 or more over that period, depending on what carriers normally charge for smartwatch data. So not only are you saving on the watch, but you're getting the perk of always-on data for free, which sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me!

Update (March 25, 11:17 pm ET): Google has fixed the issue. In a post on Fitbit's Status Dashboard, the company states, "We’ve fixed the issue where some Pixel Watch users were seeing overcounted steps and calories. Please be aware that previously recorded data will remain unchanged, as this update applies to new activity only."

What you need to know

• Pixel Watch’s March 2026 update is breaking Fitbit tracking, with step counts and calories wildly inflated.
• The issue started as missing health data (SpO2, skin temp) but has escalated into fake activity readings.
• Reports suggest the bug may not be purely update-related, hinting at possible server-side issues.

The latest Pixel Watch update was supposed to bring polish, but for a growing number of users, it’s brought nothing but math problems.

If you checked your watch today and wondered how you reached 10,000 steps without leaving your desk, you’re not the only one. A bug in the March 2026 security patch is causing problems with Fitbit integration, making the Pixel Watch’s health stats unreliable.

Users across Reddit are reporting that their Fitbit stats have gone haywire (via 9to5Google). Some are seeing their daily step counts double or even triple while sitting at their desks. There are even reports of 14,000 steps and 6,300 calories burned without leaving the sofa.

Fitbit integration is failing

The problems began with the March update about two weeks ago. At first, people noticed missing data, like SpO2 and skin temperature readings disappearing from the Fitbit app. Now, the issue has worsened: the watch is creating fake data. Google hasn’t explained why, but the algorithm appears to be doubling or tripling step counts and calories burned.

It gets more complicated, though. While most people blame the March update, some users with older versions are also seeing strange stats. This could mean the bug is partly on the server side or caused by something else, making it harder to figure out.

If you just want a rough idea of your activity, this bug might seem like a harmless boost. But for people who rely on their Pixel Watch to track fitness, calories, or daily steps, it’s a serious problem.

At the moment, Google hasn’t said anything about the issue. The company hasn’t posted about it on support forums or official channels. But given the volume of complaints piling up, it's hard to imagine they're not aware.

Android Central has contacted Google for a statement and will update this article when the company replies.

Android Central's Take

Not every software update is an improvement, especially when it affects important features like health tracking. For now, Pixel Watch owners are in a tough spot: their watch still works, but the numbers might not be accurate.

I understand what Google is aiming for. Better Fitbit integration and smarter tracking should help users in the long run. Improved algorithms usually give more useful insights, which is why people wear these devices all the time. But right now, it feels like we’re testing a feature that should have worked perfectly from the start. I want to trust my step count without doubting it, but if my watch is giving out 'free steps' like giveaways at a mall, it defeats the purpose of tracking.

What you need to know

• Pixel Watch users across multiple watch generations state the March update has broken its SpO2 and skin temperature reading features.
• Users state their devices are no longer tracking data for these areas, as the Fitbit app only says "analyzing," but nothing completes.
• Google's March update for the Pixel Watch brought earthquake alerts, "instant" notifications concerning your phone, and more.

March isn't going so well for some Pixel Watch owners, as reports across multiple channels say the latest patch has problems.

It appears that many reports surfaced over the weekend, especially those on Reddit, as highlighted by 9to5Google. The user reports that their Pixel Watch's blood oxygen and skin temperature features are not working after downloading Google's update for March. Their report says, "They're not showing after the update, it straight up says no data? Like what. Before the update, they were working as normal."

They add that opening the Fitbit app seems to put them in a strange loop where it says "analyzing," but the action never completes. Others have chimed in on this thread, with one user stating, "It's definitely a bug in the latest update." For them, rebooting their Pixel Watch has not resulted in a fix. Another user, who says that they rely on Google's SpO2 readings due to medical reasons, confirms they're having issues, too.

These problems have extended to Google's forums over the past couple of days. The user owns a Pixel Watch 4, which suggests that this problem is across several Pixel Watch generations. Clearing the cache was given as a potential solution, but to no avail. As far as solutions go, one user found relief by factory resetting their Pixel Watch (extreme, yes). However, another user offered the option of checking if your blood oxygen and skin temperature permissions are still enabled. Users can do so by checking Fitbit's permissions in their Settings.

One user said this permissions route worked for them, so it might be worth checking. Otherwise, it seems we're waiting on a proper fix from Google.

A bitter start to March

Google got off to a fast start in March by dropping a huge Pixel update for its phones and watches. While Pixel phones were in for "Find the Look" in Circle to Search, Pixel Watches received "instant" alerts for a range of aspects. Google said your watch will inform you if you've left your phone behind, and it will automatically lock your phone if you've moved away from it. One-handed gestures arrived for the Pixel Watch 3, alongside Google's earthquake alerts.

Google's Pixel Watches haven't been without issues over the years. Pixel Watch 2 owners may (unfortunately) remember a series of charging issues, as the charging puck refused to cooperate. Last year, Pixel Watch 1, 2, and 3 users all suffered from a step count problem due to an algorithm change.

Android Central's Take

Issues like this are always the worst when there's no clear cut solution. Oftentimes, it's a simple disconnect between software. Updates can be tricky. We just cross our fingers that nothing breaks during the process. In this case, it certainly seems to be a much deeper issue than a simple restart can fix. On one hand, we have the factory reset, which I certainly wouldn't want to do. In any case, if you want to wait for something official, wait for Google to roll out a patch. Unfortunately, that might take a while.

Smartwatch deals aren't abnormal, but it's particularly refreshing to see newer releases score some sweet discounts this Presidents' Day. As one example, Amazon is offering $50 off for the Google Pixel Watch 4, bringing the price down to just $300.

The Pixel Watch 4 features the brilliantly smooth Wear OS 6, a 3,000 nit display with a quirky design, and battery and charging improvements over previous generations that make it a competitive pick. In our hands-on with the Pixel Watch 4, we point out the watch's improved performance speed and smoothness, thanks to an upgraded Snapdragon chipset.

The overall design is quite similar to the Pixel Watch 3, but the addition of a domed display beneath the glass gives it a unique feel that might not be everyone's cup of tea. We loved it, however, and we like to see Google keeping its design fresh and well-integrated with the latest Wear OS features. All in all, it's hard to go wrong with this watch if you were looking for something around the $300 price range.

• See the full list of deals from Amazon's Presidents' Day sale

✅Recommended if: you want one of the best Android smartwatches with Google's latest OS and features, and you prefer something that's a little on the smaller side; you need a watch with satellite SOS and dual-frequency GPS; you need something with swift charging speeds and a long-enough battery life to get through some serious outdoor adventuring.

❌Skip this deal if: you need something particularly rugged or with a sapphire glass option; you don't want a watch that will keep you tied into Fitbit Premium or other subscription options; you don't like the overall design of the Pixel Watch 4's unique display dome.

The Google Pixel Watch 4 is one of today's most competitive smartwatches, especially for those who have had previous Wear OS devices. We absolutely love the Gemini Raise to Wake feature, updates to Wear OS 6, and the battery life which now reaches to highs of 72 hours in Battery Saver mode, or up to 40 hours with the Always-On Display option. Charging takes about 15 minutes to reach a 50% charge, 25 minutes to an 80% charge, and 45 minutes for a full charge.

It also comes with Satellite SOS, dual-frequency GPS, a 3,000-nit AMOLED display, and a unique glass dome that quickly grew on us upon use.

As for sensors, the device features a compass, an altimeter, a barometer, a magnetometer, a 3-axis accelerometer, a gyroscope, a multi-path optical heart rate sensor, cEDA, SpO2, ECG, and far field skin temperature sensor.

A few years ago, I bought a Galaxy Watch 5 and got it essentially for free from T-Mobile, with the kicker being that I had to get it on a two-year contract. That means I was stuck with an LTE-enabled smartwatch, solely because I didn't wanna lay down $279 on the spot for a Bluetooth/Wi-Fi model. Now, however many years later it's been since then, and with the contract up, I have finally canceled that line, essentially reverting my smartwatch to a Bluetooth/Wi-Fi model.

It's only been a few days since I made the change, but it doesn't feel any different, except that now, I'm saving money while still being able to take advantage of most of my smartwatch's features. Frankly, it made me realize that I don't need a smartwatch with data, and I feel like most people probably don't, either.

T-Mobile tried and failed to get me to keep the line

When I called to cancel the line, the T-Mobile representative understandably tried her darndest to convince me to keep it. She told me that I would use my watch without needing my smartphone nearby, still able to make calls and texts, stream music while on a run, or navigate with Google Maps.

That sounds all good and dandy, but the thing is, I always have my phone with me. So pretty much all of these features are still usable without LTE, making it a non-issue. I can make calls or send texts from the watch, play offline music I've already downloaded from YouTube Music and Spotify (or transferred from my phone), and even use offline maps in Google Maps, if, for some reason, I don't have my phone. And I only need to do these things on my watch if I don't wanna pull my phone out of my pocket, which is where it almost always is.

Granted, I did actually try to take advantage of the LTE connectivity when I first got the Galaxy Watch, going on runs in my neighborhood while leaving my phone at home. But, to be honest, I hate running outside, and I still felt uncomfortable not having my phone with me for even 30 minutes (which probably says a lot about me). And to be honest, going on runs without my phone was really the only use case I've been able to come up with for keeping the smartwatch data line.

I also mostly use my smartwatches to track my workouts. In addition to the Pixel Watch 3 LTE, I also use Garmin watches like the Venu 4, which don't come with LTE connectivity and are more than sufficient to do what I need them to.

I told the T-Mobile representative as much, and she still tried to convince me to keep the line, but ultimately, I could not think of a single reason to keep spending money on it.

LTE has its uses on a smartwatches, if you're willing to pay for it

I'm not saying LTE on a smartwatch isn't useful; I'm just saying it's not useful enough for what I need it for. For example, the Pixel Watch 4 has satellite SOS, which is only available on the LTE model. This lets you send emergency messages when you're in an area where you don't have access to a mobile network.

Emergency satellite messaging may be available on Pixel phones, but it's not ubiquitous across Android phones or even carriers. This would make an LTE Pixel Watch a potentially lifesaving device if you find yourself in a sticky spot.

However, a smartwatch line on major U.S. carriers usually costs around $10 a month, meaning I was paying around $120 a year for multiple years for a feature that I don't use. It's not as much as a typical smartphone line, which makes the cost manageable for many people, but I just can't justify the price anymore.

Even so, my Pixel Watch 3 works just as well as it did before I removed the LTE connection, and I don't miss it at all.

That said, not everyone feels the same way. Do you find LTE on a smartwatch useful, or do you prefer to just use Bluetooth/Wi-Fi? Let us know in the comments below!

I've been using the Pixel Watch 3 as one of my main workout devices for over a year now, and it's been able to keep me on track with features like AI run recommendations and the new Personal Health Coach. However, after recently moving, I've finally managed to unlock another Pixel Watch superpower that I almost forgot existed.

My new building has a gym with a few Peloton machines, and I was excited to try them out since I've never used a Peloton before. Then I remembered something that got me even more excited: I can connect my Pixel Watch 3 to the machine as a live heart rate sensor!

I had to figure a few things out first

Admittedly, figuring out how to connect the Pixel Watch to a Peloton machine wasn't as straightforward as I thought, but at the same time, it was easier than I had been led to believe.

I initially thought I had to download the Peloton Wear OS app to get things working, but all that does is let you start workouts from the watch and connect to your smartphone app with your live heart rate. I found that I don't really need the Wear OS app to connect to Peloton equipment for live heart rate monitoring on the machine, which seems to be a separate function from what the Wear OS app offers.

What you do need if you have a Peloton machine is an account, the smartphone app, and a membership to really take advantage of all the machine has to offer, such as the bevy of classes available. Peloton memberships start as low as $9.99 per month, but you'll probably want to go with the $12.99 Peloton App One option, which I think is the best value.

Once you're set up, you can log into your Peloton machine and start working out. But of course, you'll want to connect your Pixel Watch to the machine for live heart rate tracking, and it's actually much easier than you might think.

How to connect your Pixel Watch to a Peloton

1. On the Peloton, tap the Settings button in the top right corner, then tap Heart Rate. The device will begin searching for compatible heart rate monitors.

2. On the Pixel Watch, swipe down to show the Quick Settings menu. Select the "Connected fitness" icon, which appears as a heart with two lines on one side.

3. Tap "Connect." The Pixel Watch will then become visible for a certain amount of time.

4. On the Peloton, tap "Connect" when the Pixel Watch appears on the screen.

With that, you should be ready to use your Pixel Watch as a heart rate monitor during any workout. You can also save the connection so you won't have to go through the steps again, and you can disconnect manually on the Peloton by returning to the Settings and disconnecting the Pixel Watch from the Heart Rate menu.

Keep in mind that this capability is not available on the original Pixel Watch.

Don't sleep on this feature if you have a Peloton and Pixel Watch

What's great about this feature is that I don't need to purchase any extra equipment to make it work. The Pelotons I've been using belong to my building, but these machines aren't exactly cheap. Who wants to buy a heart rate monitor after dropping a few thousand dollars on a Peloton, especially when you can just rely on something you likely already have and use?

It's also just nice to have my heart rate displayed in the top left corner during my workout, and it really helps me maximize my workouts. The instructors sometimes ask you to aim for a specific heart rate zone, and it keeps me from constantly checking my watch to make sure I'm in the right zone, which can interrupt my workout flow.

And while I mostly ignore the Wear OS app, you can still connect your Peloton account to other apps and devices. This includes Health Connect, Fitbit, Garmin Connect, and Strava, making it easy to share your progress on your workout app of choice and across devices.

The best part is that the Pixel can connect to more than just Peloton, and the official list of devices and apps includes Tonal, Strava, Echelon, iFit (NordicTrack), and more. It's nice to have options!

What you need to know

• Google is working on a Pixel Watch feature that alerts you when you leave your phone behind.
• The feature may also automatically lock your phone if you walk away while it is still unlocked.
• The feature may be limited to certain Pixel Watch models and has no rollout timeline yet.

If you keep forgetting your phone behind when leaving a place, a new Google Pixel Watch feature might end up being a real lifesaver.

As spotted by Android Authority, Google is working on a new Pixel Watch feature that will alert users when they leave their phone behind. The publication found some strings in the source code that reference a feature called "Notify when left behind," which would send a notification to your Pixel Watch whenever you walk away without your phone.

For the feature to work, as per the report, a few prerequisites are required. Both the phone and watch need to have Bluetooth turned on, and the watch must be worn on your wrist, which is fairly obvious for something like this to function properly.

Google is finally adding a phone left-behind alert

What makes this feature more interesting is that it will also automatically lock your phone if you walk away from it while it is still unlocked. This could be especially useful from a privacy standpoint if you accidentally leave your phone behind in a public place. The report also notes that you will be able to disable these alerts in trusted locations, such as your home.

That said, it is possible that Google may limit this feature to select new Pixel Watch models and some older models, like the original Pixel Watch or the Pixel Watch 2, may be left out. The code strings include a "Not supported watch" message, suggesting that some Pixel Watch variants could miss out.

For those familiar, similar features already exist on the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch, but it is good to finally see Google working on bringing this functionality to the Pixel Watch.

There is no word yet on when or if this feature will officially roll out, as it has only been spotted in the source code so far. If Google does end up releasing it, we will be sure to update you.

The Pixel Watch 4 has solid battery life for a Wear OS watch, particularly the 45mm model. But if you're looking to stretch out its lifespan — both for short-term gains and long-term battery health — there are a few simple settings to familiarize yourself with!

One key reason I gave the Pixel Watch 4 a glowing review is its improved battery life, paired with faster charging. The 45mm model easily lasts two days in ideal conditions and performed very well in my battery test, handling GPS workouts or LTE streaming with ease.

Because of this, I tend to use Watch 4 settings that drain its battery faster for a better user experience. But for those of you who'd prefer the opposite, and want to maximize your Pixel Watch 4 battery life — particularly as its capacity fades with time — these are the simple tricks and downgrades to make the Watch 4 last longer per charge.

Turn on Battery Saver mode

I'll start with the obvious setting that you probably know about already. Swipe down from the main watch face view to see a battery icon with a percentage. Tap it, say Don't show this again, then tap the check mark. Now, tapping the battery button triggers Battery Saver mode immediately.

You now have an instant way to put the Watch 4 in a more efficient state, with limited background activity, delayed notifications, and disabled always-on display (AOD). If toggled on at 100%, Battery Saver makes the Watch 4 41mm and 45mm last up to 40 or 72 hours, respectively.

This mode triggers automatically at 15%; you can't change the threshold, so you'll have to remember to check for yourself if you want to trigger Battery Saver earlier in the day.

Disable AOD and adjust your display timeout settings

Google estimates that the Pixel Watch 4 41mm and 45mm last 30 and 40 hours with AOD active, respectively; it doesn't say how long they're supposed to last with AOD turned off, but you'll get a few extra hours, at least, and those hours will add up to fewer charge cycles over time.

I prefer using AOD so I can glance at my wrist for info without needing tilt-to-wake, and it makes the watch look more stylish. But if you can accept losing those perks, open the watch settings, tap Display, then toggle Always-on screen off.

In this same menu, you can adjust your screen timeout window from the default 15 seconds to 10 seconds, which will reduce power usage subtly over time.

There's also the Go to watch face delay setting: With a longer duration like "after 1 minute," the Watch 4 will keep your current menu or app open for a minute even if the screen dims, but this consumes extra battery. Instead, choose something shorter like "After 15 seconds," or even "Immediately," which prolongs its capacity but (annoyingly) makes you navigate back to an app if you're distracted.

Lastly, adaptive brightness is on by default, as it should be, but a final battery-saving option is to tap the Brightness setting, toggle it off, and then tap the - button to make the lowest brightness the default. You won't benefit from the Watch 4's 3,000 nits, but it'll last longer than a day.

Disable sound/vibrations and tilt-to-wake

I'll emphasize again that I wouldn't do this, necessarily, but for maximum Watch 4 capacity, disable tilt-to-wake so that you only wake the display by tapping it or rotating the display. Go to Settings > Gestures and toggle Tilt-to-Wake off.

Side note: You may want to disable Gemini Raise to Talk in the same menu, simply because that's another tracked gesture that activates the display and mic. Either that, or lower the voice and motion sensitivity so it's less likely to trigger accidentally.

Next, you'll have to decide whether you prefer your notifications accompanied by sound or vibrations. I'm not certain which is more efficient, but it's best to disable one of them, then lower the intensity of the other.

First, go to Settings > Sound and tap Mute ring & notifications, or lower the volume for ringing, notifications, alarms, media, and calls. Then, go to Settings > Vibration and either toggle Vibration & haptics off or lower the intensity for Ring, Notification, and Alarm vibrations. You can also disable "interactive haptics," or the subtle whirr when you turn the crown or tap display options.

Use Adaptive Charging (and be smart about when you charge)

The Pixel Watch 4 has Adaptive Charging enabled by default. Essentially, Google learns your habits so that, if you tend to charge your watch overnight, it anticipates when you typically wake up and waits to hit 100% until that time — helping preserve capacity in the long run.

As I covered in my Pixel Watch 4 beginner's guide, you should go to Settings > Watch preferences > Modes and toggle Sync across watch and phone on; then, in your connected phone's settings, go to Settings > Modes > Bedtime > Bedtime Routine and set a schedule; this should make it easy for Google to adapt the watch's charging schedule, and also auto-limit background activity at night if you leave it off the charger.

Useful as this is, Adaptive Charging won't kick in if, for example, you use the Watch 4 for sleep tracking and charge it during the day. In that case, Google sends a 100%-charged notification to your phone when the Watch 4 is ready, but you need to be alert for it.

Google has a "Battery Defender" tool that kicks in if you leave your Pixel Watch on the charger for 4+ days, but that's already too long to wait!

You also want to make sure you don't let the Pixel Watch 4 hit 0% too often, or stay dead, as letting its battery stay drained has a negative impact on long-term capacity. If you know you're not going to be wearing the Watch 4 for a while, for whatever reason, go to Settings > System > Power off while it's at or near full capacity.

Avoid using LTE when possible

As I found during my Pixel Watch 4 battery test, streaming music over cellular to my wireless earbuds consumed 18% of the Watch 4 45mm battery in one hour — or 28% with both LTE music and GPS.

When I streamed a predownloaded playlist, it used 12% per hour. Over time, that'll add up to a couple of extra hours of capacity; plus, you can assume the LTE power drain would be much higher on the smaller 41mm model.

My point is simple: If you bought the 4G LTE Watch 4, try not to use the cellular capacity often, unless you're willing to recharge it immediately after your activity. It toggles on automatically if you're away from your phone or home wi-fi, but if you ever need to make your Watch 4 last longer, go to Settings > Connectivity > Mobile > Mobile and switch LTE off.

What you need to know

• Belkin's new wireless charging stand has a modular smartwatch charger tray that supports Apple, Google, and Samsung pucks.
• The modularity allows Galaxy Watch and Pixel Watch users to supply their own smartwatch chargers for extra versatility.
• The charger's primary charging pad supports Qi2.2 25W, and a secondary one powers your earbuds.

With the emergence of Qi2 magnetic charging support on phones like the Google Pixel 10 series, Android users are able to use premium wireless charging stands. Chargers that support Qi2 will work with magnetic phones including the Pixel 10 and wireless earbuds, and an even greater set of Android phones with a compatible case. Smartwatch charging, however, proved to be more elusive. Accessories offering 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 wireless charging often only supported the Apple Watch.

Belkin is trying to change that with the UltraCharge Modular Charging Dock, a Qi2 charging accessory announced this week at CES 2026. It will be available for a fairly-cheap $64.99 retail price, and has one neat feature: support for multiple smartwatch charging pucks. Typically, charging stands that require you to bring your own charging puck do so to cut costs, but that's only part of the story with this Belkin charger.

The modularity here allows Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and Google Pixel Watch users to insert their charger into the UltraCharge Modular Charging Dock for peak versatility. It'll work with all Galaxy Watch and Apple Watch models. Only the first- and second-generation Pixel Watches are supported, but that's because Google switched to pin-based charging systems starting with the Pixel Watch 3.

The setup includes a pop-out tray for your smartwatch charging puck, complete with a variety of inserts and spacers to match your smartwatch brand and/or model. The cable is hidden, running through the stand's body into its base, where you'll find a USB-C input and output. The input is used to power the stand, and connects to the included 45W power adapter. The output, meanwhile, is for your smartwatch charger.

The smartwatch modularity is the selling point here, but the rest of the charger is impressive, too. The main charging pad supports Qi2.2 technology, meaning you'll get 25W charging speeds with supported devices. This magnetic charger is adjustable, helping you find the right viewing angle or fold it flat for travel and storage.

Underneath the phone charger is a smaller, fixed charging pad intended for use with wireless earbuds. So, you can use the UltraCharge Modular Charging Dock for a complete Samsung or Google mobile ecosystem, including a phone, earbuds, and smartwatch.

Belkin says it's expecting a launch this quarter for the UltraCharge Modular Charging Dock "in select markets," and it might just me the Wear OS charging solution you needed.

What you need to know

• A bug in Wear OS 6 is causing third-party watch faces to freeze mid-transition, creating a "ghosting" effect where the active face and Always-On Display overlap.
• Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch users are both affected, including newer models like the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch Ultra.
• The issue specifically targets downloaded third-party faces; stock faces pre-installed by Google and Samsung appear to be immune.

Wear OS 6 was supposed to be a quiet quality-of-life upgrade, such as a more polished always-on display experience. Instead, it’s kicked off an unexpected headache for Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch owners who rely on third-party watch faces.

Users have taken to both Google and Samsung forums to report that Always-On Display (AOD) transitions are broken on Wear OS 6 for many third-party faces, as reported by PiunikaWeb. Under normal conditions, a Wear OS watch shifts between its full, interactive watch face and a simplified AOD version smoothly when your wrist drops. On Wear OS 6, however, something in that handoff has gone sideways.

Owners report seeing a "ghosting" effect in which the active watch face and the AOD version overlap. Instead of a smooth fade from bright to dim, you get a frozen, transparent mess of overlapping numbers and hands.

This isn’t limited to one brand. Reports are coming in from both Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch owners, including those running the latest Pixel Watch models and Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch Ultra. That’s important because it suggests this is a Wear OS 6 platform-level problem.

The root of the problem appears to be a change in how Wear OS 6 handles AOD rendering for third-party watch faces. Google introduced new APIs meant to improve efficiency and consistency, but those changes seem to have broken compatibility with existing watch face frameworks.

Stock faces still work fine

The system gets stuck halfway, leaving a broken, half-finished screen. This bug mostly affects third-party watch faces. If you use the watch faces that came with your device, you probably have not seen this problem because those faces work differently.

Some users have temporarily fixed the issue by switching to an official Pixel or Samsung watch face, but that’s more of a workaround than a solution.

This is not the customization you expected, but it is better than looking at a messy screen every time you check your steps. Google and Samsung seem to be aware of the problem, but since it is a system issue, we have to wait for an update to fix it.

Until the update arrives, avoid third-party watch faces and watch for the next firmware update.

What you need to know

• The Pixel Watch 4 will support two one-handed gestures: Double pinch and wrist turn.
• You'll be able to respond to calls, dismiss notifications, and more without touching the screen.
• Google is adding a step-by-step tutorial to Gemini Raise to Talk as a "refresher" for users.
• Both the Pixel Watch 4 and Watch 3 will support a new Gemma-based on-watch model for smart replies.

Google announced a new Pixel Watch 4 update on Tuesday that brings gesture shortcuts and smarter AI message suggestions to Wear OS 6.

With this update, Watch 4 owners will be able to Double Pinch to answer and end calls, pause timers, silence alarms, take a photo, respond to messages, and more. Samsung first introduced its pinching shortcut on Galaxy Watches with Wear OS 5, while Apple Watches also have a Double Tap shortcut.

Google seemed to acknowledge this in the press release, noting that "unique to Pixel Watch" will be "helpful context hints right on screen" for when to use the gesture. When you look at an incoming phone call, for example, the green phone button will temporarily switch to an animated pinch gesture.

The second new Pixel Watch 4 gesture is Wrist Turn, which silences notifications or incoming calls; this, too, is similar to Samsung's "Shake" gesture and functionality. The only missing gesture is Samsung's Knock Knock, which triggers a favorite shortcut on the Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic.

You'll be able to customize how often you see these gesture reminders within the UI: Always, Daily, Weekly, Monthly, or Once.

Google has its own unique gesture: Gemini Raise to Talk, which allows Watch 4 owners to activate Gemini to listen simply by lifting their wrists. Google says they're rolling out a "step-by-step tutorial" to "make this valuable feature accessible to everyone," so some users may have been struggling to make it work properly.

This December update will also improve the on-device smart reply function on both the Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Watch 3. Originally a Watch 4 exclusive, this feature would create possible contextual replies to messages without having to wait for your phone or the cloud.

Now, Google says they've created a new Gemma model that's "twice as fast and nearly three times more efficient" for memory usage, and that "97% of users found the quality equal to or better than before" in a blind study, despite being more efficient. We hope this will help the Pixel Watch 4 battery life continue to improve.

One of the best Android smartwatches of the year, the Pixel Watch 4 is a Gemini smartwatch in many ways, and it's no surprise that Google would continue to emphasize AI upgrades and shortcuts in its post-launch updates.

What you need to know

• Google is making it easier to see timers and stopwatches on the Pixel Watch's always-on display.
• Media controls and more Clock functions will be available on the Pixel Watch's AOD following a Google Clock app update.
• Google appears to be finally adopting the "Force Global AOD Experience" developer option added in Wear OS 5.1.

Google is upgrading the always-on display (AOD) function available on the Pixel Watch, adding support for more features in an update. The Google Pixel Watch's AOD is handled by the Google Clock app, which recently became a Pixel-exclusive on Wear OS. After receiving the update, Pixel Watch models can display timers, stopwatches, and media controls on their always-on displays.

The update is rolling out as part of Google Clock version 6.11, and it's not widely available yet (via Android Authority). A few users on the Google Pixel Watch subreddit reported gaining access to the feature after updating the Google Clock app to version 6.11. Others are seeing version 6.10 of the Google Clock app as the newest available version for their Pixel Watch, suggesting this is a limited rollout for now.

Timer now works with AOD! from r/PixelWatch

Previously, the Pixel Watch's standard behavior for the always-on display involved darkening open apps and showing a generic digital clock in front of them. When closed or timed out, the Pixel Watch's AOD would return to its saved watch face. Any app that lacks AOD support could use the "Force Global AOD Experience" developer option, which dims the display but keeps your last screen visible or active, as of Wear OS 5.1.

Unfortunately, not many developers chose to enable the "Force Global AOD Experience" option — including Google. That is, until this Google Clock app update, which allows stopwatches and timers to continue when the AOD is active. Additionally, it adds AOD support for media controls, including play/pause and next/previous, all with Material 3 Expressive flair.

There are a few limitations of the Clock app's new AOD capabilities. Some frequently-updating graphics and fields are omitted when the AOD is active. Namely, you won't see the countdown ring for timers or the number of seconds remaining. While stopwatches keep the second counter, it also loses the ring.

You can try to force the Google Clock update on your Pixel Watch by opening the Google Play Store on your smartwatch and scrolling all the way to the bottom. There, you'll find a Manage apps button. After tapping it, you can check for a Google Clock update. If available, follow the on-screen prompts to install it.

The Google Pixel Watch 4 is jam-packed with features, enough that it's hard to keep track of everything you can, or should, be doing with your new smartwatch! Since I've been using it for months, even after my Pixel Watch 4 review, I can help you get started.

Google takes you through the basics during the initial Watch 4 setup, like connecting your Google email or syncing it with the Fitbit app. This Pixel Watch 4 beginner's guide will focus on features you're expected to find on your own.

These aren't necessarily hidden tricks, but they're tools that'll lay dormant in submenus until you find them. Let's optimize your Pixel Watch 4 settings so you get the best possible experience.

Customize your watch faces and theme

Tap and hold your watch face, then swipe left and right to move between the different default faces preinstalled on your Watch 4. Whichever face you choose, Wear OS 6 pulls the primary and secondary colors to update the Watch 4's UI color theme; for example, the default Active face makes Tiles and buttons red, while notifications turn dull purple and text bright purple.

Google offers more primary watch faces. Open the Watch app on your connected phone, then tap Watch faces. If you tap Add watch face, you'll find 27 categories with nearly 150 variations, mostly color differences but also different layouts, such as whether to place widgets along the display edge.

To edit your Watch 4 watch face, tap and hold the watch face, then tap the pencil icon. You'll see three edit options for the theme color, layout, and complications; swipe left to move between them, then tap a name or complication slot to pull up a menu of options.

It's easier to edit in the mobile Watch app, however. Open the Watch faces menu, then Edit under a specific watch face. You'll see more options at once and can preview different colors and layouts without applying them; hit Save to immediately upload your final choices to your watch.

Add third-party watch faces

Google designed its watch faces to blend in with the edgeless display. Stylish as they are, they're also a bit homogenous. If you're looking for more variety, especially for fun holiday- or pop culture-themed watch faces, you're in luck: Wear OS 6 brought back support for 3rd-party watch face apps like Facer, WatchMaker, and TIMEFLIK, with hundreds of thousands of custom options. Most require a subscription or purchase, but plenty are free.

For each app like Facer, you'll need to download it on your phone and watch, then select the Pixel Watch 4 as your primary device. Any watch face you choose will be uploaded to the Watch 4 and given a dedicated slot next to Google's default faces. Choose a new Facer face, and it'll replace your old pick in the same slot; you'll have to save old favorites within the app itself if you want to swap back.

Also, be warned that Google doesn't pull color themes from custom watch faces, defaulting to a Moonstone theme. Once you choose your new watch face, go to Settings > Display > Color theme and select one of the eight generic options that match it.

Edit your Tiles

Wear OS 6 upgraded Tiles to make them more useful than before, with more shortcuts per Tile and (for some) an Edge button that takes you to the full app. Since you can have a maximum of 15 Tiles, take the time to decide which you need.

On any Tile, tap and hold to enter Editing mode, then tap the left or right arrow to reorder them so your favorite apps are easier to check first. Tap the + icon to add a new Tile from the available options, or swipe up on any Tile to remove it from the Carousel.

Among the available non-default Tiles, I definitely recommend adding the Alarm and Timer tiles for functionality, Google Keep's Create Note tool for quick voice transcriptions, and the Gmail "New Emails" tile. Health-conscious users can add the Body Responses (aka stress), ECG, and Cardio Load Tiles. There are a few 3rd-party app Tiles, too, most notably Outlook, WhatsApp, and Spotify.

Customize Gemini Raise to Talk

Gemini Raise to Talk only works on the Pixel Watch 4. Older models make you use "Hey Google" or long-press the Side button; now, if you raise the Watch 4 up to your mouth and speak clearly and quickly, Gemini will answer your question. I have a full how-to guide on setting up and using Gemini Raise to Talk, and you'll be prompted to activate the feature during initial setup.

But there's one thing you probably don't know: You can change how sensitive Gemini Raise to Talk is. People who gesticulate while they talk may get too many false positives, while others may find that Gemini fails to listen unless you awkwardly yank up your arm.

Open Settings > Gestures > Raise to Talk and toggle it On if it isn't already. Then, scroll down to find Gesture sensitivity and Voice sensitivity options. I chose to make mine more sensitive, so it registers commands with more casual arm movement and without me having to speak as loudly or quickly.

Limit annoying notifications and sync Bedtime Mode

By default, your phone and watch will buzz at the same time with a notification. In the mobile Watch app under Settings, tap Notifications to limit them: Mute notifications from phone so your watch stays silent while you're actively using your phone, and/ or Mute notifications on phone if you want your phone to stay silent while your Watch 4 shows the notification.

Another option is to tap App notifications and choose which apps are allowed to appear on the Watch 4. Take a minute to untoggle the apps that you wouldn't want to distract you with marketing garbage during an outing or workout. If you want even more granular control over your notifications, I recommend this paid Buzzkill Notification Manager.

The most important thing is to make sure your Watch 4 is synced with your Pixel phone's bedtime routine, so that it doesn't buzz your wrist or light up when you turn over in your sleep. In the mobile Watch app, go to Watch preferences > Modes and make sure Sync across watch and phone is toggled on; then, in your main phone settings, go to Settings > Modes > Bedtime > Bedtime Routine and set a schedule.

Turn on Loss of Pulse detection

You may have already found this feature highlighted in the Fitbit app, but assumed you were too healthy to need it. But Google specifically says Loss of Pulse isn't for people with "high risk for sudden cardiac death." It's for people who don't realize they could be at risk, catching signs of cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure, overdose, or poisoning.

Our guide on how to enable Loss of Pulse walks you through each step, but it's simple enough: On your connected phone, go to Settings > Safety & Emergency, select the Loss of Pulse feature, then follow the steps. If it's not available, you may not live in one of the 16 countries where Google received regulatory approval.

Sign up for the Fitbit Personal Health Coach preview

The redesigned Fitbit app, due to launch in 2026, adds a Personal Health Coach that uses a Gemini-based LLM, letting you have a "conversation" with the AI coach to build out a workout plan and discuss your Watch 4 health, sleep, and fitness stats.

It's currently in beta, and your free six-month Fitbit Premium trial gives you access to it if you live in the United States. We have an in-depth guide on how to get started with the Fitbit AI personal health coach, one I recommend following because it's too lengthy to list out here.

For now, here's the gist: Open the Fitbit app and, if you're eligible, you'll see a pop-up option to Join the Public Preview in the Today tab. Agree to several screens of fine print, then hit Continue to start a chat with the AI Coach, where you'll discuss your goals, favorite activities, equipment, and everything else necessary to build a training plan.

You'll begin to see summarized "insights" about your health and sleep stats in the Today tab, or you can tap individual tabs to see more in specific areas. You'll also get your personalized plan with a week of upcoming workouts visible; you'll be able to tap Adjust plan if, for example, you're injured or are working late and need something easier.

Set up Emergency SOS and fall/car crash detection

On your Watch 4, open Settings > Safety & Emergency > Emergency SOS to toggle it on. Then summon help by pressing the crown five times rapidly, then holding the screen for three seconds.

You can tap Ways to start SOS in the same menu to remove the tapping component, if you'd rather it be easier to trigger. You can then choose whether to play a sound that'll loudly chime the imminent 911 call, or disable it.

By default, Emergency SOS dials 911. But if you have a unique situation where you'd rather call a personal contact for help in an emergency, tap Who to call for help, then tap Manage contacts to pick who you'd rather call instead using this shortcut.

Once that's set, ensure the Watch 4 will respond to emergencies when you can't. With fall and car crash detection, the watch's accelerometer will respond to a sudden loss of motion and give you 30 or 60 seconds to tap "I'm okay" on the display before it calls 911.

In Settings > Safety & Emergency, you'll find toggles for both Car Crash detection and Fall detection. Toggle both on, and for the latter, you should toggle Emergency sharing as well if you want to send an alert to loved ones that you've been in a crash, in addition to 911.

Use Safety Checks while working out

We've only scratched the surface of the Pixel Watch 4's emergency features. The Safety Check tool is designed for athletes: When you go out for an evening run or a hike in a deserted area, you can set a timer and have Google send your location to trusted contacts if you fail to check in before it ends.

Open the Personal Safety app or Tile, then tap Safety Check > Next. Choose your activity type and the duration. Pick which contacts you'd want to message; then, decide whether to send activity start and end messages to these contacts, or to only contact them if the timer expires.

Once you hit Start Timer, you'll see the screen above. You can end the Safety Check at any time with the red X button, or tap Start Emergency Sharing or Call 911 if necessary. You can also tap the clock icon to add more time, if necessary.

Test the satellite SOS tool

If you didn't buy the Pixel Watch 4 LTE, your model doesn't include satellite, so skip ahead. For those that did, if you dial 911 in a cellular dead zone, the watch will show a "Use Satellite SOS?" prompt; tapping it will begin a process of sending a message to emergency responders with your name, email, phone number, location, language preference, Watch 4 battery level, and emergency contact information

I recommend testing it out first, though not by dialing 911. Go back to Settings > Safety & Emergency, then select Satellite SOS > Try a demo. It'll show you how you need to find an open space where the Watch 4 has a line of sight with the Skylo satellite, then orient the device to optimize the signal.

Use Watch Unlock for your connected Pixel

The Pixel Watch 4 uses its Ultra Wideband functionality to keep your nearby phone unlocked, if you want. In the mobile Pixel Watch app, tap Watch preferences > Security > Watch Unlock and type in your passcode, then hit Confirm. You'll then need to add a PIN or Pattern to your Watch 4, if you haven't already.

With this active, so long as you're wearing your Watch 4 and your connected Pixel is nearby, you can unlock it simply by swiping up on the lock screen or tapping a notification. In theory, someone could grab your phone and do this, but you'll get a notification on your Watch 4 whenever your synced phone is unlocked, with a Lock button visible if needed.

Set up Google Wallet

Adding a PIN or pattern to the Watch 4 also allows you to use Google Wallet. If you double-tap the crown, it'll pull up your synced cards and passes. But first, you'll need to set up the feature.

Double-tap the crown, then tap the big + button to continue on your synced phone. Assuming you already have credit cards on Google Pay, you simply select one, add your CVV, wait for approval from your bank, and then agree to the issuer's terms. I also had to pass a 2FA test, though that depends on your bank's security.

Aside from adding credit cards, you can add transit cards in the Watch app if you live in Puget Sound, Toronto, the SF Bay Area, or Washington D.C. Loyalty cards will also appear under your credit cards, though you'll need to manage them directly in the mobile Wallet app.

Miscellaneous settings to optimize your Watch 4 experience

To finish off, let's break down some basic settings that could improve your overall Watch 4 experience with just a couple of taps in the Settings!

• Display: Screen timeout lets you keep the display awake for up to 30 seconds, while Go to watch face keeps your last-used app open for up to 5 minutes, even after the display dims, so you don't have to navigate back.
• Sound: Here, you can adjust the volume of your phone calls, notifications, alarms, media, and on-wrist phone calls. I personally mute calls and notifications because I prefer vibrations, but you may prefer the opposite.
• Vibration: Here, you can customize vibration strength for calls, notifications, and alarms. For example, you might make your alarm light so you're not startled awake, but it's strong enough so you notice immediately.
• Battery: Battery Saver mode triggers automatically at 15%; you can go to this menu to toggle it off if you prefer.
• Accessibility: Here, visually impaired users can turn on tools like TalkBack — which describes what's happening on screen — Magnification, Text-to-Speech, or a Watch Vibration mode that buzzes out the current hour.
• System: To check for the latest update, go to System Update and tap the screen a few times to prompt the watch to check for an update. You can also restart the Watch 4 here if it's being sluggish, or Transfer watch if you want to sync it with a new Android phone.

Unleashing your Pixel Watch 4

This isn't a comprehensive list of Pixel Watch 4 tips and tricks, but this guide has hopefully improved your overall experience with it!

You may want to buy some backup Pixel Watch 4 bands and swap between them regularly to stay hygienic, or buy something like a ZAGG InvisibleShield or Spigen Armor Pro to protect your Watch 4. But that's ultimately up to you.

If you haven't bought the Pixel Watch 4 yet, and are using this guide to see whether it has new tricks that make it worth the upgrade, I recommend reading our Pixel Watch 4 vs. 3 guide, my Pixel Watch 4 45mm battery test, or my Pixel Watch 4 fitness test to see more of what it's like to use.

What you need to know

• Google was reportedly spotted working on new gestures for its Pixel Watch, such as one called "wrist turns" for managing notifications and calls.
• The second feature was described similarly to Apple's pinch gestures, dubbed "double pinch" in Google's code.
• Google recently rolled out the final patch to the original Pixel Watch, as well as cutting off Clock app support to non-Pixel smartwatches.

Google's reportedly developing a new set of wrist and hand gestures for its Pixel Watch that can bring that futuristic flair to your smartwatch.

Discovered by Android Authority, Google is seemingly working on a quick-flick feature: wrist turns. Early vestiges of the company's code in the Pixel Watch app suggest that there are plans to return these "wrist turns" for managing calls and handling notifications. Per the publication, Google's descriptions state users can "silence calls" by turning their wrist, and they can "close alerting notifications."

The second feature in the app's code, while not an old Wear OS feature, is something Google's competitor, Apple, has graced its smartwatch with. Other strings of code suggest Google is developing a "Double Pinch" gesture, likely leveraging the hand your watch is near.

The code summary states, "Use double pinch to answer calls, interact with notifications, take photos, and more."

It's still early, as the app didn't offer more information, such as more detailed use examples, for the report to dig into. However, as the publication notes, the "wrist turn" feature is giving old-school Wear OS vibes. There was a time when users could flick their wrist to "navigate" their watch, such as notifications. More details will likely get added as Google's development continues, but for now, we'll have to settle for this.

Look, no hands!

It's been relatively quiet on the new features front for Google's Pixel Watch, but there have been moves made for general support. When November kicked off, Google started rolling out the final minor update for its original Pixel Watch. While this patch only brought security fixes and the like, it did so as the last patch the O.G. glass-domed device will ever see. Consumers with the original watch won't receive any more major Wear OS updates, but they can still keep their apps up to date via the Play Store.

Unfortunately, the model isn't picking up Wear OS 6. It's had a good run, one could say, as it picked up Wear OS 3.5 through 5.1 over the past few years.

Around the same time, Google announced that it was ending support for the Clock app on non-Pixel watches. This concerns the Wear OS Clock app, something that Google cut off from others amid a series of backlash from users. Non-Pixel watches have lost the Clock app, as well as any updates for it.

Though users didn't find it too kind, Google tried to defend itself, stating, "watch brands offering their own default clock apps on Wear OS." Instead, Google is pushing users toward Clock apps offered by the watch's maker and plenty of others available on the Play Store.

As the site's Wearables lead, I've tested dozens of smartwatches and fitness watches in 2025. The fitness watch battle was competitive, with many exciting options from Garmin and others. For true smartwatches, though, there's one clear winner that shone above the competition in 2025: the Google Pixel Watch 4.

Its domed, 3,000-nit display looks fantastic, the battery life is excellent thanks to a new, more-efficient Snapdragon processor, and the combination of Fitbit sensors, dual-band GPS, and Gemini coaching makes it a compelling fitness watch option.

Considering it came out in October, I wasn't expecting a significant Black Friday deal. So imagine my surprise when I saw you can save $50 on the Pixel Watch 4 at Best Buy, or save $100 on the Pixel Watch 4 LTE, which means you'll get both 4G connectivity and satellite SOS for "free" since it normally costs $100 extra. These are the first-ever discounts we've seen on any Pixel Watch 4 model.

✅Recommended if: You're a regular Google Workspace or Gemini user who'll benefit from the Pixel Watch's exclusive Gemini tricks like Gemini Raise to Talk; you're interested in the new Fitbit Premium Health Coach for its personalized training plans; or you simply want a fast, stylish Wear OS watch for the apps and messaging.

❌Skip this deal if: You don't own an Android phone, you'd prefer a watch you can wear for a week or more per charge, or you'd rather opt for a more traditional, rugged smartwatch design with a bezel and sapphire glass.

Google doesn't tend to be as liberal with its smartwatch deals as Samsung, which has already dropped the rival Galaxy Watch 8 to $279 ($70 off). You'll get more chances to save $50 in the future, but I wouldn't expect anything lower until well into 2026, so you might as well snag one now or accept that you'll be waiting months for a significantly better deal.

Unlike the Pixel Watch 3, which still had some flaws and growing pains, the Pixel Watch 4 feels like the smartwatch that Google has spent four years trying to make, with a stylish design, noticeable battery life improvements from both the new Snapdragon hardware and more efficient software, and blazing-fast charging. The new Wear OS 6 UI is also excellent, featuring dynamic animations and a wider array of custom watch faces.

There's still room to grow in terms of making Gemini smarter and faster, and the new Fitbit Health Coach powered by Gemini is still in beta until next year. But for now, the Pixel Watch 4 is the best smartwatch of 2025 that'll appeal to a wide range of people.

More Black Friday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
  More Black Friday coverage
• The best Google Pixel deals of Black Friday
• The best Samsung deals of Black Friday
• The best Motorola deals of Black Friday

Black Friday weekend has turned into Black Friday week, which means we're already seeing some great deals on devices. The Pixel Watch 3 is one such device, and though it may be last year's model, this is still one of our favorite smartwatches and one that I personally use on a daily basis. Lucky for you, this great smartwatch is discounted back down to its lowest price, making it one of the more exciting deals I've seen so far.

The Pixel Watch 3 normally retails for $299 for the 45mm Wi-Fi variant, a price that has already dropped from its original $399 launch price. Now, Amazon has discounted it even further, meaning you can score a Pixel Watch 3 for as low as $199.99, or spend a little more on the smaller 41mm Pixel Watch 3, which is discounted to just $208.99.

• Amazon's Black Friday week is LIVE: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: you want a good Android smartwatch with decent battery life, access to apps like Spotify and Gemini, and connect to Fitbit for comprehensive health and fitness guidance.

❌Skip this deal if: you prefer to have the latest and greatest devices, as the Pixel Watch 3 is a year old and uses an even older chipset. Also if you're more serious about fitness, in which case, a Garmin watch may better suit your needs.

The Pixel Watch 3 may be a year old, but that doesn't make it an outdated watch. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset that powers it still performs admirably, and you won't notice any hiccups. Additionally, Wear OS has come a long way, and it feels like a mature smartwatch OS with well-optimized apps and experiences, like the ability to add and change themes based on your watch face.

I've owned the Pixel Watch 3 for some time now, and while the Pixel Watch 4 is technically a better watch with a newer chipset and AI features you won't currently find on its predecessor, I've never felt the desire to upgrade to Google's latest. Battery life has consistently been pretty great for me, with the Pixel Watch 3 lasting two or more days on average, including tilt-to-wake, sleep tracking, and daily workout tracking.

If you can manage a larger watch, go for the 45mm variant, as the battery will be better than the 41mm version. I would also suggest opting for a Wi-Fi model; I have LTE, but I find that I rarely use it, and it's just a waste of money on my monthly phone bill.

Black Friday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
  More Black Friday coverage
• The best Google Pixel deals of Black Friday
• The best Samsung deals of Black Friday
• The best Motorola deals of Black Friday

Gemini Raise to Talk is one of my favorite tools on the Google Pixel Watch 4. I never liked wasting battery life on the always-listening "Hey Google" trigger, nor having to hold down the side button for every question. Now, if I want to ask Gemini to check my calendar or start a timer, I just raise my wrist and start talking.

Google wants Pixel Watch 4 owners to use Raise to Talk, so it isn't hard to find during the watch setup. But if you skipped all the menus during onboarding, I can point you to where to find the Gemini Raise to Talk toggle.

More importantly, if you've enabled Gemini Raise to Talk but find it's not as responsive as you'd like — or if you're getting false-positive activations — I'll show you where to change your settings to match your preferences.

How to set up and customize Gemini Raise to Talk on your Google Pixel Watch 4

Raise to Talk is only available on the Pixel Watch 4; the Pixel Watch 3 and earlier models can only use "Hey Google" or the Side button shortcut.

During the initial Pixel Watch 4 setup, after you've signed in to your Google account, make sure to select Set up more on the optional "Your watch is ready for more" screen, then Set up on the "Talk to your assistant" screen. Google will display your three options for activating Gemini, including Raise to Talk.

Say No thanks to Hey Google, since it's now redundant, and then Turn on Raise to Talk on the subsequent screen. With that, the feature is active, and you can start testing it out!

If you've already set up your Watch 4, turning on Raise to Talk is perfectly simple:

1. Swipe down from the main watch face.

2. Tap the Settings cog icon.

3. Tap the third option, Gestures.

4. Tap Raise to talk.

5. Toggle Raise to talk On.

In this same Settings menu, you'll find three Raise to Talk settings: Gesture sensitivity, Voice sensitivity, and an optional Visual indicator to show if Gemini is listening.

Increasing gesture sensitivity to max "allows Gemini to respond to less arm movement," while decreasing it helps keep Gemini from "opening unintentionally." Likewise, the voice sensitivity scale lets Gemini either "respond to softer speech" or only respond to loud, clear commands.

If you gesticulate while speaking, higher gesture sensitivity could mean more accidental activations, while higher voice sensitivity could pick up your voice even if your wrist isn't right by your face. With lower sensitivity, however, you need to move your arm decisively to your face, then speak loudly and quickly, just to get Gemini's attention.

I prefer higher sensitivity with the occasional accidental activation to having Gemini ignore me, forcing me to make the upward gesture again. But it comes down to your preferences.

Ultimately, having quicker access to Gemini via Raise to Talk is great. Google has integrated Gemini with other Google apps like Maps, Keep, and Messages, as well as smart home tech like Google TV or Nest Doorbells.

Other Pixel Watch 4 tricks to know about

Your Pixel Watch 4 has another exclusive Gemini trick: on-device AI suggestions for replies. Keep an eye out for those in Google Messages.

The latest Wear OS 6 update includes color theming from your watch face, so try switching out your face to see new colors throughout the UI. This version also supports custom watch faces from apps like Facer and WatchMaker, which have tens of thousands of faces available, including some free ones.

Your Watch 4 comes with six months of Fitbit Premium, and Google just launched a public preview of its Personal Health Coach, which incorporates Gemini smarts to let you create a personalized workout plan, as well as analyze your data for "insights" into your health. We have a guide on how to get started with the Coach.

You should also consider setting up your Emergency SOS settings, especially if you bought the Watch 4 LTE with satellite SOS. You'll find the Safety & Emergency tab in your Settings menu, where you can toggle on features like Fall Detection and add Emergency contacts to be notified in a crisis.

The Google Pixel Watch 4 and older models prompt you to set up life-saving safety and emergency features. Since you probably skipped that step to start playing with your new smartwatch, you need help setting up these features now, so that your Watch 4 can signal for help during a crisis, even in cellular dead zones.

You can update your emergency and medical info in two places. On your Pixel Watch 4, swipe down from the main watch face, tap the Settings cog icon, and scroll down to the Safety & Emergency menu. Or in the Pixel Watch mobile app, if your smartwatch is synced via Bluetooth, you'll find the same Safety & Emergency menu under Settings on the main app page.

Some Pixel Watch 4 features are automated; others require manual setup ahead of time, like Safety Check. This how-to guide runs through the Watch 4's surprisingly robust list of safety features that'll give you and your loved ones peace of mind — or potentially save your life.

Set up and customize Emergency SOS on the Pixel Watch 4

1. On your Watch 4 (or older Pixel Watch model), open your Settings, scroll to Safety & Emergency, and tap Emergency SOS. If it isn't already, toggle the feature on.
2. Tap Ways to start SOS. By default, you must press the crown five times, then touch and hold the screen for three seconds. You can instead have the Watch 4 Automatically call; after the five button presses, it'll call 911 after a five-second delay.
   1. If you choose the latter option, decide whether to toggle Play a sound on or off; it's a loud chiming noise to warn you that it's about to call, with an option to cancel on the display.
3. Lastly, choose Who to call for help. By default, Emergency SOS dials Emergency services, but you can instead choose a personal contact by tapping Manage contacts and choosing an option from your saved contacts.

Switching to a personal contact makes Emergency SOS less "official." You have a quick shortcut to contact family members for help, with no fee for an ambulance or escalation to police, but there's no guarantee that they'll answer your call or respond quickly like 911 would.

I recommend leaving 911 as the default option. You can rely upon the Personal Safety app to contact family members.

Choose what information is shared in an emergency

1. Press the crown and select the Personal Safety app.
2. Scroll down to Emergency info access.
3. Tap Share during emergency call to allow "Emergency Location Service" to share your GPS location and Medical Info with emergency responders.
4. Back in the main app view, tap Emergency contacts to manage your contacts; tap Add contact to add more or the trash can icon to remove contacts.
5. In the main app view, tap Medical Info and then Edit on phone.
6. On your connected device, you can add your date of birth, blood type, height, weight, allergies, pregnancy status, medications, address, organ donor status, and any other medical notes. This info will be shared if you toggled "Share during emergency call" above.

How to use the Personal Safety app for Safety Checks or Emergency Sharing

If you work out at night, return home late from campus, or encounter any other scenario where you're worried about personal safety, the Pixel Watch's Personal Safety app is a good way to address those concerns preemptively.

1. Open the Personal Safety app in the app drawer, then tap Emergency Sharing.
2. Under "Share with," toggle specific emergency contacts on or off, then tap Share real-time location.

Your contacts will receive an SMS message stating, "You're receiving this message because you're an emergency contact for [Your name]. [Name] is sharing their real-time location with you: URL. Please call or text [Name] directly for updates.

This ensures that trusted contacts are aware that you're concerned for your safety, so that they can either follow up with you or call 911 for you, allowing you to focus on your personal situation.

An alternative is Safety Check, which lets you set a timer for how long you think you'll be out; emergency contacts will receive a similar message with your real-time location link if you fail to Stop Safety Check before the timer runs out.

1. In the Personal Safety app, tap Safety Check > Next.
2. Choose your activity type: Walking alone, Going for a run, Taking transportation, Hiking, or Other.
3. Choose your timer duration and tap the checkmark.
4. Toggle specific emergency contacts on or off, then toggle Notify contacts if you want them to receive a message when you start or end a Safety Check; otherwise, they'll only receive a message when your timer expires.
5. Tap Start Timer.
6. In the activity menu that appears, tap the X to end the Safety Check, or Start Emergency Sharing or Call 911 if necessary.

There is also a Safety Check Tile as a shortcut, if you plan to use this feature regularly.

How to use Satellite SOS on the Pixel Watch 4

Only the Pixel Watch 4 LTE has satellite connectivity, which only works in the continental United States. Skip to the next section if this doesn't apply.

Satellite SOS is enabled by default, so you don't need to "activate" it; if you call 911 when the watch can't connect to LTE or WiFi, a "Use satellite SOS?" prompt will appear. Tap Use satellite SOS, and your Watch 4 will turn off LTE, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi to prioritize the satellite connection.

The Watch 4 will instruct you to answer questions about your emergency on the display, choose whether to Notify emergency contacts in addition to 911, and then use on-screen prompts to help you position your Watch 4 and body to sync with the closest satellite. You must be standing outside with a clear view of the sky for the connection to work.

In other words, it's not designed to work if you're immobile or unconscious from a fall, and you won't speak to emergency responders over satellite; they'll receive a text message with your name, email, phone number, location, language preference, Watch 4 battery level, and emergency contact information via satellite. You'll then need to stay in the same position for at least a few minutes to receive a reply. This method ensures your Watch 4 battery life won't be severely impacted by satellite use.

To test Satellite SOS without summoning 911, open your Settings, scroll to Safety & Emergency, tap Satellite SOS, and tap Try a demo. It will take you through the steps.

The only way to "customize" the Pixel Watch 4 satellite experience is to add emergency contacts — which you already did when setting up Emergency SOS. If you still need to do this, in the Satellite SOS menu on your watch, scroll down below the demo and tap Emergency contacts, then Manage contacts.

How to set up Pixel Watch 4 fall and car crash detection

If the Pixel Watch 4 accelerometer detects a potential fall or car crash, it will "vibrate, sound an alarm, and ask if you need help." You'll have 30 or 60 seconds to tap "I'm OK" after a potential fall or crash, respectively.

After that, the Watch 4 will send an automated message with your location and a request for help, as well as your emergency contacts if you wish. If you're able, you'll be able to tap Talk to operator and give them information directly.

1. Tap Settings > Safety & Emergency on your Pixel Watch 4.
2. Tap Fall Detection > Use Fall Detection.
3. Swipe right to back out, then tap Car crash detection > Use car crash detection.
4. Toggle Emergency Sharing on if you want your Watch 4 to share your location with emergency contacts after a car crash.

How to set up Loss of Pulse detection

Loss of Pulse detection is available in sixteen countries — listed here — for the Pixel Watch 3 and 4. Using a combination of wear detection and the PPG, your watch will determine if your heartbeat has stopped due to cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure, overdose, poisoning, or other causes.

We have an in-depth guide for how to enable Loss of Pulse that I recommend you follow, but to briefly summarize, you should open the Pixel Watch app on your phone, where you'll find a prompt to Set up the feature; otherwise, tap Safety & Emergency > Loss of Pulse Detection to find it. You'll need to enter your birthday and say you're not at high risk for a heart attack to be eligible to use it, then go through several menus of disclaimers and information.

The Pixel Watch 4 mixes safety and fitness tools well

The Google Pixel Watch 4 puts plenty of emphasis on staying connected with family as a precaution. If you pay $100 extra for LTE and satellite connectivity, the Pixel Watch 4 can act as a standalone device for workouts that won't leave you isolated in an emergency.

Pixel Watch 4 battery life isn't as long-lived as a true fitness watch, but it's enough to allow GPS tracking and music streaming for several hours over cellular, or hours longer if your phone is handling the LTE data. And as my Pixel Watch 4 fitness test proved, its dual-frequency GPS is highly accurate, giving you good workout data and ensuring emergency responders will find your exact location in a crisis.

If you're looking at older Pixel Watches, the Pixel Watch 3 won't give you the same GPS accuracy or satellite option, and it'll have slightly shorter battery life, but otherwise, you're getting the same Wear OS 6 safety tools, for those hoping to save a little money.

What you need to know

• Original 2022 Pixel Watch receives final software update with security fixes but no major upgrades.
• Update BW1A.251005.003.W1 maintains device on Wear OS 5.1, closing window for major system support.
• Google continues app updates via Play Store, ensuring usability despite end of major Wear OS upgrades.

Google's original 2022 Pixel Watch is receiving its final update, a modest patch, BW1A.251005.003.W1, which preserves its software status on Wear OS 5.1, signalling the end of guaranteed major support for the smartwatch.

The official release notes are brief, mentioning only “Security updates and bug fixes" (via 9to5Google).

This makes it clear that the original Pixel Watch won’t be moving up to Wear OS 6, a privilege reserved for newer smartwatch models. Launched back in October 2022, the first-gen Pixel Watch was Google’s re-entry into the smartwatch market, built on a Samsung Exynos 9110 chip and running Wear OS 3.5 at launch.

Support window closed

Over the past three years, it received multiple updates that improved performance and battery management, as well as two major version upgrades — from Wear OS 3.5 to Wear OS 4, and then to 5.1. With this latest patch, Google is effectively closing the book on major system updates for the device.

That said, Google isn’t abandoning the watch entirely. Users will still receive app and service updates through the Play Store, ensuring that essential functions remain usable for a while longer. But when it comes to full Wear OS upgrades and long-term improvements, this is the finish line.

If you’re still wearing the first-gen Pixel Watch, it’s recommended to install the October patch once it hits your device. You can check for it manually by heading to Settings → System → System Updates on your watch. It’s a relatively small update, but an important one for maintaining stability and security.

And while it’s bittersweet to see support end, the Pixel Watch has had a solid run: three years of updates and consistent improvements. From here on out, it’ll continue to work fine, but without the major Wear OS upgrades that the newer Pixel Watch lineup will enjoy.

What you need to know

• Google's Wear OS Clock app is now exclusive to Pixel smartwatches only.
• Non-Pixel watches will lose access to the Clock app and updates.
• Wear OS 6 upgrades rolling out for eligible devices, enhancing user experience.

Earlier this week, Google confirmed it will withdraw its Wear OS Clock app from non-Pixel smartwatches, affecting users who relied on its features. The decision to keep things exclusive to Pixel watches supposedly stems from growing competition as brands pursue proprietary alternatives, altering the Wear OS landscape.

In a Wear OS support thread, the tech giant said it has halted support for its Clock app on all non-Pixel smartwatches. The post states, if you have a Pixel Watch, you won't be affected by this new decision. However, if you have "any other Wear OS" watch, you will see this change. To break this down, Google says that watches without the Clock app installed already will no longer find it available via the Play Store.

If you've already previously installed the Clock app, you can continue to use it, though you should know that it will no longer receive updates.

Google explains that the reason it's made this change is due to other "watch brands offering their own default clock apps on Wear OS." As a result, Google's Clock app, which you could previously download on, say, a Galaxy Watch, has been retracted. The clock is gone, as well as the included alarm, timer, and stopwatch functions within the app.

Some users on the Wear OS support thread have already voiced their displeasure with the move, but it seems that Google's decision is set in stone. The company highlights the availability of other clock apps on the Play Store for Wear OS watches, as an alternative for users looking for something different.

This is certainly a change

Wear OS 6 started moving eligible devices into its new, more expressive wristbound world this year. The Pixel Watch 4 already came with this newer software, and Google started rolling it out to its past-gen devices in October.

A few weeks ago, Pixel Watch 3 and 2 users started receiving their Wear OS 6 upgrade (things look bleak for the O.G. Pixel Watch). Originally, the OTA images started appearing for the update, and Android Central quickly confirmed that it had begun hitting the two aforementioned watches officially. Users should've seen it earlier this month, but it's likely that now, late in October, even more should have it.

The Wear OS 6 demo that Google showcased detailed a smoother scrolling experience with a fully immersive UI for its unique glass-domed Pixel Watch display.

Google promises the Pixel Watch 4 will last 30 or 40 hours per charge, depending on the size you pick. I put my Pixel Watch 4 45mm LTE through several rounds of battery tests over the past month, so I can tell you before you pay extra for size or cellular how long the Watch 4 really lasts, particularly for demanding tasks like music streaming or GPS workouts.

Long story short, anyone upgrading from a Pixel Watch 1 or 2 is going to be pleasantly shocked by how much extra power they're getting.

I touched on battery life in my Google Pixel Watch 4 review, but I didn't dive into specific use cases like phone calls or cellular streaming. The table below breaks down what to expect from a Pixel Watch 4 45mm.

(Since I didn't have a 41mm model to test, we can only assume that it would last about three-quarters as long in most circumstances.)

My "max" estimates are only extrapolations; it's possible that hours of sustained, heavy-duty apps will wear out the Pixel Watch 4 faster over time. You may experience a shorter estimate if you get more notifications than I do, or if you're actively using Gemini or other apps simultaneously.

With those disclaimers out of the way, Pixel Watch 4 battery life has felt very consistent and dependable across weeks of testing. I find that the Watch 4 45mm nearly always reaches Google's 40-hour estimate with AOD active, with battery to spare. Unless you're frequently streaming music or using GPS, it's reasonable to assume you'll hit two days per charge.

I used GPS most frequently for my Pixel Watch 4 fitness testing, coming away impressed with its minimal impact on overall battery life, despite its increased accuracy with dual-frequency tracking.

Android Central contributor Tshaka Armstrong also has the Pixel Watch 4 45mm, and he told me he's "been getting around 42 hours battery life with an hour or more of GPS and an hour of streaming to earbuds." If you subtract the 20% or so of battery that his workout and streaming used, that means he made the Watch 4 last as long as Google's estimate, with only 80% power.

The biggest battery drain for the Watch 4 occurs when you use cellular data and GPS simultaneously. If you're a serious athlete who wants to leave your phone behind while streaming music, consider pre-downloading your playlists whenever possible and saving cellular data for emergencies.

Still, you can make the Watch 4 last for a few hours even with heavy-duty usage, which is impressive.

On a typical workday where the Watch 4 isn't doing much besides showing notifications and tracking heart rate, it has excellent standby battery life. I've found that it tends to use about 15% of its power in eight "normal" hours, and even less at night. I'll typically end up with 10–15% power after 48 hours.

You'll use apps like Gemini that eat up that extra power, but it's nice to see how efficiently Wear OS 6 runs, combined with the more efficient Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip.

Equally important, the Pixel Watch 4 recharges absurdly fast thanks to the new Quick Charge Dock. Google estimates it'll take an hour to recharge the Watch 4 45mm, and it's typically much quicker unless you're charging it from a completely dead battery. For example, I plugged it in at 9% power, and it took 42 minutes to hit 100%.

Should you buy the Pixel Watch 4 45mm for extra battery life?

The Pixel Watch 4 45mm isn't as long-lasting as a OnePlus Watch 3 or Galaxy Watch Ultra, but it's more comfortable than either of those bulky models. But you may still prefer the Watch 4 41mm, which is about 12g lighter and $50 cheaper.

If we trust Google's estimate that the Pixel Watch 4 41mm lasts about three-quarters as long, we can infer that demanding apps will have a slightly disproportionate effect, especially when using cellular data.

Take any number in the table above and multiply it by 3/4: I'd bet the Pixel Watch 4 41mm would offer about 7 hours of GPS, 6 hours of Bluetooth streaming, or only 2.5 hours of combined GPS and LTE music streaming. These are only guesses, but they're logical ones.

More broadly, while the Pixel Watch 4 45mm can be stretched to last close to two days per charge, the Pixel Watch 4 41mm will still die somewhere in the middle of day two, unless you're conscientious about charging it regularly.

Thankfully, the speedy charging makes this simple. If you charge your Watch 4 every day while showering, you can top it off and barely spend any time without wearing it. If you're looking to save money, the 41mm option isn't a bad choice; I'd only advise against it if you're considering the LTE option, because the 45mm Watch's extra battery life really helps on that front.

I like the 45mm option because those extra ten hours of battery let me worry less about charging in general, and because Wear OS reflows content to show more info on larger screens. The upgrade isn't necessary, but it's certainly nice to have!

FAQ

What you need to know

• Google announced that its Wear OS Clock app will no longer be available on non-Pixel watches.
• The company states that this move is the direct result of other brands "offering their own default clock apps."
• Users with Google's version can continue to use it (just without updates), but non-Pixel watches moving forward will lose access to its Play Store availability.

Google announced late this week, stating that this is due to other watch creators simply going their own route with the Wear OS clock.

In a Wear OS support thread, Google officially announced that it has halted support for its Clock app on all non-Pixel smartwatches. The post states, if you have a Pixel Watch, you won't be affected by this new decision. However, if you have "any other Wear OS" watch, you will see this change. To break this down, Google says that watches without the Clock app installed already will no longer find it available via the Play Store.

If you've already previously installed the Clock app, you can continue to use it, though you should know that it will no longer receive updates.

Google explains that the reason it's made this change is due to other "watch brands offering their own default clock apps on Wear OS." As a result, Google's Clock app, which you could previously download on, say, a Galaxy Watch, has been retracted. The clock is gone, as well as the included alarm, timer, and stopwatch functions within the app.

Some users on the Wear OS support thread have already voiced their displeasure with the move, but it seems that Google's decision is set in stone. The company highlights the availability of other clock apps on the Play Store for Wear OS watches, as an alternative for users looking for something different.

This is certainly a change

Wear OS 6 started moving eligible devices into its new, more expressive wristbound world this year. The Pixel Watch 4 already came with this newer software, and Google started rolling it out to its past-gen devices in October.

A few weeks ago, Pixel Watch 3 and 2 users started receiving their Wear OS 6 upgrade (things look bleak for the O.G. Pixel Watch). Originally, the OTA images started appearing for the update, and Android Central quickly confirmed that it had begun hitting the two aforementioned watches officially. Users should've seen it earlier this month, but it's likely that now, late in October, even more should have it.

The Wear OS 6 demo that Google showcased detailed a smoother scrolling experience with a fully immersive UI for its unique glass-domed Pixel Watch display.

The Pixel Watch 4 is the second-best Android watch, but it's the best Gemini watch, and it's becoming one of the best fitness smartwatches. Google has been building to this stage for years, and more than die-hard Pixel fans should be paying attention.

The Pixel Watch 4 has tough competition. Samsung and OnePlus, Google's Wear OS partners, have particular strengths for software longevity (Samsung), battery life (OnePlus), ruggedness, and classic style (both), where the Pixel Watch 4 sometimes falls short.

But exclusives like satellite SOS, Loss of Pulse, Gemini Raise to Talk, and the new Fitbit Personal Health Coach make the Watch 4 stand out, and the hardware has (with one exception) dramatically improved over the last two generations.

After a month of wearing the Pixel Watch 4, I'm happy to say that it fully lived up to my expectations, with all the positives you'd expect and very few complaints.

Google Pixel Watch 4: Pricing and specs

The Pixel Watch 4 launched October 9, 2025, for $349 (41mm) or $399 (45mm), with a $100 surcharge for 4G LTE and satellite SOS. Cellular models include 500MB of Google Fi messaging, navigation, and music streaming per month for two years; add it to an eligible 4G carrier for calling.

The Pixel Watch 4 45mm gives you a larger display and an estimated extra 10 hours of battery life per charge, while weighing 12–15g more with the included small or large Active band attached. The 41mm model is better suited to smaller wrists, while both fit larger wrists.

Google Pixel Watch 4 design and display

• Rounded 3,000-nit, 60Hz display stretches right up to curved edge
• Design is now user-repairable, though not especially rugged

Both Pixel Watch 4 models measure the same size and weight as their Pixel Watch 3 predecessors, with the same band mechanism for old straps to carry over. The complimentary fluoroelastomer Active band is comfortable enough, but I prefer other Pixel Watch bands, like Sport for workout breathability or Stretch for sleep tracking.

The 41mm model is pleasantly light (~55g with band), on par with sportier watches, while the 45mm model (~67g) is significantly comfier than my Galaxy Watch 8 Classic or other steel-heavy flagship smartwatches. The crown remains as pleasant to use as ever, while the side button is more annoying to press.

Even though the overall feel hasn't changed, the Pixel Watch 4 design feels like the series' final form: the look Google always wanted to pull off.

Older models' rounded edges contrasted oddly with the flat, bezel-less top, giving them a naked, artificial look that not everyone liked. The domed Actua 360 display is a more natural design progression, while also stretching the touchscreen to the edge, removing the wasted border space I hated on the Watch 2.

You'll need time to adjust to the domed display, which embellishes the Wear OS 6 effect of magnifying centered content. It's certainly helpful for making notifications and Tiles more readable, but you don't usually see warping like this on a display, and the dome adds slight resistance to left-right swipes.

I can't predict whether you will like the display. My coworkers who've seen it for themselves either think it's the "best looking display" on any smartwatch or it's a weird distraction. But you won't know until you get your hands on it.

In my case, it's grown on me, with the display's vivid brightness and smooth scrolling improving the experience. In particular, Google's 1.49-inch 45mm model looks more natural than before, and I appreciate how Wear OS reflows content to leverage that extra space.

Another important upgrade is how Google made the Watch 4 fully repairable. I haven't attempted it myself, but knowing I can remove the bands, unscrew two screws with a cheap bit to loosen the real glass seal, and access the components in 20 minutes is exciting.

Most smartwatches' components are fused with heat and glue; an expert can disassemble and resolder them, but with no guarantee they'll still work or maintain waterproofing. Google's 100-page repair manual ensures you're not dependent on the warranty if something goes wrong.

Google's signature bezel-less design and missing sapphire glass have always made it more vulnerable to scratches and cracks than other fitness watches. I still wouldn't recommend it to mountain climbers, but it's easier to recommend for everyday athletes thanks to its repairability.

Google Pixel Watch 4 hardware, battery, and charging

• Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 adds satellite but only minor efficiency boost
• Battery life continues to creep upwards to two-day range
• Charging is significantly faster with new Dock

I expected the Watch 4's Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 to deliver a generational performance boost, the culmination of Google and Qualcomm's RISC-V partnership. Instead, Qualcomm used the same 4nm process and quad Cortex-A53, though it's 20% more efficient.

You won't find any lag navigating through menus or notifications, while anything that requires internet — like Gemini commands or searching the Play Store — has minimal loading. Without your phone on hand to relay things, though, my Watch 4 LTE can be slow at some tasks, like pulling up Google Maps directions.

I suspect the Gen 2 will be a stopgap chip, with the Pixel Watch 5 enhancing on-device Gemini smarts and overall speed. But hypotheticals aside, Watch 4 performance is fast enough for now.

Only Watch 4 LTE buyers will get the coolest W5 Gen 2 perk: satellite SOS that connects to Skylo's NB-NTN for emergencies in cellular dead zones. If your phone has satellite, it might feel superfluous, but since the Watch 4 will probably outlast your phone battery, it could easily pay off when you desperately need it.

Google also gave the Watch 4 a new coprocessor that's "25% faster at half the power," tailored for on-device AI and background tasks. Then you have a more efficient connection between phone and watch via Bluetooth 6, on top of a 10% software efficiency boost from Wear OS 6.

The combined effect on battery life is subtle, but significant. You won't notice a difference for power-hungry tasks like phone calls or app use. But my Watch 4 45mm will get through an eight-hour workday of HR tracking, notifications, and AOD — or a night of HR, SpO2, stress, breathing, skin temp, and other stats — and only use about 15% battery, when an older Pixel Watch might have lost 33% in that span.

Even better, the Watch 4's Quick Charge Dock is absurdly fast. You might resent switching to a new proprietary charger, but trust me, it's worth the switch.

Yesterday, I finished a run at 30% power; I set a 15-minute timer, popped the Watch 4 on the Dock, took a shower, and came out to find it at 80% as the timer went off.

I no longer have to worry about scheduled charging times or my watch unexpectedly dying, so long as I charge it in convenient moments when I wouldn't wear it anyway.

Quick charging on smartwatches has become more common, but I appreciate how Google's Dock makes it easy to check time remaining. You do need a hard, solid surface for the Dock to sit, or else it's easy for the Watch 4 to become misaligned.

Google Pixel Watch 4: Health and fitness

• GPS accuracy has significantly improved, while HR accuracy is consistent enough for most athletes
• Sleep tracking is stricter than on most watches, with plenty of health insights
• Fitbit Personal Health Coach beta will transform the Watch 4 experience

If you're considering buying the Pixel Watch 4 for fitness, my in-depth Pixel Watch 4 fitness guide has several HR and GPS accuracy tests. The new dual-band GPS is both reliably accurate in tough conditions and surprisingly battery-efficient, only using about 8–10% Watch 4 capacity per hour. HR accuracy remains unchanged from the Watch 3, providing reasonably close readings to a chest strap in normal conditions but slightly underestimating HR during harder workouts.

I also detailed my wishlist of missing fitness tools on other watches: I'm waiting for Google to let us build offline GPX routes in Maps, add on-watch tracking of indoor exercise reps for the gym or at home, and add specific features like running power, aerobic/ anaerobic Training Load split, and post-workout recovery time.

On the health-tracking front, the only new hardware is the skin temperature sensor, designed to detect illnesses if your body strays out of its usual range. Otherwise, you're getting Google's usual suite of Fitbit sensors. During the day, it'll warn you of any heart rhythm issues or Loss of Pulse in emergencies, but most of its insights come at night.

Google's stats for my RHR, SpO2, HRV, breathing rate, and others all seem to align with what other watches register for me; the only difference from other watches is that Google is more prone to judge my light, restless sleep as being "Awake," even when I don't recall ever waking up.

It's tricky to review the Pixel Watch 4's health and fitness experience today, however. Why? Because the Fitbit Personal Health Coach preview fundamentally changes the conversation. The full version won't launch until 2026, but critiquing the current lame-duck Fitbit app for things the new version will solve feels silly.

In my Pixel Watch 3 review, I noted that Google needed longer-term plans for multiple sports instead of daily running suggestions and Cardio Load; now, you can build a weeks-long, personalized training plan across dozens of sports and over 1,000 exercise types, after about 5–10 minutes of AI Q&A, with more allowance for rest days.

Likewise, while I find the current Fitbit UI unintuitive, burying useful trends and reports in submenus, the Fitbit preview highlights relevant trends, good or bad, with contextual "Insight" cards in the Today tab.

I've already built a workout plan, tailored for my upcoming marathon, and asked the Gemini-based coach to switch today's workout because I'm working late (on this review). I can't judge its usefulness without weeks of testing, but the customization, flexibility, and inspiration for cross-training workouts all intrigue me.

Whether the Fitbit Coach lives up to Google's promises or not, this update fundamentally ties Fitbit and Gemini together on the Pixel Watch 4. In a few months, AI-made training goals and LLM summaries of your health trends will define the Watch 4 experience.

Google Pixel Watch 4: Software and Gemini

• Gemini Raise to Wake is one of my favorite features
• Wear OS 6 is a significant, charming update
• Update longevity is still a question mark

Wear OS 6 has already come to older Pixel Watches, but it's still worth praising as one of the best parts of using the Pixel Watch 4.

The new Material 3 Expressive UI matches the domed display, expanding or shrinking content depending on its display placement; the smooth, dynamic scrolling animation is hypnotic, both for the app drawer and notification cards.

The new Tile format can fit more information and shortcuts than before. I prefer Samsung's multi-info Tiles, which let you scroll to find more information and combine related apps into one Tile, but Google's solution is the next best thing.

Google gave the Pixel Watch 4 new watch faces that fit extra complications or clock elements into the extra space. Even cooler, Wear OS 6 changes the UI's color theme based on which watch face you select. Plus, Google brought back third-party watch faces support for tens of thousands of options, though you can only apply themes from Google faces.

Wear OS 6 was a much-needed breath of fresh air that makes the Watch 4 more fun to use, and Google's speedy updates for last-gen watches should pay off over the next 2–3 years. My only complaint is that Google only guarantees two version updates, while Samsung offers three or four.

Gemini on Wear OS isn't exclusive to Pixel Watches, either; you get LLM-generated answers and integration with Google apps on most Wear OS watches. But Google gave itself an exclusive twist: Raise to Talk.

As the name implies, you no longer need to say "Hey Google" or hold down the Side button; you just raise the Pixel Watch 4 to your mouth and start talking.

There's not much to say except that I love this alternative and no longer want to go back to the old ways. It's convenient and mostly seamless, though anyone who gesticulates as they talk may deal with false positives. You can change its Settings to make it more or less sensitive.

Competition

Galaxy Watch 8 is the Watch 4's most serious rival. Both cost $349, launched with Wear OS 6, last 1.5–2 days per charge, and sport two comparably-sized, 3,000-nit displays. Samsung's design is skinnier and more rugged with sapphire glass, but with slower charging and no crown. Samsung Health has unique data like antioxidant index, with no subscription (for now), but no Gemini-based coaching.

If you want Wear OS and longer battery life, the OnePlus Watch 3 can hit 3–6 days per charge, plus equally speedy charging. You get a slightly dimmer display, but with sapphire glass and eye-friendly DC dimming. The OHealth app has improved, but it's still well short of what Fitbit offers.

Otherwise, the Pixel Watch 4 is competing against other fitness watches. You can consider a Garmin watch to get personalized coaching without a subscription and weeks of battery life, at the expense of app smarts.

Google Pixel Watch 4: Should you buy it?

You should buy the Google Pixel Watch 4 if...

• You're a fan of Google's aesthetic (both the droplet display and Material UI)
• You're ready to upgrade your Pixel Watch for better battery, charging, fitness tracking, and Gemini

You shouldn't buy the Google Pixel Watch 4 if...

• You'd prefer a flat display and classic bezeled design
• You're not willing to pay for Fitbit Premium eventually

Unless Google ever launches a Pixel Watch "Ultra" or "Classic," I don't think we're going to see a dramatic design change anytime soon. Future models might have faster performance, new Gemini tricks, and further battery optimization, but this should be the template moving forward.

You can always wait another year for Google to finish polishing its Gemini and Fitbit coaching experiences, but from a hardware perspective, the Pixel Watch 4 feels like an excellent jumping-on point. If this package doesn't tempt you, I don't think future Pixel Watches will, either.

What you need to know

• The original 2022 Pixel Watch is getting its final software update, and it's a small farewell patch rather than a major upgrade.
• Build BW1A.251005.003.W1 keeps the watch on Wear OS 5.1 (Android 15), with only security fixes and minor improvements.
• This update marks the end of guaranteed system and security support, though app updates will continue through the Play Store.

If you’re still rocking the original 2022 Google Pixel Watch, an update is rolling out for you right now. But don't get too excited. This isn't the big, flashy Wear OS 6 and Android 16 upgrade that landed on the Pixel Watch 2 and 3 earlier this month.

This is its final, guaranteed farewell.

Google is pushing build BW1A.251005.003.W1 to the first-gen watch, and it’s a minor patch. This update keeps the device on Wear OS 5.1, which is based on Android 15. The official release notes are brief, mentioning only “Security updates and bug fixes" (via 9to5Google).

This makes it clear that the original Pixel Watch won’t be moving up to Wear OS 6, a privilege reserved for newer smartwatch models. Launched back in October 2022, the first-gen Pixel Watch was Google’s re-entry into the smartwatch market, built on a Samsung Exynos 9110 chip and running Wear OS 3.5 at launch.

Support window closed

Over the past three years, it received multiple updates that improved performance and battery management, as well as two major version upgrades — from Wear OS 3.5 to Wear OS 4, and then to 5.1. With this latest patch, Google is effectively closing the book on major system updates for the device.

That said, Google isn’t abandoning the watch entirely. Users will still receive app and service updates through the Play Store, ensuring that essential functions remain usable for a while longer. But when it comes to full Wear OS upgrades and long-term improvements, this is the finish line.

If you’re still wearing the first-gen Pixel Watch, it’s recommended to install the October patch once it hits your device. You can check for it manually by heading to Settings → System → System Updates on your watch. It’s a relatively small update, but an important one for maintaining stability and security.

And while it’s bittersweet to see support end, the Pixel Watch has had a solid run: three years of updates and consistent improvements. From here on out, it’ll continue to work fine, but without the major Wear OS upgrades that the newer Pixel Watch lineup will enjoy.

Wear OS 6 is here, and for Google Pixel Watch users, it injects a pop of color into the operating system on your wrist. Like Android 16, it's inspired by Material You and Material 3 Expressive. While the bright and flashy colorways might not be for everyone, Google thought of this and made it possible for users to customize their smartwatch's color theme.

There are 10 total options for personalizing your Pixel Watch's color theme, and this guide will explain them all and how to set them up.

Pixel Watch themes and color options

Wear OS 6 is a major update for the Google Pixel Watch that adds Material 3 Expressive, a fun and colorful design language, to your smartwatch. Material You theming arrives on the Pixel Watch for the first time, giving users fine-tuned control over the entire Wear OS appearance. Customization doesn't stop at the watch face; it extends to buttons, sliders, toggles, and every part of the system.

There are two basic theming options in Wear OS 6: Match watch face and No theme. The former will automatically adjust Material You theming to match your selected watch face when enabled (not that this only applies to first-party watch faces). Every time you change watch faces, an Applying theme screen will appear as your Pixel Watch adjusts on its own. As expected, No theme simply keeps Wear OS 6 colors as standard.

Alternatively, you can pick a persistent color theme of one of the following selections:

• Moonstone
• Ivy
• Porcelain
• Iris
• Lemongrass
• Jade
• Indigo
• Peony

The color options above align with the physical colorways available on Pixel phones and watches.

How to change your Google Pixel Watch theme

Setting up Material You theming on your Google Pixel Watch only takes a few taps. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Settings app on your Pixel Watch.

2. Tap Display, then press Color theme.

3. Pick an option from the list. Choices include Match watch face, No theme, and the eight individual colors listed above.

4. Once you pick an option, you'll see an Applying theme animation.

After that, your Google Pixel Watch's user interface will now reflect your preferred color theme. And if you change to another first-party watch face, it will automatically apply a new theme.

Why you should change your Google Pixel Watch theme

Google is going all-in on colorful design with Material You and Material 3 Expressive. With Wear OS 6, it now extends to your smartwatch on the Pixel Watch 2, Pixel Watch 3, and Pixel Watch 4. It gives you even more control over the watch faces and interfaces you use daily.

Whether you want to match up your Pixel Watch's style to match your outfit or set a color theme that's identical to your watch and phone's physical color, Wear OS 6 color theming will do the trick. There are plenty of reasons why you'd want to make your Pixel Watch more personalized, and now you can.

A runner I am not. I spend a lot of time at the gym, working out and lifting weights several times a week, but cardio and running are the bane of my existence. I never quite understood how and why anyone would enjoy running. Why subject yourself to that?

However, for the past couple of months, I’ve been using the Pixel Watch 3 and the Fitbit app to do just that. Despite my better judgment, I decided it’s time to change my routine, spending nearly every morning running to see how I can improve the duration and distance of my runs.

To do this, I’ve been utilizing the AI-powered daily run recommendations in the Fitbit app. I’ve been curious to see whether these recommendations are really helpful or if it’s just another glorified AI feature with no real rhyme or reason to its suggestions. Turns out, this could actually be a fantastic tool for beginners like me, making the couch-to-5K journey a little less daunting.

Getting started

It’s important to note that daily AI run recommendations are only available to Fitbit Premium subscribers. If you buy a new Pixel Watch, it’s likely that you received a free trial, so you might want to check on that if you’re not already a subscriber.

After that, AI-run recommendations should start appearing in the Coach tab. However, you can always change your preferences by tapping the See all button next to Today’s run, then tapping the three-dot menu in the top corner. Here, you can disable daily run workouts, adjust your running level or focus, and change your distance days to focus on longer runs.

Slow and steady

I was initially nervous about starting a running “plan.” My previous experience with a Garmin plan was a bit too intense for me, and I couldn’t keep up, so I went into this cautiously. It’s important to note that this isn’t a running “plan,” per se, so I couldn’t see ahead to what my runs would look like. The Fitbit app would take my previous workout data as well as my target load to surface a new recommendation for me each day.

While a viewable workout plan of some sort would be nice, what I like about this feature is that the workouts feel like they’re perfectly tailored to me and my capabilities. Going into this, I could only comfortably run about a mile before I would tire and have to stop. Therefore, based on what Fitbit knows about me and my goals, it was able to get me started with some very easy runs.

These runs would vary each day, typically between an easy run and a tempo run, with the former keeping me at a relatively moderate heart rate and the latter pushing me into a more vigorous heart rate zone. The duration of the runs also varies, from shorter 18-minute runs to longer 40-minute runs.

That said, even the shorter runs challenged me, as I would previously average about 10 minutes before I called it quits. However, this was a very manageable challenge, as I had a target heart rate range that I would have to maintain. This helped me manage by breathing more effectively, while also reminding me that I do not have to run as fast as I can all the time; I can take my time at a steady pace to keep me going for a longer period of time.

Additionally, Fitbit would also mix things up so the intervals were always different from day to day. Sometimes it would have me do a single run for a certain period of time, or it would break up my run, starting me off slower and steadily pushing me to run faster, or having me maintain a faster pace but for short periods with even shorter rest periods between them. This helped me get used to pacing myself while helping me build my endurance and mileage.

The best part is that you don’t have to follow each run exactly as it appears. There’s a Customize run button at the bottom of each recommendation, where you can remove warm-ups and cool-downs, delete or move intervals around, add intervals, and even edit the intensity of each interval. That said, I rarely found a need for this and just followed each recommendation as it was given to me.

As I noted before, when I first started this just a couple of months ago, I could barely run for more than one mile without tiring myself out. Now, I’m consistently and comfortably running two to three miles per day, and my pace has also improved to just under 12 minutes per mile.

Do I love running now? Definitely not. But I don't dislike it as much as I used to.

Where Google can improve

While each recommended run explains why it will benefit you before you start it, I do wish there was some sort of built-in AI summary for post-run evaluations. You can view and compare charts as well as form analysis to gauge how efficient your running is, but having something to summarize the data in an easy-to-consume way would help me figure out where and how to improve.

You can always share the post-run data with Gemini, but the experience isn’t very seamless, and Gemini’s responses are a bit general.

I also wish run suggestions would appear on the Pixel Watch. Right now, I can tap the Start run button in the Fitbit smartphone app, and it will send it to the Pixel Watch 3, where I can just tap the Start button. However, this is the extent of its presence on the watch, as AI run recommendations are not even viewable on the Fitbit Wear OS app.

This would be a perfect opportunity to enhance the Morning Brief feature, which feels pretty useless in its current form. Garmin watches like the Venu 4 include daily workout suggestions in the Morning Report, whether or not you have a plan in place, so it feels like a missed opportunity on the Pixel Watch.

I'm excited about what's to come

Of course, running is just part of my daily routine now, as I also spend a lot of time weightlifting. However, Fitbit’s Coach tab simply surfaces various workouts I can do. While they are based on my daily readiness and workout preferences, it's simply a collection of video workouts I can follow, and there doesn’t seem to be much rhyme or reason to their recommendations.

This is why I’m excited for the upcoming Personal Health Coach, which will use AI to provide more dynamic fitness recommendations. And not only will you be able to converse with the AI for suggestions, but it appears that it will take all your data into consideration to provide truly personalized fitness guidance.

The Pixel Watch may not be the fitness watch I want now, but the Health Coach could build upon Google's excellent AI to help it become the fitness watch to beat.

FAQ

All Google Pixel Watch models use the same proprietary connector

The original Google Pixel Watch came in a single 41mm case size, followed by the Pixel Watch 2 in the same size. With the Pixel Watch 3, Google finally listened to what the people wanted and introduced a larger 45mm option in addition to the petite 41mm size. Naturally, the Pixel Watch 4 continued the tradition, so it too comes in 41mm and 45mm sizes.

Since the very first Pixel Watch, Google has always used the same proprietary connector for its bands. Although I was very disappointed with this decision initially, I am not as angry with this decision anymore. Sure, it would have been nice to have a universal connector like the quick-release pins that almost every other smartwatch in the world uses. But now that we're a few generations in, there are plenty of Pixel Watch bands to choose from, even if they use a different connector. That was my main source of frustration; the connector is perfectly functional otherwise.

Every single Pixel Watch band can be used on every single Pixel Watch model, as long as you have the 41mm size. If you opted for the larger 45mm size on your Pixel Watch 3 or Watch 4, then you can only use the 45mm bands made for both watches on either model. I still have my original Pixel Watch Active Band in Hazel, and it fits the 41mm Pixel Watch 4 perfectly.

Don't get me wrong, the third-party options still pale in comparison to alternatives like the Galaxy Watch 8 or the Amazfit Balance 2, but Google has since expanded its own range of Pixel Watch bands considerably. Then there are brands like Spigen, which offer decent, affordable straps that fit the Pixel Watch connector well. I myself use the Spigen Lite Fit stretchy nylon band on a daily basis. For formals, metal bands like the link, mesh, or slim ones from Google are excellent options.

So if you're using the Pixel Watch 4, there are plenty of diverse watch bands that you can buy, including straps made of fabric, metal, and fluoroelastomer.

iFixit says the Google Pixel Watch 4 is the most repairable smartwatch available today. That doesn't mean you or I should try to repair it, as the actual repair process is time-consuming and challenging. That doesn't change the fact that repairability matters if we're going to take smartwatches more seriously.

Look at the official 118-page Pixel Watch 4 repair manual. It's extremely detailed on every step, safety precaution, part, and tool that you'll need, including flowcharts for every part you'll need to interact with to repair a specific part.

For mechanical nerds, or even laymen like myself, it's extremely cool to see how the Pixel Watch 4 was jigsawed together with removable parts without compromising the IP68 protection; compared to the unrepairable Watch 3, things won't break if you take it apart. You just need the technical know-how to reassemble it.

Smartwatch repair for dummies

For battery replacement, Google told me it aimed to make it as simple as repairing a quartz watch; you can remove the back with exposed screws in the band slot, using tools that'll only cost about $10 on iFixit. The battery itself isn't for sale yet, but let's assume it'll be no more than a Pixel phone battery ($30–50).

You should use your one-year limited warranty first and let the pros handle it, Google said, but you can do it if you're technically confident or past the first year. The iFixit guide certainly makes it look straightforward.

For every other component, though, they likened it to fixing a mechanical watch, something that's not for the faint of heart.

iFixit gave the Watch 4 a 9/10 rating for repairability, saying they were "inside within minutes" and had little trouble detaching the display from the replaceable gasket, then removing the Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 2. But they do that kind of thing for a living.

If you get something wrong during disassembly or reassembly, you're left with an out-of-warranty bundle of parts; you'll have to give it to a repair person and hope they can put Humpty Dumpty back together again.

As someone who gets overwhelmed assembling Ikea furniture, I'll pass. Still, the Pixel Watch 4's repairability has proven that we can (and should) expect better from other brands.

Smartwatch repairability matters, even if YOU can't do it

If you're lucky, you'll never have to take advantage of the Watch 4's repairability during its three-year software support window. A battery swap wouldn't be too expensive, but iFixit suggested a new display will cost about $100, high enough that "lots of people won’t choose repair" when they can upgrade instead.

Still, you have the option, and local repair shops are more likely to offer their services if you can point them to extensive step-by-step documentation.

Meanwhile, iFixit gave the Apple Watch S10 a 3/10, because it relies on tight seams and adhesive with no official guides; without Applecare, you're out of luck. And iFixit cut ties with Samsung in 2024 because it relies too much on adhesives that made replacement parts too expensive — though the Galaxy Watch Ultra got a solid 7/10.

If I'm buying an $800 Apple Watch Ultra 3 designed to last for 5+ years of software support, I want someone to be able to take it apart and fix a faulty component, even if it's not me or Apple doing it.

The same principle applies to Garmin watches; they're more expensive than ever and use AMOLED displays that could show burn-in after a few years. People love making Garmin watches last for years, but if something goes wrong, most non-Fenix Garmin watches allegedly use glue for waterproofing, so you have to hope Garmin will send you a new model.

Repairability gives us more third-party backup options if warranty repairs are either unavailable or too expensive. It also reduces waste and makes it more likely that we could get a thriving refurbished market for older watches, with proper retrofits instead of skin-deep fixes.

Smartwatches are still treated like accessories that get a pass in areas like repairability, and I can accept that for a $100 fitness band. But for expensive, rugged fitness watches or "Ultra" flagships that cost as much as a phone, I think it's fair to ask that these brands stop taking design shortcuts, switch out glue for screws, and make repair guides and parts available at launch.

If the Pixel Watch 4 did it, why not bigger, more expensive watches?

The Pixel Watch 4 is Google's sportiest smartwatch yet. As someone who's tested nearly every smartwatch and fitness watch brand, I put the Watch 4 through its paces to see how well its accuracy holds up against a premium Garmin watch, judging when Fitbit beats the competition and when it falls short.

I took the Pixel Watch 4 out for a half-marathon and a second 19-mile run — along with shorter runs and a hike — comparing its HR accuracy against a chest strap and its GPS accuracy against the dual-band Garmin Forerunner 970.

I also compared stats like step count, elevation, and running form, tested how Google's new activity detection works, and decided whether the Watch 4's new 3,000-nit display and improved battery life make a real difference.

I can't fully judge the Watch 4 fitness experience until the Gemini-backed Fitbit coach arrives later this month. But it's fair to say the Watch 4 is a surprisingly strong fitness watch option — even if it's still missing some essentials that serious athletes need.

GPS accuracy

Anyone who read my Pixel Watch 4 hands-on impressions saw my initial GPS and HR accuracy results, but I'll go into more depth here. The Pixel Watch 4 defaults to dual-frequency GPS, but also manages to be incredibly efficient at it. Google hasn't shared its methods, but I'd guess it's similar to Garmin's SatIQ mode, pinpointing with L5 signals when the L1 signal is disrupted.

During a half-marathon race in downtown San Jose, the Pixel Watch 4 showed mile-long stretches with very accurate tracking, with the two watches' results closely overlapping. But it wasn't perfect, as some of the slides below show (click the box for a closer view):

I also noted plenty of moments where the Watch 4's GPS line curved significantly off of my route before returning, possibly due to reflected signals from tall buildings. More subtly, the Watch 4 is slower to react to any 90-degree turn, with a much wider loop than I actually took. And it didn't do the best at staying straight under underpasses.

Despite its struggles, the end result wasn't far from Garmin's, which had its own occasional struggles with tall buildings but was more faithfully on track.

For my next test, I ran several miles on the same neighborhood loop. Google and Garmin stay parallel — likely because they're on my left and right wrists — but it's fair to say that Garmin's results stay more consistently on the same line, while Google's line strays much more, despite there being few signal blockers nearby aside from some trees.

Again, though, the final result was 5.00 vs. 5.01 miles (16m), and you'd be surprised how many dual-band GPS watches stray slightly off track. The Pixel Watch 3 tended to be significantly worse, particularly for hikes.

I recently ran 19 miles with the same two watches, plus a third dual-band COROS watch. The final result: Garmin measured 0.02mi more and COROS 0.01mi more than Google, all with the same 9:23/mile average. I'll spare you 19 miles' worth of screenshots, but this was the Watch 4's best tracking result, with only the occasional sections where it strayed off-path.

On a related note, the Pixel Watch 4's elevation tracking was only 0.8 feet off of Garmin's for the 19-mile run, though the gap was 3m for my half-marathon. I didn't get a chance to climb a mountain or anything, but I generally trust its results.

Overall, the Pixel Watch 4's GPS accuracy is as dependable as I hoped. It's also more efficient than I expected, only using about 7.5% of my battery per hour of tracking for a couple of runs. It guzzled more battery during my 19-mile run, hitting closer to 12% battery used per hour, but still had more than enough juice for a long activity.

HR accuracy

Google promised that the Pixel Watch 3 had its "most accurate" HR algorithm, and didn't bring it up with the Watch 4, so we can safely assume it's unchanged. And that shows in the actual results: For whatever reason, Google's HR average always falls 1 bpm short of other chest, arm, or wrist-based sensors.

During my half-marathon, my Garmin paired with a COROS HRM armband consistently measured slightly higher than Google's result, particularly when my HR rose above my lactate threshold into anaerobic levels. The graphs run in parallel, with Google always in the right range, but 1 bpm short.

It's normal for a wrist-based optical sensor to lag behind an arm or chest strap, but comparing the Pixel Watch 4 against Garmin's 5th-gen Elevate sensor is fascinating. You can see how both watches respond to changes in effort at nearly the same time throughout a 40-minute run. Still, Google's results are slightly deflated, once again 1 bpm short on average.

For my 19-mile run, I synced my Garmin HRM 200 chest strap to my Forerunner. You can ignore the three flat-line stretches; different watches handle paused workouts for water and bathroom breaks differently. Otherwise, you can see how the Watch 4 mostly keeps pace but still falls 1–2 bpm short during rapid changes. The final averages — Watch 4 with 161 bpm, HRM 200 with 162 bpm — were predictable at this point.

I gave the Pixel Watch 3's HR accuracy a "B" grade last year, and I'd give them the same grade this year: good but not exceptional. The real problem is that Google doesn't give people a way to improve their results, as Wear OS doesn't support connecting to external HR monitors. That's a deal-breaker for a lot of athletes!

Automatic activity detection

Google promises that its AI will "automatically detect and classify your activity and send you a recap" for activities like running, cycling, soccer, or using an elliptical. The Watch 3 would prompt you to confirm an activity mid-workout; now the Watch 4 asks after you're done.

To test this feature, I ran four miles wearing my Pixel Watch 4 and Forerunner 970, only tracking it on the latter. When I finished, I sat on a bench for ten minutes to make sure Fitbit didn't include any post-run walking in the activity.

When I got home, I received a notification that I'd run for 39:53 — only four seconds off of Garmin's duration — with a 142 bpm average (one below Garmin's average, predictably). The only problem was that it measured 4.6 miles instead of 4.0; automatic activities don't show a GPS map, so I don't know what went wrong.

I've always appreciated that Fitbit Cardio Load gives you credit for all activities, not just the ones you log. I prefer to log every workout myself rather than rely on guesswork, but at least Google's AI guesswork is pretty reliable (aside from GPS).

Step count and running form

Google enhanced its step count algorithm for walking with a stroller or trekking poles in March, then reverted it in April because some users had inaccurate results. After that whiplash, we're back where we started, and I've typically found that Fitbit step counts tend to fall slightly short of my actual numbers.

Someone would have to bribe me to count my steps during a half-marathon, but I found it interesting that my final step count on my Garmin (23,041) was significantly higher than on my Pixel Watch (21,852). For my 19-mile run, the gap was smaller (34,260 vs. 33,960), with Garmin still estimating more.

Both Garmin and Google analyze your running dynamics (or form) after a run. Each watch measured the exact same stride length for my 13- and 19-mile runs, while my cadence was either the same or 1 step per minute off.

For other stats like ground contact time and vertical ratio/oscillation, they diverge slightly, with Garmin suggesting my form is more efficient. When I wore three watches, COROS's GCT and stride ratio numbers were closer to Garmin's, so signs suggest Google's running form numbers might be slightly conservative.

Where the Pixel Watch 4 matches, or falls short of, a Garmin watch for athletes

Google/Fitbit and Garmin have a long list of similar fitness, health, and safety features. Both offer training load data and show long-term trends and targets. Both have a morning report/brief showing your Body Battery/Daily Readiness, sleep score, weather, and exercise suggestions. Both let family members track your progress for safety: Garmin with LiveTrack and Google with Safety Check.

Google warns you in the morning if stats like HRV, RHR, skin temp, or SpO2 are outside your normal range; Garmin just introduced a similar feature, Health Status, on the Venu 4 and should bring it to other watches soon.

Garmin currently has the edge for training suggestions, with Garmin Coaching for running, cycling, strength training, triathlons, and multisport "fitness," plus personalized daily workouts outside of structured plans. But the upcoming Fitbit AI coach should challenge Garmin with Gemini-made customized coaching plans that adjust based on your sleep quality, soreness, or if you tell Gemini you're injured.

While Google has an edge for AI — it's not controversial to say Gemini will be much smarter than Garmin's Connect Plus AI, which only summarizes your stats using an LLM — it still falls short for other training basics.

I'm still waiting for Google to use its Maps advantage for fitness. If Google let you create workout routes in Maps — with the option to use street view to make sure it's safe for pedestrians or cyclists — and then upload them to your watch, that'd be fantastic.

Garmin's maps and turn-by-turn navigation give you topographical details, nearby landmarks, and auto-correction if you go off-path. The only problem is, they're quite laggy. If Google made its own equivalent, it would have the advantage of a proper Snapdragon processor.

Many of my gym-loving colleagues are still waiting for Pixel Watches to add rep counting, and think the Pixel Watch is inferior to other brands for indoor workouts.

Fitbit, to be fair, has training videos from professional coaches, including Peloton workouts. And the new Gemini coach will suggest specific exercises in categories like HIIT and bodyweight exercises. That's all well and good for Premium subscribers.

But the watch itself will only judge your strength workouts on basics like heart rate and calories burned, whereas Garmin tracks individual reps for each exercise type, such as bench presses. My colleagues would love to see Google add gym exercise categories, both for manual logging and automatic detection using the Watch 4's gyroscope.

Google has a strong foundation of running metrics, but the Pixel Watch 4 still doesn't have running power, race time predictions, aerobic/anaerobic training effect breakdowns, post-run recovery time suggestions, or dedicated activity modes for track or trail running.

During an actual run, the Pixel Watch 4 doesn't take advantage of its gorgeous 3,000-nit display because the data shown on screen is extremely limited: Miles, duration, HR, pace, and time in the current HR zone. There's no way to show any other information mid-workout, while Garmin has hundreds of custom data fields.

The Pixel Watch 4 can broadcast cycling stats on your phone mounted on your handlebars, but it can't sync with power meters for FTP or show the upcoming climbs on your route. Nor will you find any triathlon modes or open-water swimming.

There's also the fact that the Pixel Watch 4 only lasts about two days per charge and doesn't have sapphire glass.

To the first point, its GPS tracking is efficient enough to handle any multi-hour race, then recharges fully in an hour or less; it's just not built for all-day hikes or rides like Garmin. To the second point, you may decide to buy a bumper case/ screen protector as a precaution.

Overall, the Pixel Watch 4 is still missing some fundamentals that serious athletes need, and there's no guarantee that the Pixel Watch 5 will prioritize niche use cases that don't appeal to a wider audience. But Google is continuing to improve its fitness experience, and that's something worth acknowledging.

What you need to know

• The Pixel Watch 4 breaks away from its sealed, unserviceable predecessors by finally allowing users to repair their own devices.
• iFixit calls it the most repairable smartwatch on the market, giving it a near-perfect 9/10 score.
• Two Torx T2 screws replace messy adhesives, and both the display and battery are held by screws instead of glue, all while maintaining IP68 / 5ATM water resistance.

Google’s earlier smartwatches were infamous for being sealed shut. If something broke, like a cracked screen or worn-out battery, your only option was to replace the entire unit. That changes with the Pixel Watch 4.

Google’s latest and greatest smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 4, is making headlines, not just because of its software or fitness tracking, but because it’s finally something you can realistically repair yourself.

For the first three Pixel Watch generations, a cracked screen or dying battery meant you'd likely get the whole device replaced, not fixed. But when iFixit tore down the Pixel Watch 4, the site concluded it’s the most repairable smartwatch on the market.

Screws over glue

The teardown reveals design decisions that prioritize access over obfuscation: two Torx T2 screws under the band let you pop open the case without ripping through adhesives. The battery and display themselves are secured with screws (T2 and some T5s) instead of glue.

Reassembly still retains the watch’s IP68 / 5ATM water resistance thanks to a silicone O-ring seal. Of course, this more open approach comes with some caveats. The repairability offered applies primarily to the battery and display.

Also, to facilitate easier opening, Google appears to have changed the charging method. The Pixel Watch 4 comes with a side-charging cradle rather than the old magnetic or pogo-pin style used in prior models.

That means older chargers won’t work, and there’s concern this is just another proprietary twist. Still, the side-charging layout might help by giving repair technicians unobstructed rear access.

Parts and warranty, no strings

This matters beyond repair. Google will sell spare parts via iFixit, not just to authorized shops. On top of that, opening or servicing for the battery or screen won’t void the one-year warranty.

These moves align with growing pressure for sustainability and right-to-repair in tech. The change also highlights how far the Pixel line has come. Earlier models scored poorly in repairability.

By contrast, the Pixel Watch 4 gets a very high mark: 9/10. You can preorder the Pixel Watch 4 starting at $349 (41 mm Bluetooth), with the 45 mm model at $399. LTE variants cost an extra $100. Shipments begin October 9.

What you need to know

• Google released Wear OS 6 on the Pixel Watch 2 and 3 for its October 2025 update, but not the Pixel Watch 1.
• A Google spokesperson indicated that the October update will not be coming to the first-gen smartwatch.
• The Pixel Watch 1's official support ends in October 2025, but it will continue to receive "security and bug fixes."

Google released Wear OS 6 to the Pixel Watch 3 and 2 earlier this week alongside the Pixel Watch 4. The Pixel Watch 1 wasn't included, but there was reason to hope its update would come later in October. But Google has told Android Central not to expect the update.

Google promised "at least three years" of software updates for its Pixel Watches, but it wasn't clear if that included three version updates or not. The Pixel Watch 1 launched in October 2022 with Wear OS 3.5 and is currently running the April 2025 Wear OS 5.1 update.

Google initially told us it had no comment about Wear OS 6 coming to Pixel Watch 1, but a Google spokesperson sent us a statement on Friday that clarified its update strategy:

The quote included a link to the official Pixel Watch update page, which confirms the October 2025 deadline for Pixel Watch 1 updates.

While the spokesperson didn't definitively say, "No," the statement suggests there won't be a second October update for the Watch 1 with Wear OS 6, and that any updates after October will be limited to security patches.

We had reason to hope that the first Pixel Watch would receive a third major update. Samsung promises four years of software updates, and it has apparently confirmed plans to bring One UI 8 Watch to the Galaxy Watch 4 in late 2025, which will be its fourth major update.

Instead, it appears that Pixel Watches will stick to two version updates and three years of security updates, with occasional security patches after the three-year window.

The Pixel Watch 1 uses an outdated Exynos 9110 chip originally used in Tizen OS Galaxy Watches. Perhaps Google didn't think Wear OS 6 could run smoothly on older hardware, even with 2GB of RAM. But when the Pixel Watch 5 launches next year, the Watch 2 may not receive Wear OS 7 even though it shares the Watch 3's Snapdragon hardware.

Wear OS 6 has impressed us so far with its stylish scrolling animations, revamped Tiles, dynamic color theming, custom watch faces, and other functional fixes. It's arguably the best smartwatch update Google has released, which makes it a shame that Pixel Watch 1 owners may never see it.

The Pixel Watch 4 launched on October 9 with Wear OS 6; based on Google's update strategy, it seems we can expect it to receive Wear OS 8 in 2027, but not Wear OS 9 in 2028.

What you need to know

• Google has started rolling out its Wear OS 6 upgrade for the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 2 as the OTA images appear.
• Android Central has confirmed that the update is rolling out on these devices today (Oct 8), so users should begin noticing it soon, too.
• Wear OS 6 had a demo during I/O 2025, and during that demo, it was noted that the software brings about a smoother scrolling experience with a more expressive, fully immersive UI on the round, glass-domed display.

Google's got a busy midweek going on, as the company has started rolling out its major Wear OS 6 update to its Pixel Watches.

The company recently updated its Full OTA images page for its Pixel Watches today (Oct 8), which now mentions its major v16 (Wear OS 6) update. Google hasn't published its patch notes for the Wear OS 6 update, as that's likely to contain the information we want to tear through.

For right now, its OTA images page states the update is rolling out for the Pixel Watch 3 and the Pixel Watch 2. This includes the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and LTE versions of both model series. The original Pixel Watch wasn't mentioned in the company's updated page.

This upgrade for the two past-gen watches features Google's latest October 2025 security patch for the wearables, too.

While Google hasn't published its official Wear OS 6/October security patch changelog for the watches yet, Android Central's Derrek Lee and Michael L. Hicks confirmed that the update is rolling out on these devices. Users should also begin noticing it today (Oct 8), and even more as we week closes.

Wear OS 6 hits the main stage

There was a lot to unpack about Wear OS 6 during Google's I/O 2025 demo earlier this year. Material 3 Expressive wasn't the only major overhaul headed for Google's software, as wearables are getting quite the revamp, too. During Android Central's demo, it was discovered that Wear OS 6 vastly improved the scrolling smoothness of the Pixel Watch 3. More than that, the UI now expands and shrinks content while you're scrolling.

There's an "Edge Hugging" button that reshapes the Pixel Watch's UI to its round face, essentially creating a fully immersive experience.

Tiles in Wear OS 6 on the Pixel Watch 3 were found to have more "visual consistency." Icons for apps and other content in the OS have been improved to be more descriptive, so you'll always know what you're getting into.

I got my hands on the Google Pixel Watch 4 about two weeks ago. I've tested new features like Gemini Raise to Talk and adjusted to the new display dome. I wore the Watch 4 for a half-marathon to test its accuracy and a hike to see how its satellite SOS feature would work in real-life situations. And despite my nitpicks, I came away impressed.

I'm not ready to give the Watch 4 a full review yet, simply because I want more time to be certain of its battery life, health precision, and new sports tools. Nor will I be able to test the new Fitbit AI coach with Gemini until it launches later in October.

So far, though, I can safely say Google took the solid Pixel Watch 3 template and made it better in noticeable ways, perfect for long-time fans. However, anyone with qualms about the old Pixel Watches is unlikely to be converted by this generation.

You haven't worn a domed display like this before

The Watch 4's Actua 360 display is the "first of its kind," and it's easy to believe Google's claim because a flat, classic style is what most other brands prioritize. Google's engineers explained that stretching and rounding the display glass allowed them to increase the display surface area without changing the internal design.

Google confirmed that the Watch 4 41mm and 45mm have 1.33-inch and 1.49-inch displays, compared to 1.27 inches and 1.43 inches in the last generation, with the dimensions otherwise unchanged.

After days with the Watch 4, I've grown more accustomed to its roundness, which creates a subtle 3D effect that warps the middle content upward. Since Wear OS 6 menus themselves shift and shrink, the UI makes this choice feel less out of place. But it's still an adjustment!

I think it comes down to personal preference. Derrek, who did the original hands-on, told me he isn't a fan, while our freelancer Tshaka has a unit and says it's the "best looking display on a smartwatch."

The positive to this new design is the smaller display border, with the touchscreen running right up to the curved edge. Google can't go any further unless it stretches the Pixel Watch 5's touchscreen onto the rounded edge, as this 2023 Fitbit patent proposed.

I also appreciate how the Watch 4 45mm only weighs 67g, while the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (87g) and OnePlus Watch 3 (81g) aren't nearly as comfortable.

My main display complaint returns from my Watch 3 review: a bezelless design would benefit from sapphire glass, especially with Google marketing this to athletes. And aside from durability concerns, Gorilla Glass 5 doesn't have the best antireflective layer. The Actua 360 dome seems to catch more light than before, so any bright lights nearby obscure the AOD mode.

A Google engineer explained that they've heard feedback on adding sapphire glass and might consider it in future Pixel Watches, but suggested that its "expensiveness" factors against the idea. He also noted that the bottom Watch 4 glass uses 8th-generation Gorilla Glass for extra durability, at least.

Google's dual-frequency upgrade is genuinely good

The Pixel Watch 4 added dual-frequency GPS, and a Pixel Watch rep told me it does very well in "urban canyons" that can block or reflect GPS-only signals. So I wore it during a half-marathon in San Jose, with my hyper-accurate Garmin Forerunner 970 on my other wrist as a comparison point.

The Pixel Watch 4 (orange line) had whole miles where it was dead-center on my actual path, matching Garmin (blue line). However, it struggled at times downtown, particularly near tall buildings, with a few moments where the line looped 10 yards outward before returning to my actual position. It also struggled with underpasses.

Still, the final result was only 100m less than the Forerunner 970 after 13.2 miles, and compared to how terrible the Pixel Watch 3's GPS-only tracking was, I trust the Watch 4 to handle normal signal conditions about as well as any other fitness brand — certainly better than Samsung's dual-band GPS. It even beat Garmin's accuracy a couple of times around tall buildings, though the Forerunner 970 won overall.

What's most impressive is that I finished the race with the Pixel Watch 4 at 87% power after a 1:45 finish — or about 7.5% battery per hour with dual-frequency GPS as the default. That's truly excellent efficiency, and makes me think the Watch 4 could easily last for an all-day race event.

As for HR accuracy, I wore a COROS HRM armband as a control group during the race, and the Pixel Watch 4 performed at the same level as the Watch 3 last year. That is to say, it's close to reality, but tends to show slightly deflated data (about 1–2 bpm short), particularly in the 170+ bpm range.

It ended up 1 bpm short on average, which will be good enough for most athletes; since Wear OS watches still don't support external HRMs like chest straps, anyone who needs perfect data will need to look elsewhere.

Garmin Raise to Talk is really convenient and mostly seamless

I've never much liked holding down the Pixel Watch's finicky Side button or wasting battery on the always-listening "Hey Google" command to summon the Assistant. With Gemini as the new crown jewel of the Wear OS experience, I'm glad the Pixel Watch 4 has a third method to summon the assistant, Raise to Talk.

As the name suggests, all you need to do is lift your wrist and start talking. It's so convenient, and cutting out the wake word or button press makes the interaction feel much more natural. I'm a big fan, and given how popular Gemini is, I bet some Watch 2 or 3 owners will upgrade to get it.

Because someone could easily trigger Gemini by accident if they have active hands while talking, Google created dual thresholds you have to pass to trigger it: Strong upward movement, then a command spoken loudly within two seconds to grab Gemini's attention.

The default Raise to Talk settings led to moments where I raised my arm but failed to pass these conditions. The Pixel Watch team recommended I go to Settings > Gestures > Raise to Talk for increased sensitivity and a longer voice window. So far, this has made summoning Gemini easier, though with occasional false-positive motions.

Battery life and charging are as good as advertised, with one caveat

Google promises 30 or 40 hours with the always-on display active for the Watch 4 41mm and 45mm; I only have the larger model to test, but two days has been the norm with AOD, sleep tracking, and daily GPS-tracked workouts.

You could reasonably be annoyed that Google swapped to a new proprietary charger, but the speed boost is so massive that you'll get over it, as I did. I can take my Watch 4 off at 5%, plop it on the Quick Charge Dock, and see that I only have to wait 45 minutes to reach 100%. It's also nice that the watch display is propped up to check your progress.

I have noticed, however, that the magnetic charger-watch connection could be stronger; the Watch 4 and its straps need a flat surface to support them so that it doesn't tip off the Dock. You're supposed to get a phone notification when that happens, but it didn't seem to trigger for me. I've had the best luck sitting the Dock on my metal PC case, where it's magnetized and sits flat and secure.

The new-ish Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 holds up, for now

I'll admit to being disappointed that the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 keeps the same old Cortex cores as its 2022 predecessor. The Watch 4 does add a newer Cortex-M55 co-processor that's "25% faster at half the power," and the W5 Gen 2 itself is 20% more efficient at hitting Gen 1 benchmarks. It's just not especially groundbreaking aside from satellite SOS, or close to the Galaxy Watch 8's Exynos W1000 in power.

Admittedly, the Watch 4 doesn't really need more power. Apps could be slightly faster to open, but otherwise everything scrolls effortlessly with little lag or juddering. Zooming in or out in Google Maps is buttery smooth, and Gemini answers questions quickly.

That said, I'm curious if a future Snapdragon or RISC-V chip would be capable of handling more robust on-device AI tricks, leaving the Watch 4 behind in a year or two. The only current one, Smart Replies, comes up with some decent contextual answers, but a Google rep confirmed the Watch 4 will default to your phone's Gemini Nano unless you're using the LTE model with no phone around.

More layers to dive into

Although I'm scared to try it, I still hope to take apart the Pixel Watch 4 at some point, given its repairable design. Google likened this process to opening up a quartz watch to replace the battery, but said anything beyond that would be like servicing a mechanical watch — not for the faint of heart. They recommend using your warranty repair options first, but confident types will be able to use iFixit parts.

I also need more time to judge the Watch 4's new sleep algorithm, and the new Gemini-backed Fitbit AI coach won't arrive until late October.

Overall, though, I feel confident saying the Pixel Watch 4 doesn't have any serious negative surprises. In many ways, it's a lot like the redesigned Galaxy Watch 8, in that you'll need to see it in person to decide if you like Google's domed display or Samsung's flat, squarish case.

Both have earned their spots atop the best Android smartwatches, and I'm excited to keep wearing and testing out the Pixel Watch 4!

Apple and Google are always natural competitors, and they just so happen to have two of the best smartwatches hitting the market: the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Google Pixel Watch 4. Since you can't easily use an Apple Watch with an Android phone or vice versa, the decision largely rests upon which ecosystem you've already invested in.

However, if you're wondering how the Series 11 stacks up against the Pixel Watch 4, we have you covered. After all, there is a way to use an Apple Watch without daily driving an iPhone, so Android users can use the Series 11 as their smartwatch if they really want to. Let's break down all the differences between the latest Apple Watch Series 11 and the Google Pixel Watch 4.

Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Google Pixel Watch 4: Design and display

Neither Apple nor Google deviated significantly from their typical smartwatch design language when creating the Series 11 or Pixel Watch 4. They resemble their predecessors closely, but are distinct from one another. Apple Watches tend to sport a mostly square design with a cover glass and chassis that are slightly curved. Meanwhile, Pixel Watch models feature a "waterdrop" design with a circular shape and curved glass that seamlessly integrates into the chassis.

Overall, the Pixel Watch 4 looks more minimalist and dainty than the Series 11. The Apple Watch Series 11 is available in either 42mm or 46mm case sizes, whereas the Pixel Watch 4 is offered in 41mm or 45mm case sizes. Although the Pixel Watch is more compact on the wrist, it's much thicker, measuring 12.3mm compared to the Apple Watch's 9.7mm thickness.

The weight between the two watches is nearly identical, with about a gram separating the non-LTE versions of Series 11 and Pixel Watch 4.

The Apple Watch Series 11 is decidedly more premium, with both aluminum and titanium case options available. Google only sells the Pixel Watch 4 in either matte or polished aluminum. There are also more colors and band configurations on the Apple Watch side, and the Series 11 has the advantage of being backwards-compatible with all prior bands within their size bloc (38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm bands are interchangeable; 42mm, 44mm, 45mm, 46mm, 49mm bands are interchangeable).

The Pixel Watch 4's display is now domed to match the cover glass and is brighter than the Series 11 with a peak brightness rating of 3,000 nits. By comparison, the Apple Watch Series 11 has the advantage of supporting wide-angle OLED technology, which should make it easier to view off-angle than the Pixel Watch 4. The Series 11 display is also slightly higher in resolution, with a pixel density of 326ppi compared to 320ppi on the Pixel Watch 4.

In terms of durability, the titanium Series 11 uses a sapphire crystal covering, and the aluminum Series 11 uses Ion-X glass. Ion-X is more crack-resistant, while sapphire crystal is more scratch-resistant. Google has Custom Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the Pixel Watch 4 for scratch and crack protection. Additionally, both watches are swimproof and rated for 5ATM.

Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Google Pixel Watch 4: Hardware and specs

From a hardware perspective, both smartwatches will be plenty fast. The Apple Watch Series 11 is powered by the S10 chip, a system-in-package processor that includes a dual-core processor and a quad-core Neural Engine. Meanwhile, the Pixel Watch 4 includes a Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip with a Cortex-M55 co-processor.

Google's leveraging of the co-processor for certain tasks helped it improve battery life for the Pixel Watch 4. The smaller version of the Pixel Watch 4 now lasts up to 30 hours, while the larger model can run for up to 40 hours. That's longer, at least on paper, than the Series 11, which is rated for 24 hours of battery life. It's worth noting that in the past, you could get more battery life out of Apple Watches and Pixel Watches than officially claimed.

Apple hasn't confirmed the amount of memory onboard the Apple Watch Series 11, but it does provide 64GB of storage. That's extra space for apps, workouts, music, podcasts, and more. The Pixel Watch 4 has 2GB of memory but only 32GB of storage.

Additionally, the Series 11's cellular model supports 5G and LTE, becoming one of the first smartwatches to do so. You can equip the Pixel Watch 4 with cellular, but you'll only have LTE, not 5G. On the other hand, the Pixel Watch 4 features satellite connectivity, whereas Apple requires you to purchase the Ultra 3 for that capability.

Apple hasn't changed its watch charger in a decade of making smartwatches, yet Google is on its third charger in four generations. That isn't great for compatibility. However, the smaller Pixel Watch 4 does charge slightly faster than the Series 11, reaching 80% in just 25 minutes. The larger Pixel Watch 4 and both Series 11 models need 30 minutes of charging to hit 80%.

Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Google Pixel Watch 4: Fitness and software

Apple seems to have the advantage in fitness and health features, both in hardware and software. The software experience is sound with Apple Fitness, which has excellent workout tracking and features like Training Load. Best of all, the entire experience is subscription-free — you'll only have to pay for Apple Fitness Plus if you want guided workout videos; no features are hidden behind that paywall.

Some Pixel Watch 4 features are hidden behind the Fitbit Premium subscription, which costs $10 per month. The core experience is free, though, and built upon the Fitbit ecosystem. The watch can track over 40 different types of workouts, and now has dual-band GPS, like the Series 11, for more accurate tracking.

While both watches support the standard heart rate, temperature, ECG, and blood-oxygen readings, Apple takes a step forward with blood pressure monitoring on the Series 11. It's not a replacement for medical-grade monitoring, but rather a preventive tool that can identify signs of hypertension and direct individuals to medical professionals. This is a potential life-saving feature that only Apple is offering on smartwatches in the U.S.

Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Google Pixel Watch 4: Which should you buy?

The Apple Watch Series 11 appears to be the more mature smartwatch, but that's unsurprising, because Apple has been doing wearables longer than Google. The fitness and health experience on watchOS 26 is more robust and built out than the one in Wear OS 6, which relies on Fitbit and requires a subscription for full functionality.

The two sizes of Series 11 smartwatches are also bigger than their respective Pixel Watch 4 counterparts, and the Apple Watch hardware is more premium, with titanium case options available.

However, it's worth noting that Google has a clear edge in the voice assistant category. The Pixel Watch 4 is powered by Gemini, which can handle basic Assistant tasks and general AI queries. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 11 cannot use Siri at all without a connection to your phone, Wi-Fi, or cellular network. And if you're looking for a smartwatch on the Android side that's just as mature as the Apple Watch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is a great option.

Still, you can't go wrong with the Pixel Watch 4, especially if minimalism and Google integration are your two main priorities.

What you need to know

• Google is testing hypertension screening on the Pixel Watch, spotted in the latest Fitbit app update.
• The new Fitbit Hypertension Study collects watch sensor data plus user input, with some participants also wearing a 24-hour blood pressure monitor for comparison.
• Selected users will get about $50 for participating in the extended monitoring trial.

Google appears to be gearing up to turn its Pixel Watch into a tool that goes beyond fitness tracking, with early signs pointing to a built-in ability to screen for hypertension.

Hints of this surfaced in the latest Fitbit app update (version 4.53), where a new “Fitbit Hypertension Study” was discovered by the folks at 9to5Google. This program is designed to gather sensor data from the Pixel Watch and pair it with user-submitted information to test how well the wearable can flag elevated blood pressure levels.

Participants who enroll in the study will be asked to answer a short questionnaire and allow the watch to passively collect health data. For a smaller group, Google may take the experiment further by providing a 24-hour blood pressure monitor for direct comparison. These users will need to wear the cuff, send it back afterward, and in return will receive about $50 for their time.

Battery trade-off

Since the study relies on continuous data collection, Google has noted that battery drain may increase while the feature is active.

Instead of giving exact blood pressure numbers like a regular cuff, the Pixel Watch would probably look for signs that suggest high blood pressure. This is similar to Apple's approach, which aims to alert users if they might need to see a doctor, not to replace medical equipment.

At this stage, there’s no guarantee that the feature will reach all users in a finished form, but this study signals a serious push by Google to explore preventive health tools through wearables.

If successful, hypertension screening would slot neatly into the Pixel Watch’s growing set of health and safety features. The Pixel Watch 3, for instance, recently rolled out loss of pulse detection in the U.S. after securing FDA clearance. That feature automatically calls emergency services if the watch detects no pulse and the wearer doesn’t respond.

Alongside this, Google has already layered in tools like Daily Readiness, Cardio Load, and Target Load to give users a clearer picture of their health trends. Hypertension screening would expand this lineup further, tackling a condition that often goes unnoticed until it causes major health issues.

Whether the feature launches broadly will depend on how well the study goes, but the direction is clear: Google wants the Pixel Watch to become a serious player in digital health.

Google must want to clear out its Pixel Watch 3 stock before the Pixel Watch 4 arrives on October 9, because it's dropped the price to an all-time low of $199 (42% off) on Walmart. Now Pixel fans have a decision to make: Grab the still-reliable last-gen model while it's still available, or only accept the best new features with the Watch 4.

Having reviewed the Pixel Watch 3 and compared it against the other best Android smartwatches, I can confidently say that it's still worth buying, thanks to its speedy performance, Gemini commands, and Fitbit insights. In fact, if you're planning to pay for Fitbit Premium, saving hundreds upfront is a good way to offset that cost.

If you weigh the Pixel Watch 4 vs. 3, you'll see the same general design, weight, bands, performance, storage, and most of the same health sensors. It'll even get Wear OS 6 in the next month or two, matching the Watch 4's new software. It falls short for battery life, display brightness, safety features, and a couple of Gemini tricks — but you may be happy to skip these perks to save $150.

✅Recommended if: You have a Pixel phone or like other Google Home gadgets; you like the edgeless look and prefer a crown to Samsung's digital touch bezel; and you want Fitbit health and fitness insights.

❌Skip this deal if: You're a Samsung or OnePlus phone owner who prefers a more rugged Galaxy Watch 8 or a OnePlus Watch 3 with better battery life; or you want the Pixel Watch 4 for new perks like Gemini Raise to Talk and emergency satellite messaging.

In terms of why you should buy the Watch 4 instead, the new model gives you a 3,000-nit display with 16% smaller bezels, an extra 6+ hours of battery life per charge on top of much faster charging, and a new skin temperature sensor that's better at catching warning signs for illness.

Plus, it adds dual-band GPS for better workout accuracy and a new Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip with the same performance speed but the upside of satellite SOS connectivity to call for help in an emergency, even in cellular dead zones. You'd need the Watch 4 LTE for the satellite tech, though.

All in all, Google gave us plenty of tempting reasons to buy the current model! But only you can decide if it's worth spending an extra $150 for these perks, which won't be the case for everyone.

What you need to know

• The new Material 3 Expressive update is reportedly rolling out for the Pixel Watch app via a Play Store update.
• The update brings M3 Expressive's bolder, rounder, and more colorful new design to the main Pixel Watch app, and updates its icon.
• M3 Expressive rolled out with Wear OS 6, which brought a design theme that hugged the Pixel Watch's circular face with smoother animations and more.

Pixel Watch users are in for a treat this week, as reports claim Google is rolling out its new Android design on its dedicated app.

It appears that the update has just started arriving, as a report from 9to5Google highlights the Material 3 Expressive changes users on Android will see. The inside of the app sports larger design changes, such as the vertical, pill-shaped row of key Pixel Watch features. The update places Fitbit, Personal Safety, Gemini, and Google Wallet right above your device's illustration.

Beneath that illustration, users will find their connectivity info, battery percentage, and the last time the watch has synced with Fitbit's services.

The clean containers for UI elements that Google has implemented across Android are present in the updated Pixel Watch app, too. As part of the "main" feature set, users will find Watch Faces and Tiles before scrolling down into their Settings. These new containers and subtle line separators are present throughout the entire app, as well, especially when scrolling through your tiles and other sub-menus.

The Pixel Watch app icon has been updated in this update (don't be alarmed). The publication notes that users will find a more pronounced Pixel Watch illustration that's a blue, purple mix, as Google moves away from its classic four-color getup.

M3 Expressive finally hits the main app

The post states the update has started rolling out today (Sep 24) via the Play Store. It might take a little while before your device picks it up, but it should begin appearing more as the week winds down.

It feels like the Pixel Watch app is last in line for these wearable Material 3 Expressive updates, as Wear OS 6 already graced the model with the new look. M3 Expressive delivered a bold redesign to watches, offering new visuals and much smoother animations across the board. One major note to mention is that M3 Expressive hugs those circular curves on the Pixel Watch, making the experience seem fuller and more immersive everywhere you go.

Aside from the new design, Wear OS 6 was just a massive upgrade over the previous iteration. New watch faces and Gemini were some of the headliners, as well as new and improved media controls for your music.

What you need to know

• Google detailed its thought process and trials behind its satellite SOS feature on the Pixel Watch 4.
• The company says the Pixel Watch 4 will switch automatically to offer satellite SOS if regular cell networks fail.
• Users will have to answer a questionnaire to be sent to emergency services about your situation.
• Other emergency/safety features include Crash Detection and Fall Detection.

Satellite connectivity has come about to keep you connected even without a proper cell network, something Google brought to its watch.

Google introduced Satellite SOS on the Pixel Watch 4 (LTE), and the company's latest Keyword post explains how that came about. To create a satellite SOS that's easy to use—even when you can't use its screen, according to Google's Sharath Ananth—the company had to consider "positioning interface, audio cues, and haptic feedback." Some of these cues are even available during the satellite SOS initial startup phase, accompanied by a demonstration of how to orient the device.

Right out of the gate, Google said it knew of a Pixel Watch 4 limit: the fact that it lacks the number of antennas that a phone typically has. In short, Google says the device can't connect to all networks simultaneously, so the company made it so the Pixel Watch 4 will switch if terrestrial networks fail.

The device is said to offer the satellite option to keep you connected when trying to call emergency services. If you opt in, Google says your Watch 4 will provide a questionnaire to get all the information possible before sending it.

Google's lead engineer for the Pixel Watch, Sharath Ananth, adds that the satellite SOS mode pretty much locks you into it until help arrives. Ananth says, "...emergencies can be stressful, so we wanted to make it easier to focus on getting help." After 911 has arrived, users can tap "help has arrived" or "I don't need help anymore" to return to their Pixel Watch 4's full experience with apps and more.

Staying in contact

Getting people help in emergencies is the backbone of a feature like satellite SOS. Ananth says this feature isn't only looking out for adventurers on hikes, but everyone in between, too: "I think about getting stranded somewhere, anywhere, and if your phone isn’t working or if you’re injured, this allows you to still activate satellite SOS from your wrist."

While Google has done a lot of work behind the scenes, with testing in U.S. National Parks to get this to work, it's also using Qualcomm's Snapdragon W5 Gen 2. When the chip was announced, it was stated that the Pixel Watch 4 is the first smartwatch to use this new wearable SoC. While its power is just okay, this chip supports Skylo's Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Network (NB-NTN), making satellite messaging a reality.

There are other emergency/safety features on the Pixel Watch 4, like Crash Detection and Fall Detection.

What you need to know

• Google is bringing the Pixel Weather app to the Pixel Watch starting with Pixel Watch 4.
• The app uses Material 3 Expressive design with a pill-shaped card for weather details.
• Its icon matches the phone app, showing a yellow sun on a blue background.
• Three new watch tiles show temperature, sunrise/sunset, and UV index with city info.

Google debuted a new weather app, Pixel Weather, with the Pixel 9 series last year, and while it's been exclusive to phones and the Google Pixel Tablet until now, it looks like the app is finally making its way to the Pixel Watch.

9to5Google reports that Google is bringing the Pixel Weather app from Pixel phones to the Pixel Watch. A Weather app has already been available on Pixel Watches since Wear OS 3 in 2022, but Google is now launching Pixel Weather on Pixel Watch models starting with the Pixel Watch 4.

One of the major features here is that the Pixel Weather app on Pixel Watch brings the Material 3 Expressive design to the app, even though the layout is similar to what's currently available on Wear OS. The app icon matches the phone version with the classic yellow sun on a blue background.

Pixel Weather isn't just for phones anymore

In typical Material 3 Expressive fashion, the city view shows a large pill-shaped card with the current temperature, condition with an icon, and highs and lows in the card. Above the card, you see the city name and the current time. The background also reflects the weather, just like on the phone app.

Alongside the app, Google has also updated the watch face tiles for Pixel Weather. There are now three tiles available: one with temperature, high/low, and precipitation chance; one with sunrise/sunset times; and one with UV index. In all tiles, the time and city appear above the weather info. The publication also notes that watch face complications are coming.

There's no confirmed release date yet for the Pixel Weather app on Pixel Watch, but it is expected to arrive with the Pixel Watch 4 next month. Although Google has already started putting screenshots of Pixel Weather on the Play Store for Wear OS. It's also unclear what will happen to the old Weather app once Pixel Weather rolls out.

Wear OS watches are back, and the market is ripe with competition. Google and Samsung are the major players, but brands like OnePlus are giving Wear OS another go, too. That's great news for smartwatch buyers — there's never been a better time to be in the market for a new one. Two of the best options are sure to be the Google Pixel Watch 4 and the OnePlus Watch 3.

Both Google and OnePlus were slow to offer their flagship smartwatches in multiple sizes, but now, you can get the Pixel Watch 4 and OnePlus Watch 3 in big or small packages. They each offer a different feature set, with Google doubling down on Fitbit and OnePlus prioritizing battery life. Let's break down exactly how two of the best Wear OS smartwatches compare to help you decide which one is right for you.

Google Pixel Watch 4 vs. OnePlus Watch 3: Design and display

The Google Pixel Watch 4 and the OnePlus Watch 3 are distinct in terms of design. Google's smartwatch has a dainty and chic appearance, somewhat reminiscent of old analog watches. Even the larger 45mm version retains its elegance, featuring a domed glass and display that seamlessly flow into the circular aluminum chassis. By comparison, the OnePlus Watch 3 has a louder design language that also resembles analog watches, but on the other end of the spectrum.

The smaller 43mm OnePlus Watch 3 has a more subdued appearance, similar to the Pixel Watch 3, but without the domed glass. However, the original OnePlus Watch 3 is a massive 46.6mm smartwatch that looks huge on most wrists. It has a metal bezel with dial markings that protect the digital OLED display. There's also a set of two buttons on both sizes that now rotate for software navigation.

As you'll see in the comparison below, both sizes of the OnePlus Watch 3 are flashy and tough, but the 43mm OnePlus Watch 3 is certainly more subtle.

The Google Pixel Watch 4 is available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, which are smaller than the respective offerings of the OnePlus Watch 3. It sports an Actua 360 AMOLED LTPO display, and the screen is actually domed to match the cover glass this year. It supports a peak brightness rating of 3,000 nits and a 1-60Hz variable refresh rate. As such, the Pixel Watch 4 will be brighter and more visible outdoors.

The OnePlus Watch 3 also uses an LTPO AMOLED display, but this one features a 466x466 resolution and a 2,200-nit peak brightness rating. It's just as good as the Google display, albeit not as bright, which may be a concern during workouts in direct sunlight.

The OnePlus Watch 3 is decidedly more durable, packing a stainless steel chassis and sapphire-crystal glass. It also has IP68/5ATM dust and water-resistance, just like the Pixel Watch 4. The latter is no slouch with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and an aluminum body, but it just can't compete with the OnePlus Watch 3 in this area. The domed glass style could be a liability in this area, as it may be more prone to scratches or cracks.

Google Pixel Watch 4 vs. OnePlus Watch 3: Hardware and specs

The Google Pixel Watch 4 brings along a chip upgrade compared to the OnePlus Watch 3, but it might not be as big a deal as you might think. OnePlus is using the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip, formerly the top smartwatch processor available. Now, it's replaced by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 in the Pixel Watch 4. In terms of raw performance, you shouldn't expect one watch to perform noticeably better or worse than the other.

The new chip doesn't come with major performance upgrades; instead, it focuses on a smaller size, dual-band GPS support, and on-watch satellite connectivity. These are neat upgrades you'll find on the Pixel Watch 4, but power isn't getting a boost. Both the Pixel Watch 4 and the OnePlus Watch 3 also have co-processors designed to handle certain tasks while preserving battery life.

Namely, the OnePlus Watch 3 utilizes Wear OS 5 and RTOS (a secondary operating system) to achieve its multi-day battery life. The Google Pixel Watch 4 has better software support, ships with Wear OS 6, and has Material 3 Expressive. Still, the OnePlus Watch 3's dual-OS approach gives it a clear advantage in battery life.

The 46mm version of the OnePlus Watch 3 offers up to five days of battery life on a single charge in smartwatch mode. Meanwhile, the 45mm Pixel Watch 4 tops out at 40 hours of battery life with the always-on display enabled. Both watches use a pin-based charger, but OnePlus's charger terminates in a USB-C port, so you can use any cable you'd like.

Google Pixel Watch 4 vs. OnePlus Watch 3: Fitness and health

The OnePlus Watch 3 has a few hardware shortcomings that could hinder its fitness and health capabilities. For starters, there isn't an LTE option, so cellular connectivity during runs or swims simply isn't available. The large and bulky form factor might also eliminate comfortable sleep tracking, even though the feature is there.

While the OHealth app for fitness and health data is gorgeous, it's still more limited than the Fitbit suite on the Google Pixel Watch 4. Both watches can handle basic metrics thanks to onboard sensors, but Google takes those data points to give you actionable insights like cardio load.

Now, both the OnePlus Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 4 sport dual-frequency GPS for more accurate tracking. Additionally, the Watch 3 builds off the fitness improvements of the Watch 2R, providing a more versatile experience overall. Google still has the more versatile option, with more than 40 workouts available on the Pixel Watch 4. However, certain insights and tools are locked behind a Fitbit Premium subscription.

Google Pixel Watch 4 vs. OnePlus Watch 3: Which one should you buy?

The OnePlus Watch 3 is a behemoth fit for battery lovers and OnePlus users, whereas the Google Pixel Watch 4 makes more sense for casual Android users and Pixel owners. There are exclusive features available on the Pixel Watch 4, like Fitbit integration and a new morning summary. However, daily or nightly charging is likely to still be necessary with the Pixel Watch 4, which is a non-starter for some.

This will make the OnePlus Watch 3 the better option for people who want a rugged and long-lasting smartwatch. Compared to the Pixel Watch 4's domed glass, the Watch 3's metal bezel adds an extra layer of protection. The true multi-day battery life — even with heavy GPS tracking — is another perk.

There's a Wear OS watch for everyone here, with the Google Pixel Watch 4 serving the needs of casual users and the OnePlus Watch 3 targeting power users.

Google's new AI personal health coach will put your health, sleep, and workout data through a Gemini blender and spew out personalized training recs. Pixel Watch 4 and Fitbit watch owners will get to try it out in October, but this AI tool has unearthed an old bone I have to pick with Google: why can't new Pixel and Fitbit watches exist at the same time?

Around the Pixel Watch 3 launch, Engadget asked Google if we'd ever see a "Fitbit-branded smartwatch" again. Google said Pixel Watches are its "next iteration of smartwatch for Fitbit" and that Fitbit hardware would focus on "minimalistic, long-lasting trackers" like the Inspire 3 moving forward.

You can still buy the 2022 Fitbit Sense 2 or Versa 4 and feed Fitbit's new AI with HR, sleep, stress, and cardio load data. A Google spokesperson told me that the newest and best Fitbits "give the personal health coach the most information to work with."

However, the spokesperson wouldn't comment on whether these old Fitbits would provide the "full" coaching experience. Aside from the Pixel Watch 4 having more accurate data with dual-band GPS and newer HR/sleep algorithms, only the latest Pixel Watches will import the AI coach's custom workouts onto your wrist for guidance.

Google has every right to push its Pixel Watches as the best smartwatch experience for athletes. However, I still think this strategy excludes many people who'd love a Fitbit coach but prefer a classic Fitbit watch.

Why the Fitbit AI coach sounds so intriguing

After telling Gemini your current workout goals, the Fitbit AI health coach will generate training plans with weekly benchmarks to hit. You'll receive a workout plan tailored to your unique goals and fitness level, which adjusts automatically based on your sleep quality, cardio load, and other factors.

On top of that, you can ask Gemini for advice on sleep, training, or health and have it "analyze your trends" to provide a personalized answer, instead of the generic response most fitness chatbots give.

Best of all, you can simply explain that you're not feeling well or have an injury, and the AI will shift your training plan accordingly, such as swapping an hour of HIIT to 30 minutes of yoga because of high sleep debt.

Smartwatches with personalized workout suggestions are rare. Garmin watches have daily suggested workouts and personalized training plans. What could give Fitbit an edge, however, are these "real-time check-ins and adjustments."

My Garmin Forerunner 970 can adjust my workout suggestions if my cardiovascular or muscular load is too high. But its algorithm can't detect things like sickness, an injury, or pregnancy that prevent you from following its plan; nor can you easily change out a specific workout if you're busy.

To be able to tell Fitbit, "Can you push my track workout to Friday and give me an easy run for today?" and have your schedule update in seconds feels dynamic enough to justify the subscription cost, if it works as advertised.

Google doesn't have much AI fitness competition. Garmin Connect Plus and Strava's Athlete Intelligence incorporate your workout stats into chatbot summaries, but Strava's Runna plans and Garmin Coach have no equivalent way to "talk" to them or swap to a new workout rec easily.

Samsung reportedly plans to launch an AI Health Coach this year, which can incorporate your Galaxy Watch 8 health data and doctor's recommendations for healthcare guidance, facilitated by a chatbot. The stakes are lower for Google's fitness- and wellness-focused AI, which could make it easier to pull off.

That's why Fitbit's personal coach seems so promising, and why it's a shame more people won't get a chance to try it.

Some people just don't want a 'smartwatch'

Fitbit used to dominate wearable sales charts, but fell behind as people shifted away from Charge-style fitness bands to smartwatches and cheaper fitness watches. It was last ranked 10th on Counterpoint's sales list in 2022, down from 7th in 2021. Nowadays, Huawei, Xiaomi, Apple, and Samsung take nearly two-thirds of total sales (per IDC), while Garmin has crept into fifth.

I'm not saying it'd be easy for Fitbit to compete with these international brands. But Garmin does well selling painfully expensive watches to athletes on the strength of its training recommendations and watches that last for weeks per charge. Fitbit watches target a different demographic, but with similar perks.

Fitbit's personal health coach could ride the wave of AI popularity, but the ChatGPT crowd it would resonate with may use iPhones or a different Android brand, and wouldn't try a Pixel Watch linked with Pixel phones as readily as a standalone Fitbit.

Several of my extended family members use an iPhone and a Fitbit, or did until they stopped making new Fitbits. I know they'd enjoy talking to a "smarter Siri" about losing weight or beginner workout routines, but they wouldn't buy a new phone or a tiny Fitbit Inspire band to try it, nor trade a week of battery life away for apps.

Likewise, most of my local running club members wear dedicated fitness watches that prioritize longevity. The Pixel Watch 4 might work for runners because its speedy charging could top off the used battery while they shower, but I don't know how many of them will be willing to lose that comforting battery buffer.

If Google sold a Fitbit Sense 3 or Versa 5 that got the Watch 4's new health sensors, better GPS accuracy, and satellite SOS paired with a week of battery life, both casual and serious athletes would trade away the other Pixel Watch 4 perks for that. Google would get a lot more Fitbit Premium subscribers, both Android and iOS.

Since that's unlikely to happen, we'll see if Google's Pixel exclusivity gambit pays off and more athletes switch to Pixel phones for these AI coaching insights.

Everything to know about Google Pixel Watch 4's durability

Alongside the Google Pixel 10 series, the Mountain View giant also unveiled its new smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 4, at the Made by Google event on August 20, 2025. The Pixel Watch 4 comes with many upgrades, including a brighter display, a personalized health coach, and a repairable design, but in terms of durability, the company has kept the water resistance the same as before.

Officially, the Pixel Watch 4 has a water protection rating of 5ATM and a dust and water protection rating of IP68. This means the watch is durable enough to survive up to 10 minutes at depths of 50 meters and up to 30 minutes at depths of 1.5 meters.

Google notes the Pixel Watch 4 is designed for shallow water, so it should be fine for occasional use in pools and on beaches.

The 5ATM water resistance means you could use your Pixel Watch 4 while snorkeling or diving, but it shouldn't really be used for those cases since it isn't as durable as the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra or Apple Watch Ultra 2, which come with higher 10ATM protection.

Google even warns that the Pixel Watch 4 shouldn't be immersed in water for more than 24 hours and shouldn't be used for activities involving water at high velocity or temperature.

It's also worth noting that some Pixel Watch 4 bands are not water resistant, so you should check before using them in water, and the company adds that you should dry the watch after exposure to any liquid.

In addition to being water-resistant, the Pixel Watch 4 is also dust-resistant, meaning it's durable enough against sand from the beach or mud, and it shouldn't get inside the watch's case.

All this means that while you can swim and use your Pixel Watch 4 in pools to track exercise, you shouldn't push it too much, as there's always a chance of water entering the watch.

Lastly, it's also worth noting that the Pixel Watch 4 doesn't come with a MIL-STD-810H rating, meaning it's not protected against drops or impacts. Even though Google is using durable curved Corning Gorilla Glass 5, it's still glass that can break, so you should protect it from falls or damage.

With the Google Pixel Watch 4 launching to Jimmy Fallon fanfare this week, we're taking an early look at how the Pixel Watch 5 can build on its solid template and become even better.

We were impressed with the Watch 4 during our hands-on, particularly its on-device Gemini smarts and striking new look. Other upgrades, such as extra battery life, faster charging, and the new Fitbit AI coach, we won't be able to test until October.

You might think it's too early to speculate about the Watch 5, but we can look back to reports from as early as 2023 to predict what Google might do in 2026. A smartwatch takes more than a year of planning to make, so why not think ahead to what the Pixel Watch 5 can do better?

Here's everything we know, suspect, and hope to see from the Pixel Watch 5 next year!

Google Pixel Watch 5: What we know so far

Back in 2023, Qualcomm announced that it would partner with Google to bring RISC-V-compatible CPUs to Wear OS, with custom silicon that's "low power and high performance." RISC-V is an open-source and modular platform that can be tailored to specific use cases, while current Snapdragon W5 Arm cores are more generalized.

In 2024, I interviewed Qualcomm VP of Wearables Dino Bekis, and he told us that the goal was to make a new chip with "more on-device AI capability" and "more compute capability" while consuming less power. He addressed the challenges of porting Wear OS software to a new platform like RISC-V, while confirming they are still "working on it" with Google.

This year, of course, we got the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2, which kept the same last-gen Cortex cores for unchanged performance, but added new tools like satellite messaging and enhanced GPS accuracy. During a press briefing, Qualcomm wouldn't directly address questions about more powerful chipsets, but said it wouldn't rule them out in the future.

On top of all this, we saw a leaked report in 2024 that Google intended to make its own Tensor chip for the Pixel Watch 5 specifically, codenamed "NPT," with one ARM Cortex-A78 core and two ARM Cortex-A55 cores; for context, the Snapdragon W5 series uses four Cortex-A53 cores, while the Galaxy Watch 8 uses one Cortex-A78 and four Cortex-A55s.

Combine all this information, and it's clear the Pixel Watch 5 can go in several directions: Keep the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 for another year, use a hypothetical W5 Gen 3 that's more powerful, adopt a Tensor chip that's slightly more powerful (but still behind Samsung), or finally complete its work with Qualcomm and switch to RISC-V, potentially enabling much better battery life. It's hard to predict which path Google will take.

Chipset aside, we don't know too much else about the Watch 5. We've seen a few Fitbit patents that Google could try to bring to the Watch 5, most notably blood pressure monitoring and arterial stiffness data, but patents are never a sure thing to see in a final product.

Google Pixel Watch 5: Everything we want to see

I'll have a more complete Pixel Watch 5 wishlist in October after I get my review unit and can use its new features. But for now, here is an early list of things we'd like to see changed or improved with Google's fifth-generation smartwatch, from easy asks to unlikely dreams.

Better indoor workout tools and offline maps

Before the Pixel Watch 4 launch, Android Headlines confidently leaked that it would launch with an "all-new strength training experience," but none of Google's materials mentioned this, nor Google's reps when we asked.

A few fitness watches offer reps and exercise recognition, helping you track your progress mid-workout. Without this, the Pixel Watch 4 is harder to recommend to gym-goers because the only useful data you'll get is general cardio load and burned calories.

The Pixel Watch 4 did improve in key areas, adding new sports modes like basketball and pickleball, and letting you project your cycling stats onto your phone. But other brands offer more sports modes than its current 50+. And for runners and hikers specifically, I'd still like to see a method to create a route in Google Maps, download it to your watch, and then follow the course with turn-by-turn directions during the workout.

Thin out that thicc body or go all-in on battery life

Even if you see it as a feature rather than a flaw, the Pixel Watch 4 design is the roundest you'll ever see on a smartwatch. And as striking as it might be, it looks even thicker now that Google added the domed Actua 360 display.

Even though people have scoffed at the Galaxy Watch 8's chunky squircle design, its "cushion design" helped Samsung make it quite skinny and light. I'm curious if Google can keep its distinctive edgeless look but also make it bulge out slightly less from our wrists.

Android Central managing editor, Derrek Lee, who performed the Watch 4 hands-on, said that he "wants it to be thinner, but if it's gonna be thicc, at least give us some OnePlus Watch 3-level battery life." The Watch 4's 455mAh capacity is already on the way there; maybe we can see a version that gets closer to the Watch 3's 631 mAh or Galaxy Watch Ultra's 590mAh down the line.

A totally new design or model

When I asked my colleagues what they wanted out of the Pixel Watch 5, I got several immediate responses that they want fundamental changes to the design.

Our managing editor wants a rotating bezel like the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, though I doubt Google would steal its partner's trademark trick. Meanwhile, our Contributor Brady Snyder, who reviewed the Watch 8, said he dislikes the dome and wants Google to "flatten it out, make it thinner and more comfortable to use."

While I think Google will keep doubling down on a design that makes the Pixel Watch series stand out, many people associate a traditional bezel with "style" or simply want a metal layer around the display to protect it from falls. I wonder if Google would ever copy Samsung and sell a Pixel Watch Classic or Ultra that goes in another design direction.

Continue to improve Gemini

Most Wear OS watches have Gemini, but only the Pixel Watch 4 has Raise to Talk — activating Gemini without a shortcut or wake word — and on-device smarts like contextual quick replies to messages. Our managing editor was impressed enough by their relevance that he said you "might actually want to use them" instead of just typing yourself.

We're not sure what other Gemini tricks Google has in store, but we want the Pixel Watch to keep getting new AI tools every year, the same way Pixel phones get a new "Magic X" photo trick annually.