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The Pixel Watch 2 has made its debut today alongside the Android 14 launch and Pixel 8 series announcements, and if you’re thinking about upgrading, you’ll want to know a little more about the watch and whether or not it runs on Wear OS 4, among other things. As you may have already guessed, the Pixel Watch 2 does indeed run on Wear OS 4 and will be the one of the first watches to use the new software.
The big notable changes here, at least without having hands-on time to check things out more thoroughly, are newly added apps like Calendar. As well as full integration with apps like Gmail. According to Google, these apps on Wear OS 4 will have robust integration. For essentially full use right from the wrist. This includes reading and responding to emails. Or sending a new email. All without having to pull your phone out of your pocket, purse, or bag.
You’ll be able to use Google Assistant to dictate what needs to be said too. Or you can simply type everything out. Although using your voice might be a lot easier. As typing on such a small screen isn’t exactly the most convenient experience. For Calendar, you’ll be able to respond to event notifications and have the watch stay on top of your busy schedule. Acting more or less like another personal assistant.
Wear OS 4 on the Pixel Watch 2 will pave the way for other devices
It’s hardly surprising, but Google will use the Pixel Watch 2 as a means to show manufacturers what Wear OS 4 can do and how it can improve the user experience. But, it’s not the first watch to actually come with Wear OS 4.
Just as with Wear OS 3, Wear OS 4 is first available on Samsung’s Galaxy smartwatches. As it can be found on the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 5 series. As well as the Galaxy Watch 4 series by way of the latest One UI Watch update. There are of course differences. The One UI Watch interface doesn’t look quite like Google’s stock version of the software.
So there will be some slight visual differences to Google’s version of Wear OS 4 and Samsung’s. And if you prefer Google’s approach, the Pixel Watch 2 might just be the watch for you.