Google is taking smartwatch usability to the next level with the introduction of sophisticated hands-free gestures and upgraded AI-powered Smart Replies on its Pixel Watch.
The latest features emphasize convenience, efficiency, and intuitive control, making it easier than ever for users to manage tasks without needing both hands.
The newly introduced gestures allow users to interact with their watch effortlessly. Notifications can now be dismissed or actions performed with a simple wrist turn or a pinch of the index finger and thumb.
The Double Pinch gesture enables users to snooze alarms, capture photos using the Pixel Camera app, answer calls, and pause timers.
Contextual hints guide the user when an action is available. Apple offers a similar feature called Double Tap, which can be used to answer calls, respond to messages, or activate Smart Stack.
Additionally, Google’s Wrist Turn gesture allows users to silence calls and dismiss notifications, similar to Apple’s Wrist Flick. These gestures demonstrate Google’s commitment to creating a fluid, one-handed experience for Pixel Watch owners.
On the software front, Google has upgraded Smart Replies on Pixel Watch 3 and 4 by integrating its on-device Gemini-based language model.
This model operates twice as fast and consumes three times less memory than previous versions, enhancing responsiveness and efficiency.
The watch also features the one-handed “Raise to Talk” gesture, which activates Gemini without requiring voice commands or touching the crown.
By combining these hands-free gestures with AI-driven Smart Replies, Google is reinforcing the Pixel Watch as a highly intuitive wearable device, designed to offer seamless interaction even when users’ hands are full.
These enhancements position the Pixel Watch as a strong competitor in the evolving smartwatch market.