Google is rolling out a significant update for its smartwatch family, headlined by the new AI-powered interaction methods for the Pixel Watch 4.
The update brings more of Google’s Gemini features directly to the wrist, focusing on quality-of-life improvements for moments when touchscreen input isn’t possible.
The standout addition is a new suite of one-handed gestures debuting on the Pixel Watch 4. Expanding on the ‘Raise to Talk’ feature, the watch now supports Double Pinch and Wrist turn controls.
(Image credit: Wareable)
These gestures allow users to navigate the interface entirely hands-free. According to Google’s blog post announcing the update, users can scroll notifications, dismiss alerts, snooze alarms, manage timers, pause music, and even answer or end calls without lifting a finger to the screen.
To help users learn the new system, on-screen prompts will appear during supported actions to indicate when a Double pinch is available.
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A big upgrade coming to older Pixel Watch devices
Google is also overhauling Smart Replies with a new on-device language model based on Gemma. Unlike the gestures, this feature is coming to Pixel Watch 3 and newer.
Because the new model runs locally on the watch, it enables AI-generated responses in Google Messages and other apps without needing a phone connection.
Google claims the new model is twice as fast and three times more memory-efficient than the previous generation.
This shift to on-watch processing ensures replies can be generated even when the user is out of Bluetooth range or has left their phone behind—a scenario Google positions as ideal for runners or commuters.