Wear OS 5.1 is arriving for Pixel Watch 2 and 3 with LTE

The Wear OS 5.1 update – initially deployed to the non-LTE Pixel Watch 3 and 2 a couple weeks ago – has now expanded to include the LTE Pixel Watch 3 and 2, as well as the original Pixel Watch. Google released the new builds for sideloading earlier on March 18th and on-device OTA updates are also now available.

Prior to this expansion, Wear OS 5.1 was exclusively available on the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Pixel Watch 2 and 3. The Android 15-based update has now been extended to the LTE models and the inaugural generation of the Pixel Watch. The specific build numbers are:

• Pixel Watch 1: BP1A.250305.019.W2
• Pixel Watch 2 & 3: BP1A.250305.019.W3

The staggered rollout of this update is a little strange for sure, but it is likely due to the intricacies of carrier certification, particularly for the LTE models. The original Pixel Watch, utilizing an older chipset, may also have contributed to the delayed release.

Wear OS 5.1 benefits

Wear OS 5.1 introduces several key enhancements. Notably, it incorporates Credential Manager support, facilitating seamless logins via passwords, passkeys, and federated identity systems such as Sign In with Google within applications. Furthermore, applications now have the capability to support media playback directly through the watch speaker.

Visually, Google has refined the user interface by transitioning the accent color from yellow to gray in select areas. A consolidated Settings > Modes menu has also been implemented for enhanced navigation. Additionally, a new developer option, Force Global AOD Experience, allows users to bypass the blurred clock display when the wrist is lowered.

Beyond the core Wear OS update, several features are being deployed through individual app updates. Among these are Loss of Pulse Detection in the US (Personal Safety) and Menstrual Tracking (Fitbit) on the Pixel Watch 3. The Pixel Watch 2 gains Auto Bedtime Mode, while all devices benefit from improved step tracking during activities such as jogging with a stroller or pushing a shopping cart. In the YouTube Music application, the podcast now playing screen has been enhanced with controls for fast forwarding, rewinding, adjusting playback speed, and managing the playback queue.

You should see the update rolling out now, and if your watch doesn’t automatically see it, you can go to Settings > System > System Updates and tap on the screen a bunch of times to initiate the update. I was able to get mine started, but the update won’t go through until I put my watch on a charger, so I’d recommend you find a power source before trying that out.

VIA: 9to5 Google