Google Introduces New Charging Screen for Older Pixel Watches

Google has introduced a new charging screen for older Pixel Watches, bringing an enhanced experience for users of the original Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2. The update mirrors the charging screen design introduced with the Pixel Watch 3, offering more detailed information when the smartwatch is plugged in for charging.

Users began noticing the change when plugging in their watches, with one Reddit user sharing an image, stating, “My Charging Screen changed today on PW1. Did yours?” The new interface, while aesthetically similar to the previous version, now includes additional information on the charging screen.

The updated design removes the previous animation and introduces a yellow accent for the ring and other elements within the circle. The time is now displayed in white, providing a cleaner, more modern look. One of the key features in the Pixel Watch 3’s charging screen is the time-to-full estimate, displayed on the right. This feature calculates how long it will take for the watch to charge fully, with a loading animation indicating its progress. However, this function seems to be in the early stages for the older Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 models, as they attempt to display the estimate but currently face difficulties in calculating it accurately. It is expected that Google may address this issue in a future update.

For now, older Pixel Watch users will notice the date and day displayed prominently on the charging screen. The next timer will appear on the left-hand side, and if no timer is set, the date or month will be shown in its place. This update is available with the Wear OS 5 update, allowing users of older Pixel Watches to access the improved charging experience introduced with the latest Pixel Watch 3.

The update brings a fresh look and enhanced functionality to older devices, keeping them up-to-date with some of the latest design elements and user-friendly features.