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Google has released the December 2023 update for the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2. Both cellular and Bluetooth variants of the watches are receiving this update. Along with the latest security fixes, it brings a handful of new features and functional improvements.
Google’s December 2023 update for the Pixel Watch series is here
Pixel devices are receiving a major update this month. That’s because it is time for a new Feature Drop. Google announced the big update last week and released it for the smartphone and lineups straightaway. The two Pixel watches, meanwhile, were left out of the initial rollout. The wait for the users of those wearables has finally ended.
In its official release notes, Google confirmed that the latest update is rolling out to all supported Pixel Watch models. This means the non-cellular Pixel Watch 2 is receiving its first firmware update since its release in October. The company only updated the LTE variant last month, which weirdly brought the October security patch instead of the November patch.
The latest release comes with the firmware build number TWD9.231205.001 and contains the December security fixes. Additionally, Google revealed that the first-gen Pixel Watch can now sync Do Not Disturb and Bedtime Modes from your connected Pixel smartphone and vice versa. The Pixel Watch 2 has had this feature out of the box.
Users of the second-gen model, meanwhile, have been complaining about an image retention problem lately. Google has fixed the issue with this update. The December Feature drop for the two Pixel watches also brings the Watch Unlock feature, which has been in development for almost two years now. It lets you unlock your Pixel phone when it is nearby.
The latest update for Google’s smartwatches also adds support for Call Screen, which shows transcriptions of audio calls in real-time. You can now see transcriptions on your wrist as long as you have paired the watch with a Tensor-powered Pixel phone and live in the US. Last but not least, the first-gen Pixel Watch is picking up a few new watch faces and complications with this update.
The big update is rolling out globally
The Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 have already received some of these features with Play Services or Play system updates. However, if you are still missing them, you might want to install the December update right away. Google says the update is rolling out globally, though it may take a few weeks to reach everyone. You can trigger the update by going to Settings > System > System updates and repeatedly tapping the “Your watch is up to date” screen.