Google breathes new life into older Pixel Watches with Gemini Personalization, gesture expansions, and more

You can never go wrong with an update that improves an older device. Today, we've seen a flurry of updates roll out from Google, breathing new life into past and present devices. The same applies to Google Pixel Watches, with the Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4 getting a new update that brings clever, much-needed features to the wearables.

Google shares what's included in the update on its Pixel Watch Help page, highlighting one-hand gesture expansions, Gemini personalization, and an improvement to the raise to talk (via 9to5Google). The software will roll out globally starting today and will come in as version CP3A.260905.002 for the Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Watch 3, and version CP3A.260905.002.E1 for the Pixel Watch 2.

It just gets better and better

In addition to the above, Google squashed some bugs and made general improvements. If you're a Pixel Watch 2, 3, or 4 owner, we know that you're curious about all the changes, so we've listed them below verbatim from the Pixel Watch Help page:

• One Hand Gestures App Expansions¹

  • Double pinch to open At a Glance from watch face
  • Double pinch to open notification center from watch face
  • Double pinch to scroll through Gemini response
  • Double pinch to scroll through cards in Wallet app
  • Double pinch to scroll through your workout metrics
  • Double pinch to toggle between Google Maps views
  • Double pinch to manage Recorder app
  • Wrist turn gesture as universal back navigation

• Gemini Personalization

  • Personalization makes Gemini on Watch more helpful by learning from past conversations and connected Google apps (Gmail, Calendar, Search, YouTube, Photos) to deliver personalized responses. Users can ask queries like "What's on my calendar today?" or "Find the tracking number in my email" and receive answers tailored to their data. The feature is powered by an offline user profile and real-time online retrieval working together.

• Raise to talk improvements²

  • Updates and improvements for raise to talk.

Now, it needs to be said, but the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 aren't getting all the updates you're seeing above. Unfortunately, there are limitations to what the devices can handle.

The good news is that Gemini Personalization is coming to all older Pixel Watches, giving you access to a more useful assistant experience. Going forward, users will be able to access a connected experience, with the app pulling data from heavy hitters like Gmail, Calendar, Search, Photos, and more.

The Pixel Watch 3 and 4 will receive expanded one-hand gestures. While the Pixel Watch 4 will get raise to talk improvements. We wish that the features wouldn't be fragmented, but at least all of the watches are being supported in some fashion. The Pixel Watch 2 is slowly reaching its end of life when it comes to software updates, with October being the last month it will be supported.

If you're curious, head into your Setting menu and check for the latest update. Every device is a little different and, despite the announcement, there's a chance the update could take longer to roll out to your model. If you don't see it today, just keep checking, or better yet wait for the notification that alerts you to update.