Customization is one of the best aspects of smartwatches compared to their mechanical counterparts. Google’s wearable devices are no exception, and here are some tips for getting started with the Pixel Watch 3.
Screen settings and battery life
Some people already know which wrist they like to wear accessories on, but try playing around with it pixel watch orientation Settings. Unlike mechanical watches, you can move the device around and still have it visually function. Another consideration is that not having the rotating crown facing where your hand is pointing will help reduce accidental bump/activation.
you should give always on screen A try, especially on Pixel Watch 2 and 3. The Snapdragon W5 chipset makes whole day usage perfectly possible. Try it for at least a few days as battery life improves after the first 24 hours. Turn off tilt-to-wake And Enable touch-to-wakeAs we found this AOD configuration saves battery.
On the subject of battery life, the first day is not representative at all. It will get better after a few days of use. If you’re curious, Google “Up to 24 hours with always-on display“Pixel Watch 3 specifications are”Based on the following usage,
- 240 notifications
- check 280 times
- 5 minute LTE phone call
- 45-minute LTE and GPS workout with downloaded YouTube music playback
- 50 minutes of navigation (Google Maps) when connected to the phone via Bluetooth.
- (For Pixel Watch 2 and 3) 7 hours of sleep with Bedtime Mode
- (For Pixel Watch 2 and 3) Always-on display turned on
Comment: Google updated its support article to no longer list that usage profile after September 2024.
Customize app notifications
Speaking of alerts, you can turn off Phone app notifications on a case-by-case basis from the Watch app > Notifications. This is a good way to ensure that your wrist is not clogged with vibrations and battery life is further preserved.
However, you should start by enabling all alerts and then turn it back off from there. Gmail is something you’ll probably want to disable on your wrist.
Try Watch Unlock
Even if the Pixel fingerprint scanner and face authentication work for you, set up Watch Unlock. It performs well in the background and a sound on your wrist is the main indication that it was activated. Sometimes, I’m trying on the lockscreen and not actively planning to unlock, until something catches my attention, and I think my phone is ready to use. .
Go to your Pixel phone’s Settings app > Security & Privacy > Device Unlock > Face & Fingerprint Unlock > Watch Unlock.
Pixel Watch Facets and Complications
Google has done a good job of providing high-quality watch faces out of the box. Most people will be happy sticking to the 27 defaults, which include a variety of customization options.
Before you start customizing watch faces (and tiles), make sure your Pixel watch and apps are in the Play Store all updatesSome features are not available unless you are running the latest version.
- if you like time in analogcheck out classic, dial, CalmAnd pilotSome of the hour hands are hollow so the complications can be seen more easily.
- Try stopping the seconds for a more uninterrupted analog face.
- analog arcs Offers one of the most complex slots (four spheres + four arcs), while maintaining the traditional format.
- analog bold It’s also fun, with an emphasis on big numbers.
- First digital watch you should try ActiveIntroduced with the Pixel Watch 3, it offers five circular complication slots in its minimal layout, while the Plus takes you up to nine. However, that layout works best on 45mm models.
- lyrics of ComplicationsDon’t feel obligated to fill every slot or even arrange things so they’re symmetrical.
- While Wear OS offers a Now Playing shortcut when audio is playing at the bottom of your watch face, adds a dedicated media control The complexity is worth it because it is persistent. You can use it to resume songs even if the system indicator goes out.
- If you want a one-line digital clockUse the utility’s minimal layout or large-scale linear (adds day/date).
- Everyday’s Big Layout is also a good alternative to Big Time.
- Index’s smaller line-style complications aren’t for everyone, but left handed digital watch Good (if you wear the Pixel Watch on your right wrist). This allows you to pull up your sleeves to take a quick look at the time.
- don’t sleep Concentric half dial layout Or digital bold radial With three complications.
- Use adventure Time To assist in getting glimpses whenever possible.
- support some watch faces dual color At the end of the carousel: abstract, analog, big time and track.
Wear OS apps and tiles
Notable Google app updates (and launches) in 2024 include:
When ordering tiles, take advantage of how you can swipe left and right for them. Instead of placing your most important tiles in sequential order, place the second most important tile on the opposite side of the clock. This makes navigation to the desired tiles much faster.
Another strategy is to group related tiles (like Fitbit/Health/Fitness) on one side, while grouping everything else on the other.
pixel watch bands and straps
Google’s active band A jack of all trades that can be worn all day and night. If you have experience with the Apple Watch’s sports band, Google’s is more secure due to the double tucked-in nature.
The Active Sport Band is largely similar, but I found the clasp to require more effort than expected.
Notable third-party bands include Spigen Lite Fit Made of nylon and Spigen Rugged Band For the G-Shock look, as well as Ringke’s classic leather one band,
If you have your favorite standard watch strap, the trick remains to use Google made from Or two tone leather Bands to their adapters, the metal pieces that actually attach to the watch. This is an expensive route to go down, but it will provide the highest quality experience.
Share your Pixel Watch setup in the comments below!
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