Google has introduced new one-handed gesture controls for the Pixel Watch 4 as part of its December software update, allowing users to manage calls, notifications and apps without touching the display.
The update adds two primary features: Double Pinch and Wrist Turn. Double Pinch works by tapping the index finger and thumb together twice, enabling users to answer or end calls, pause timers, snooze alarms, take photos, control music and interact with notifications. The original article noted that the update “brings a couple of practical hands-free controls that allow you to use the watch when your hands are busy.”
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The Wrist Turn gesture lets users dismiss calls or close alerting notifications by quickly rotating their wrist outward and inward. Google said the functionality mirrors gesture systems already used by competitors including Apple and Samsung.
Wear OS is also being updated with Gesture Hints, visual cues that appear over buttons or near the scroll bar to indicate when gesture-based actions are available. Users can adjust how often these prompts appear, with options from daily to a single reminder. All gesture settings can be managed via Settings > Gestures > Hand gestures.
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Google is additionally enhancing Smart Replies on the Pixel Watch 3 and 4 using a new on-device language model based on Gemma, which it says is twice as fast and nearly three times more memory-efficient than previous versions. The update also introduces a step-by-step tutorial for the Raise to Talk feature, designed to help new users activate the assistant without touching the screen.
Source: Google