Do you have a first-generation Pixel Watch? It just got a new upgrade to improve your workouts
As part of the recent March Feature Drop, the first-generation Pixel Watch can now track your workouts, heart rate, and even teach you how to cool down.
There are a total of six new changes, according to Google. The first of these is called Pace Training. Taking advantage of the wearable’s built-in GPS and motion detection sensors, runners can use this tool to set a specific pace they want to maintain while jogging. Once you’ve connected a pair of Pixel Buds Pro, they’ll let you know if you’re starting to slow down through auditory and haptic feedback.
The second is Heart Zone Training, as mentioned earlier. This feature monitors how long your heart stays at a certain rate, whether at rest or active. It aims to help people optimize their exercises so they can get the most out of their workouts. Similar to Pace Training, the tool notifies you when you’ve jumped from ‘one heart rate zone to another’.
Never get lost again
Google also saw fit to tweak the Pixel Watch’s training user interface by increasing the font size and brightening the colors on the screen to make them easier to view. Auto-start and auto-stop are included in the patch. These two allow the wearable to automatically start a workout when it detects you performing an activity. For example, when you start jogging, the Pixel Watch immediately starts recording your run without any additional input required.
To help you cool down after an intense gym session, the new Fitbit Relax app guides you through a breathing exercise, telling you how long to inhale and when to exhale.
The latter feature isn’t directly related to exercise, but is still useful as the Pixel Watch now displays public transport directions in real time. The company says users will be able to see their different public transportation options and departure times, plus a “compass-enabled map view.” All this can be done without having to open Google Maps on your smartphone.
If this sounds familiar, it’s because the Pixel Watch 2 has had most of these features for a while now. Google is making good on previous promises of continued support for the original device. Does this mean that the first Pixel Watch is now just as good as the current model?
No. The gap between the two is certainly smaller now, but the Pixel Watch 2 is still the superior wearable. It’s better at monitoring your heart rate and blood oxygen levels, and it includes a continuous electrodermal activity sensor (cEDA) for detecting sudden stress spikes.
Keep an eye out for the update when it arrives on your Pixel Watch. Google states that the rollout of the patch will begin today.
While we’ve got you, check out Ny Breaking’s list of the best smartwatches for 2024.