The Google Pixel Watch is undoubtedly one of the best smartwatches on the market right now. Released late last year alongside the Google Pixel 7 range, the watch marks Google's first attempt at making a Pixel-branded wearable device.
Now, users are getting a great smart home upgrade thanks to a Wear OS update. It means that users can preview notifications from their smart camera or video doorbell, right on their watch. That will allow you to see at a glance who has triggered the camera, and decide if you need to take action on your phone.
To work, users will need a compatible smartwatch. Devices will need to be running Wear OS 3 or newer, with a linked Android phone running Android 9 or newer.
That opens the technology up to a whole host of users. Popular choices like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 should be more than capable of running the new feature – just make sure everything is up to date and you're good to go.
You'll also need a compatible Nest Camera or Nest Video Doorbell. Google says that those must have been launched in 2021 or later to work with the update.
It's a great upgrade. Users will be able to instantly see who has triggered a camera, without having to dig out their phone. That allows you to make a decision about whether you need to take further action or not, without having to stop what you're doing. It should make the whole smart home experience a lot more convenient.
Users will need to upgrade to Wear OS System UI 1.4 or higher to access the feature. That's expected to start rolling out in June, with availability on all devices pegged for the end of that month.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Sam is an award-winning journalist with over six years of experience across print and digital media. As T3’s Senior Staff Writer, Sam covers everything from new phones and EVs to luxury watches and fragrances. Working across a range of different social media platforms alongside his written work, Sam is a familiar face for fans of T3. When he’s not reviewing snazzy products or hunting for stellar deals, Sam enjoys football, analog photography and writing music.
-
I tried the Segway Xyber and it could be the greatest e-bike ever, except for one small thing
The Segway Xyber looks incredible and is a lot of fun to ride but there’s one thing that’s putting me off it
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
One of PlayStation's best exclusives to become unlikely new action series
Ghost of Tsushima will get a new adaptation
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Android XR to debut on all-new Apple Vision Pro rival from Samsung
Android XR will underpin future mixed reality experiences on headsets and glasses
By Chris Hall Published
-
Google's "Willow" quantum chip won't just change future computers, it could change the world
Willow smashes benchmarks at a level hard to comprehend
By Chris Hall Published
-
Pixel 9a leaks again, showing Google is heading in a new direction
Newly leaked images of a "Pixel 9a prototype" appear to confirm Google's changed design direction
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Google Maps is getting its best free update yet and it’s a game-changer
The best traffic warnings are coming to the main Maps app at last
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Google's Pixel Watch Loop Bands seem very familiar, but also refreshing
And it's compatible with older Pixel Watch models too
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
YouTube beats Spotify to the punch with a much-loved feature
What did you listen to most?
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Google set to make moving between Android phones much less painful
Buying a new Android phone? Your next migration could be a lot smoother
By Chris Hall Published
-
Apple MacBook Pro to get a major rival from an unlikely source, claims report
Could we see a resurgence of the Pixel name in the laptop world?
By Britta O'Boyle Published