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 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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