The first Pixel Watch is now receiving Wear OS 4 updates

The moment has arrived as Google is rolling out the latest Wear OS 4 update for owners of the original Pixel Watch, just after the Pixel Watch 2 hit the stores. Google states that the update begins its rollout today to the Pixel Watch and will continue to roll out “over the next few weeks,” contingent on your carrier and device.

The global build for Wear OS 4 on the Pixel Watch (TWD4.2301005.002) incorporates the October 2023 security patch. It also encompasses all the features Google has emphasized as part of the Wear OS 4 update. This includes the capability to back up and restore your Pixel Watch 2, facilitate the transfer to another phone without needing a factory reset, introduces new accessibility features, enhances notifications, and introduces new safety features.

Furthermore, the update will preinstall the Google Calendar app on the Pixel Watch, although Google does not mention the Gmail app’s status, which is also now available.

Here is the complete changelog, as provided by Google:

1. Watch transfer: When upgrading your Pixel phone, you can easily transfer your Pixel Watch to your new phone without the need for a factory reset. This ensures that your devices are synchronized and ready for use.
2. Backup and restore: This feature allows you to securely back up your data and settings from your old Pixel Watch, making it easy to switch to a new Pixel Watch while retaining all your data, settings, and watch faces.
3. Google Calendar app: With this update, the new Google Calendar app will be preinstalled on your Pixel Watch. This app offers event and task notifications, a 30-day schedule view, easy navigation to event locations directly from your wrist, and task completion tracking. It also provides multiple ways to access your calendar, such as through a tile or complication.
4. Safety Features: The Wear OS 4 upgrade offers access to advanced safety features, including Safety Check, Emergency Sharing, and Emergency Info. You can easily access essential medical information on your wrist or send it to participating emergency services in emergencies. Safety Check and Emergency Sharing provide peace of mind in various situations where safety is a concern.
5. Accessibility & customization: Improved customization options include a new text-to-speech engine for a faster and more reliable TalkBack experience on your watch. It also introduces bold text, enhanced magnification, and audio balance adjustment for right and left audio channels.
6. Enhanced notifications: Notifications now feature smart link recognition for phone numbers and addresses, enabling you to call, message, or get directions with a single tap. Embedded media previews allow you to quickly view images and GIFs within the notification shade, providing more information upfront for faster action.