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.