Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Mobile
  3. News

Latest Pixel Watch update saves those stuck on older software

By
Someone wearing the Google Pixel Watch 3, showing the app drawer.
Joe Maring / Digital Trends

If you own a Google Pixel Watch, we have exciting news! According to Android Authority, a new software update has been released for all Pixel Watch models, addressing two key issues.

This update fixes a critical bug originating from the March software update, affecting step tracking accuracy. It also enables all Pixel Watch owners to upgrade to Wear OS 5.1; some users have been unable to receive a software update since November.

Recommended Videos

The new software version, BP1A.250305.019.W8, is now being rolled out to Pixel Watch 1, 2, and 3 globally. As the release notes explain:

Related

“All Pixel Watch devices will receive updates starting today to address occurrences of some issues listed below. The rollout will continue over the next few weeks in phases depending on carrier and device type. Users will receive a notification on their Watch once the software update becomes available for their device.”

The previous software update included a “step count algorithm enhancement” that caused some watches to report unusually high step counts in specific scenarios. To resolve this issue, Google states that the algorithm has now been reverted to its original, more reliable version.

This isn’t the first time Google has had to resolve software issues for its Pixel Watches. A similar problem happened last September that required a bug fix. Last month, some Pixel Watch users had a problem with delayed notifications.

The Pixel Watch 4 is expected to launch later this year. This new wearable is rumored to be Google’s most advanced yet, potentially debuting alongside the Pixel 10 series this summer. Industry insiders indicate it may feature a completely redesigned circular chassis with a slimmer profile compared to earlier models, addressing one of the main criticisms of previous versions. The display is anticipated to utilize next-generation LTPO OLED technology for improved battery efficiency while maintaining always-on capabilities. Battery life could see a significant boost through both hardware optimizations and more efficient Wear OS software.

Processing power is expected to increase with a new custom Tensor wearable chip co-developed with Samsung, potentially providing enhanced AI capabilities on-device.

Topics
Bryan M. Wolfe
Bryan M. Wolfe
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer. He writes about mobile.

Editors’ Recommendations

Google Pixel Watch now gives you scam protection right on your wrist
A person sitting down and wearing the Google Pixel Watch 2.

The Google Pixel Watch 2 and 3 are already among the best smartwatches, but now, Google decked them out with another handy feature. Google is adding Scam Detection to its watches, enhancing security without making you pull your phone out of your pocket.

We all deal with scam calls on a regular basis, and Google's Scam Detection is just one way tech companies try to combat the nuisance (and safety hazard) of these calls. This tool listens to calls and uses AI to detect conversation patterns that scammers have been known to use. If something sounds shady, Scam Detection will send you a notification accompanied by a sound and vibration.

Read more
Latest watchOS 11.4 update will make it easier for you to get out of bed
The Ray-Ban Meta smartglasses, Apple Watch Series 10, and Oura Ring 4 on a table.

Every fall, Apple drops a number of major software updates for its devices, with last year seeing the arrival of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11 and macOS 15 Sequoia. We then get smaller updates to these software builds as the months progress with some of those introducing big features that maybe weren't ready when the main software dropped, while others are merely bug fixes.

This week saw the release of iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 but while watchOS would usually have dropped at the same time – in this case watchOS 11.4 - it was notably missing. Still, there's good news in that it is here now, and with it come a couple of new features one of which is especially good for those of you who need an extra kick to get out of bed in the morning. 

Read more
Five reasons I’m excited for the new Google Pixel 9a
Person holds Pixel 9a in hand while sitting in a car.

Google has consistently ranked among the best smartphones for its affordable devices over the past six years, particularly with its Pixel A series. The Pixel 3a set the trend for major phone manufacturers to provide a compelling experience at half the price of flagship models, intensifying competition in this segment.

In the last three months, we’ve seen Samsung introduce the Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36, which deliver features from the Galaxy S25 series at a significantly lower price point. Then there’s Apple, which entered the market with the iPhone 16e, priced considerably higher than its rivals. Additionally, Nothing offers the Nothing Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro, arguably the best phones available at $379 and $459, respectively.

Read more