The Pixel Watch has received a hidden display update in Wear OS 5.1, though there are reasons not to take advantage of it.
I would probably leave it off.
Google has begun the rollout of the Wear OS 5.1 update for the Google Pixel Watch 3 and its earlier models. This update comes with several improvements, including a new screen feature that allows users to force the always-on display (AOD) to stay on, although this may negatively impact battery life.
One of the most anticipated features in Wear OS 5.1 is the Heart Rate Loss Detection function, which has been available elsewhere and is now accessible for users in the U.S. The update also includes adjustments to the step counting algorithm and changes to media controls.
A more subtle change has been the option to lock the always-on display to stay on across all applications. However, caution is advised before enabling this option. Called Force Global AOD Experience, this new setting is hidden and only accessible within the developer options in the watch settings.
The always-on display feature, which has been a standout characteristic in modern smartwatches, allows users to check the watch face without having to move their wrist. While this option was already available on the Google Pixel Watch, Wear OS's support for this feature was limited. Therefore, if the always-on display was enabled in an unsupported app, only a blurred screen showing the time would appear when lowering the wrist. Currently, applications like Google Maps, Keep, and Spotify are the only ones that offer full support for this feature.
Despite this new feature providing a better visual experience by displaying apps in their full form, activating it can have severe consequences for the device's battery. Always-on displays, even the most efficient ones, tend to consume more energy daily. Thus, keeping the display on for unoptimized applications may significantly reduce the device's longevity. This feature seems more geared towards helping developers enhance the quality of their apps rather than being a recommended option for users.
In addition to the Heart Rate Loss Detection feature, Wear OS 5.1 brings other improvements, such as more accurate step counting when pushing a cart or stroller. The Auto Bedtime feature has been enhanced on the Pixel Watch 2, and the Fitbit app now includes new support for menstrual health. The update is currently being rolled out and will be available on devices in the coming weeks, depending on the carrier and model.
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