Wear OS smartwatches get earthquake alerts and Gemini assistant

Wear OS smartwatches are about to get a major upgrade with two new features: earthquake alerts and Gemini support.

Earthquake Alerts Could Save Lives

Earthquake alerts are a life-saving feature that can warn users of an impending earthquake. This feature is currently available on Android smartphones, but it’s coming soon to Wear OS smartwatches. This is especially useful for users of cellular smartwatches who might leave their phones behind. Getting an earthquake alert directly on their wrist could give them valuable seconds to react. 

Gemini Replaces Assistant on Wear OS

Another exciting update for Wear OS is the integration of Gemini, Google’s next-generation voice assistant. This will replace the current Assistant on smartwatches and offer a more natural and interactive experience. Users will be able to talk back and forth with Gemini, similar to how they interact with Assistant on their phones. This voice control could be a game-changer for Wear OS, making it easier to control the device without needing to use the limited on-screen interface.

Pixel Phone Battery Life: How Many Charge Cycles Can You Expect?

Ever wondered how long your Pixel phone battery will last? Google has just released a new support article that explains how many charge cycles you can expect to get out of your Pixel phone.

How Google Measures Charge Cycles

A charge cycle is one complete discharge and recharge of the battery. So, if you use your phone from 100% to 50% and then recharge it back to 100%, that counts as half a cycle. 

How Many Charge Cycles Can You Expect?

Google says that Pixel phones are designed to retain at least 80% of their initial capacity for a certain number of charge cycles. Here’s the breakdown: 

• Pixel 3 and later, including Fold: Up to 800 charge cycles
• Pixel 8a and later: Up to 1000 charge cycles

This is comparable to Apple’s iPhones, which are designed to retain 80% capacity for 500 cycles (models before iPhone 15) and 1000 cycles (iPhone 15 and later).

Tips to Maximize Your Pixel Battery Life

To get the most out of your Pixel battery, Google recommends following these tips:

• Charge your phone in a cool place using a compatible charger.
• Keep your phone cool and avoid extreme temperatures.
• Use Adaptive Charging, a feature that helps to optimize charging for your usage patterns.

  Turn off features you don’t need to reduce battery drain.

• Store your phone with at least 50% charge if you plan to store it for a long time.

By following these tips, you can help to extend the lifespan of your Pixel phone battery.