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الوسم: Pixel Watch

  • Google Simplifies 911 Calls on Your Pixel Watch

    Google Simplifies 911 Calls on Your Pixel Watch

    The Emergency SOS feature on Pixel devices is a crucial safety tool, but it can occasionally cause unwelcome issues if triggered by accident—like sending an inappropriate video to all twelve of your emergency contacts. A recent update for Emergency SOS on Pixel Watches aims to reduce such incidents, or at least that’s the idea.

    Google initially shared news of this update at the end of January, and it’s now being rolled out to users. Now, if you press the watch crown five times, it won’t immediately dial 911. Instead, you’ll be prompted to press and hold your screen for three seconds before a call is initiated.

    This added step is intended to help avoid unintentional emergency calls. However, it does come with a trade-off: the extra time it takes could potentially make it a bit less secure than before. Nonetheless, this feature becomes the new default option, though you have the ability to switch back to the former setting for instant dialing by simply pressing the crown.

    A weather tile on the Google Pixel Watch 3.
    Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

    All users of the Pixel Watch should receive an alert about the Emergency SOS feature update once they upgrade to version 2025.01.23.x of Wear OS.

    The importance of features like this has been demonstrated repeatedly. For instance, in April 2023, the Emergency SOS function on an iPhone was crucial in rescuing three students who had become stranded in a canyon in Utah. Being able to discreetly call for help can be a matter of life or death.

    Should you accidentally call 911, it’s essential not to hang up, as this can lead emergency dispatchers to call you back. Instead, stay on the line and explain that it was a mistake. Accidental calls are more common than you think, and there are generally no repercussions for one-off incidents—just make sure it’s not a frequent occurrence.

  • Pixel Watch Set For Long-Awaited Software Update

    Pixel Watch Set For Long-Awaited Software Update

    Typically, Google has been releasing updates for the Pixel Watch on a monthly basis. Most of these updates have focused on security enhancements, while others have introduced fresh features and operating system upgrades. Anticipation was high for an October update, but Google postponed it to this month. This latest update will continue the rollout of Wear OS 5 for both Pixel Watch 1 and Pixel Watch 2 users after a previous series of crashes led to a temporary halt in September. Following a thorough investigation, Google has resolved the issue causing these crashes and is optimistic that the updated version will be stable.

    Alongside Wear OS 5, users can also expect enhanced camera control features and updates to the Pixel Recorder application, available through the Play Store. Your watch will alert you when the update is ready for download, so you won’t need to keep checking manually. The Pixel Watch 3 is also set to receive its first update since its debut, which will come with various bug fixes and security enhancements. Eventually, all Pixel Watch models will be upgraded to version AW2A.241105.012, although the timing will vary by both carrier and device.

    A person wearing the Google Pixel Watch 3 displaying the running interface.
    Joe Maring / Digital Trends

    Unfortunately, the next round of software updates for the Pixel Watch will take some time to arrive, with Google indicating that they won’t roll out until March 2025. Until now, Pixel Watch users have never experienced such a lengthy gap between updates; the previous longest intervals were typically associated with major operating system transitions, like moving from Wear OS 3 to Wear OS 4. However, longer waits for updates could have an upside. By spending less time on quick bug fixes, Google might prioritize more substantial updates—potentially on a quarterly basis instead of monthly.

    While the delayed timeframe is disappointing, it does bring some positive aspects. The timing of the upcoming update coincides with a March Feature Drop, which means users can look forward to significant enhancements and improvements, along with some expected updates like the Android 15 QPR2 beta. Changes will likely affect not only how the Pixel Watch operates but also its connectivity with Android devices. It’s reasonable to expect some surprises that we haven’t yet uncovered.