Like clockwork, Google has started rolling out a new update forPixel Watchowners, coming in as build number TWD9.240405.001. The update will make its way to devices over the next week as it rolls out in phases, and while there are the usual bug fixes and performance improvements, this one is a bit special as it adds a unique way for Pixel Watch owners to tell time without even having to lift their wrists.
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Although this might sound like a strange addition, it’s actually quite clever, using haptics to deliver the time through a series of vibrations that denote the hour and minutes. We first reported about this through anearly preview back in February, but now,Google has announcedthat its April 2024 update is rolling out with this functionality, and not much has changed when it comes to the implementation and activation of the feature (viaGoogle News Telegram).
How does the Pixel Watch convey time with haptics?
As far as how this mode can be activated, it’s actually quite simple, you just need to tap the watch face with two fingers, and you’ll receive a response. Users will even be able to choose from two different vibration patterns, with Digits and Terse, with the former offering more precise time with updates to the minute, while the latter will round up the time in quarter increments. Of course, getting this feedback is critical if you’re relying on it, so users will also be able to choose from five different vibration levels to ensure that they will be able to feel the time.
While the Vibration Watch feature will be the main star of the show for this update, Google also reports through itssupport pagethat it’s also making some auto-brightness improvements, and users should really be able to see a difference when the display adapts to different environments. Although this isn’t a massive update like theone we saw back in March, users will no doubt enjoy some of the new changes, and can also trust that Google will continue to offer a reliable wave of updates as time progresses.
The update should come naturally to Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 owners, but if you’re looking to try and expedite the process,you’re able to try ourPixel Watch update tipby putting the watch on the charger, heading into the system update page, and tapping the watch icon a few times to get the ball rolling. We’ve seen great results with this method in the past, but if it doesn’t work, you’re just going to have to be patient and wait for the update to roll out to your device over the next week.
