Get ready for an exciting upgrade to your Pixel Watch experience! The always-on display (AOD) media controls are coming, and they're going to revolutionize how you interact with your watch.
Currently, Wear OS 6 on the Pixel Watch 4, 3, and 2 lacks this feature, but Google has some big plans in store. With the upcoming Wear OS 6 update, the previous top activity will remain visible and active even when your watch enters ambient mode.
Think of it like this: you're listening to your favorite playlist, and instead of having to constantly interact with your watch to control the music, the media controls will stay visible and accessible, even when the watch is in a low-power state. Google provided an example of this, showing how the current song and its controls will remain on-screen, ready for your input.
The Media Controls will be designed using Material 3, giving them a sleek and modern look. On the Pixel Watch 4, you'll notice a redesigned interface with expressive media controls, and this update will also reach the Pixel Watch 2 and 3. It's a subtle but powerful change, making your watch more intuitive and user-friendly.
But here's where it gets interesting: the background artwork will fade into a black background, with the buttons becoming faint outlines. This design choice is inspired by Google Maps navigation and Google Keep notes, creating a visually appealing and functional interface.
Google has confirmed that this update is targeted for later this year, specifically for the Pixel Watch. It's likely that all Wear OS 6 devices will receive this feature, so keep an eye out for the next quarterly update in December.
In the meantime, Google is also working on another issue: when you switch accounts on your phone's Gemini app, you'll need to set up Gemini on your watch again, which can be a hassle. Google is looking to streamline this process, so you won't have to go through your phone every time.
So, Pixel Watch users, get excited for these upcoming improvements! And this is the part most people miss: by making these subtle changes, Google is enhancing the overall user experience, making your watch more efficient and enjoyable to use.
What do you think about these upcoming features? Do you find them exciting or do you have concerns? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! We'd love to hear your feedback and spark a discussion.
