Google introduces Pixel Watch 3 screen protector and clarifies Pixel battery charge limit update timing
If you’re searching for a screen protector for your Pixel Watch 3, Google now offers an option directly from its official store. The Pixel Watch 3, known for its sleek and elegant design, still faces the challenge of protecting its curved glass surface. Unlike some other high-end smartwatches that use sapphire glass for enhanced durability, Google has stuck with glass, making the screen more vulnerable to damage. Unfortunately, traditional glass screen protectors don’t easily adhere to the curved design of the Pixel Watch.
To address this, Google has partnered with Zagg to sell an “InvisibleShield Fusion” screen protector for the Pixel Watch 3. This protector is marketed as offering a glass-like experience, though it’s made from a flexible polymer hybrid called Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). The material is designed to mimic the feel and appearance of glass while providing military-grade protection against everyday wear and tear.
Priced at $29.99, this protector is one of the higher-priced options available in the Google Store, but it’s a convenient choice, especially for those with store credit to use. The InvisibleShield Fusion’s strength lies in its ability to conform to the watch’s design, offering a seamless look. However, despite the convincing glass-like appearance in Google’s marketing, this is a plastic protector.
For those looking for a cheaper alternative, there are other options available. Protectors designed for the 41mm Pixel Watch 3 are compatible with previous models, and some users prefer screen protectors that use adhesive and UV curing processes to apply actual glass to the screen. These glass protectors are not only more affordable, typically priced under $20, but they also offer better scratch resistance and are known for their durability.
One limitation of the Zagg offering is that it is currently only available for the 41mm model of the Pixel Watch 3, with no options yet for the 45mm version. While third-party 45mm screen protectors are still limited, having a Google-endorsed solution for the smaller model is a step forward.
Pixel Battery Charge Limit: Misunderstanding Clarified
Another piece of news for Google Pixel phone users revolves around a highly anticipated feature: the battery charge limit. This feature is designed to help users preserve battery health by limiting charging to 80%. Smartphone batteries tend to perform best and last longer when not charged to full capacity, with 80% being an optimal stopping point to reduce long-term degradation.
While this feature is much awaited by Pixel users, it wasn’t part of the first Android 15 update that started rolling out this week. Some confusion arose because this feature was mentioned in earlier reports and was spotted in the code of a previous Android 15 beta version. However, the battery charge limit feature was never intended for release with the first public Android 15 update.
The feature initially surfaced back in July, appearing in Android 15 beta code, though it wasn’t fully functional at the time. In September, it made its first real debut in Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2, marking its initial step toward becoming a full-fledged feature. Despite this progress, users won’t see it on their Pixel devices until Android 15’s first quarterly platform release (QPR1), which is expected in December 2024.
Google hasn’t provided any specific date for when this feature will roll out to all Pixel phones, but its connection to QPR1 suggests it will be part of the major update toward the end of the year. While unlikely, there’s always the possibility of a delay in its arrival. For those eager to get hands-on experience, participating in Google’s beta program could give early access.
For a detailed overview of all the new features in Android 15’s initial release, including insights on what’s coming next, check out Damien Wilde’s latest video on the 9to5Google YouTube channel.
Conclusion
Google is making notable strides in both hardware and software for its devices, offering a screen protector tailored for the Pixel Watch 3 and clarifying the timeline for the highly anticipated battery charge limit feature for Pixel phones. While users of the Pixel Watch 3 can now access a flexible, glass-like screen protector, Pixel phone users will need to wait a bit longer for the battery-saving feature. Both updates show Google’s commitment to enhancing user experience and device longevity.
Google Wallet can now store digital versions of your US passport! This can be used for domestic travel security checks at TSA checkpoints if your state doesn’t offer a digital ID yet.
Here’s how to add your passport to Google Wallet:
- Open the Google Wallet app on your Android phone (version 9 or later).
- Tap “Add to Wallet” and then “ID” followed by “ID Pass.”
- Follow the steps to scan your passport information page and the security chip inside the back cover.
- Record a short video of yourself for verification.
Important things to remember:
- This digital passport isn’t a replacement for your physical passport, so always carry both when traveling.
- It currently only works for domestic travel within the US.
- If you lose your phone, you can remove the digital passport from your Google account.
Pixel phones get new features to improve battery health!
The latest update lets you set a charging limit of 80% to slow down battery degradation. There’s also a hidden feature called “bypass charging” that might be even more helpful.
What is bypass charging?
With bypass charging, when your battery reaches 80%, your phone will continue to use power directly from the charger instead of the battery. This reduces wear and tear on the battery, especially while gaming or using demanding apps.
Is bypass charging available on all Pixel phones?
It’s not entirely clear yet. The 80% charging limit works on many Pixel models, but bypass charging has only been confirmed on the Pixel 8 Pro so far. It likely works on Pixel 8, 8a, and the Pixel 9 series too, but Google hasn’t officially confirmed this.
Pixel Screenshots get smarter!
The latest update for Pixel Screenshots on Pixel 9 phones integrates with Gboard. Now, when you take a screenshot that includes a movie, song, or product, Pixel Screenshots remembers that information.
How does this help?
For example, if you screenshot a song title and then open a music app, Gboard might autofill the song name for you. This feature is called “proactive recall.”
Other Pixel Screenshots updates:
- The image viewer now suggests more search terms based on your screenshots.
- The app automatically categorizes your screenshots (this might take some time).
- You can easily save a specific part of a screenshot with “Circle to Search.”
This update also brings new features to Gboard, including a sticker pack and the ability to browse Emoji Kitchen combinations.
Gemini Gets a Mini Makeover:
- The website’s text field now looks like the mobile app.
- The Android app now shows your Gemini model type (like “1.5 Pro”).
40 New Templates for Google Docs:
- Google Docs has added new, modern templates for various uses like business proposals or meeting notes.
- These templates are designed to save you time by providing a starting point for your document.
- You can find them by going to File > New > From template gallery.
Customize Your Google Messages Profile:
- Google Messages now lets you easily edit your profile information, including name and picture.
- This helps people you message recognize you better.
More to Come:
- Google says to expect even more new Docs templates in the future.
- Google Messages’ profile feature is rolling out to everyone soon.
Some Pixel users who have updated to Android 15 QPR1 have noticed a strange visual bug. The update seems to be mixing up the light and dark themes for app icons.
For example, if your phone is set to light mode, you might see app icons appear in their dark mode versions. Conversely, if your phone is in dark mode, you might see light mode app icons. This can make the phone’s interface look inconsistent and a bit jarring.
This issue is particularly noticeable with themed icons, which are designed to match the system’s color scheme. However, due to this bug, they appear in the opposite color scheme, creating a visual mismatch.
While this is a minor bug, it can be quite annoying for users who prefer a consistent look and feel on their devices. Fortunately, Google is aware of the issue and is working on a fix. It’s likely that this bug will be addressed in a future update.
In the meantime, users will have to wait patiently for a resolution. While there’s no official workaround at the moment, some users have reported that switching between different accent colors and then reverting back to the original color scheme might temporarily fix the issue. However, this is not a guaranteed solution and may vary depending on the device and Android version.
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