Google’s Pixel watches are rolling out an improved always-on display.
Tech site 9to5Google spotted that with Wear OS 6, the Pixel Watch has added always-on capabilities for media controls (such as controlling your music) as well as the timer app. Previously, these sorts of tools would blur after a certain amount of time. Now, they remain on the screen, with the display having been slightly changed from its previous iteration.
Mashable Light Speed
That could mark a major improvement for people who use their watch to, say, time a workout or track what they’re cooking. Mashable named the Google Pixel Watch 4 the best Android smartwatch of 2025 — so it’s an improvement on an already good product. Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth wrote it was “elegant enough to wear to the office, but comfortable and smart enough to monitor workouts.” Senior reporter Christianna Silva, meanwhile, wrote in their review that the “Pixel Watch 4 is a true runners’ watch, and it’s gorgeous too.”
So now, if you’re a serious runner doing sprints on a track, you won’t need to fiddle with the display to check your times. That’s a small change that could have a big impact.
Pixel Watch Updates Its Always On Display for Media Controls and Timers
Overview of the Latest Pixel Watch Always-On Display Update
The Google Pixel Watch has been a standout in the smartwatch market, known for its seamless integration with the Google ecosystem and premium design. In 2024, the Pixel Watch received an important software update that significantly upgrades its always-on display (AOD). This update focuses on enhancing user interaction with media controls and timers without needing to wake the watch fully, improving convenience and battery efficiency.
What’s New in the Pixel Watch Always-On display?
The always-on display on smartwatches lets users glance at essential info while conserving battery life. Google’s new update for pixel Watch builds on this feature by enabling interactive elements like media playback controls and timer management directly on the AOD.
Key Features of the AOD update
- Media controls on Always-On Display: Start, pause, or skip songs without illuminating the full screen.
- Timer monitoring & Control: View countdowns and stop or reset timers instantly.
- improved Responsiveness: Fluid and fast touch responses optimized for low-power mode.
- Seamless Integration: Works smoothly with popular media apps like YouTube Music, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
- battery Optimization: Minimal impact on battery while offering new interactive capabilities.
Benefits of the Updated Always-On Display
This update delivers practical advantages that improve daily smartwatch use, whether you’re exercising, cooking, or working:
- Convenience: Control music or manage timers with a rapid tap, avoiding the hassle of waking the device fully.
- Battery Life Preservation: Interacting via AOD reduces the frequency of full screen activations, thus saving power.
- Enhanced Productivity: Keeps essential controls accessible at all times, boosting efficiency during workouts, cooking sessions, or meetings.
- Better User Experience: The sleek user interface on AOD ensures a consistent and intuitive experience.
How to Use media Controls on the Pixel Watch Always-On Display
Interacting with media playback is streamlined in the new update. here’s a simple guide to take advantage of the media controls directly on your watch’s always-on display:
- Start Playing Media: Begin playback on a supported app like Spotify or YouTube Music from your phone or the watch itself.
- Activate Always-On Display: With the AOD active, the media controls should auto-appear when music is playing.
- Use Controls: Tap the play/pause button to control playback, or swipe to skip tracks without turning on the full screen.
- Exit Controls: The display returns to its minimal AOD state after a few seconds of no interaction.
Supported Media Apps
| Music & Podcast Apps | Functionality on AOD |
|---|---|
| YouTube Music | Play, pause, skip, seek |
| Spotify | Play, pause, skip |
| Google Podcasts | Play, pause |
| Other Bluetooth Audio | Basic play/pause controls |
using Timers with the Always-On Display
Timers are an essential tool, especially during workouts, cooking, or focused work sessions. The pixel Watch’s updated always-on display now lets you stay on top of your timers efficiently.
How Timer Controls Work on AOD
- Once a timer is running,glance at your watch to see the countdown even in low-power always-on mode.
- Touch interaction allows you to pause, stop, or reset the timer quickly from the always-on display.
- Multiple timers can be viewed sequentially using swipe gestures on the AOD screen.
Timer Use scenarios Optimized by the Update
| Scenario | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Cooking | Quickly pause or reset timers without smudging the screen with wet hands. |
| Exercise | Monitor interval timers with a glance during workouts without full screen activation. |
| Work/Focus Sessions | Easily track Pomodoro or task timers for improved productivity. |
Practical Tips to Maximize the Pixel Watch Always-On Display Update
- Enable Always-on Display: Head to settings > Display > Always-on screen, and ensure it’s activated for optimum use.
- Customize Media Apps: Set your favorite streaming apps as default to get fast access on AOD.
- Use Gesture Controls: Get familiar with swiping and tapping gestures on the always-on display for smoother controls.
- Update Regularly: Keep your Pixel Watch firmware updated to enjoy ongoing improvements and fixes.
First-Hand Experience: What Users Are Saying
Early adopters of the Pixel Watch’s always-on display update have praised several aspects:
- “The instant ability to pause my music on AOD without lifting my wrist is a game changer during workouts.” – Fitness enthusiasts
- “Managing kitchen timers without fully waking the watch keeps me from constantly touching greasy screens.” – Home cooks
- “Battery life feels more efficient as I’m not waking the screen just to check music or timers.” – Everyday users
Comparing Pixel Watch’s Always-on Display Updates
Compared with other smartwatches in its class, the Pixel Watch’s recent update stands out in interactive always-on display features:
| Smartwatch | Always-on Display Media Controls | Always-on Display Timer Controls | Battery Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel Watch | Yes, interactive and responsive | Yes, multiple timers | Minimal due to optimization |
| Apple Watch Series 9 | Limited on AOD (mostly glance only) | Glance-only timer display | Moderate |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 | Basic tap controls | Basic timer notifications | Moderate to high |
Future Outlook: Pixel Watch Software Enhancements
Google’s commitment to refining the Pixel Watch experience suggests that future updates may include even more interactive always-on display elements, such as fitness stats, notifications, and custom widgets accessible without waking the screen.
Stay tuned to official Pixel Watch update channels and regularly update your device to explore all new features as they arrive.
