Google’s Pixel Watch 3 receives three years of updates and Pixel 9 Pro XL faces screen tap issues
Key Points:
- Pixel Watch 3 Updates: Guaranteed software updates until October 2027.
- Wear OS 5 Enhancements: New features and health metrics introduced.
- Pixel 9 Pro XL Issue: Inconsistent screen tap recognition in certain areas.
Google Pixel Watch 3 Update Plan
Google has committed to providing software updates for the Pixel Watch 3 until at least October 2027. This three-year update period is consistent with what was offered for the earlier Pixel Watch models. Notably, this timeline remains the same even though the Pixel Watch 3 launched a month earlier than expected.
In contrast, Google’s Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, is guaranteed updates until August 2031, even though these devices won’t be available until September 4. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are grouped, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL is listed separately, which seems unusual given their similarities.
Wear OS 5: What’s New
Wear OS 5, which is based on Android 14, brings several new features and improvements. The app launcher now includes a denser grid-based layout, with the traditional list view still available. Additionally, the new Watch Face Format version 2 introduces preset configurations, making it easier for users to customize their watch faces.
Other notable updates include:
- Goal Progress Complication: Helps users track and exceed goals like step counts.
- Weather Conditions: Provides current weather updates and forecasts for the future.
- Heart Rate Data Source: A new system data source for heart rate tracking.
- Media Output Switcher: Allows users to choose where media should play, with additional details about the currently playing content.
On the health front, Wear OS 5 introduces more detailed running metrics, such as ground contact time, stride length, and vertical oscillation. These features are designed to offer more precise insights into users’ running form and overall performance.
Pixel 9 Pro XL Screen Tap Issue
Some users have reported problems with the Pixel 9 Pro XL not registering taps on the corners of the screen, particularly when trying to close the Gboard keyboard using the chevron icon in the bottom-left corner. While the icon has a wide touch target, it often requires a direct tap to work properly, which has been a source of frustration for users.
This issue appears to be a software glitch rather than a hardware problem, as other functions in the affected area work consistently. Users have found that restarting the device temporarily resolves the issue. For now, using the back gesture on the screen’s edge is a reliable alternative for closing the keyboard.
Google is expected to address this problem in a future software update.
Key Points:
- Google Calendar is coming to the New Tab Page in Chrome for Workspace users.
- Circle to Search is expanding to more Android devices, including Xiaomi 14T.
- Chrome is getting other new features for enterprise users.
Google Calendar on Chrome’s New Tab Page:
Google Workspace users will soon see their Google Calendar on the New Tab Page in Chrome. This will make it easier to see upcoming meetings and join them quickly. You’ll also see your daily schedule below the calendar.
Circle to Search Expanding to More Devices:
Circle to Search, a feature that lets you search by drawing circles around objects in your photos, is expanding to more Android devices. This feature was previously limited to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices, but now it’s coming to Tecno and Xiaomi devices.
Other Chrome Updates:
Chrome is also getting other new features for enterprise users, such as a new sign-in flow that provides more transparency and a feature that lets admins set site shortcuts.
These updates are all designed to make it easier for businesses to use Chrome and Google Workspace.
YouTube is making content creation easier and more fun with new AI features.
- AI-powered video backgrounds: Create stunning visuals for your Shorts videos with Google’s Veo AI model.
- AI-powered video ideas: Get inspiration for your next video with YouTube Studio’s AI-powered brainstorming tool.
- AI-powered comments: Quickly respond to your viewers with AI-suggested replies.
YouTube is adding more AI features to help creators make better videos. One of the biggest announcements is the integration of Veo, a powerful AI model, into YouTube Shorts. This means you can create high-quality backgrounds and even short video clips using just a few words.
Imagine being able to describe a scene, like “a bustling city street at sunset,” and having Veo instantly generate a visually stunning background for your Short. Or, perhaps you need a quick clip to transition between two scenes; Veo can create a short video that perfectly fits your needs.
Another exciting feature is the new AI-powered brainstorming tool in YouTube Studio. This tool can suggest video ideas based on your channel’s history and what’s popular on YouTube. It’s like having a creative assistant that always has fresh ideas.
For example, if you’ve been creating cooking videos, the tool might suggest ideas like “Vegan cooking hacks” or “Quick and easy weeknight meals.” Or, if you’re a gaming channel, it could suggest ideas like “Top 5 new games to try” or “Let’s play a classic game.”
YouTube is also working on AI-powered comments. This feature will suggest replies to comments, making it easier for creators to engage with their audience.
For example, if a viewer leaves a comment saying “Great video!” the AI might suggest a reply like “Thanks for watching!” Or, if a viewer asks a question, the AI could suggest a helpful answer based on the video’s content.
These new AI features are making YouTube an even more powerful platform for creators. By automating tasks like background creation and idea generation, creators can spend more time focusing on what they do best: creating great content.
Key points:
- Android 15 QPR1 Beta introduces a new navigation bar key for quick keyboard switching.
- This allows for faster switching between multiple keyboard apps and languages.
- The feature is currently being tested and is expected to become standard on Google Pixel devices in December.
Android users will soon experience a significant improvement in keyboard switching. A new feature being tested in Android 15 QPR1 Beta introduces a dedicated key on the navigation bar that allows for rapid switching between different keyboard apps and languages.
Imagine having the ability to seamlessly switch between multiple keyboards without navigating through settings or menus. This new key, visually represented as a globe, provides a direct and intuitive way to change keyboards on the fly. Whether you need to switch between different languages or prefer different keyboard apps for specific tasks, this feature offers a convenient solution.
For example, if you have multiple languages enabled and use both Gboard and SwiftKey, you can quickly toggle between them by pressing the new key. This eliminates the need for extra steps and ensures a smooth typing experience.
While this feature is currently in beta testing, it’s expected to become a standard part of Android 15 QPR1, which is scheduled to be released on Google Pixel devices in December. This means that many Android users will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of faster and more efficient keyboard switching.
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