New Delhi: Google has started rolling out its latest software update for its Pixel Watch models, which brings new one-handed gestures for scrolling through notifications, sending replies, controlling music playback, call handling and more on the Pixel Watch 4. Along with these gesture improvements, Google is also unveiling a more capable on-device Gemma-based AI model to power Smart Replies on the Watch 4, while expanding the feature to the Pixel Watch 3 as well. The update, based on Wear OS 6.1, is arriving as part of the December 2025 rollout and will be available in phases depending on the device and regions.
Google is also expanding its gesture-based controls on the Pixel Watch 4 with the two new one-handed gestures, Double Pinch and Wrist turn. These gestures are especially designed to let the users interact with the watch without touching the display. With the Double pinch tapping in the index finger and thumb together twice, users can scroll through notifications, dismiss alerts, snooze alarms, manage timers and stopwatches, pause or resume music, send the first suggested Smart Reply, and trigger actions such as the tasking photo. Google has also confirmed that support for answering and ending phone calls using the same gesture is coming soon.
The company has also added that on-screen hints will appear when the Double pinch is available, making it easier for users to learn when and where the gesture can be used. The Wrist turn gesture allows users to quickly silence an incoming call or dismiss a notification by turning the wrist away and back. Both gestures are enabled by default once the update is installed. Google is also adding an on-watch Raise to Talk tutorial on the Pixel Watch 4, by offering guided instructions to help users learn and get comfortable with the gesture-based interactions.
Google also stated it is upgrading the Pixel Watch’s Smart Replies features, which will automatically suggest contextual responses in Google Messages with the latest Gemma-based AI model. According to the company, this newest model is around twice as fast as the previous generation and nearly three times more memory efficient. Smart Replies are also being expanded to Pixel Watch 3 models.
