If you own a first-generation Google Pixel Watch, then you might want to check your wearable for the latest Wear OS 4 update, which Google has finally brought over to its slightly older smartwatch. Wear OS 4 comes with some useful new tricks and features, in addition to keeping your watch safe with new security updates. The update comes with software version number TWD4.2301005.002
Google also says that the Wear OS 4 software update includes fixes for several bugs, improvements to battery endurance, as well as overall performance. As per Google’s announcement:
“All supported Pixel Watch devices running Wear OS 3.5 will receive the October 2023 software with the Wear OS 4 upgrade starting today. The rollout will continue over the coming weeks in phases depending on carrier and device. Users will receive a notification on their watch once the OTA becomes available for their device. We encourage you to update to receive the latest software.”
Data Transfers and Backups
The new update comes with the “Watch Transfer” feature, which lets users pair their Pixel Watch to a different device without having to reset it to its default factory settings, and quickly syncs data between devices. The update also brings a Backup and Restore feature, allowing users to keep their data and settings from an older Pixel Watch, in case they want to switch to a newer/different Pixel Watch device.
Google Calendar
The Wear OS 4 update also brings over the new Google Calendar App, which brings users event and task notifications, a 30-day view of their schedules, on-device navigation to important events and locations, as well as markers for task completion. Users can also go into the calendar via a tile or watch face complication for easy access.
New Safety Features
For safety features, Google has equipped the Wear OS 4 update with new Safety Check, Emergency Sharing, and Emergency Info features. With Medical ID Info, users can now keep their medical info easily accessible on their watch, with the option to send it to responding medical emergency services should they run into an emergency.
Accessibility & Customization
For customizability, Google says that Wear OS 4 provides users with improvements to customizability features, which now include a new text-to-speech engine for a faster and more reliable TalkBack experience on their device. For visual accessibility, there’s now also bold text, new and improved magnication, and even audio balance that allows users to adjust the intensity of their right and left audio channels.
Notification Updates
Wear OS 4 also features new changes to how the Pixel Watch handles notifications. Now, notifications come with smart link recognition, which works with phone numbers and addresses so users can easily tap on their watch to send messages, calls, or get directions to locations. Notifications now feature embedded media previews for instant viewing, and even supports GIFs right from the notification shade.
Have you already updated your Pixel Watch to Wear OS 4? Let us know in the comments below!
