Google enhances the Pixel Watch experience with new gesture controls that allow users to operate the device hands-free. These controls include two main gestures: double pinch and wrist turn, designed for easy and intuitive use.
The double pinch gesture enables actions like scrolling notifications, controlling music playback, dismissing alarms, and handling incoming calls. Meanwhile, the wrist turn gesture facilitates quick menu navigation and mode selection. Google supports users by displaying visual cues on the watch screen, which guide when gestures can be used effectively.
This innovation reduces accidental screen touches and proves practical in daily activities such as carrying items, exercising, or situations where touching the watch is inconvenient. The gesture recognition system is fine-tuned for responsiveness and accuracy across different usage environments.
Along with the enhanced gesture controls, Pixel Watch now boasts upgraded Smart Replies powered by Google’s Gemma language model. This model runs locally on the device, eliminating delays caused by server communication and significantly speeding up response times.
Internal tests show that Smart Replies are now processed up to twice as fast while using memory more efficiently. This improvement enhances overall performance and helps conserve battery life, making it easier to use the watch throughout the day.
Gemma adapts to message context better, generating relevant reply suggestions without compromising user privacy, as all processing happens directly on the smartwatch. This update is available not only for the Pixel Watch 4 but also rolled out to Pixel Watch 3, ensuring a broader user base benefits from the enhancement.
Together, the new gesture input and smarter, faster Smart Replies feature bring a more seamless and practical experience to Pixel Watch owners. Google emphasizes user convenience by refining how people interact with their wearable devices, highlighting responsiveness and battery efficiency as key priorities.
These advances position Pixel Watch as a compelling option for daily smartwatch users, improving usability in both active and routine scenarios without sacrificing comfort or security. The integration of Gemma as a foundational technology underscores Google’s commitment to delivering intelligent, on-device processing that aligns with evolving user needs.