The Google Pixel Watch 3 launched recently, and now Wear OS 5 is rolling out for the original Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2, along with the September 2024 security patch.
This update comes after a brief delay and is based on Android 14. Here are the update versions for each model:
- Pixel Watch 1: AW2A.240903.005.A2
- Pixel Watch 2: AW2A.240903.005.A1
The rollout will happen over the next week in phases, so it may take some time for everyone to receive it. Users will get a notification on their watch when the update is ready. It’s a good idea to update to enjoy the latest features and improvements.
What’s new in Wear OS 5?
The update brings several enhancements, including a media output switcher. This feature allows you to choose which device plays your media and shows details about what you’re currently listening to.
There’s also a Privacy dashboard that helps you track which apps are using permissions like location and microphone. Additionally, developers can now use a screenshot detection API in their apps.
For watch faces, a new version adds preset configurations called Flavors, allows for displaying weather conditions, and introduces a heart rate data source. Two new complication types are available:
- Goal Progress: Helps you track when you exceed a goal, like step count.
- Weighted Elements: Displays specific subsets of data.
Health Services now offers more detailed running metrics, including:
- Ground Contact Time: How long your foot stays on the ground during a step.
- Stride Length: The distance you cover with a single step.
- Vertical Oscillation: How much your center of mass moves up and down with each step.
- Vertical Ratio: The relationship between vertical oscillation and stride length.
Additionally, the update introduces debounced goals, making it easier to maintain specific thresholds, like heart rate, during workouts.
For apps, you’ll see a new grid-view launcher, improved camera controls, and enhanced Pixel Recorder features. After updating, check the Play Store by scrolling to “Manage apps” at the bottom to install all the new updates.
To manually start the download, tap the “Your watch is up to date” message in Settings multiple times. If you want to speed things up, you can turn off Bluetooth to force a Wi-Fi connection. If you’re interested in the OTA images, they can be found online.