Pixel Watch app update: UI tweaks, DND & Bedtime Mode mirroring now available for the latest model

What you should know

– The Google Pixel Watch app has received a new update with a fresh Material design.
– The update adds support for “Do Not Disturb” and “Bedtime Mode” syncing between the phone and watch, but only for the new Pixel Watch 2.
– The update readies both the original Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 for the upcoming Wear OS 4 release.
– The new design focuses on simplicity and modernity, with side-by-side watch faces and tiles, bolder colors, and rounded shapes.

Full Story

Google has released a new update for the Pixel Watch app on the Play Store, introducing a fresh Material design. The update not only brings aesthetic changes but also includes features to prepare the watch for the upcoming Wear OS 4 release. One notable addition is the support for syncing “Do Not Disturb” and “Bedtime Mode” between your phone and watch, but this feature is only available for users of the new Pixel Watch 2.

The update, known as version 2.0.0.567628986, is gradually rolling out over the next few weeks for both the original Pixel Watch and the new Pixel Watch 2. This version aims to optimize both smartwatches for the upcoming Wear OS 4. The new design focuses on simplicity and modernity, with side-by-side watch faces and tiles for easier customization. The toggles now display a more vibrant Material look with bolder colors and rounded shapes while maintaining the app’s core functionality.

One highly requested feature that has finally been included in this update is the mirroring of Do Not Disturb (DND) and Bedtime Mode status from your phone to your Pixel Watch. If you enable DND or Bedtime Mode on your phone, the Pixel Watch will automatically adjust accordingly. Unfortunately, this feature is exclusive to the Pixel Watch 2, leaving original Pixel Watch users disappointed.

The changelog for the update includes support for Pixel Watch 2 and Wear OS 4 features, such as the ability to back up and restore your watch and transfer it to a new phone without a factory reset. The Pixel Watch app experience has also been redesigned, and new settings and education materials have been added under the “Safety & Emergency” section.

It is unclear why Google has made DND and Bedtime Mode mirroring an exclusive feature for Pixel Watch 2. It is possible that this exclusivity will eventually be extended to other devices or Google One subscribers. However, original Pixel Watch users have long been frustrated by the lack of this feature and are hopeful that it will be included in future updates, especially when they receive the Wear OS 4 update. This could potentially address some of the original Pixel Watch’s drawbacks, such as its short battery life, through software improvements.