Wear OS has been around in varying forms since March 2014, but there has never been a Google-made wearable using the operating system. Wear OS has evolved, and new features have been introduced. The latest version is Wear OS 4. Google introduced its first Wear OS-powered watch in October 2022, the Google Pixel Watch, which was powered by Wear OS 3.5.

Last year, Google took the wraps off the Google Pixel Watch 2, one of the best Android smartwatches with several compelling features. In this guide, we look at some of the best features on your new Pixel Watch that will benefit you as an Android user.

1 Use Google Assistant on your Pixel Watch

Google Assistant is one of the best virtual assistants available. With the Google Pixel Watch, Google Assistant is with you everywhere, right on your wrist. Google Assistant is helpful on your speakers at home or on your phone, but having it on your wrist is convenient.

You no longer have to take your phone out of your pocket or go somewhere where your speaker can hear you. You can activate Google Assistant on your Google Pixel Watch by long pressing the second button on the side of your watch and summoning advanced commands.

Google Assistant helps you with everyday tasks. Whether you want it to answer a question, send a text message, or turn on a smart light, it can do that. Having the capable Google Assistant on your wrist lets you keep your phone in your pocket more often and still accomplish much of what you need.

2 Leave your phone in your pocket and use tap-to-pay on your watch

Our ways of payment have eased, and we don't have to carry cash when we go out. Many payments are made without a physical credit card or cash. Since people have phones on them most of the time, tap-to-pay has become commonplace. Whether you purchase groceries or a new microwave for your home, tap your phone or smartwatch to make the payment.

Google Wallet on a Google Pixel Watch
Source: Google

After setting up Google Wallet on your Google Pixel Watch, you can tap your watch to make a payment. No more running back to your car when you forget your phone or wallet. Use your smartwatch on your wrist.

3 Set up Fitbit to keep track of your health and fitness goals

After it acquired Fitbit in January 2021, Google integrated Fitbit services into its first wearable. Having a Fitbit as an integral part of the Pixel Watch means fitness and well-being data is always available to you. The heart rate sensor and machine learning-based algorithm make for accurate heart rate readings. These readings provide other metrics, such as active zone minutes, sleep tracking, and workout tracking.

The Pixel Watch includes an ECG app, so you can check your heartbeat for AFib when you want. The Sleep Tracking features allow you to see a sleep score every morning. It shows how well you sleep and if you need to improve. There's also a breakdown of your sleep stages with information about long-term sleep trends.

When working out, choose from the more than 40 preset workouts. When you wake up, a readiness score lets you know how much your body can take. Fitbit's integration adds great features for everyone to make sure you're ready to live your best life.

4 Update your Pixel Watch to Wear OS 4

Wear OS 3.0 was a leap for Wear OS, which had only been available on Samsung and luxury watches. With the release of the Pixel Watch, there's another watch to experience Wear OS on, with a little Google-specific magic in the 3.5 update. While the Wear OS 3.5 added new features with Google's take on them, the Pixel Watch bagged the Wear OS 4 update in October 2023.

A collection of Google Pixel Watch faces
Source: Google

The new Wear OS 4 improves watch performance. It also adds new features, such as the ability to transfer your watch to another device without resetting it, enhanced notifications, improved accessibility features, and more. The Google Calendar app is preinstalled, along with multiple safety features.

If you have issues with your Google Pixel Watch, check our guide that lists common problems and solutions for the Pixel Watch.

5 Use Google Maps on your watch to get you where you need to go

Getting directions is important, but holding your phone in front of you to see where you're going is tedious and distracting. The Google Pixel Watch gives you navigation from your wrist.

Whether cycling, driving, or walking, you can see turn-by-turn directions on your watch without taking out your phone. You can initiate directions from the app or by using Google Assistant. You can also scroll around the map to see what's near you.

6 Use your Pixel Watch to control your smart home

Google is creating a large smart home ecosystem. They have thermostats, cameras, doorbells, and more that can be controlled with the Google Home app or Google Assistant. Their smart home ecosystem is also compatible with several third-party products, such as smart bulbs and smart locks. The Google Pixel Watch lets you control all these devices on your wrist.

Whether you want to dim a smart light or change your thermostat's temperature, the Google Pixel Watch makes it easy. Use Google Assistant or the onboard Google Home app and tiles to control your smart home. The watch negates the need for a smart speaker or your phone. Use what's on your wrist.

All you need with the flick of your wrist

While we talk about the Google Pixel Watch, you can get your hands on the Google Pixel Watch 2. Our guide explains the best features you can use on your Pixel Watch 2. With the Pixel Watch, you can do many essential actions without taking your phone out of your pocket or talking to a smart speaker.