Pixel Watch 4 Enhancements: One-Handed Gestures and Enhanced Smart Replies

Navigating the Pixel Watch has become more intuitive through simple finger pinches and wrist rotations.

Google is unveiling its inaugural update for the Pixel Watch 4 following its launch last August. This WearOS 6.1 update applies to Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4 models, yet unique one-handed gestures are exclusive to the Pixel Watch 4, while better smart replies are only improved for Pixel Watch 3 and 4.

The double pinch gesture introduces functionality akin to those found on Apple and Samsung's smartwatches. By pinching your index finger and thumb twice, users can operate a variety of functions: go through notifications, put an alarm on hold, choose the first smart reply in messages, manage music settings, and even snap a photo. Google also hints at adding call management via this gesture soon.

Another feature, the wrist turn, mirrors the functionality found in the Apple Watch series. By quickly rotating your wrist away and then toward yourself, you can mute incoming calls or clear a notification on the Pixel Watch 4. WearOS provides visual prompts on the watch screen to assist users in remembering when these gestures are applicable.

Refinement of Smart Replies

Smart replies see an upgrade with the implementation of Google's Gemma-based custom language model, facilitating the creation of response suggestions contextually without needing mobile connectivity. This new model is twice as swift and consumes only a third of the memory compared to its predecessor, enhancing response quality. This improvement is aimed at making smart replies a more efficient option than manually dictating or typing replies on the small watch screen.