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.

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.

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.

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.

Fitbit is undergoing a major overhaul, and I’ve spent a month with the preview of the newly redesigned app and personal health coach.

The app is very AI-centric, which is to be expected in 2025 when every company under the sun is looking for ways to leverage AI in their services. And while that may not appeal to consumers who are a bit wary of AI, the new app redesign brings the Fitbit app into the modern Android era while making it feel more like a comprehensive fitness guide than the standard version.

At the moment, there still isn’t feature parity with the standard Fitbit app. But what’s new is rather interesting and makes me excited for the full version of the new app, which is expected to roll out sometime in 2.

For now, this is what it’s been like to use Fitbit’s new personal health coach preview.

Meet me in the middle

After switching to the new preview for the first time, setting up the new health coach preview was a bit more involved than I expected. After a quick introduction and tapping through some notices regarding data use, I was invited to have a chat with the AI health coach. Where the previous app simply had you input your goals, such as daily steps and sleep, the health coach turns the process into a conversation.

During this process, I talked to it about what I hoped to achieve and what I think works or doesn’t work for me. The coach was about as responsive as I expected from a Gemini-powered AI, and it seemed to be making a genuine effort to get to know me and understand my goals. I told it that I was looking to gain muscle and lose body fat while also hoping to build enough endurance to run my first 5K.

I was then directed to have a separate chat to set up a workout plan, though this is optional. The AI drew on what it knew about me from our previous conversation and came up with a plan to help me achieve it, while keeping certain details in mind, such as my asthma (it suggested lighter runs as a result).

I didn’t like the first suggestion it gave me, since I wanted to incorporate some of what I already do, such as a daily morning run and instructor-led yoga, Pilates, and HIIT on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, respectively. The AI pushed back by essentially telling me I was overdoing it (which, admittedly, I was).

It made a fairly convincing argument that I may be hindering my growth by working too hard and instead tried to compromise with me, allowing me to continue in my instructor-led classes while asking which days I preferred to run.

After a few minutes, a workout plan was generated, which felt roughly in line with what I wanted, with a nice mix of my instructor-led classes, running, and lifting.

Your coach at your fingertips

The redesigned Fitbit app follows Google's Material 3 Expressive design, with vibrant icons and large cards throughout the Today, Fitness, and Sleep sections for accessible, easy-to-understand data.

The top of the Today tab features customizable focus metrics for a glanceable view of your progress and new Weekly cardio load. Scrolling through the Today section reveals cards that provide a quick look at important metrics, such as sleep, readiness, previous activities, and more, each with AI-generated insights.

The new Sleep and Fitness tabs make the data very easy to understand, allowing you to view trends and dive into each metric, such as the improved sleep tracking and targets. The Health tab is where all that data comes together to help you get a more comprehensive view of long-term trends.

AI insights are found in nearly every part of the app, which may seem overwhelming to some, but I actually find it quite helpful that it's provided to me instead of having to ask for it. And if you have questions about your metrics, tap "Say more about my x" at the bottom of each card to start a conversation with the coach.

It's an approach that reminds me a lot of Oura's AI advisor, which is available throughout the app and ready to talk to you about your stats. Google is clearly flexing its AI chops by leveraging it to help you better understand your body. That said, I do feel like bombarding users with text-filled cards could be off-putting, and it may be beneficial to present them as expandable cards, giving users the option to view the insights if they want.

There's also a floating Ask Coach button that's always accessible within the app, so you can also initiate conversations that way. I do appreciate how the AI feels genuinely helpful and accommodating. For example, I was going out of town for a vacation and knew I wouldn't be able to follow that week's plan, so I told the Coach about it, and it essentially cancelled that week's plan and had me start back up once I got back from vacation.

And if I miss a day, the coach will suggest consolidating workouts to help keep me on track "without overdoing it," showing just how flexible it can be.

But beyond that, you can just talk to the coach if you have general questions about your fitness, like ways to improve your sleep or even building a nutrition plan for yourself. Basically, you can treat it more or less like an actual coach, asking it many of the same questions you would if you had an in-person coach. The coach will also "check in" with somewhat frequent notifications throughout the day.

As someone who can't afford a personal coach, I find a lot of value in this.

Lastly, I should note that your Fitbit data stays within Fitbit, so you can't go into the Gemini app and ask it about your recent workouts. I can see the merit in keeping the data separate, though I would like the option to talk to Gemini about my Fitbit data if I want.

Work in progress

So far, there's a lot to like about the new Fitbit personal health coach preview, from the new design to the insights and conversational AI. But as this is a preview, I've found a handful of things that could (and should) improve when the full experience rolls out to everyone.

There are plenty of features you can get in the standard app experience, which Fitbit has already highlighted. I'm not too bothered by this, as you can easily switch to the standard experience at any time to get those features, then switch back to the preview.

I think what bothers me most right now is how the fitness plan feels more like a suggestion than an actual plan. When I select a session, there's no option to start a workout from the app. Instead, I have to go into my watch and start my own workout manually. From there, I have to manually mark in the app that I've finished each set/session, enter my reps, and input my total weight.

This differs from Garmin, where I can set up a plan, access it on the watch, and follow each exercise from my wrist, which can also save my reps and weight without me needing to touch my phone.

There's just too much manual input, including having to link my tracked workout to the scheduled one. Fortunately, I can still send some recommended runs to my Pixel Watch 3, which is much more helpful for monitoring my run and staying within the suggested time/heart rate zone.

There are auto-tracked workouts available, and the Fitbit app will confirm the activity on the watch or phone app, which is useful.

That said, the way fitness tracking works in the Fitbit app highlights a broader disconnect with the Pixel Watch that I hope Fitbit can address with an update to the Wear OS app. For instance, when I get my Morning Brief, it would make sense to show my suggested workout for that day, but it just shows me how many days I've worked out.

Part of this likely has to do with how Pixel Watches track workouts, which are not as granular as those on a Garmin watch, for example. On Garmin, reps are automatically counted, sets automatically start and stop, and the watch can fairly accurately determine which exercises you're doing just by how you're moving. For now, the Pixel Watch cannot do any of this.

An exciting evolution

Despite its shortcomings, I think Google is on the right track with this new Fitbit experience. It looks fantastic, feels more organized, and does a great job of showcasing just how far its AI has come as a tool we can take advantage of. Even with its missing features, the preview feels quite solid, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it evolves, hopefully into the fitness app of my dreams.

So you snagged that great OnePlus 13 deal and saved $200 on one of the best Android phones.

Don't waste your savings on overpriced extras; let's capitalize on the moment and snag some affordable, must-have add-ons. I've rounded up some of the best of the best accessories that will upgrade your new phone experience, and you won't feel bad that you spent your money on them.

We've been rounding up many of these accessories, so make sure you check out what's already discounted for Black Friday. Don't wait for next week, start shopping now to fashion your new OnePlus phone. Don't just shop, shop smartly!

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

The Google Pixel phone deals this Black Friday are hot and spicy, and I wouldn't be surprised if you've already bought yourself a new phone.

With any shiny new phone you'll want to accessorize, so I've put together a small list of things I think pair really well with that new device. Whether it's a new smart watch, a new case, a charger, or headphones, this small list are some of the best deals out there.

Don't forget that many of the following accessories are also about to be (or are already) discounted for Black Friday, so now's a great time to start shopping if you're trying to optimize your new Pixel device. Don't just shop, shop smartly!

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

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

• 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.

What you need to know

• Fitbit has launched two voluntary Labs studies to study your body's long-term health trends.
• Fitbit Hypertension Lab will look for signs of high blood pressure in Pixel Watch 3 owners, and compensate some volunteers with gift cards.
• Unusual Trend Detection will detect changes in your health and have you "log possible causes and symptoms" for Google's research study.
• Google is also currently running a public preview for its Fitbit Personal Health Coach.

Google is recruiting "up to 10,000 eligible participants" to wear their Pixel Watch 3 for 180 days, so Google can study your data for signs of hypertension, or high blood pressure, in order to "advance research that could one day help users take proactive steps toward better heart health."

First spotted back in September by 9to5Google, the Hypertension Study is now available to Pixel Watch 3 owners this week, though not on the Pixel Watch 4 or older models. You must be American, 22 years or older, and fill out a questionnaire in English for eligibility. Google will use your responses to decide whether to include you in the study.

Google also launched a second study this week called "Unusual Trend Detection," which will give you a "heads-up if your health metrics look different" from normal and "contribute to a research study."

To find these studies, tap your profile icon in the Fitbit app, agree to "allow your data to be used for research and development," and then see which Fitbit Labs you're eligible for.

Sign up for the Fitbit Hypertension Study, and you may be sent a blood pressure cuff, which you'll be asked to wear for 24 hours in tandem with your smartwatch before sending it back. Google will give this select group $25 gift cards as an incentive; every other participant won't be compensated.

Google warns that activating the hypertension study will cause a "slight, temporary change in your watch’s battery life," but "should still last a full day on a single charge." Evidently, your Watch 3 sensors will be working overtime to detect high blood pressure warning signs, though you won't be given "any medical advice, analysis, or feedback on your health" based on your data; it'll only be used for research.

Eventually, Google may use this data so that future Pixel Watches catch warning signs of chronic high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Apple Watches added hypertension alerts earlier this year, after collecting "training data from multiple studies totaling over 100,000 participants."

The other study, Unusual Trend Detection, will be a more active experience for participants. Google will notify you directly if it detects abnormal trends and ask you to "log possible causes and symptoms." It'll then give you "tips for rest and recovery," and once you've returned to your "typical patterns," the Fitbit app will let you know.

In theory, Google will be able to build out a database of physiological responses by detecting a specific health trend and then asking you what caused it — such as if you appear more stressed than usual and attribute it to drinking extra coffee.

Google is also in the midst of testing its new Fitbit Personal Health Coach, which gives you "Insights" on your recent health trends and answers questions about health and fitness using your smartwatch data for context. These new Fitbit Labs studies seem to intersect with this goal, as it will allow future versions of the Fitbit Coach to describe possible causes for negative health data — such as hypertension.

I don't want a new smartwatch. But I need one all the same.

Most of the time, when we write about a great deal, it's because we think it's worth sharing; anyone who loves tech products knows they can be pricey, and we all want to save money. This time, I found one because I had to buy it for myself, and I'm going to grab a Pixel Watch 3 from Amazon while it's on sale for $199.

I have a Garmin Venu 3 and I love it. It works fine, though it has its share of scratches and dings, but it's missing something I need to have: fall detection. Yes, like the woman who can't get up and needs a LifeAlert product, that kind of fall detection.

Some people know this about me, but if you don't, I'll tell you: I'm in a wheelchair. Don't feel sorry for me because I did this to myself by being a dumbass, and I didn't die; life is generally good, and it forced me to grow up at 30 years old. I'm not paralyzed, though. As time goes by, severe damage to my bones and nerves is forcing me to live more of my life sitting down, but I can still walk a bit.

I'm also stubborn. My office is in the basement and I like having it in the basement. I have my "own" bathroom, easy access to the backyard, and it gives me privacy and peace while I'm trying to work. Getting to the basement is a different story because of the stairs. Stairs are my kryptonite, both up and down.

I only know if my legs are moving if I am looking at them. I can even step on a Lego and feel no pain. Legs that feel "dead" and stairs mean I fall down. A lot. So far, I've not broken anything or knocked myself out, but both my Doctor and my wife know that it could easily happen, and reluctantly, I even have to admit I could end up at the bottom of he steps, out cold and in need of help. I need something that can call for that help if I need it, but I'm not about to wear something marketed for senior citizens. I need a wearable with reliable fall detection, like the Pixel Watch 3.

I know that the Pixel Watch 3 isn't the newest smartwatch from Google or the only wearable that offers fall detection. I also know that Black Friday and its mountain of tech sales are just a few weeks away.

I also know that if you need something, you should buy it when you see it at the right price and have no regrets. I fell three times last week. I can't wait and don't want to do the smart thing and move my office upstairs.

I know my situation is different than most, but it's similar in some ways. When we have an immediate need, it's great when we can fill it and save a bunch of money. I'll miss the accuracy and battery life of my Garmin Venu 3, but I'm not going to complain about having a new shiny gadget to mess with.

And if I take a more serious tumble, I can get the help I need.

After teasing a major overhaul for the Fitbit app earlier this year, Google is now rolling out the new experience for select users. This brings an entirely new look to the app, making it a much more visual experience, complete with a new layout and revamped navigation. However, it's much more than just a visual overhaul.

In addition to the new look, Google is rolling out a new AI-powered health coach to help you set up a personal fitness plan. This is sprinkled throughout the new UI, making it easy to access the coach from wherever you are to provide contextual responses to your performance and metrics.

So how can you get started with the new Fitbit preview, and how can you revert to the previous version of the Fitbit UI?

Who can try the new Fitbit preview?

The main prerequisite for trying out the new Fitbit preview is that you must be subscribed to Fitbit Premium. This costs $9.99 per month, or you can sign up for a yearly subscription at $7.99/mo. equivalent. You may also qualify for a free trial if you've recently purchased a new Fitbit device, such as the Pixel Watch 4.

Google also notes that the preview is only available to U.S. Fitbit subscribers, but that may change down the road as testing furthers.

How to join the Fitbit preview

1. Open the app. You may see a banner at the top, highlighting the "new Fitbit features." Tap Join.

2. Review the following page and tap Join public preview.

3. The next page will highlight how the Fitbit preview utilizes Google AI, noting that it will have access to historical and future Fitbit data, as well as other "Things to know." Once you finish reviewing the page, tap Agree.

4. The next page will ask if you want to allow your data to contribute to health research "to develop health and wellness features at Fitbit and Google," although this is optional. Review the details on how it works and what data is used, then tap Agree or No thanks at the bottom.

5. Tap Start exploring to enter a quick introduction about the new Fitbit features available in the preview.

6. After the intro, you'll be prompted to begin chatting with the AI to begin setting up your goals. You can tap Continue to start chatting or Explore the app now, chat later to jump into the new Fitbit experience.

7. The AI health coach will present a short introduction about itself and the goal of the initial chat. Begin by telling it what you want to achieve. You can say things like "I want to lose weight," "I want to gain muscle mass," "I want to improve my running endurance," or any combination of goals you would like to achieve. Talk to it naturally.

8. Continue conversing with the AI coach as it asks you about past or current approaches to achieving your goals, your motivations, and more. At the end, it will summarize the conversation.

9. The coach will ask you if you want to build a workout plan based on your goals. Tap Continue to setup workout plan or Explore the app to set up the plan later.

10. When setting up the workout plan, the AI coach will use the previous conversation about your goals and motivation to begin suggesting a plan. You can use this time to inform the coach of any current fitness activities you do so that it can take these into account when forming a more specific plan for you, such as the days you would like to incorporate certain activities.

11. Continue to converse with the AI coach, which will adjust its plan based on the information you provide. It may ask you about the equipment you have access to or any medical conditions you have that may impact your workouts.

12. At the end of the conversation, the AI coach will summarize the conversation. Tap Take me back to the app to visit the new Fitbit.

Your plan will take a few minutes to generate and will appear on the Today tab when it's finished, as well as the Fitness tab, where you can adjust the plan or discuss it further with the AI coach.

Exploring the new Fitbit preview

The new Fitbit UI now features four main tabs at the bottom, each focusing on a different aspect of your health.

The Today tab has been revamped, showing relevant updates and insights from today's activities, your sleep, and a recap/summary of the previous day's activities/metrics. Tapping the pencil icon lets you change the focus metrics that appear at the top of the Today tab.

The Fitness tab replaces the previous Coach tab. This is where you can view your workout plan, exercise days, recent activities, key metrics, and more. You can also view your current goal at the top and adjust it if need be.

The Sleep tab provides insights into your sleep with easy ways to view your sleep consistency and key metrics like how much time you spend in each sleep stage.

The Health tab provides an overview of your vitals and general health. This is where you can enable detection features, such as high and low heart rate warnings, Irregular rhythm notifications, and ECG.

An Ask Coach button is present in each tab for easy access to the AI health coach. You'll also find prompts throughout the app that let you dive into conversations about various metrics, such as your sleep and readiness. You can also adjust your workout plan if necessary, such as if you're going on vacation and would prefer a lighter load.

Google strongly encourages talking to the AI coach so that it can remember your preferences, make changes on the fly, and give you advice.

How to switch back to the previous version of the Fitbit app

1. Tap the preview icon at the top right corner, next to your profile icon.

2. Tap Switch app version.

3. Tap Relaunch Fitbit app.

Once you're in the previous version of the app, you can switch to the preview at any time by tapping your profile icon > Switch app version.

Keep in mind that if you don't use the preview version of the app for 30 days, your data will no longer be processed in the preview.

Limitations of the Fitbit preview

Since this is a preview, users should be aware that the experience isn't one-to-one with the standard version of the app. Therefore, several features are not yet available, though this may change as development progresses.

Here are just some of the features Fitbit lists as unavailable in the preview:

• Heart rate zone analysis (including time in zones) in exercise summaries
• Sedentary time and hours
• Advanced running metrics for Pixel Watch 3 and 4 users
• Cardio Fitness Score
• Menstrual health logging and tracking
• Nutrition and hydration logging and tracking
• Blood glucose logging and tracking
• Body temperature logging and tracking
• Stress Management Score, Body Responses, mindfulness days, and mood logging
• Manual editing of sleep sessions and data

If you need access to these features, you can always switch back to the classic app. Fitbit also encourages users to provide feedback within the app to help improve the experience.

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.

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.

It's been two years since the Venu 3 was launched, and the Venu 4 is following up with a new look and some new features. However, Garmin kept the Elevate sensor mostly the same, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. As we've seen with the Venu X1, this sensor manages to be quite accurate.

I've been using the Garmin Venu 4 for a couple of weeks as my main workout wearable. I've compared it to the Garmin Venu 3 to see how things have changed (if at all), and against the Pixel Watch 3 to see how it stacks up against my favorite smartwatch.

Fitness features I love

Unlike the Forerunner series, the Garmin Venu 4 is more of an all-rounder, meaning there's an overall focus on fitness, not just running. Therefore, Garmin has stuffed a bunch of fitness features into the watch, building on top of previous models while making it ideal for anyone to strap one on and just go.

There are plenty of useful and new training features to help you get the most out of your workouts, but the one I pay most attention to is Training Readiness. This takes into account various factors, including sleep, recovery time, and acute load, to determine how hard you should push yourself in upcoming workouts. In theory, this is a good way to avoid overexerting yourself, which can negatively affect your performance.

The Venu 4 also supports more coaching, which has allowed me to experience a better mix of workouts to change up my normal routine. This feels much more tailored and varied, and fans of the Venu series should find this useful. Weightlifters such as myself will also enjoy the watch's ability to count reps and sets more accurately than even the Venu 3, which translates to more accurate exercise and muscle categorization in post-workout stats.

You'll also receive more varied suggested workouts if you don't have a coaching plan enabled, which is a nice evolution of the Morning Report on the Vivoactive 6.

After each workout, the Venu 4 provides a summary of the activity, which includes metrics like training load, which gauges the intensity of your workout. You'll also see a number that indicates your recovery time, which directly affects your training readiness. This is basically your downtime between strenuous activities, including sleep. It's Garmin's way of telling you to chill.

Heart rate

As heart rate sensors, smartwatches are fairly reliable, but ultimately, they're imperfect. How well the watch detects your heart rate can depend on a number of things, including the fit, placement, cleanliness, and even the type of band. And while Garmin's Elevate V5 heart rate monitor on the Venu 4 has proven itself over the years, it's not infallible.

In most cases, the Venu 4 appeared to be in line with expectations during my workouts. I've been working out with smartwatches long enough to know roughly what the readings should be. However, there are times when I'll notice that the watch will take a moment to actually get there, as you can see in the charts below:

As you can see in the first chart, the Venu 4 stayed well below the Pixel Watch 3 during my run. I noticed this in real-time, and couldn't determine why the readings were so off, as both watches were fit snugly on my wrists. Fortunately, the watch appeared to correct itself once my pace quickened, but it definitely threw me off during my run.

Subsequent runs did not appear to have any major discrepancies, and both watches were mostly in line with each other. However, things got a little weird when testing the Venu 4 against the Venu 3 during my HIIT workouts.

HIIT workouts are generally more varied than runs, so my heart rate was all over the place. However, the Venu 4 experienced a few short yet significant dips during some of my workouts, which the Venu 3 did not. What makes it more interesting is that the two smartwatches use the same Elevate sensor, so I'm not sure where these dips came from, but fortunately, the Venu 4 was able to correct itself much of the time.

For the most part, the Venu 4 heart rate sensor will be on the mark, with a few expected minor blips here and there.

Step counter

I took the Garmin Venu 4 on two abridged versions of my usual walking test, walking for a total of 2,000 steps on each occasion. I compared the step counts with the Google Pixel Watch 4, Venu 3, and the Oura Ring 4 while using a manual step counter on my phone to track my steps. The results were pleasantly surprising, particularly for the Venu models.

As you can see, on both occasions, the Venu 4 or Venu 3 hit exactly 2,000 steps, which is quite impressive. The Venu 4 was a big hit on the second test, but not by a considerable amount. Meanwhile, the Pixel Watch 3 came close during its test, as it was off by just two. The Oura Ring 4, meanwhile, was off by a similar amount on each occasion, counting 65 and 56 steps fewer than expected.

While I haven't had an opportunity to put the Venu 4 through its paces to really test the new dual-frequency GPS, the step test shows that even during a short walk, the Venu 4 (blue) appears generally more stable than the Venu 3 (orange), as seen in the map above.

Vertict

Despite some hiccups, the Venu 4 feels like a well-rounded fitness companion, thanks to familiar features and hardware as well as newer features and insights. While it would've been nice to see an upgraded Elevate sensor, the Venu 4 proves that it still has some life in it yet. And with new training features, users should be able to get more out of their workouts to optimize their performance.

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.

The Pixel Watch 4 launches on October 9, so Google is spending these two Prime Big Deal Days to clear out its Pixel Watch 3 stock. Problem is, Google has made the Pixel Watch 3 so darn cheap — $170.99 at Amazon (32% off) — that anyone weighing the Pixel Watch 4 at $349 might reasonably decide to grab the cheaper model for half the price!

The largest savings come from grabbing the 45mm Pixel Watch LTE for $284 ($115 off) for a larger display and standalone cellular support, instead of paying $499 for the Watch 4 45mm LTE. It really depends on how much you're willing to spend, and whether you can accept missing out on the new model's satellite SOS support.

✅Recommended if: You own a Pixel phone and want the best integration between your smartwatch and Google apps and services, with Gemini tying the experience together; you want a sporty watch with health insights, but would rather have smarts than weeks of battery life.

❌Skip this deal if: You can't live without the upcoming Pixel Watch 4 perks like a slight battery boost, new skin temperature sensor, dual-band GPS, a larger and brighter display, and emergency satellite connectivity (LTE only).

You can study our Pixel Watch 4 vs. Watch 3 guide if you're uncertain whether this deal is a trap. The newer model has the latest Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip, but with no performance boost, only satellite for the LTE models and dual-frequency GPS support.

While the Watch 4 has a larger display, our Watch 4 hands-on tester noted that its domed style "may not appeal to anyone," meaning the flatter Watch 3 might be a better fit even if its display only hits 2,000 nits instead of 3,000 — still plenty bright for both indoor and outdoor use!

While I'm personally excited for the Watch 4 with its slight battery boost, faster charging, and Gemini Raise to Talk, I can't deny that the Watch 3 is very easy to recommend at this price. Only the Galaxy Watch 7 at $149 is a better deal, and you may prefer the Pixel Watch 3 because of its unique style and Fitbit integration.

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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.

We're one week away from the Pixel Watch 4's arrival at the Made by Google event. But while we wait for the official reveal, let's look back at the Pixel Watch 3 instead, a watch that mostly lived up to my every expectation, but wasn't quite perfect.

I started testing the Watch 3 last August, and by September, I considered it my favorite Android smartwatch. It's a step up over the Watch 2 where it matters, and pandered to me with some fun running software tools.

However, Google's iffy software strategy and some strong rivals eventually killed my Pixel Watch 3 honeymoon period. Fortunately, Gemini has made things exciting again.

Doing its best with older tech

I don't know if the Pixel Watch 4 will stick with last year's processor or use a new Snapdragon processor. Either way, it's impressive how Cortex-A53 cores (made in 2012, before "Android Wear" existed) can power the Pixel Watch 3 so well that I've never dealt with any lag or major crashes.

When I tried Wear OS 6 on a Watch 3 at Google I/O, I was amazed at how smoothly the unfinished software ran. And while Google's efficient philosophy can hold its Pixel phones back, it works quite well for smartwatches.

Gemini may require more power, but it runs just as smoothly on my Pixel Watch 3 as it did during my Watch 8 Classic Gemini test. It answers questions quickly, understands follow-up questions, and communicates seamlessly via Extensions with other apps like Calendar.

Future models should hopefully feature offline commands, better voice recognition, improved battery efficiency, or faster Wi-Fi bands. Until then, it's easily keeping up with the new demand and offering a better AI experience than Apple Watches can deliver.

I traded style for battery life and don't regret it (much)

Google's Watch 3 45mm was long overdue. Compared to the 1.2-inch Watch 2 display, my 1.43-inch display shows much more visual data. Now that Gemini is a signature feature, every pixel of space for text is useful.

Even better, it has extra battery capacity, easily outperforming Google's 24-hour-with-AOD estimate. During my initial review period, I was hitting two days with sleep tracking and the occasional GPS workout. These days, it's closer to 36 hours, with hours to spare, since I rarely use it for sleep tracking.

Of course, I would like better battery life. Since the 3-to-5-day OnePlus Watch 3 launched, it's harder to accept how Google and Samsung can't seem to break past the 1-to-2-day barrier. But it is a hefty watch, and the lighter OnePlus Watch 3 43mm only lasts two days.

I would love for Google to bring back Fitbit watches and put its considerable health and fitness tricks into a longer-lasting watch, but I digress. For now, the Watch 3 does its best without being too heavy.

The larger Watch 3's problem is that its bezelless design looks worse. The smaller version looks more natural because the rounded edges take up more space, but this Watch 3 is much more of a big, dark lump.

My cousin called it a "creepy water drop," while my fiancée likened it to a "naked chicken breast without any seasoning," during my smartwatch beauty pageant. It didn't look bad to them like my bulky fitness watches, but the edgeless design doesn't appeal to everyone.

If the Pixel Watch 4 gets bulkier to fit in a bigger battery, as some rumors claim, that'll only exacerbate this design quirk.

Of course, plenty of people don't like the new look of the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic or the Galaxy Watch 8, either. Android watches generally try to balance style, power, and battery life, and can't nail every category.

Hoping Google irons out its update issues

The months of update dysfunction were definitely my low point with the Watch 3. I don't know if the Pixel Watch team is too ambitious with updates or just needs a beta program.

Let's quickly run through the past year of Google Wear OS updates:

• Early September 2024: The Pixel Watch 3 launches with Wear OS 5
• Late September: Google launches and then rolls back Wear OS 5 on the Watch 1 and 2
• Mid-November: Wear OS 5 rolls out again
• March 2025: Google rolls out Wear OS 5.1, promising four quarterly updates per year
• Late March: Many Watch 3s still haven't received 5.1, while those that do report major bugs
• Early April: Google pushes its first patch
• Late April: Google pushes its second patch, re-releases 5.1
• June: Google pushes quarterly update with small changes

This whole update mess meant that the Pixel Watch 3 didn't get any proper updates for the first six months, and then I didn't get the March update for a month.

I eventually tested the improved step count algorithm and found it promising, but Google reverted to the old system after users reported overinflated counts.

I'm sure that Wear OS 6 will be stable and running smoothly on the Pixel Watch 4 when it launches. But Google needs to prove it can pull off a major update to older models without critical bugs and painful rollbacks.

Looking onwards

I'm feeling generally quite positive about the Pixel Watch series, update woes aside. They've always felt a bit expensive, but now that Galaxy and OnePlus watches have gone up in price since last year, the cost feels a bit more realistic.

I think the Pixel Watch 4 can capitalize on the goodwill that the Pixel Watch 3 generated in the past year and make an even stronger impression with Android and Pixel fans.

We're less than a month out until the Pixel Watch 4 is set to be unveiled at the Made by Google 2025 event. Fortunately for you, we've already seen several Watch 4 leaks that give us an idea of what to expect — both positive and (potentially) negative. With Google discounting the Watch 3 to clear out stock, I'm here to help you decide if you should hold off or not.

When I reviewed the Pixel Watch 3, I had a very positive experience, but that only raised my expectations for the Watch 4. The same applied when I interviewed the Qualcomm VP of wearables about the brand's potential new Wear OS chipset. I thought this might be the generation that transformed Wear OS.

Instead, the rumored and leaked Pixel Watch 4 vs. Pixel Watch 3 differences we've seen have been more of a mixed bag. A brighter display with smaller borders sounds great, while low blood oxygen alerts will be an interesting foil to Samsung's sleep apnea detection. But we might not get the massive processor change I'd hoped for, and the changed design may have as many cons as pros.

The Pixel Watch 4's most subtle and significant upgrade

The Pixel Watch 4 will allegedly use the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, the 2022 chip first introduced in the Pixel Watch 2. That means it would keep the same four Cortex-A53 cores as before, while the latest Galaxy Watches use one Cortex-A78 and four Cortex-A55 cores.

If this leak is correct, that's one obvious reason to choose the Pixel Watch 3, or stick with a Watch 2: It'll have the same performance level. The Watch 3 is already capable of running Gemini on Wear OS, and Wear OS 6 ran smoothly when I tested it.

I'm not sure if Google chose not to upgrade the processor because it didn't think it needed the extra power or because its RISC-V plans with Qualcomm fell through, but it's still disappointing if true.

A later leak confirmed Google's plan, but also suggested the Watch 4 will swap out the 2016 Cortex-M33 co-processor with the 2020 Cortex-M55, making it capable of delivering "5x the AI workload at a fraction of the power."

Ask yourself if you plan to use Gemini often enough for this boost to matter, or if you can settle for a couple of extra seconds of delay for every query. If you mainly use the AI on your phone already, then the Wear OS version may be more of a limited novelty.

Gemini aside, I hope the M55 makes other background tasks more battery-efficient, similar to how the OnePlus Watch 3 lasts for days by running health and notifications through its upgraded BES2800 co-processor.

This leak suggests the Pixel Watch 4 41mm and 45mm will last 30 and 40 hours with AOD active, respectively, which significantly beats the Watch 3's 24-hour-with-AOD estimate. It's still nowhere close to OnePlus's option, but it's now ready to compete with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 for longevity.

Is the battery boost worth waiting for? Definitely for power users. But 30–40 hours still falls into that awkward window where you still need daily charging, because it'll die in the middle of day two — likely while you're at work.

Maybe with AOD turned off, the larger Watch 4 can be stretched to two full days; I'll have to test that in my review. But the point is, if you plan to charge your watch every night, the Watch 3 will easily last the full day, and cost you less. The Watch 4 just gives you wiggle room as the capacity fades over time.

Will a beefier Pixel Watch 4 design work for you?

Unlike the controversial changes to the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic, the Pixel Watch 4 design should stick to the same style as always. But leaked Pixel Watch 4 renders suggest that it may be 2mm thicker than the Watch 3.

That may not sound like much, but 14mm is in the realm of thick fitness watches, and I don't think the whole bezelless aesthetic will work if it's bulging up from your wrist too far, like a black lump. So I hope this leak turns out to be inaccurate.

Maybe the Pixel Watch 4 needed to be thicker? Aside from extra battery capacity, one leak suggests it will be fully repairable, unlike the older models that couldn't be disassembled to fix damaged components.

That same leak suggests the Pixel Watch 4 could have satellite SOS capabilities if you don't have your phone on you. Fitting a functional antenna in there for emergencies might have thickened things up.

And one last leak this month showed the Pixel Watch 4's new side-mounted charging stand in place of the current bottom charging pin system. The Watch 3's charging system works, but it's a bit finicky to get it attached; it'll be interesting to see if this version is an upgrade, whether in terms of speed or convenience.

We don't have official confirmation on any of this yet, but it's clear Google did its best to make the Pixel Watch 4 better... but may have had trouble squeezing everything into a rounded-edge frame that wasn't too thick.

Should you wait for the Pixel Watch 4?

At this point, I think it makes sense to wait, even if you suspect the Pixel Watch 4 might not deliver everything you wanted. But not everyone should.

Google has the Pixel Watch 3 at $80 off, just off its all-time low from Prime Day ($250), and you can cut a little extra off that on the Google Store with a trade-in deal. But the current rumor is that the Pixel Watch 4 will stick to its normal price.

So you can easily quantify the decision now. Assuming these leaks are accurate, do you think it's worth $100 more to get an extra 5–10ish hours of battery life, a slightly larger and brighter display, a more convenient charger dock, faster Gemini commands, a couple of safety features, and one extra year of updates?

The Watch 3 is one of the best Android watches today, and the Watch 4 allegedly will have the same app speeds, storage, and health sensors; it'll also get Wear OS 6 in a couple of months. So there's no harm in grabbing one for cheap if you're not impressed with what the newer model has in store.

If you missed the Pixel Watch 3 deals during Prime Day earlier this month, I have some great news for you. For a limited time, Amazon is carving 23% and 20% off the 41mm and 45mm versions of the Google watch, respectively, knocking the prices down to their lowest points since the big sale.

For a low as $269.99, you'll be getting one of the best Android smartwatches we've ever used, replete with a sophisticated design, snappy Wear OS performance, and a suite of high-end fitness tracking features provided by Fitbit. Whether you consider this one of Amazon's back-to-school deals or simply a run-of-the-mill good discount, this Pixel Watch 3 price drop is certain to disappear soon, so act fast if you're interested.

As detailed in our 4.5/5-star review, the Pixel Watch 3 is a nearly perfect wearable, boasting a gorgeous, water-droplet-inspired display, lightning-fast performance from a Snapdragon CPU, and over 24 hours of battery life on a single charge. The watch also comes with all of the latest health and fitness tracking features from Fitbit, while features like Workout builder and Cardio Load make it the perfect tool for runners.

Of course, no smartwatch is truly perfect, and the Pixel Watch 3 does have a few issues that you should consider before making a purchase. For one, it's important to note that the Google Pixel Watch 4 is likely to be announced on August 20th, so you may want to wait if you don't mind paying extra for the latest technology. The Galaxy Watch 7 is also often compared to the Pixel Watch 3, and you can actually grab that Samsung watch for $70 cheaper at Amazon today.

So yes, you have some stuff to think about. But if you're a fan of Google devices and you're already immersed in the Pixel ecosystem, this is a rare deal on a 'unique and stylish' device that shouldn't be missed if you've had your eye on the smartwatch for a while. 

Back to school 2025 at Android Central — quick links

• See our ultimate Back To School shopping guide
• Amazon: discounted headphones, dorm appliances, and more
• Best Buy: up to $250 off Chromebooks, tablets
• Walmart: major savings on Chromebooks, smart TVs
• Samsung: foldable phones, trade-in opportunities
• Lenovo: epic laptop sale, free shipping for students
• Dell: students get 10% off all back-to-school purchases

The next Made by Google announcement event is set for August 20th, which means we're likely just weeks away from getting our first official look at the Google Pixel Watch 4. But if you don't need the latest in wearable technology, you may be wondering: what does this mean for the Pixel Watch 3? Will the top-rated Android smartwatch finally get a permanent price drop? 

While one can only speculate at this point, I'm using my years of experience covering launches like this to tell you exactly what you can expect when the new wearable is unveiled. After all, Google Pixel Watch 3 deals are hardly unheard-of, but things might get more interesting once the popular wearable is officially deemed "last-gen". Let's dive in. 

What we know

Google recently confirmed that the 2025 Made by Google event will be held in New York City on August 20th. The company is already advertising the Google Pixel 10 on its store's website, and while we've received no official word on the Pixel Watch 4 just yet, the latest leaks and rumors suggest that the wearable will be revealed alongside the new phones during the event. 

As for the specs, we don't know a lot about the new smartwatch just yet. Some credible leaks have indicated that the wearable will boast the same teardrop-inspired design as its predecessor accompanied by an increase in thickness, which could suggest a bigger battery. The Pixel Watch 4 might also have smaller bezels than the previous generation, while another rumor has suggested that the watch will boast the same Snapdragon chipset as the Pixel Watch 3. 

The Pixel Watch 4 is also certain to be equipped with Wear OS 6, which means you'll get access to all of the fancy new UI features based on Material 3 Expressive, such as scrolling animations, new color themes, and redesigned tiles that work seamlessly with the Pixel Watch's uniquely curved display. And as expected, the new OS will seamlessly incorporate all of the latest AI-boosted software features from Gemini.

Unlike the Pixel 10 lineup of flagship phones, the Pixel Watch 4 is expected to retain the same price tag as its predecessor, starting at $349 for the 41mm version and setting you back $399 for the 45mm watch. You can also expect a ton of preorder deals to go live once the smartwatch is revealed on August 20th.  

Will the Google Pixel Watch 3 get cheaper?

Now for the million dollar question: will the Pixel Watch 3 get cheaper when the Pixel Watch 4 is unveiled? It's hard to say with certainty, but I can make a guess based on past device launches. 

The Google Pixel Watch 2, for example, was unveiled in 2023 with a starting price of $349, but now it's widely available for as low as $249. Slap on a discount during any major sale event and you can even find the last-gen watch for as little as $145. The problem is that its last-gen status also means that the wearable can be hard to find through some retailers. Indeed, the longer you wait to buy a last-gen device, the more likely it is that the item will be out of stock when you go to make your purchase. 

In other words, I wouldn't necessarily wait for an official price drop to buy the Google Pixel Watch 3. Instead, simply shop for the watch during the next major sale event, such as Black Friday or one of the many back-to-school sales that are beginning to kick off across the web. After all, the Pixel Watch 3 dropped to $249.99 during Amazon Prime Day a few weeks ago, and the watch isn't even last-gen yet. I expect that record-smashing discount to return this fall, so if you don't mind waiting a bit longer, that might be the best time to buy. 

What you need to know

• Pixel Watch users in Japan and Singapore are now getting the July 2025 update after sitting out the last one.
• Emergency calls now work on cellular models, even without a mobile plan, just stay connected via Bluetooth.
• Despite its July rollout, the update includes the June 2025 security patch.

Pixel Watch owners in Japan and Singapore who missed the last update are now finally getting the July 2025 release.

Google’s June Feature Drop packed in perks like transit payments and favorite home controls for the Pixel Watch. However, Pixel Watch users in Japan and Singapore were left waiting. After promising an update “in the coming weeks,” Google is finally delivering, with the July 2025 patch now hitting Pixel Watch devices in those two countries (via Droid Life).

The BW1A.250605.004.J2 update is rolling out specifically to cellular versions of the Pixel Watch 2 and Watch 3 in Japan and Singapore. It includes a fix for a previous bug with emergency calling, which should now work on cellular models even without active service as long as they’re tethered via Bluetooth.

June security in July’s body

Even though the BW1A.250605.004.J2 update just landed in July, it still carries the June 2025 security patch. One notable tweak is that Google Wallet payments on the Pixel Watch now need you to unlock the watch before tapping to pay.

The update also lets you pin your go-to home controls right on the Pixel Watch for quicker access.

Google says the rollout will gradually hit more devices over the next few weeks.

If you’re in Japan or Singapore and don’t feel like waiting, you can manually trigger the July 2025 update on your Pixel Watch. Go to Settings → System → System updates, then keep tapping the “Your watch is up to date” screen until it starts downloading.

The next big Pixel Watch update is expected to arrive in September, likely bringing Wear OS 6 to current models along with a deeper dose of the Material 3 Expressive look.

For the casual gym-goer or amateur runner, a basic fitness-oriented smartwatch can be a valuable tool. People who fall into this category can choose between an entry-level Garmin watch or a similarly priced Wear OS watch, each with its own advantages. The Garmin Vivoactive 6 places a greater emphasis on fitness and health tracking, whereas the Google Pixel Watch 3 excels in covering the "smart" features.

Both can handle serving as a daily smartwatch for basic features, but which one is best for you? There are some things to keep in mind, like whether you're familiar with Garmin's hardware and software already. Or, whether you have a Google Pixel phone that can tightly integrate with the Pixel Watch 3.

If you're choosing between the Garmin Vivoactive 6 and the Google Pixel Watch 3, let's break down how these smartwatches compare.

Garmin Vivoactive 6 vs. Google Pixel Watch 3: Design and display

Both the Garmin Vivoactive 6 and Google Pixel Watch 3 have relatively muted and simplistic designs, at least compared to other smartwatches. Google offers the Pixel Watch 3 in two different case sizes: 41mm and 45mm, allowing you to choose the one that best matches your wrist size. This does come at an extra cost — the 41mm watch starts at $349, and the 45mm watch starts at $399.

Still, it may serve you better than the Vivoactive 6, which tries to find a middle ground as a one-size-fits-all watch with a 42mm case size. It's cheaper, retailing for $299, and also thinner. At 10.9 mm thick, the Vivoactive 6 will have a slimmer profile on the wrist than the 12.3mm Pixel Watch 3.

Garmin's Vivoactive 6 is made using a fiber-reinforced polymer case with an anodized aluminum bezel and a silicone strap. Meanwhile, the Pixel Watch 3 uses a recycled aluminum case and a fluoroelastomer Active band. Both watches are rated for 5ATM water-resistance, but the Pixel Watch 3 sports Gorilla Glass 5 for durability — the Vivoactive 6 is still using Gorilla Glass 3.

The Vivoactive 6 features a touchscreen and two hardware buttons for navigation, whereas the Pixel Watch 3 has a touchscreen, a button, and a rotating crown.

In terms of displays, the 42mm Garmin Vivoactive 6 matches up nicely with the 41mm Pixel Watch 3. The Vivoactive 6 sports a 1.2-inch AMOLED screen with a 390x390 resolution, and if you're used to bigger smartwatch displays, this might feel a bit cramped. Surprisingly, Google crammed a bigger display into a smaller case size, as the 41mm Pixel Watch 3 comes with a 1.27-inch AMOLED panel with a 408x408 resolution.

Of course, you can always step up to the 45mm Pixel Watch 3 if you need a bigger screen. The larger variant has a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a 456x456 resolution.

Garmin Vivoactive 6 vs. Google Pixel Watch 3: Hardware and specs

While the Garmin Vivoactive 6 provides a robust health and fitness experience of the features it does support, there are some gaps. For instance, the watch includes the last-gen Garmin Elevate v4 heart-rate monitor, an accelerometer, a pulse-oxygen sensor, a compass, and a gyroscope. This, paired with Garmin software, helps paint a pretty full picture of your health and fitness data at the $299 price point.

Still, there are things missing, like a barometric altimeter — this means you can't track elevation during runs or hikes. Other key hardware omissions include a microphone and speaker, so you won't be answering calls on your watch with the Vivoactive 6.

Meanwhile, the Google Pixel Watch 3 has a more well-rounded sensor suite, adding an altimeter, barometer, electrical skin conductance for body response (cEDA) sensor, and a skin temperature sensor. It also supports ECG readings, if you care about those. The tricky part about this comparison is that the Pixel Watch doesn't always make the most of this data because its software features are limited.

Additionally, the Google Pixel Watch 3 does support LTE connectivity, but you have to pay extra for that model. The option isn't available on the Vivoactive 6 at all.

Battery life is where the Vivoactive 6 crushes the Pixel Watch 3. Garmin's watch can last up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, whereas the Pixel Watch 3 will be lucky to last more than a single day on a charge. This means you'll have to charge the Garmin maybe once per week, and the Pixel Watch nightly.

Google does offer quadruple the storage for music and other data on the Pixel Watch 3, with 32GB of space available.

Garmin Vivoactive 6 vs. Google Pixel Watch 3: Health and fitness

Software is likely going to be the deciding factor in whether you pick the Garmin Vivoactive 6 or the Google Pixel Watch 3. Both excel in their own key areas. Despite having fewer sensors, the Vivoactive 6 has a better health and fitness software suite.

It can track more than 80 different kinds of workouts, which is great if you train outside the box. Garmin's software will also suggest daily walks for you to keep you active and moving. There are workout videos viewable right on the watch and specialized features like workout tracking. This will detect your weightlifting reps and rests automatically during and between sets.

Meanwhile, the Pixel Watch 3 uses Fitbit primarily for health and fitness software. It's not as great an experience as Garmin's robust suite, but it may do the job if you only track casual workouts. Crucially, the Pixel Watch 3 runs on Wear OS 5, which means you have a large suite of third-party apps and smartphone integration available. It also has Gemini, an AI-powered assistant right on your wrist.

Garmin Vivoactive 6 vs. Google Pixel Watch 3: Which should you buy?

Even without the latest Garmin technology, the Garmin Vivoactive 6 is still considered to be generally more reliable than the Google Pixel Watch 3 when it comes to workout data. GPS tracking is more consistent, and there are extra non-running features for those who prefer the gym to the track. If that sounds like you, the Vivoactive 6 will probably serve you better than the Pixel Watch 3.

However, the Pixel Watch 3 has a similar advantage — it runs Wear OS. If you need tight integration with your Android phone, like the Fitbit UI, or rely on third-party smartwatch apps, the Pixel Watch 3 is your pick. It all depends on your individual needs. For health features, go with Garmin. For smart features, choose Pixel.

The Pixel Watch represents Google's vision for what a Wear OS smartwatch should be, but the platform needed time to grow. Now that the new Pixel Watch 4 is here, we finally have a device that can compete with Wear OS smartwatches from Samsung and OnePlus in key areas. With a longer-lasting battery, a new chip, and fresh software, the Google Pixel Watch 4 finds itself in true flagship territory.

Compared to the Pixel Watch 3, the newer model retains the classic "waterdrop" design while offering a much brighter display and slimmer bezels. It makes the Pixel Watch 4 feel more premium and attractive overall. However, the core user experience hasn't changed much between generations, and Pixel Watch 3 owners might not feel compelled to upgrade immediately.

For more news and information on Google's latest smartwatch, check out our Ultimate Guide.

Google Pixel Watch 4 vs. Pixel Watch 3: Pricing and availability

The Google Pixel Watch 4 was announced alongside the Pixel 10 series at an Aug. 20 event and hits store shelves on Oct. 9. That's a long wait for a preorder, although doing so ensures you'll get a Pixel Watch 4 on day one with any promotions or deals available.

The price for the Pixel Watch 4 remained unchanged, which is good news. You'll pay $349 for a 41mm watch and $399 for a 45mm watch, with optional LTE versions costing an additional $100. The smartwatch is available in Matte Black Aluminum or Polished Silver Aluminum for both sizes, with Satin Moonstone Aluminum being exclusive to the 45mm variant and Champagne Gold being 41mm-only.

The Google Pixel Watch 3 is currently available in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm, with prices starting at $349 and $399, respectively. Each size has three colorways: Matte Black and Polished Silver for both models, Champagne Gold as the 41mm exclusive, and Matte Hazel as the 45mm exclusive. The upgrade to cellular connectivity costs an extra $100.

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

The Google Pixel Watch 4 comes with excellent news from a design perspective. It didn't get thicker after all, and instead maintains the exact same 12.3mm thickness as the Pixel Watch 3. While the Pixel Watch 4 has a similar design from a distance, there are nuanced changes. For starters, the Pixel Watch 4 has charging contacts on the side of the watch, whereas they're on the back of the Pixel Watch 3.

These design changes could be divisive among Pixel Watch fans. The new charging method adds faster charging speeds to the Pixel Watch 4. On the flip side, this would mean that the Pixel Watch has changed charging methods three times in four generations, which isn't ideal for continuity.

Otherwise, the Pixel Watch 4 retains the same "waterdrop" design language as its predecessors. This time, the bezels are even slimmer, helping make the newer model feel more modern. It's available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, and both displays are now domed to provide a better viewing experience. The Pixel Watch 4 screens now offer 10% more display, a 10% larger active area, and 15% slimmer bezels, according to Google.

Both the Google Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Watch 3 measure 12.3mm thick, but that's actually on the thicker side of smartwatches already. The newly announced Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is only 8.6mm thick, and the Apple Watch Series 10 is only 9.7mm thick.

Still, there will be more similarities than differences between the Google Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Watch 3. That said, the Pixel Watch 4's display upgrades aren't anything to scoff at. Aside from the domed design, the newer screen is now 50% brighter, with a peak brightness rating of 3,000 nits. It'll make the screen way more visible outdoors.

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

In terms of hardware, the Google Pixel Watch 4 is the first to be powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor. Aside from the refreshed primary chip, the Pixel Watch 4 has a new Cortex M55 co-processor specifically designed to handle AI requests while maximizing efficiency and battery life. Gemini is the default assistant on the Pixel Watch 4, and the Cortex M55 chip will help handle some of that load.

The use of a co-processor for certain tasks is becoming more common on Wear OS smartwatches, like the OnePlus Watch 3, as a way to deliver longer battery life. This appears to be the case with the Pixel Watch 4, as both the 41mm and 45mm variants ship with larger battery capacities and last longer. The smaller version can now keep the AOD on for 30 hours on a single charge, and the larger model can do 40 hours.

The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 was only officially rated for 24 hours of battery life with the AOD on, so this is a big jump for the Pixel Watch 4. In the real world, some Android Central testers found that their Pixel Watch 3 models lasted longer than Google's estimates. We're curious to see if that trend carries over to the Google Pixel Watch 4. If it does, Google could have a winner here.

Other than that, the Pixel Watch 4 features the same fitness and health sensors as the Pixel Watch 3. The highlight of the sensor assortment is a multi-path optical heart rate sensor supporting ECG readings. The Pixel Watch 3 also supports blood-oxygen detection, skin temperature readings, and cEDA analysis, and those carry over to the Pixel Watch 4 as well.

New this year is support for multi-band GPS and satellite SOS support on the Pixel Watch 4. Both the Google Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Watch 3 feature 32GB of onboard storage and 2GB of RAM. The older model has the last-gen Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip, and doesn't have the new co-processor.

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

The Google Pixel Watch 4 is powered by Wear OS 6, which brings the Material 3 Expressive design language to the smartwatch form factor. It's a new-look operating system that adds things like more fluid scrolling, buttons, and notification cards, all of which dynamically adapt to user interaction and the Pixel Watch's display size.

More importantly, Wear OS 6 adds proper support for third-party watch faces. The Watch Face Push API lets third-party faces sync with Pixel Watch models without needing to go through the Google Play Store, via apps like Facer.

Additionally, Gemini is replacing the Google Assistant on the Pixel Watch 4. The current Pixel Watch 3 will get all of these upgrades when Wear OS 6 rolls out, but the Pixel Watch 4 will get them first.

Google is enhancing its fitness capabilities with the Pixel Watch 4, and it all gets wrapped up in the Fitbit Morning Brief. This is a daily rundown of your health and fitness, including sleep tracking, daily readiness, and activity progress. Metrics like readiness, cardio load, and target cardio load will help you hone in your training across more than 40 workout modes. As usual, these features are powered by Fitbit, with optional tools locked behind a Fitbit Premium subscriptions.

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

The Google Pixel Watch 4 might not be a slam-dunk upgrade over the current Pixel Watch 3, depending on what you value most. Personally, I'm loving the idea of the Pixel Watch 4 because Google addressed a few major pain points with the Pixel Watch 3. The changes included slimming the bezels, making the display feel larger and almost edge-to-edge, fixing GPS accuracy, and offering longer battery life.

Now that the Pixel Watch 4 is refined in these areas, I'd be willing to try to daily drive a Pixel Watch again. However, if you're content with your Pixel Watch 3, you might not feel compelled to upgrade yet. The Google Pixel Watch 3 will eventually get Wear OS 6, and some key Pixel Watch 4 features with it.

For more news and information on Google's latest smartwatch, check out our Ultimate Guide.

I've been using the Pixel Watch 3 as my primary smartwatch over the past year. Compared to previous Wear OS watches I've used in the past, this is easily the best, thanks to its sleek design, smooth performance, and surprisingly decent battery life. Yet, while the Fitbit integration is a nice perk of owning a Pixel Watch, there's one niche feature that keeps it from being my go-to gym smartwatch, and it's the reason why I constantly switch to a Garmin watch when I work out.

The Pixel Watch does a great job tracking my workouts, especially my runs (when I actually do them), but it's not so great at keeping track when I lift weights. In fact, it's pretty rudimentary when compared to some other smartwatches, and frankly, I'm surprised that Google hasn't improved on this front with its flagship smartwatch. Heart rate, active calories, and cardio load are all there, but the one thing I really need is automatic rep counting.

This is something Garmin does very well; even Samsung manages this to some extent. With the focus on more running features in recent years, I would love to see the Pixel Watch 4 add rep counting to its repertoire.

How Garmin counts reps and sets

I really like that Garmin can automatically count reps and start or stop sets. This means I don't have to manually do it every time; the watch does it for me. When I'm at the gym, I'm often lost in my music. While I'm not as serious as some of the other guys who jot down their every set in notebooks, I still like to stay on track with my workouts. That said, I often forget what rep or set I'm on, so it's nice to glance at my Garmin watch to check.

I don't know the ins and outs of how this works, but Garmin states that it can track "weight training exercises that consist of distinct and consistent motions, such as bench press," as well as "exercises designed to target single muscle groups/body parts." After performing the same movement a few times, it'll register that I am performing a set and will start counting my reps, retroactively adding my first reps to my current ones.

Once I stop performing those movements, the watch will automatically log that set and enter a resting period, complete with its own timer, so that I'm not over- or under-resting between sets. That rest period will stop once it notices that I've started performing repetitive movements again. Then it will start counting reps on a new set.

Things are much simpler on the Pixel Watch 3, which just tracks my workout without reps, sets, or rest periods. However, it can automatically detect certain activities, such as running and walking. I feel that Fitbit could utilize the same movement data for weightlifting reps, as Garmin does. Even if it isn't perfect, I think something would be better than nothing.

I'm not the only one who feels that Google could and should do better. Android Central senior editor Nicholas Sutrich also points out that his Amazfit watch makes his Pixel Watch feel like a toy, with a major feature highlight being the ability to log and analyze reps as you work out. And like Garmin, Amazfit uses this data in a pretty useful way that Google could learn from.

It's not perfect, but it's better than nothing

While the method isn't 100% accurate, Garmin watches like the Venu 3 and Forerunner 570 do a great job at it, and are either spot on with the counts or off by just one or (at most) two reps. However, if you do notice that something's off, Garmin lets you quickly edit the reps and even input the weight while it counts down to begin the rest period.

You can also edit the last set if you forget to, or go into the Garmin app to make any changes later.

It's also important to note that this feature typically only works on workouts where the watch can accurately track your movements. Garmin actually has a list of workouts that are more difficult to track with its watches, so it's important to keep this in mind if you plan to rely on this feature:

• Stationary wrist exercises: dips, pullups, pushups, planks
• Leg isolated exercises: extensions, seated presses, calf raises, hamstring curls
• Complex/hybrid motions: box jumps, “CrossFit” type exercises, burpees
• Short-range exercises: shoulder shrugs
• Battle ropes and jump rope

In these cases, the watch often won't register that you're even doing anything and will continue to show you in a rest period. As a result, leg day is probably the only time when this feature is not reliable, aside from squats. However, they're generally reliable for weightlifting and can serve as a good alternative to pen and paper.

It's not just counting reps. It's so much more

While counting reps, Gamin actually takes this data even further. It uses that movement data to determine what exercises I'm doing. Then, after my workout, it shows me a diagram of the muscle groups that I worked out based on my movements.

Again, it's not 100% accurate, but it's pretty spot on most of the time, and it's a handy way to visualize my workouts and see which muscles got more focused than others, as well as what I may need to work on the next day or the following week.

Right now, I enjoy using Fitbit on the Pixel Watch, particularly for the AI-powered running coach, but the post-workout data is often pretty barebones. Adding more metrics like movement data and targeted muscle graphs would go a long way towards enhancing Fitbit for more people who could benefit from that data.

Learn from Garmin, compete with Samsung

When Google announced the Pixel Watch 3, it was clear that there is more focus on running features and anything else, as if Google is trying to compete with Garmin to try and steal customers away from its popular Forerunner or Venu series. That may or may not be true, but I think Google should expand the scope of the Pixel Watch beyond just running.

I'm not saying Google shouldn't add more running features. By all means, I'm sure my colleague Michael Hicks would love to see more Garmin-like features on the Pixel Watch that cater to runners. That said, the Pixel Watch still can't compete with Garmin in terms of battery life or the sheer number of activity/sports modes.

However, Samsung is a good place to look, and I think Google should shift its focus to competing with the Galaxy Watch wherever it can.

When I first bought my Galaxy Watch 5 a few years ago, I was very surprised to see that it automatically counted my reps. This was before I had ever used a Garmin watch, so I was quite impressed to see this feature on a Wear OS watch. That said, it still left a lot to be desired.

At the gym, it would often count almost any movement as a rep, overestimating the count by quite a bit. It also wouldn't automatically start and stop sets, so I would have to do it manually; otherwise, every movement would count as a rep in a single set. Still, I appreciated that it at least tried to count my reps for me, even if the results were pretty inaccurate.

The feature was also limited to certain workouts, forcing you to change to specific exercises, whereas Garmin will log whatever you do based solely on your movements. There's no need to specify beforehand what workout you're about to do.

I haven't had the opportunity to test any newer Galaxy smartwatches, including the new Galaxy Watch 8, but this is at least an area where Google can try to one-up Samsung's fitness efforts by learning from Garmin.

Improved strength training in the works?

The Pixel Watch may not have the battery life to compete with Garmin, but Google has access to a wealth of data and numerous ways to utilize it in ways that will benefit its consumers. I have complete faith that Google could bring features like automatic rep counting to the Pixel Watch, especially if it means giving users a more comprehensive look at their workouts.

And with the Pixel Watch 4 right around the corner, I really hope Google throws us a bone and adds more features geared toward weightlifters and bodybuilders. Because, as it stands, I'm either going to continue to rely on Garmin for the gym, or I'll update my aging Galaxy Watch 5 to the Galaxy Watch 8 and make that my go-to smartwatch for everything.

Fortunately, a recent leak suggests that Google may be looking to improve the strength training experience on the Pixel Watch 4. This may include features like a Workout Builder where users can curate their workouts, warm-ups, and cool-downs. It may also include real-time guidance, form insights, and advanced insights, which sounds a lot like what Garmin provides post-workout.

Whether or not automatic rep counting is included remains to be seen, but this sounds incredibly positive if it does launch with the Pixel Watch 4.

I am fortunate enough to get to test out various devices, and the more I do, the more I begin to think that one smartwatch might not be enough. I'm not saying you need to own three smartwatches, as that can be pretty pricey and not everyone has that kind of money. Fortunately, Prime Day is here to alleviate some of that financial pressure, and if you can afford multiple, then I suggest you go for it: one for everyday use, one for the gym, and one for special occasions.

Depending on the smartwatch you own, it's possible that it can play all roles, but some are better suited for certain situations than others. I find myself switching what I'm wearing depending on where I'm going and what I'm doing, which made me realize that it's hard for one watch to do it all.

Here are my Prime Day picks for the three smartwatches I think you should consider.

• Shop all Amazon Prime Day deals

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7

The Galaxy Watch 5 has lasted me for quite a while, and the Watch 7 improves on everything I love about the Watch 5. You get larger displays, larger batteries, more storage, and more RAM. It hits a lot of the right marks, and even with the Galaxy Watch 8 hitting stores soon, it's still a fantastic buy. Additionally, Wear OS offers access to numerous apps, and features a seamless connection to your smartphone.

✅Recommended if: You own a Samsung phone or other Android smartphone, you're okay with last year's model, and want an all-around good Wear OS smartwatch.

❌Skip this deal if: You want a smartwatch with multi-day battery life and a physical rotating bezel.

Garmin Venu 3

The Garmin Venu 3 is an ideal option when you're going to the gym. Sure, plenty of other smartwatches, including Wear OS watches, feature fitness tracking capabilities, but Garmin is among the best of the best. They have fantastic battery life and do a great job keeping up with runners. Weightlifters will also love The Venu 3's ability to automatically count reps and sets. Unfortunately, the UI could use some work, but that's why I only use this at the gym.

✅Recommended if: You're a fitness enthusiast who wants a smartwatch with great battery life to keep track of your health and activities.

❌Skip this deal if: You're not a fan of Garmin's UI, want access to more apps, or want the level of health and fitness metrics you'll find on a more expensive Forerunner.

Withings Scanwatch 2

This is something of a sleeper hit, because I didn't expect to like this hybrid smartwatch as much as I did. Yes, the Withings ScanWatch 2 is fairly basic in terms of features, but that's actually the point. It's a really good-looking watch with phenomenal battery life, and it's the one I'll wear if I'm getting ready for a night out. The great thing is that it'll still track my steps and other health and fitness metrics, and sync them with Health Connect, all while retaining a classy, non-smartwatch design.

✅Recommended if: You want a stylish watch with 30-day battery life that is also capable of tracking steps, heart rate, activities, and more.

❌Skip this deal if: You want a more traditional smartwatch with a large touchscreen and apps.

It's great to have options

As I said before, not everyone is in the market to own multiple smartwatches. However, if you already own one and are looking for an alternative, you can always start by adding a second to your collection and going from there.

I find myself mostly switching between my daily watch (either a Pixel Watch or Galaxy Watch, because of apps and smartphone connection) and a gym watch (usually Garmin for extensive fitness/sports modes and accuracy). A third watch is probably the most optional of the bunch, as it's more of a statement piece than anything else. After all, the Withings ScanWatch 2 was the winner of our smartwatch beauty pageant!

That said, if you can find a great smartwatch that can do it all, then all the better!

Prime Day 2025 Android deals - quick links

• Prime Day is coming: see the full list of Amazon deals
• Phones: major discounts on Samsung and Pixel
• Tablets: discounted Galaxy Tab and iPad
• Wearables: up to %45 off Garmin watches
• Most Prime Day deals are members-only: sign up for the 30-day trial

For everything on Amazon Prime Day, head to our ultimate shopping guide.

Prime Day week is more than halfway done, which means there isn't much time to get in on some hot deals. We've already seen some devices run out of stock, which is great for anyone who bought them, but not so great for those of you still hoping to take advantage of these rare discounts.

Fortunately, there are still some great devices available, along with some excellent deals to go with them. Here are a few devices I noticed that I would recommend buying if you're in the market:

• Shop all Amazon Prime Day deals

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: The Galaxy S25 Plus is what the Galaxy S25 Edge wishes it was. I came away impressed with this phone when I reviewed it earlier this year, and I think it's the device to buy if you want a large smartphone with a relatively slim chassis, great cameras, and that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Check out our Galaxy S25 Plus vs. Galaxy S25 Edge comparison for more on why the Plus is probably the better choice.

✅Recommended if: You want one of the best Android smartphones, you like large displays, and you prefer to have more storage.

❌Skip this deal if: You won't need the 512GB storage variant (there's a 256GB version, but stock is low or sales have ended).

Motorola Razr Plus 2024

Although it may be last year's "flagship," the Motorola Razr Plus 2024 was easily one of our favorites, thanks to its expansive cover screen, improved camera quality, and all-day battery life. Plus, the unique colors and vegan leather texture made this quite an exceptional phone, and one we still recommend to this day, even over the newer Razr Plus 2025 and just-announced Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE.

✅Recommended if: You're okay with last year's flagship and want a good flip phone with a fun cover screen and telephoto camera.

❌Skip this deal if: You want a more current phone, longer software support, or an ultrawide camera for group and landscape photos.

Google Pixel Watch 3

I've been a fan of Wear OS for years, but no other watch has impressed me as much as the Pixel Watch 3. Battery life is better than I expected, the software is quire responsive, and Wear OS continues to get better every year. It'll work with any Android phone and it even has Fitbit built-in for more comprehensive health and wellness tracking.

✅Recommended if: You own a Pixel or really any Android phone and want a smartwatch to complement it. Also if you're interested in tracking your fitness or wellness

❌Skip this deal if: You'd rather wait for the Pixel Watch 4, which is expected to launch in August. That said, it's unclear how much better of a watch it will be.

Beats Powerbeats

If you're like me and frequent the gym, then you'll appreciate a pair of good earbuds. The Powerbeats Pro 2 are a notable upgrade over the very popular Powerbeats Pro, as they feature built-in heart rate monitors to track your workouts. Anyone who's anyone at the gym will have these stylish yet functional earbuds.

✅Recommended if: You have the original Powerbeats or like to listen to music while working out and want accurate heart rate sensors to complement your other fitness wearables.

❌Skip this deal if: You have sensitive ears and find earbuds uncomfortable, or don't like stems that go around your ears.

Sony ULT field 1

It's summertime, so beach gatherings are in full swing. A good speaker can really take things to the next level, and the Sony ULT Field 1 has served me well since I purchased it several months ago. The battery lasts up to 12 hours, it's IP67 water and dust resistant, it comes in a variety of colors, and features an ULT button that delivers some serious bass!

✅Recommended if: You want a long-lasting and portable speaker that gets loud with plenty of bass.

❌Skip this deal if: You want a true stereo experience without needing to pair two speakers together. Or you want a physical connection (3.5mm, USB-C) for audio.

Prime Day 2025 Android deals - quick links

• Prime Day is coming: see the full list of Amazon deals
• Phones: major discounts on Samsung and Pixel
• Tablets: discounted Galaxy Tab and iPad
• Wearables: up to %45 off Garmin watches
• Most Prime Day deals are members-only: sign up for the 30-day trial

For everything on Amazon Prime Day, head to our ultimate shopping guide.

The Google Pixel Watch 3 is one of the best Android smartwatches on the market, and it'll get even better once it receives the Wear OS 6 update and Gemini commands. But it's fairly expensive for a smartwatch, normally. That's what makes its Prime Day deal a rare opportunity: It's $237.49 ($112.50 off) on Amazon, at least until the deal event ends at midnight.

It's the lowest price we've ever seen on this watch, and the larger model is also discounted at $115 off. The same applies to the cellular models, if you're looking for a standalone experience.

✅Recommended if: You want all of Google's best Wear OS smarts, Gemini integration, and Fitbit training tools in a comfortable and striking watch design.

❌Skip this deal if: You want to hold out for the Pixel Watch 4 — knowing you'll have to pay full price — or want a longer-lasting, dumber Fitbit like the Fitbit Sense 2 or Versa 4.

The Pixel Watch 3 currently runs Wear OS 5 with Google Assistant, but Gemini is rolling out to the Watch 3 as we speak, and Wear OS 6 will roll out in late summer or early fall. Having personally tested the new UI at Google I/O, I'm really excited for this version of Wear OS, with better watch faces, smoother UI, and better battery life.

All of this is to say, if you buy the Pixel Watch 3 now, you're paying over $100 less and are due to get a much better experience than early adopters did, with smarter voice commands and longer stretches between charges.

I'm admittedly excited to see if the Pixel Watch 4 delivers even better upgrades, but given both the Galaxy Watch 8 and OnePlus Watch 3 got price increases this year, I'm worried that Google will follow suit. This may be your last chance to get a relatively cheap Pixel Watch (at least until Black Friday).

If you want to save even more money, you can buy the Pixel Watch 2 for $148.99 (50% off) as well. I hesitate to recommend it as much, simply because it gets one less year of software support and has a dimmer, smaller display than the Watch 3. But if you're on a budget, the Pixel Watch 3 vs. 2 gap isn't that massive, as you still get the same performance and health sensors.

Otherwise, you should stock up on Pixel Watch 3 bands during the sale, as Google's official bands tend to be expensive (from $50–200 depending on the material). I personally recommend that you snag a six-pack of Maledan multi-color silicone straps for $9.49 (32% off) so you can choose a new color whenever the fancy strikes you! Or you can grab this Miimall metal band for 20% off for a more professional look.

For everything on Amazon Prime Day, head to our ultimate shopping guide.

What you need to know

• Gemini AI comes to Pixel Watch via a Play Store update — rolling out to all users over the next few weeks.
• The integration claims to bring natural interaction, enabling tasks like creating playlists, sending messages, recalling information from emails/calendars, and navigating with Maps.
• This update brings advanced AI capabilities to the Pixel Watch sooner than expected, ahead of the anticipated release of the Pixel Watch 4.

Google has rolled out a new update through the Play Store for the Pixel Watch that brings Gemini to the smartwatch.

According to the latest Pixel Watch community post, Google is starting to roll out the update for Pixel Watch starting Wednesday (July 9), and the rollout is believed to be carried out to all in the next couple of weeks.

Google notes that the update's aim is to bring the helpfulness of AI assistant right on the wrist for those who use Pixel Watch. They can experience quick responses to their questions, personalized help, and more.

Google also indicates that users will be receiving a notification whenever Gemini is available on their connected Pixel Watch. Alternatively, they can open Gemini on their phones to manually enable it on the smartwatch. Further, the availability and features could vary depending on the device, language, country, subscription, and corporate account settings — things users have to remember while using the functionality.

After the update reaches via Play Store, users will be able to talk to Gemini naturally like they would on their Android phone and get help in managing their day. For instance, they can create a customized playlist on the go or even send a message without dictating every single word. Plus, they can recall helpful info or, interestingly, get details from their emails or calendars or even get help navigating in Maps — and the possibilities seem endless to say the least.

Your Pixel Watch with the latest Gemini integration should likely be bringing a "more natural and interactive way to use your device."

Coming ahead of Pixel Watch 4 release

Speaking of Pixel Watch, the fourth iteration of the smartwatch is likely on its way this year. While many were expecting Gemini integration to come with the Pixel Watch 4, Google's update indicates it didn't want to wait that long. Alongside Gemini, the upcoming smartwatch is expected to carry a new chipset, a bigger battery, and Google's latest Material 3 Expressive interface.

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The Google Pixel Watch 3 is a fan favorite here at Android Central, and it's close to becoming the default smartwatch option for Android users. Still, there's something about the Pixel Watch that just doesn't catch my interest. Maybe it's the small-feeling screen, waterdrop design, the short battery life, or the dark user interface.

Either way, after a few failed attempts to switch to a Pixel Watch, it's clear the popular Google smartwatch simply isn't for me. The device doesn't feel as useful or engaging as others I've worn from Apple, Samsung, Garmin, and OnePlus. For around the same price as the latest Google Pixel Watch, there are a few smartwatches that I think do a better job of earning a spot on your wrist.

If you're like me — an Android phone user that doesn't think a Pixel Watch is the right fit — these are the best wearables you should look at instead. And with Amazon Prime Day just around the corner, there's a chance that some or all of these devices may be on sale, making it a great time to snag a new smartwatch.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7

While the Pixel Watch is getting better and better each year, I think the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 should still be the default wearable for Android users. Samsung has been making "smart" wearables for longer, and it shows in the Galaxy Watch 7. Although the Google Pixel Watch takes influence from the company's Fitbit acquisition, it isn't always a positive influence. For instance, you need a Fitbit Premium subscription to get the complete fitness experience.

Arguably, my biggest complaint with the Pixel Watch is that I find its dark UI to be gloomy and not engaging. It's designed this way to hide the Pixel Watch's large black bezels and preserve battery life, but it falls flat in my experience. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and the Pixel Watch 3 both have displays rated at 2,000 nits of peak brightness, but Samsung's watch looks better and brighter due to design and UI choices.

One UI 6 Watch is excellent, and Samsung's collaboration with Google for Wear OS means many features are consistent across Pixel and Galaxy Watch models. Gemini is coming to the Galaxy Watch 7 soon, for example. You also get exclusive features, and Samsung's Exynos W1000 chip will make this watch feel snappy.

I also prefer the flat display and the rugged design of the Galaxy Watch 7 to that of the Pixel Watch 3. All of these benefits, plus the longer software support window, make the Galaxy Watch 7 easy for me to recommend over Google's option.

OnePlus Watch 3

Another stellar Pixel Watch competitor is the OnePlus Watch 3. When I tested the OnePlus Watch 2R last year, I was impressed by the device's sleek design, fitness and health features, and smooth UI at its price point. The newer OnePlus Watch 3 takes that to the next level while retaining 100-hour battery life. You'll probably have to charge the Pixel Watch 3 every day, but the OnePlus Watch 3 will give you a few days between charges.

OnePlus is a smaller company, and that means the Watch 3 will be a lot less universal than the Pixel Watch 3 or Galaxy Watch 7. There's no LTE option here, which is a bummer, and the same goes for the ECG feature. If you can live without those options — I know I definitely can — the OnePlus Watch 3 is easier to view as a real option. The smaller size incoming helps, too.

What I really love about OnePlus Watch models is how engaging their fitness and health tools feel. They're bright and colorful, with charts and rings that make you want to dive into your workout insights. It reminds me of how Apple Watches inspire people to improve their fitness, though crucially, without the pressure that comes with wanting to close their Apple Watch rings every day.

If you're an outdoor adventurer, runner, or general fitness nerd, I think the OnePlus Watch 3 makes a great case against the Pixel Watch 3. The insights, functionality, and presentation are just better and more helpful, and it won me over.

Garmin Vivoactive 6

You might be wary of making the switch from a Wear OS watch to a Garmin. I was, too, but I recently made the leap from Wear OS and watchOS devices to GarminOS, and haven't looked back. The Garmin Vivoactive 6 is a sneaky Pixel Watch 3 alternative — perhaps the best one on this list. That's because the Vivoactive 6 preserves the small and subtle aesthetic of the Pixel Watch 3 while providing an experience I think will be more complete.

It's available in four fun colors — Slate, Lunar Gold, Metallic Jasper Green, and Metallic Pink Dawn — but doesn't have as many durability concerns as the Pixel Watch 3. The Garmin Vivoactive 6 has a flat display with Gorilla Glass 3, a fiber-reinforced polymer case, and an anodized aluminum bezel. Best of all, the entire thing weighs 36 grams, including the strap.

By leaving Wear OS behind, battery life gains become paramount. In smartwatch mode, you can get 11 days out of the Vivoactive 6, which should be a refreshing change of pace. Even Garmin's older v4 Elevate HR sensor is great, making the Vivoactive 6 comparable to newer options from brands like Google and Samsung.

For me, switching to a Garmin and prioritizing health insights over "smart" features was the right call. If that sounds intriguing to you, the Garmin Vivoactive 6 could be a better pick than the Pixel Watch 3.

Who should buy the Google Pixel Watch 3?

It's important to reiterate that the Google Pixel Watch 3 is not a bad smartwatch. There are some Pixel Watch exclusive features that genuinely catch my eye, like Nest security camera and doorbell integration. Looking at the Pixel Watch as a whole, it just doesn't do enough to earn a spot on my wrist when there are better options out there that fit my needs better.

That being said, if you want a smartwatch that feels like a Pixel phone or a Fitbit on your wrist, a Pixel Watch could be the perfect pick. But even if you have a Pixel phone, going with a third-party watch could be the right move for those who aren't completely sold on the Pixel Watch.

This year, I aim to run three Spartan races in an effort to kick up my fitness journey a notch. It's a journey that's taken me five years to get to, and while I've slowly climbed the ranks among my fellow Spartans over the years, I still have a long way to go before I ever consider the possibility of making the podium.

Regardless if I ever podium, though, the key to improvement is through training. Quantifying my results with a smartwatch is extraordinarily helpful, but with the variety of obstacles and types of fitness found throughout a Spartan race, which watch is the best way to track things?

I turned to two of my favorites from last year, the OnePlus Watch 3 and Google Pixel Watch 3, both of which I've regularly turned to because of their fitness-tracking accuracy and detailed stats. And while I prefer the smaller size of the 41mm Pixel Watch 3, the battery life of the OnePlus Watch 3 is an even better plus.

After I finished the race, I compared my stats using a combination of tools. Strava pulled the data off my OnePlus Watch 3, while Google's Fitbit does all the work for the Pixel. All of those were dumped into a web-based tool called Quantified Self, which makes it easy to directly compare stats and GPS-tracked maps at a glance. Now, for the results.

Let's get Spartan

If you've never attended a Spartan Race before, here's the gist. Spartan Races come in three lengths: Sprint (5K, 20+ obstacles), Super (10K, 25+ obstacles), Beast (21K, 30+ obstacles), and Ultra (50K, 60+ obstacles). Obstacles are a variety of challenges that include anything from rope climbs to crawling under barbed wire, angled walls that you have to run or climb over, and even carrying heavy objects for a set length.

To date, I've only run Sprints and have no intention of running longer. I'm not Michael Hicks, and I can't run 20-mile races, but I have participated in Ninja Warrior competitions in the past, so obstacles are my strong suit. The varied nature of a Spartan Race makes it tough to measure with a watch that's built for running, but they still provide a good measure of data to work with for comparison.

Normally, I run Spartan Races in my home state of North Carolina, where things are a lot hillier, but I decided to try one while on vacation in the much flatter (and hotter) state of Florida.

While both watches are pretty even keel across the board, a few stats stood out to me. First off is the elevation change, where the OnePlus Watch 3 seemed to think Florida is a lot flatter than it actually is.

While the majority of the circuit through Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park in Boca Raton is extraordinarily flat by my North Carolinian standards, several obstacles were above or below the elevation of most of the rest of the course.

The bucket carry, for instance, had me trek up a man-made hill that was a few dozen feet high, while another obstacle had us wading through a pond that we had to navigate down a hill to reach.

Looking at the graph, it's clear something malfunctioned on the OnePlus Watch 3. Whether this was a bug or something else, I'm not sure, but I know that I didn't get accurate altitude information from the OnePlus Watch 3. I've never seen it do this outside of this one race (of course), and I've taken it hiking several times.

I know this was a fluke though, because when I look at the rest of the data, both watches are impressively neck-and-neck. This is impressive to me because it confirms my thoughts in my OnePlus Watch 3 initial impressions where I said that OnePlus fixed all the issues I had with the OnePlus Watch 2, namely giving it accurate fitness tracking capabilities.

OnePlus outfitted the OnePlus Watch 3 with a more precise dual-frequency GPS, and it shows when you zoom into the map. In the map below, the OnePlus Watch 3 is orange, while the Pixel Watch 3 is blue.

I know from running the course that I wasn't running around as erratically as the Pixel Watch 3 suggests. For instance, I know I didn't run under the trees on the right side of the image. I stuck to the path as the OnePlus Watch 3's track shows.

Likewise, the strange loop you see on the left side from the Pixel Watch 3 didn't happen like it shows. That was a 20-foot rope wall that I had to scale, then flip around and make my way back down. The OnePlus Watch 3 has a similar circular motion to the path, but it's much more inline with my actual movements.

Which is best?

Looking at the rest of the bevy of available stats — it's seriously overwhelming if you don't know what these mean — it's clear both watches are close enough to each other in tracking to call this a tie. Even the heart rate was dead on, showing a 177 bpm average for the duration of the hour-long race.

For me, the choice between the two can be broken down into two main points. Want a smaller smartwatch that's extra comfortable to wear? The Google Pixel Watch 3 is the best choice for that right now, but a smaller OnePlus Watch 3 is on the way that will surely challenge it.

If you want a watch with excellent fitness-tracking capabilities and a battery that'll last you an average of 4 days on a single charge — yes, even with regular fitness and GPS tracking — the OnePlus Watch 3 is a no-brainer. This is OnePlus's best year yet, and it's great to see the company improving its products in meaningful ways that mean you won't have to sacrifice something when choosing them. I guess "Never Settle" is back, huh?

What you need to know

• Google is reportedly sending out I/O 2025 recap emails to users, which seemingly holds a solid clue about Gemini and the Pixel Watch.
• The email says Gemini will be "a more capable and conversational assistant" (Sorry, old Assistant).
• The teaser also highlights a few of Gemini's features, like playlist creation and more.
• It's unclear when Gemini on the Pixel Watch (Wear OS) will arrive; however, Google confirmed it will be "in the coming months."

After staying pretty brief, Google is supposedly teasing its upcoming Gemini update for its smartwatch.

Google's been spotted sending out emails to its subscribers, rounding up the news and highlights from I/O 2025 (via 9to5Google). While the bulk of this email consists of things we've seen quite heavily, there was one sneaky tease: Gemini for the Pixel Watch. What the publication observed was still brief; however, its context details the AI's features.

In a jab at the old Assistant, Google says Gemini will be "a more capable and conversational assistant."

The company teased a few of its capabilities, like options to "create a customized playlist, send messages, and more." The email teaser says Gemini on the Pixel Watch is designed to make "navigating life easier," likely pointing to many of the AI's hands-free features that can leverage your voice.

Gemini & Wear OS

We've had Gemini on the Pixel Watch (and Wear OS) on the brain since earlier this year, and we're still yet to see something more concrete. Most of what we "know" is similar in style to what Google's just teased in its I/O 2025 recap. Users should be able to converse back and forth with Gemini for assistance and to enable it to complete tasks without much manual human input.

Of course, Gemini's Wear OS takeover will push the Assistant out, but that's not surprising to anyone anymore.

I/O 2025 kind of skipped over any huge Gemini/Wear OS mentions; however, Google promised it would arrive "in the coming months." What we're still curious about is whether or not this update will coincide with Wear OS 6's launch or if it'll stand alone. The AI is expected to remain similar to Assistant in the way that users summon it. Users may still retain the "Hey Google" command to produce Gemini when it arrives.

What's more, there's speculation that Pixel Watch 3 users can hold its side button to produce the AI, too. On the flip side, there's a battery life concern. Since Google may opt to keep Gemini's ears open, there's a chance it could add some additional strain on your watch's battery.

Since I/O 2025 has come and gone, you can read up on everything that transpired.

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Google's Wear OS 6 announcement at I/O 2025 was buried underneath news about next-gen Gemini smarts and Android XR glasses. But on the second day of I/O, I stumbled upon a Pixel Watch 3 loaded with an early build of Wear OS 6, and I got to see Material 3 Expressive and the new Tiles in action.

Outside of the Android Village for the I/O dev sessions, I'd finished interrogating some poor Android XR devs following my Google glasses hands-on and Moohan hands-on when I spotted two Pixel Watch 3 units with a colorful AOD "fully charged" screen I hadn't seen before.

I didn't fully investigate until I spoke to Dev Relations Engineer John Zoeller at the Q&A booth; he answered my Wear OS 6 questions by bringing me back to the Village. It turns out that those watches were running a proper test version of Wear OS 6, not just the developer emulator version.

The immediate highlight was the smooth-scrolling interface that shrinks and expands content, along with the new "Edge Hugging button" that slides out from the bottom with a shape to match the Pixel Watch 3 display edge.

In person, it worked exactly as the developer blog promised, without any noticeable lag detracting from the experience. Aside from the promised 10% battery boost, Zoeller promised that this version will have better performance than Wear OS 5 in the backend, despite the UI looking more complicated.

Unfortunately, this watch only had one notification, so it was hard to see the "TransformingLazyColumn" tool in action, which scales down Cards at the display's top and bottom. However, based on this early Wear OS 6 version, I have confidence that it will work fluidly.

The most substantial change is with the Tiles. Quite simply, they're busier than OS 5 Tiles, which tend to be more understated and basic. The 45mm Watch 3 fits five buttons with clear information, while the 41mm Watch 3 reflows content for the smaller screen.

Google says Tiles will have "visual consistency" with its "3-slot tile layout," so all of them will have an app name/ icon on top and a bottom-edge button that usually opens more options when the Shortcuts don't work. Plus, they all use the same sans-serif system font.

But it's up to each developer to decide how to use the "main content slot," whether it's icons for your favorite Contacts or your most recent or important Gmail messages.

Frankly, I think I'll be more likely to scroll through my Tiles with Wear OS 6, rather than go straight to the app. The icons are more descriptive, and the tiles always have that edge button to take you to the app if you don't see the shortcut you need.

The other main Wear OS 6 highlight you'll care about is the new dynamic theming with Material 3 Expressive, pulling primary and secondary colors from your watch face and coloring the entire UI to match.

The "Match Watch Face" color theme only works with Wear OS 6 faces; they still need to make some old faces backward-compatible with the system. But when you choose the right face — or one of the default theme options like Moonstone or Ivy — you can see those colors permeate the entire UI, just like you get on Android phones.

Previous versions of Wear OS supported only one primary and one secondary color; the addition of another secondary color — and the way these colors permeate even the Quick Settings — is pretty neat to see.

This wasn't a comprehensive hands-on or anything. I'm sure I would have been tackled if I tried to detach the Wear OS 6-enabled Watch 3 from its stand for a proper test. Apps aren't optimized for Wear OS 6 yet, nor are the Watch Face Push stores available yet.

However, from a day-to-day usability perspective, the Pixel Watch 3 has become more interesting and dynamic than Wear OS 5.

Material 3 Expressive isn't just exciting and flashy. Google's engineers acknowledged the limitations of rounded displays and turned it into a feature with shrinking, smooth-scrolling content, while adding theming to align its watches more closely with the Pixel phone experience.

My only negative with Wear OS 6 is that we'll have to wait until the Pixel Watch 4 in late summer to get it, or even longer for last-gen Pixel Watches. But if you're at I/O 2025, go to the Android Village building and try it out for yourself!

Note: I previously said that the Quick Settings didn't show the dynamic theming as intended; a Wear OS rep contacted me to clarify that the Moonstone theme is difficult to see in direct sunlight, and that it was working properly. I apologize for the mistake!

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is finally here, and with it, we get our first out-of-the-box look at Wear OS 6, adding new health features, and bringing an "innovative" design. However, the question everyone wants to know is how the Galaxy Watch 8 compares to the existing Google Pixel Watch 3.

The Pixel Watch 3 and the current Galaxy Watch 7 already have key differences, as the former offers style and simplicity while the latter provides a more advanced feature set. That continues with the Galaxy Watch 8, only with more advanced health tracking metrics. Let's dive into how these two Wear OS smartwatches compare.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs. Google Pixel Watch 3: Pricing and availability

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is up for pre-orders starting July 9 and goes on open sale from July 25. Prices have gone up, though, with the cheapest Watch 8 model (sans LTE) now costing more than $350. This was actually the launch price of the Pixel Watch 3 in 2024, but Google has officially reduced it to $269.99 for the 41mm model with Wi-Fi only.

This makes all variants of the Pixel Watch 3, across all sizes, cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8. The latter will no doubt see a price reduction come the holiday season, but that's still a few months away. Right now, the Pixel Watch 3 is going to be the more affordable option compared to the Watch 8.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs. Google Pixel Watch 3: Design and display

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 features a Watch Ultra-inspired design, albeit more subtle and less in-your-face than the Watch 8 Classic. Samsung has finally done away with its circular design as the Watch 8 features a squircle frame. Who knows, based on sales and user feedback, we might just come full circle in the next generation.

Samsung claims the Watch 8 is 11% thinner than the Watch 7, and this was particularly noticeable during our brief hands-on session. Even with the straps, the Watch 8 felt a lot lighter than usual, which is a good thing if you have the habit of wearing it all the time, including sleeping.

Both sizes of the Galaxy Watch 8 are smaller and lighter than the Pixel Watch 3. The weight is a massive difference, where the largest Watch 8 weighs 34 grams, compared to 37 grams of the similarly sized Pixel.

Compared to the Pixel Watch 3's "waterdrop" design, the Galaxy Watch 8 looks very different. The Pixel Watch 3 has a circular design with black bezels that help the display blend into the frame, and is offered in 41mm and 45mm sizes. It has a recycled aluminum case that can be configured in matte or polished finishes.

There's a crown on the right side of the watch that is used for navigation, providing haptic feedback as you scroll. You also get another button for controls and power options.

Compared to the Pixel Watch 2, the Pixel Watch 3 has slimmer display bezels, a higher 60Hz refresh rate, and a brighter 2,000 nits of peak brightness. However, those figures simply help the Pixel Watch 3 catch up to the Galaxy Watch 8.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs. Google Pixel Watch 3: Software and specs

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 sports the same Exynos W1000 chip from the Watch 7. There's also 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, matching the Pixel Watch 3. The Watch 8 is also very rugged, featuring a 5ATM, IP68, and MIL-STD-810H certifications.

The Google Pixel Watch 3 is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 5100 chip and a Cortex-M33 co-processor, plus 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. Both watches are more than capable of handling all your smartwatch needs. It too has similar rugged ratings, but the display does not use Sapphire Glass like the Watch 8, making it more prone to hard scratches.

Software and health sensing are where the Galaxy Watch 8 pulls away from the Pixel Watch 3. Our testers found that while the Pixel Watch 3 can handle basic activity tracking and running workouts, other workout metrics are less reliable. Plus, there have been inconsistent experiences with GPS data on the Pixel Watch 3. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 7 is known for offering more detailed data with better hardware sensors.

That should continue with the Galaxy Watch 8, and we'll be able to confirm this once we've reviewed it. The new Samsung BioActive Sensor added to the Galaxy Watch 7 gets new metric tracking like Antioxidant Index and Vascular Load monitoring.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs. Google Pixel Watch 3: Which one deserves your money?

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is the one you should pick if you're serious about health and fitness tracking, need a light and slim watch for all-day wear, and want to get the best battery life. The new design is something that could grow on you, even if you're not a fan of it right now. Be prepared to pay a slight premium, though, since it has just launched.

The Pixel Watch 3 is now lower in price, making it a much more attractive offering than when it launched. It's not the best for tracking data, and the display could use a screen protector since it doesn't have the hardest glass, but it's hard to beat that classic circular design. Not to mention, it will receive new features regularly through Google's periodic Pixel Drops.

The Google Pixel Watch 3 affords several enhancements over the first two generations of the smartwatch. One such feature is called Loss of Pulse Detection.

This feature, available in a limited number of countries and regions right now, including the U.S. and the U.K., continuously checks for your pulse. If one is not detected at any time while you’re wearing the watch, it will automatically begin a process towards contacting emergency services for you.

This is a potentially life-saving feature for someone who might have suffered a heart attack or other potentially fatal incident, ensuring help will be on the way even if you’re unconscious. While the hope is that you’ll never have to use it, you’ll want to turn the feature on so it’s ready to go should an incident arise.

How to enable loss of pulse on Google Pixel Watch 3

1. Open the Google Pixel Watch app on your phone.

2. Select Safety & emergency, then Loss of Pulse Detection. (If you aren’t already signed into Personal Safety with your Google Account, you’ll be prompted to do so before you can continue.)

3. Select Set up.

4. Select Continue and verify eligibility by adding your birthday (the feature is only for those 22 years of age and older), note if you are high risk, and select Continue again.

5. Read through the “How it works” page and select Continue after your scroll all the way down.

6. Read through the “How your data is handled” page and select Continue.

7. At the bottom of the “Things to remember” page, select Turn on.

How does Loss of Pulse Detection work on the Google Pixel Watch 3?

Once the feature is enabled, the watch’s optical heart rate sensors continue to monitor your heart rate signal as they usually would, delivering real-time heart rate data. If the watch fails to detect a pulse at any time while you’re wearing it, it will first vibrate, looking for a response. If there is none, it will then play a loud sound and begin a countdown. If movement or a pulse is detected again at any point, or you tap the “X” to dismiss the countdown, the emergency notification will end.

However, if there is no response, the watch will take measures to ensure that emergency services can assist. Once contacted, emergency services will receive an automated message indicating your location and advising that a pulse was not detected and you have not responded.

The watch must be within range of and connected to your phone for this feature to work, and you cannot be on an active call. If you have the LTE version of the watch, the service needs to be active.

What can cause a loss of pulse? This can occur following things like cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure, overdose, or poisoning. It is possible for the feature to yield a poor pulse reading even when there is no issue. If this happens at any time, you can easily dismiss the notification before the watch proceeds to the next steps.

What else to know about Loss of Pulse Detection on Google Pixel Watch 3

Loss of Pulse Detection is only available on the Google Pixel Watch 3 and is intended for those 22 years of age and older. It currently works in the U.S., U.K., Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Google is working to obtain regulatory clearance in other countries. For now, if you travel to a country or region where the feature isn’t supported, note that the feature will be temporarily suspended until you arrive back home or in a region where it works.

Note that, as mentioned, you must be signed in to Personal Safety with your Google Account to enable this feature. If you aren’t, you’ll be prompted to do this while following the above steps.

You should not use this feature if you have been identified as being high risk for sudden cardiac death, and it is not intended to replace real-time or continuous cardiac or pulse monitoring devices that have been prescribed to you by a doctor or other medical professional.

With FDA approval in the U.S. and the Loss of Pulse Detection feature finally rolling out to owners, it’s yet another reason the Google Pixel Watch 3 ranks as one of the best Android smartwatches you can buy right now. It’s useful not only for health and wellness tracking, but also vital sign monitoring and alerts in the event of an emergency.

What you need to know

• All Pixel Watch 3, 2, and 1 owners will receive Wear OS 5.1 version BP1A.250305.019.W8 in the next few weeks, staggered by device and carrier.
• Google says its enhanced step count algorithm was leading to "higher than expected" step counts, and is "reverting" to the original algorithm.
• Users stuck on the November 2024 patch will receive the March and first April update features and bug fixes after a long wait.

After a messy March update rollout, Google plans to finally merge Pixel Watch owners onto one late-April Wear OS 5.1 versuib — and remove a key feature from Wear OS that isn't working as intended.

The March Pixel Watch update added several new features, including a new "enhanced step count algorithm" designed to better track steps in "challenging situations" like using a walking stick, stroller, shopping cart, or wheelchair.

Unfortunately, it also triggered several bugs on Pixel Watch 3 units like delayed notifications, battery drain, and artificially inflated step counts for some users. And many Pixel Watch owners never received it.

In early April, Google pushed an update to fix the battery and notification issues; now, this latest update, "BP1A.250305.019.W8," will fix the step-counting issue by returning to the old algorithm.

People stuck on the old November 2024 patch will receive the other March 2025 features: menstrual tracking in Fitbit, a media controls upgrade, new dev tools, some UI changes, auto bed-time mode on the Pixel Watch 2, and high-severity security fixes. Only the step count algorithm algorithm is excluded.

Google promises that you'll receive a smartwatch notification when the update becomes available. If you want to check for it now, put your Pixel Watch on a charger, go to Settings > System > System Update, and rapidly tap the screen for about 15–30 seconds to see if the update appears.

Based on past Pixel Watch update rollouts, older models or LTE models will take longer to receive this April 2025 Wear OS patch.

A disappointing Pixel Watch reversion

Ironically, I tested the enhanced step count algorithm on my Pixel Watch 3 last week. I knew Wear OS 5.1 had caused some bugs, but didn't know that people's watches were adding tens of thousands of steps or tracking movement while removed.

Despite my ignorance, I approached my test with some skepticism about whether Google's "exceptional accuracy" claim was true, and I put it through some tough tests.

My results weren't perfect, but in every scenario, my step count was below the actual step count. It was 100 steps short after 10,000 steps, 143 steps short after hiking up hills with a trekking pole, and a couple hundred steps short while walking through a store with a shopping cart.

My takeaway was that the algorithm had room to grow, but that it did a decent job of recognizing abnormal step movements, better than other brands that can only interpret natural arm swings as steps. And I appreciated that Google was trying to account for scenarios like pushing a wheelchair, stroller, or walker, not just able-bodied athletes.

That's why I find it a shame that Google has reverted to the old algorithm, which we've typically found to be less accurate for normal step tracking. I asked my Google rep about what "certain scenarios" were causing issues and why the algorithm had to be reverted rather than fixed; I'll update this post if I hear back.

Hopefully, they'll be able to re-add the enhanced algorithm in the future, resolving the source of the false-positive steps while still helping Pixel Watches to recognize unorthodox steps and movement.

Google says that its Wear OS 5.1 update makes the Pixel Watch 3 and previous models much better at handling "challenging" step count tracking, like pushing a stroller or shopping cart. I put this new system to the test.

Google's Wear OS 5.1 community post states that the "improved algorithm ensures your steps are counted with exceptional accuracy" in scenarios where you're not freely swinging your wrist with each step, such as walking with hiking poles or holding a phone. That can be a challenge for any smartwatch.

My Pixel Watch 3 didn't receive the update for a month, but after the Pixel Watch team manually added mine to their update list, I took it out for some monotonous step tests. I rolled a cart through each grocery store aisle, hiked a trail with trekking poles, and took my dad's walker around the house — all while counting every actual step to compare.

Then I closed things off by conducting a straightforward walking test using my Garmin Fenix 8, as Garmin is almost always the most accurate brand for step count. Here are the results!

How well the new Pixel Watch 3 step count algorithm works

In past checks, my Fitbit or Pixel Watch models weren't especially accurate for step count, typically falling short of the mark. So, besides "challenging" scenarios, I wanted to see if this new algorithm would catch normal steps, too.

Since many people aim to walk 10,000 steps a day, I used the Pixel Watch 3 and Garmin Fenix 8 to track 10,000 steps, tapping my simple counting app every 10 steps until I reached the 1,000 mark. I held the phone on my Garmin side to make sure the Pixel Watch 3 would swing naturally.

The Pixel Watch 3 ended at 9,896 (104 steps short), while the Garmin Fenix 8 ended at 10,050 (50 steps extra). Garmin performed better, as I expected, though frankly, it usually does a little better than that.

While the Pixel Watch 3 lost the step-count battle, my past Pixel Watch 2 and Fitbit Sense 2 tests have ranged from 200–300 steps off across 5,000 steps. Proportionally, the accuracy gap isn't as wide as it once was, which you can possibly attribute to the algorithm change.

In another test, I walked 8,000 steps while holding a trekking pole on the same side as my Pixel Watch 3. Because you take 4–6 steps for every single motion of the walking stick, it's easy for the step count to fall well short. I was curious if the algorithm could fix that.

I ended up measuring 7,857, or 143 steps short. Funnily enough, instead of the usual auto-detected walk activity, it asked me if I was using an elliptical near the end of the walk, because of the consistent rounded motion of my arm.

While the results were slightly less accurate than unimpeded walking, I did notice that I was 90 steps short after 2,000 steps, but then only lost 50 steps for the remaining 6,000. I wonder if the Watch got better at figuring out my walking pattern over time. Meanwhile, my Garmin watch inflated my step count to about 8,300, which I attribute to holding my phone in that hand. Still, not the best result!

As for walking with a shopping cart, I had a little bit of trouble keeping exact count of my steps while looking at deal prices and stepping around other customers. But what I can tell you is that the Pixel Watch 3 was either dead-on at counting my steps... or couldn't detect them.

Mime walking with a shopping cart, and you'll see the problem. If you move forward normally, your wrists won't bend, and your arms stay fixed; there's nothing for the algorithm to work with. So I'd walk 100 steps, look down, and see that both Fitbit and Garmin had only caught a couple of dozen steps, or none at all.

However, when I increased my pace, walking up and down the aisles without slowing, both watches could detect my rolling gait more easily. After 200 steps, the Watch 3 ended up with almost exactly that number added.

Ultimately, the Pixel Watch 3 and Fenix 8 measured 742 and 745 steps, respectively. My actual count was at least a couple hundred steps higher, but I just appreciated that they caught anything at all. With other brands, you may only get a few hundred steps total after spending an hour in the store.

A step in the right direction

The new Wear OS 5.1 algorithm also includes better wheelchair tracking and stroller tracking, though I couldn't test either.

My guess is that stroller and shopping cart tracking will be pretty similar: If you drift along slowly, the Watch 3 won't catch your movement, but walk fast and there'll be enough subtle vertical motion for the algorithm to catch.

As for wheelchair pushes, that's a significant and consistent motion — like walking with a trekking pole — so I'd assume the Watch 3 will catch most of them, even if it falls slightly short.

I felt awkward testing my dad's walker for more than a couple of minutes — it felt too much like I was feigning a disability — but in that time, the Watch 3 had no trouble recognizing my steps. It might not do as well if you have a shuffling gait, however.

Overall, even if I wouldn't say the Pixel Watch 3 quite lives up to the "exceptional accuracy" claim in Google's blog post, it does decently in scenarios where other smartwatches would struggle to register steps, including Garmin. And I certainly appreciate the effort!

Google wants the leeway to roll out its Pixel Watch 3 updates over a "few weeks in phases depending on carrier and device type." But when Google can't even complete its rollout before moving on to the next one, it's a sign that things need to change.

I have two Pixel Watch 3 units, a 45mm LTE and 41mm standard. Both are on the November 2024 update, which itself was just a delayed September 2024 re-rollout. That's nearly six months of unchanged software since I first reviewed it.

As someone with a Wear OS column, I had high hopes for Wear OS 5.1 coverage, like testing the new step-count algorithm, judging the UI changes, and deciding if the force-AOD dev tool should be a regular feature.

But the original March 4 update came and went, then the March 19 update window for LTE watches. But in my case, neither Pixel Watch 3 received it, no matter how often I tapped the update screen to trigger it. I tried factory resets in case old pre-release software from my review was holding back the update. Google told me it was "looking into" my case. But nothing helped.

Imagine my frustration as I see Google's April 2025 Wear OS update community post, which notes that "For those that did not receive the original March update, we will be rolling out an update in the coming weeks, more details to come."

In other words, while people had been expecting the update to arrive any day now, Google either paused the update rollout because of bugs or had a bug preventing the rollout to some watches. Now we have more weeks to wait.

The tap-to-update system needs to go

I wanted to write this post weeks ago — explaining why I couldn't cover Wear OS 5.1 yet — but Android Authority's Rita El Khoury made a similar case first and my editor made me pivot.

Her point is pretty straightforward: right now, to check for an update, you go to Settings on your watch, tap System > System update, and then tap the screen frantically for about 30 seconds while the watch invisibly checks for an update.

It's a silly, unofficial method because your watch shouldn't say it's "up to date" if it hasn't checked yet. And if it's not available yet, you miss out on the initial enthusiasm and only get to test new features once everyone else has already moved on.

An obviously better system would be to let us tap a "Check for update" button in the Pixel Watch app, like you do with any phone update. But that only starts to fix the problem.

Better clarity on timing (or a progress bar), please

Old Pixel Watch community posts always said the update would roll out "over the next week in phases." Anyone can wait a few days. Now these updates are requiring "weeks," and Google certainly didn't clarify in its March 2025 announcement that LTE owners would have to wait two weeks or more.

I understand why Google would focus on the larger non-LTE audience first, but the people who spent $450–500 on a premium model, only to consistently wait longer than everyone else, have reason to feel a little aggrieved. And all Pixel Watch owners deserve a bit more clarity on timing, if this is the new normal.

If Google doesn't want to commit to a written-down schedule matching specific devices to dates, then at the very least, it should have some kind of update widget showing the percentage of devices that (should) have received it. That way, people know whether they should continue to be patient or if something has gone wrong.

How about a Wear OS beta program, Google?

A month ago, I wrote that Google's new quarterly Wear OS update plan made sense. Let me be clear now: that opinion was predicated on the idea that I'd actually receive the updates.

I still think the system can work, but we're seeing a rise in large, buggy updates. The September 2024 update to Wear OS 5 required a weeks-long rollback due to bugs. Now this March 2025 update has introduced delayed notifications and crashes from adding watch faces — and there's the fact that not everyone received it.

I don't have the coding background to judge anyone for buggy updates. All I can do are point out common-sense solutions.

Samsung started its One UI 6 Watch beta test in June 2024, then pushed out a stable version in late October. It had 4.5 months of Galaxy Watch superfans giving them beta feedback and pointing out bugs. When the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra launched with One UI 6 Watch and the older watches updates, I didn't hear of any major software issues.

With a quarterly schedule, Google has consistent, months-long windows where willing Pixel Watch owners could test out new features and catch problems ahead of schedule — preventing time-wasting rollbacks. And for power users, it gives them a chance to try some features out early and feel like they're contributing to the community.

I have to put this complaint into perspective: most Android watches only get one major update per year, and typically fall a year behind Pixel Watches. So waiting weeks for a feature or fixes isn't that big of a deal.

But if Google is going to stick with monthly or quarterly updates, then I don't think the status quo will work. It has too many models now, slowing down updates. And catching every bug without beta testing is starting to seem futile.

As is, the Pixel Watch 3's confusing, delay-heavy update schedule is only likely to annoy the people (like me) who would normally get really excited about tiny feature drops.

What you need to know

• Google is rolling out Loss of Pulse Detection to Pixel Watch 3 owners in the U.S. starting today.
• The feature, which is opt-in, will automatically check if your pulse is detected and call emergency services if it can't be found.
• This life-saving tool will take a couple of weeks to become available for all Pixel Watch 3 users.

Google is now rolling out Loss of Pulse Detection, a new safety feature for the Pixel Watch 3, to U.S. users. The feature was originally marketed as a Pixel Watch 3 feature last year, and became available in other regions, but required FDA approval before it could work in the U.S.

Google earned that approval in February 2025, and Loss of Pulse Detection will become available in the country starting today, with a full rollout lasting a few weeks.

After earning FDA approval, the company announced Loss of Pulse Detection for U.S. users as part of the March Pixel Feature Drop. Originally, Google said it would "begin rolling it out in the U.S. at the end of March." That deadline passed, but now the feature is shipping as of April 8, 2025.

Loss of Pulse Detection is a critical safety feature that Google explains can "detect when you’ve experienced a loss of pulse" and "automatically prompt a call to emergency services for potentially life-saving care if you’re unresponsive." It adds a new element to Emergency SOS, which can be used to call emergency services quickly from your smartwatch.

Loss of Pulse Detection is opt-in, so you'll need to manually enable it when the feature becomes available on your device. To do so, open the Google Pixel Watch app on your phone and tap Safety and Emergency. Then, press Loss of Pulse Detection, and follow the on-screen prompts to enable the safety tool. After that, the feature will monitor your heart rate and try to detect when and if your pulse can't be found.

Prior to launching in the U.S., Loss of Pulse Detection has been available in 14 countries. The feature first arrived on Pixel Watch 3 for users in the EU last year.

It's rolling out starting today, but may take "a couple" of weeks before it arrives on all U.S. Pixel Watch 3 devices. The announcement comes as Google releases the April 2025 update for all Pixel Watch models.

What you need to know

• The Scam Detection feature is now available on Pixel Watch 2 and 3 models in the U.S., and it requires a connection to a Pixel 9 series phone or later.
• Users will be able to receive real-time alerts of scam calls through Bluetooth, with options to dismiss or end calls directly from their wrist.
• The feature, however, is currently limited to the U.S. and English language, and it is not supported for direct calls over LTE on the watch.

Google introduced an AI-based Scam Detection feature for Pixel phones as part of a feature drop last month. The popular feature is now being introduced to Pixel Watch models as well, the search giant announced.

In a recent Pixel Watch community post, Google announced that it is rolling out this feature to Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 models for the U.S. region. It promises users protection from scammers’ calls just by glancing at their wrist, provided they are connected to a Pixel 9 series phone and above.

This Scam Detection feature identifies conversation patterns widely used by scammers, “right as they happen.” With the feature enabled, Pixel Watch owners will receive an alert mid-call of a scam, which will be received by the Bluetooth signal as the smartwatch will be paired with the aforementioned Pixel phones.

Setting up Scam Detection is also fairly simple as users need to be on the latest version of their Phone app to enable the feature. Opening the Phone app, navigating to its Settings, and turning on Scam Detection should make it up and running.

After enabling the feature, an audible beep can be heard at the start of the call, and it is an indication that the feature is currently ongoing in the background. Google further notes that if the scale of the scam call is high, users will be alerted with a notification, sound, and vibration, which can be dismissed or users can end the call right on their wrists.

Users have to bear in mind that the feature to work flawlessly on Pixel Watch Bluetooth connection is required, as mentioned. However, Scam Detection for direct calls over LTE on the watch itself is not supported. The feature has begun rolling out as noted is for the U.S. region starting this week, and it is in English language only, and it is unclear whether it expands to other regions anytime soon.

• Smartwatch deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Amazon | Samsung | Dell

Enjoying a snazzy new Google Pixel Watch 3? Maybe you are holding onto an older model Google Pixel Watch 2 or even still sporting the original Google Pixel Watch. As you explore everything it can do, you have probably looked into ways to make it personalized as well. This might include choosing a cool watch face and adjusting the view of apps, which can be organized in either a list or grid view.

With a list, you’ll see the alphabetized names of each app line by line. Scroll up and down to find and select the one you want. With grid view, the apps create an icon formation on the screen, displaying three in a row. Scroll through and you can find and select the one you want based on recognition of the symbol. But how do you switch this view? It’s super simple.

How to switch to grid app view on a Google Pixel Watch

1. From the main watch face, tap the side Crown.

2. When the App List opens, scroll all the way to the bottom.

3. You’ll see App View. Select the image on the left with the nine dots in a grid formation.

4. The apps now appear in the Grid View.

What else to know about Grid view on the Google Pixel Watch

Note that alternatively, you can also swipe up from the top of the home screen to open Settings. Select General, App View, and switch to Grid View from there.

Many people prefer the grid view since quite frankly, it looks cooler. And once you’re familiar with your apps and the usually easily identifiable icons, you’ll love this view. If you find, however, that it looks too cluttered after you download more and more apps, you can switch back to List View at any time using the same steps.

Switching from List to Grid View and vice versa works, it should be noted, on all three Pixel Watch models to date, including the original Google Pixel Watch, the Google Pixel Watch 2, and the latest Google Pixel Watch 3, one of the best Android smartwatches on the market today. You just need to make sure you’re running wearOS 5.0.

What you need to know

• Pixel Watches have reportedly gained a small, QoL update for tiles alongside the recent Wear OS 5.1 update.
• Tiles now display a small circular app icon at the top "briefly," to help users keep tabs of everything.
• The Wear OS 5.1 update started appearing in the March feature drop, two weeks ahead of LTE devices receiving it; however, the patch has caused major issues.

There's a little more in store for the latest major Wear OS update, which involves a small update for app awareness.

According to 9to5Google, the latest Wear OS 5.1 update makes its new app icon refinement more widespread on the company's Pixel Watch. The small update reportedly concerns Pixel Watch owners swiping through their set tiles on the watch face. Now, your device will display the icon of the app that the specific tile belongs to.

For example, the publication highlights the recorder tile, which shows the Recorder app's icon "briefly" at the top.

The icon is said to remain "out of the way," and it only seems to remain in view for a little while before disappearing. Curiously, the publication states this small QoL feature has been around for years, but it seems the most recent Wear OS 5.1 update brought it to devices more profoundly.

Google's Wear OS 5.1 update is a new dawn for the company's outlook on wearable software. The update, based on Android 15, first arrived for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-capable Pixel Watches in the March feature drop. The patch was substantial for those devices as it finally brought the recently FDA-approved Loss of Pulse safety feature, menstraul cycle tracking, and step tracking improvements.

It wasn't until a couple of weeks later that Google finally brought that same update to all LTE-capable devices. Though it was late, owners of an LTE Pixel Watch, Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel Watch 3 grabbed a host of new features alongside upgraded media controls. The patch started rolling out roughly ten days ago today (Mar 28), so if you haven't gotten it yet, give it another check.

Unfortunately, though Wear OS 5.1 packs a lot of good, it's also been causing a lot of frustrations. The update has reportedly been delaying notifications and causing severe battery issues. Users have come together to voice these issues while stating a band-aid fix could be restarting or factory resetting the affected watch. Google finally chimed in and informed Android Central that they're aware of the problems impacting "a very small number of Pixel Watch users."

I'm never good at remembering when Mother's Day is, and while I never miss it, it always catches me off guard a bit. However, this year, I'm ready, and Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here to help me get started with pretty nice deals on some useful tech products and accessories that I'm sure my mother will love.

One of the more significant purchases I'm planning is the Pixel Watch 3. This watch normally retails for $349.99 for the 41mm Wi-Fi model, but this deal shaves $60 off, meaning you can strap the watch for less than $300. It's not the lowest price we've seen the Pixel Watch 3, which dipped to $279 during Black Friday, but I can manage the $10 difference. Wear OS is largely devoid of good cheap smartwatches, so any discount is always worth looking at.

So why the Pixel Watch 3? Aside from it being one of the best Android smartwatches, my mother has been asking for new watch bands for her Fitbit, and being the loving son that I am, I would much rather upgrade her device instead. She has some fitness goals she's working toward, and a new smartwatch that integrates Fitbit and has access to her favorite music streaming services feels like a win.

Plus, she and I can have matching smartwatches. I've been using the Pixel Watch 3 since it launched in October, and I love this smartwatch. It's fluid, designed extremely well, and has a surprisingly impressive battery life. I also find the AI-generated workouts to be quite useful and a good motivation.

Alternatively, the Pixel Watch 2 is also on sale in case the latest model is a bit more than you'd like to spend. While not as good as the Pixel Watch 3, this model was an improvement over the original, with better battery life and accurate heart rate monitoring. And with this Big Spring Sale discount, you can get it for less than $200, which is pretty good.

Other tech accessories I'm getting for Mother's Day

While I can't always get my mom the latest tech gadgets, she always appreciates when I can, and she always trusts my judgment. That's why I want to get her a couple of additional trinkets that I noticed are on sale for the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

She really enjoys listening to music whenever she's out and about, but she has bad luck choosing wireless earbuds that work well or fit her ears comfortably. That's why the Soundcore Sport X20 caught my eye, as they feature the ear hook design that she prefers.

They also have long battery life, IP68 water and dust resistance, and ANC, which is honestly pretty sweet for earbuds that you can get for just $64.

I'm also going to grab her the Anker Nano Power Bank. This is something I always like to point out whenever it's on sale because of how much I love this product. I carry it around with me all the time, and the built-in cord with the loop design comes in clutch!

With the 10,000mAh capacity, she'll have enough juice to power up her phone, new earbuds, and even my little brother's phone if he's been playing too many games on it. And the little display will always let her know how much power it has left or how long it will take to charge up a device.

When is Mother's Day?

Mother's Day in North America always falls on the second Sunday of May. This year, it falls on May 11, 2025. That means there's plenty of time to get your mom or mother-figure something nice to show you how much you appreciate them.

There are plenty of deals available right now for Amazon's Big Spring Sale, tech or otherwise. However, Android Central is the place to be if you want to find some great tech deals for your mother (or yourself).