Google’s March Pixel Drop update for Pixel devices is here, and there’s some big news for most Pixel Watch smartwatch owners.
This is a more consequential update for Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 2 owners than it first seems.
Android 15 comes to (some) Pixel Watches
While a move from Wear OS 5.0 to Wear OS 5.1 sounds like an incremental update, it’s far bigger than the numbering suggests. While Wear OS 5.0 runs on Android 14, Wear OS 5.1 runs on Android 15.
This is a full blown OS upgrade for the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 2, though it doesn’t bring much in the way of major improvements or additions by itself.
Two new additions have been highlighted by Google itself: Credential manager support for better cross-device sign-in management, and watch speaker playback for improved media playback options.
It’s all pretty minor. Thankfully, Google’s March Pixel Drop is also here with a host of fresh features.
New Pixel Watch 3 features
Standout Wear OS 5.1 additions for those who own Google’s latest smartwatch include the ability to track menstrual health. This includes the ability to log periods, view cycle status and predict your next period in the Fitbit app.
US users can also make use of the Loss of Pulse Detection feature following FDA approval. This literally life saving feature detects if your heart suddenly stops beating and prompts a call to emergency services.
Mattias Inghe
Features coming to older Pixel Watches
This update isn’t all about the shiny new(ish) Pixel Watch 3 though. Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 owners can also get in on the update action.
Following the update, all Pixel Watch wearables will find that they have better accuracy when tracking steps. Apparently, your Watch can now better detect when your walking pattern deviates from the norm (when pushing a trolley, for example) and factors it in accordingly.
One other addition for Pixel Watch 2 owners is the arrival of the Pixel Watch 3’s Auto-bedtime Mode. Google’s last-gen wearable will now be able to detect when you fall asleep, and will turn off your watch face and notifications to help you get some proper shut-eye.
Google’s March Pixel Drop started rolling out yesterday, and will continue over the next few weeks. Pixel Watch owners should keep their eyes peeled.
Google Pixel Watch 3
Author: Jon Mundy, Contributor, Tech Advisor
Jon is a freelance journalist who got his start covering mobile games at the dawn of the App Store. He has since covered everything from smart home tech and laptops to food and culture, but always seems to return to his fascination with smartphones.
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