Pixel Watch November 2024 update and Wear OS 5 rollout details
Google Resumes Wear OS 5 Updates for Pixel Watches
After pausing the Wear OS 5 rollout in September due to issues, Google is now releasing the latest update for Pixel Watch, Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel Watch 3 as part of the November 2024 security patch. This update brings much-needed stability improvements and bug fixes across all three models.
Update Details and Rollout
The new update is based on Wear OS 5 and has the build number AW2A.241105.012 for all six global models. However, there are some differences for users in France:
- For Orange LTE models in France: The build number is AW2A.241105.013.
- For all other models in France: The build number remains AW2A.241105.012.
The Pixel Watch series is expected to show the “November 5, 2024” security patch level after the update.
Rollout Plan
Starting today, the rollout will be done in phases, depending on the carrier and device. Users of the original Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 will start receiving the Wear OS 5 upgrade, which was halted earlier. Google plans to gradually extend the update to all devices over the next week.
What’s New in the November 2024 Update?
The update focuses on enhancing device security, fixing known bugs, and improving overall performance. Here is a detailed changelog for each device:
Pixel Watch 3:
- Security Updates: Includes the latest Android security patches for better protection.
- Bug Fixes: Addresses several stability issues, including:
- Resolving the rare occurrence of a white splash screen when navigating to the watch face by pressing the Crown.
- Fixing Bluetooth connection issues that led to connection drops.
- Correcting the display of old, completed calls, which were still showing as active.
Pixel Watch 1 & Pixel Watch 2:
- Wear OS 5 Upgrade: The software update includes an upgrade to the new Wear OS 5, bringing:
- Improved performance and stability.
- Enhanced camera controls via the Play Store update.
- Upgraded Pixel Recorder for better voice recording and playback features.
- Bug Fixes:
- Fixed an issue where the watch face wouldn’t load upon reboot.
- Addressed the problem where a white splash screen would appear when pressing the Crown.
How to Install the Update
To check for the update manually, go to Settings > System > System updates on your Pixel Watch. If it shows “Your watch is up to date,” tap that message multiple times to trigger the update download. You can also speed up the process by going to Connectivity preferences and temporarily disabling Bluetooth, forcing the watch to use Wi-Fi for faster download.
For users who prefer manual updates, Over-The-Air (OTA) images are available for download on Google’s official Pixel Watch support page.
Wear OS 5 Rollout Resumes
The Wear OS 5 update was initially pulled back in September due to reported issues, including a “soft brick” problem. However, Google has now resumed the updates with stability enhancements and fixes for all three Pixel Watch models. This November update marks the resumption of Wear OS 5 upgrades, providing users with new features and improvements.
Verizon’s Changelog Details
Verizon has also shared specific details about the November 2024 update for Pixel Watch models, highlighting the following improvements:
- Security Enhancements: Latest Android security patches have been applied.
- Performance Improvements: General stability and performance have been enhanced across all models.
- Bug Fixes:
- Resolved a rare issue where a white splash screen would appear when pressing the Crown.
- Fixed Bluetooth connectivity problems where the connection would drop unexpectedly.
- Addressed an issue where completed calls were still displayed as active.
No October Update Due to Previous Issues
There was no update released in October 2024 because of a reported “soft brick” issue with Wear OS 5 on Pixel Watch devices. This problem caused the watches to become unresponsive, prompting Google to pause the update rollout. With this latest November patch, Google seems to have resolved the major issues and resumed the updates.
How to Access the Update
To ensure a smooth update experience, users are advised to:
- Check for updates manually via Settings > System > System updates.
- If the update is not available immediately, try forcing the update by tapping the “Your watch is up to date” message multiple times.
- Disable Bluetooth and switch to Wi-Fi for a faster download process.
With the new features and improvements brought by Wear OS 5, the November 2024 update is expected to enhance the user experience across all Pixel Watch models, making the devices more reliable and secure.
Conclusion
The November 2024 update marks an important step for Google’s Pixel Watch series, addressing previous issues and resuming the rollout of Wear OS 5. With a range of bug fixes, performance enhancements, and new features, users can look forward to a smoother and more responsive experience on their Pixel Watch devices.
If you own a Pixel Watch, Pixel Watch 2, or Pixel Watch 3, be sure to check for updates and install the latest software to enjoy the enhanced functionality and security improvements.
Google’s upcoming Android 16 update is bringing better security and some helpful improvements, especially for Pixel phone users. One of the main features in Android 16 is a new way to protect your phone’s data when it’s connected to a computer through USB. Right now, when you plug your phone into a PC or laptop, it can access all your data as long as you approve it.
With Android 16, Google is adding an extra security layer that only allows limited access unless you enter your PIN, password, or use your fingerprint. This will help protect your files if someone tries to access your phone without permission.
At the same time, Google is also working on a fix for a frustrating issue that some Pixel users have been facing for months — delayed notifications. After the April 2024 update, many users noticed that app alerts were not showing up on time, especially from messaging apps. Google has confirmed the problem and says a fix will be included in a future update, though it’s not in the current April patch yet.
Together, these changes show that Google is focusing on both stronger privacy and a smoother experience for Android and Pixel users. Android 16 is expected to roll out later this year, starting with developer previews.
Google is bringing several updates across its apps to make them more useful and easier to use. Google Translate is working on a new feature called “Practice.” It helps users improve their language skills by offering short exercises, like matching words or filling in blanks. Right now, it looks like it will focus on Spanish, but other languages may come later. This tool could be great for people who want to go beyond just translating words and learn the language.
Google Assistant’s Driving Mode in Google Maps is starting to shut down. Many users are noticing that the card-style dashboard is disappearing, and the Assistant voice command shortcut no longer works. Google hasn’t officially said why, but it seems they’re moving away from this feature, possibly to focus on other tools or experiences in Maps.
Google TV’s Freeplay app is now back with a fresh look. It gives users free access to over 100 live TV channels. The redesign makes it easier to browse channels and see what’s playing. The new layout also highlights what’s currently on, making it faster to start watching without having to dig through menus.
Lastly, Google Chrome is testing a new built-in PDF viewer. This upgraded tool makes reading and editing PDFs easier right inside the browser. It includes better zoom controls, a cleaner layout, and a page list view that lets users jump to specific pages more quickly. These updates show Google’s push to improve how we learn, drive, watch TV, and browse the web.
Google has shared the latest Android version usage numbers, showing that Android 15 is still in the early stages of adoption. As of April 2025, only 0.1% of Android devices are using Android 15. This version is currently in its beta phase, mostly available on Pixel and select partner phones. Android 14 leads the way with a 35.2% share, followed by Android 13 at 17.3% and Android 12 at 15.4%. Android 11 still holds 12.4%, showing how long older versions stick around.
Meanwhile, Google is also making changes in its AI efforts. The Gemini AI “prompt bar,” first seen in the Chrome browser, is now being tested in Google Search. This new feature lets users type or click suggestions to ask questions directly using Gemini, making search more interactive. It’s rolling out to more people gradually.
In addition to that, Google introduced Veo, a powerful video generation tool for creators. Veo can make high-quality videos from simple text prompts, using advanced AI to understand scenes, emotions, and cinematic styles. Google is currently letting select creators try Veo through a waitlist.
Together, these updates show how Google is improving both its Android platform and AI services. While Android 15 adoption is just beginning, features like the Gemini prompt bar and Veo highlight the company’s growing focus on AI to enhance user experiences across devices and tools.
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