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A Pixel Watch can control more than watch functions, but what it can do depends on the watch model, Wear OS version, app setup and the device. Google documents four useful cases: compatible smart-home devices, a supported TV remote, Nest cameras and doorbells on specified models, and limited controls in the phone’s Camera app using a watch gesture.
Check the requirements before you try a control
Google Home for Wear OS controls devices already configured in the Google Home app on your phone. Google’s general requirements are a Google Account, a watch running Wear OS 3 or newer, Android 9 or newer on a phone using Wi-Fi or LTE, and the latest Google Home apps on both devices. Some features available in the phone app are not available on the watch, and a device must support the particular control you want to use. Google’s Google Home for Wear OS instructions detail the requirements and available controls.
1. Smart-home devices: lights, locks, thermostats and vacuums
With compatible devices already added to Google Home, the watch can offer quick actions such as turning a device on or off, locking or unlocking a supported lock, and running an automation. Depending on the device, you may also be able to adjust light settings, set a thermostat’s temperature or mode, change fan speed, or control a supported smart-vacuum dock. Google lists some appliance-specific controls as well.
On the watch, start with Favorites or browse devices by room in Google Home. The phone app’s full set of controls is not mirrored on Wear OS, so what appears depends on the device and its supported functions.
#1 Best Overall
- The new Google Pixel Watch 5 offers a smarter way to a healthier you.[1,2]; Designed for Gemini Intelligence, get proactive help, and personalized insights from Google Health[3,4]; watch is compatible with Android devices only; not compatible with iOS devices
- Precision-crafted to do it all: The Google Pixel Watch 5 features the domed Actua 360 display with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass and up to 40 hours of battery life[1,5]
- Metrics that matter: Advanced sensors help you stay ahead of your health and wellness; and Google Pixel’s most accurate heart rate tracking is fine-tuned for your activity[6,7]
- Understand your sleep like never before: Your watch captures insights like the time spent in sleep stages to breathing regularity, then summarizes it all in a personalized Sleep Score[8,9]
- Detects loss of pulse, then calls for help: Pixel Watch 5 is the only smartwatch to feature Loss of Pulse Detection, which can prompt a call to emergency services[10]
2. A compatible TV: power, playback, volume and navigation
Google documents its TV remote tile for Pixel Watch 3. It requires a TV compatible with Google Home, the TV set up in the Google Home app, and the TV selected during tile setup. The tile can turn the TV on, control volume, play or pause media, stop playback, move through playback, skip to the previous or next item, and navigate with a virtual D-pad. One tile controls one selected TV. Google’s TV remote instructions cover setup and troubleshooting.
- On the watch, open the Tile Library and add the TV remote tile.
- Choose the relevant home if prompted, then select the TV that is already set up in Google Home.
If the remote does not respond, Google recommends updating the apps, checking the watch’s remote-button volume setup, and restarting both the watch and phone.
Rank #2
- The new Google Pixel Watch 5 offers a smarter way to a healthier you.[1,2]; Designed for Gemini Intelligence, get proactive help, and personalized insights from Google Health[3,4]; watch is compatible with Android devices only; not compatible with iOS devices
- Precision-crafted to do it all: The Google Pixel Watch 5 features the domed Actua 360 display with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass and up to 40 hours of battery life[1,5]
- Metrics that matter: Advanced sensors help you stay ahead of your health and wellness; and Google Pixel’s most accurate heart rate tracking is fine-tuned for your activity[6,7]
- Understand your sleep like never before: Your watch captures insights like the time spent in sleep stages to breathing regularity, then summarizes it all in a personalized Sleep Score[8,9]
- Detects loss of pulse, then calls for help: Pixel Watch 5 is the only smartwatch to feature Loss of Pulse Detection, which can prompt a call to emergency services[10]
3. Nest cameras and doorbells: live view, alerts and talk
Google lists Nest camera and doorbell controls for Pixel Watch 3, 4 and 5. After setting up the camera or doorbell in Google Home and installing the latest Home app on both phone and watch, you can open a live feed, receive camera or doorbell alerts, use two-way talk, and send quick responses. Image-preview alerts are listed for Nest cameras and doorbells launched in 2021 or later; watch notifications must be enabled. Google’s camera and doorbell instructions explain the supported features.
To view a camera, open Home on the watch, choose the camera tile and select a camera. Double-tap to zoom; drag the image to pan when zoomed. Two-way talk is available from the live-view menu.
Rank #3
- The Google Pixel Watch 4 is a stunning display of precision craftsmanship, with Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, Google’s longest-lasting battery, and comprehensive tools for next-level health and fitness performance[1,2,3,4]
- See it all and do the most with the Actua 360 domed display; it’s 10% larger and 50% brighter than Pixel Watch 3, and as durable as ever with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass[1]
- The Google Pixel Watch 4 has Gemini built in[4]; just ask questions and your ultra capable AI assistant will deliver quick responses for personalized help; and stay connected when you’re texting with AI-powered quick replies that are hyper-relevant[5,6]
- Get up to 30 hours of battery life or up to 48 hours in Battery Saver mode[3]; plus, the new side charging dock gives you 15 hours of battery in 15 minutes or less[7]
- Train smarter with 40+ exercise modes and real-time stats on your wrist[8]; and with high-precision dual-frequency GPS, you get more accurate route tracking on runs and hikes[1]
4. The phone’s Camera app: take a photo or control video with a gesture
On Pixel Watch 3 and 4 running Wear OS 6.1 or later, a double-pinch gesture can take a photo or start or stop video recording in the Camera app. The gesture can also play or pause media. This is a specific Camera app action, not a universal shutter control for every phone or camera app. Google’s hand-gesture instructions list the supported actions and models.
Which control should you try?
- For lights, locks, thermostats or automations: start in Google Home and check that the device is configured there and the desired control is supported.
- For TV navigation and playback: use the TV remote tile if you have a Pixel Watch 3 and a TV set up in Google Home.
- For a camera feed or doorbell response: check the supported Pixel Watch models, Home app setup and notification settings.
- For a photo or video action: check for Pixel Watch 3 or 4 with Wear OS 6.1 or later and use the Camera app.
Optional: use Google Assistant for compatible smart-home controls
Google Assistant can also control compatible smart-home devices by voice, including lights and thermostats. Activate it by holding the side button or using the hotword. Use requires a phone connection or, for standalone use, LTE or internet access. Google’s Assistant instructions for Pixel Watch include voice-control examples and connectivity details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit[1,2]; the 45mm screen is twice as bright and 40% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info[1]
- Maximize your performance with advanced running features; build custom run workouts and get real-time guidance and advanced form tracking[3]
- Enhance your run routine with Fitbit Premium; Google AI uses your goals, past runs, and readiness to power personalized run recommendations[3]
- Know what your body is ready for each day with readiness; it uses sleep, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability to show if you’re ready to take on a workout or prioritize recovery[3]
- Cardio load measures how hard your heart works so you can see how hard you’ve pushed; compare trends to see if you’re under- or over-training[3]
Rank #4
- Google Pixel Watch has a beautiful circular, domed design and new experience with Wear OS by Google, so it’s easy to get help at a glance
- Stay on top of activity, calories burned, and more with Fitbit activity tracking
- Track your heart rate and get insight into your sleep
- Save time with things like Google Wallet for contactless payments, turn-by-turn directions using Maps, and event notifications from Calendar
- Stay connected and productive wherever you go; respond to messages, manage your inbox, and make calls right from your wrist
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