Android Authority's Paul Jones argues that despite the $350 Moto Watch Ultra's strong feature set—LTE eSIM, Wear OS 6, a 1.5-inch pOLED screen and Polar health tracking—its weaker processor and limited two-generation OS upgrade path make it a risky buy. Instead, he recommends five alternatives including the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025), Google Pixel Watch 4, Samsung Galaxy Watch 9, Garmin Venu 4 and Amazfit Balance 2. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025, now around $330 on Amazon, is highlighted as the top pick for Samsung phone owners thanks to its rugged sapphire-glass build, 64GB storage, multi-day battery and four years of promised software updates.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-19
A new wave of screenless wearable devices is gaining popularity as alternatives to mainstream smartwatches like the Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch, and Pixel Watch. These minimalist gadgets focus on health tracking without a display, appealing to users who want fitness and biometric data without the distractions of a screen.
gizmodo.com
· 2026-09-18
Retailers are discounting the Pixel Watch 5 LTE model by roughly 20%, or about $100 off, just weeks after its launch. The smartwatch includes heart-rate tracking, over 50 workout modes, cellular connectivity, and fast charging.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-16
Google is rolling out its Smart Wake alarm function, first introduced on the Pixel Watch 5, to earlier generations of its smartwatch lineup. The feature uses sleep-tracking data to adjust when an alarm sounds, aiming to wake users during lighter sleep phases rather than at a fixed time.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-16
Google rolled out its latest Pixel Feature Drop, adding expanded home-screen widgets and notification badges for quickly reaching VIP contacts on Pixel 6 and newer. The update also broadens Scam Detection across chat apps and Gboard in ten countries, brings a Wear OS 7 update with offline Gemini and improved GPS to Pixel Watch 5, and introduces Harry Potter-themed customization packs with free Audible access.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-15
The 41mm LTE version of Google's Pixel Watch 4 is now selling for $329.99, a $120 discount from its usual price and the lowest price recorded since launch. The smartwatch runs Wear OS with Fitbit health tracking and supports cellular connectivity for calls without a paired phone nearby.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-14
Apple published a detailed study comparing the heart rate sensing of its new Health Sensing System in Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 against rivals like Garmin, Google Pixel Watch, Huawei, Samsung, WHOOP, and Oura Ring. The test involved over 1,400 participants across five sites in the US and Malaysia, using a Polar H10 chest strap as the accuracy benchmark during activities like running, cycling, HIIT, and daily tasks.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-09-11
Google has released the first software update for the Pixel Watch 5, moving the firmware from CD5A.260611.008 to CP3A.260905.002 while keeping the device on Wear OS 7 based on Android 17. The rollout includes September security fixes, but the accompanying changelog largely restates Gemini and gesture features that already shipped at launch rather than introducing new capabilities.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-04
Multiple Wear OS users across Pixel Watch, Galaxy Watch, and OnePlus Watch devices say Gemini claims to complete smart home commands—like adjusting lights, AC, or vacuums—without actually executing them. The issue surfaced around the same time Google expanded Gemini for Home's voice command capabilities on phones and speakers, where the assistant continues to work normally. Google has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded publicly.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-04
An Android Authority writer who has tested watches from Garmin, Apple, Samsung, OnePlus and Withings says the Pixel Watch 5 impressed him with its bright Actua 360 display, accurate dual-frequency GPS and improved health tracking, but he still won't buy one. He lists five changes Google needs to make, starting with the watch's bulky 12.3mm case and dated 'water droplet' design.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-04
Google has begun selling the Stephen Curry edition of its Pixel Watch 5, weeks after the standard models debuted on August 20. The bundle pairs a 45mm Satin Pyrite case with an exclusive Rye-colored Performance Loop band that has a water-repellent coating and Curry/#LockIn branding, priced at $579.99 on the Google Store and Amazon.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-04
Google is rolling out version 1.0.0.94 of its Pixel Weather app for Wear OS, adding three new watch face complications: Air quality index, Pollen, and Precipitation. These join the existing Sunrise/sunset, UV Index, and Weather complications available to Pixel Watch owners. Users can add them through the Pixel Watch companion app or by long-pressing the watch face directly.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-03
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