Following the launch of the Pixel Watch 3 earlier this month, Wear OS 5 is now being rolled out to the original Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2, accompanied by the September 2024 security patch.
This major update, which was delayed from the typical first Monday of the month, brings new features and enhancements to the first two generations of Pixel Watches. The update is based on Android 14 and includes the following build numbers:
- Pixel Watch 1: AW2A.240903.005.A2
- Pixel Watch 2: AW2A.240903.005.A1
The rollout will occur in phases over the next week, depending on carriers and devices. Users will receive a notification on their watches when the update becomes available. It's recommended to update to enjoy the latest software improvements.
Key Features of Wear OS 5
The updated OS introduces a range of new functionalities, including:
- Media Output Switcher: Choose which device plays media and view information about the currently playing content.
- Privacy Dashboard: Found in Settings > Apps & Notifications, this feature tracks app permissions like location and microphone access.
- Screenshot Detection API: Apps can now utilize this for better functionality.
Enhanced Watch Face Format
The new Watch Face Format version 2 introduces “Flavors,” preset configurations that include:
- Weather Conditions
- Heart Rate System Data Source
- New Complication Types:
- Goal Progress: Displays progress toward goals, such as step counts.
- Weighted Elements: Shows discrete subsets of data.
Improved Running Metrics
With this update, Health Services offers more detailed metrics for runners, including:
- Ground Contact Time: Measures the duration a runner's foot is in contact with the ground.
- Stride Length: Distance covered in a single step.
- Vertical Oscillation: How much a user's center of mass moves up and down per step.
- Vertical Ratio: The ratio of vertical oscillation to stride length.
Wear OS 5 also supports debounced goals for users aiming to maintain specific thresholds, such as heart rate, during workouts.
App Updates and Features
Updates via the Play Store will introduce:
- A new grid-view app launcher
- Improved camera controls
- Enhanced Pixel Recorder functionality
To install these updates, open the Play Store and navigate to “Manage apps” after the Wear OS update completes.
To speed up the download process, users can tap the “Your watch is up to date” message in Settings > System > System updates multiple times. Disabling Bluetooth to force Wi-Fi can also help. OTA images are available for those interested.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Pixel Watch and other Google products!
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