Pixel Watch Emergency SOS Feature: Updates and Improvements on the Horizon

The Pixel Watch has quickly become one of the top options for smartwatch enthusiasts, boasting unmatched style alongside the reliable features and timely software updates that Google is known for. It’s a well-rounded device with tools that make daily life easier, but it’s also equipped with features you might not use often—though they could be lifesaving when you need them most.

One such feature is the Emergency SOS function, a critical part of the Pixel Watch experience. In dire situations, being able to contact emergency services or loved ones with the press of a button could make all the difference. However, some users have found that this feature can sometimes be triggered accidentally, leading to false alarms. Fortunately, Google may be working on improvements to make the feature more user-friendly and less prone to accidental activation.

How Emergency SOS Works

Currently, the Pixel Watch’s Emergency SOS feature is activated by pressing the crown five times in quick succession. Once triggered, the watch immediately contacts emergency services or a designated emergency contact, depending on your settings.

While the five-press gesture is intentional, it’s possible to activate it accidentally during daily activities, like brushing against the crown or fidgeting with your watch. For such an important feature, this can be problematic, leading to unnecessary calls to emergency services.

Potential Gesture Updates

It seems that Google has taken note of the feedback, and according to Android Authority, the company may be working on a new way to trigger the Emergency SOS feature.

The findings suggest that Google is testing an additional activation method that would require users to touch and press the Pixel Watch screen for a few seconds in combination with the crown presses. This would make Emergency SOS activation more deliberate and reduce the likelihood of accidental triggers.

Android Authority discovered references to this new feature in the code of the current Pixel Watch app, though it hasn’t been officially released yet.

Balancing Usability and Safety

While the new gesture could improve usability, it’s worth noting that every second counts during an emergency. For some users, combining the five crown presses with holding the screen for a few seconds might feel like a cumbersome process in high-stress situations.

The good news is that Google doesn’t appear to be scrapping the existing five-press method entirely. According to the code, users will have the option to choose their preferred method for activating Emergency SOS. Additionally, Google may introduce a five-second delay before emergency services are contacted, giving users time to cancel the action if it was triggered by mistake.

What’s Next?

For now, these updates remain in development, and it’s unclear when they will roll out to the public. Since the feature is still in the code-testing phase, there’s no official word on when—or if—it will become available.

In the meantime, it’s important to stay mindful of how you interact with your Pixel Watch to avoid unintentional triggers. The Emergency SOS feature is a vital tool, but until these updates arrive, double-check that it’s configured correctly and use caution to prevent unnecessary calls.

The Pixel Watch continues to be a stylish and functional companion, and with these potential improvements, its lifesaving capabilities could become even better. Keep an eye out for updates and enhancements from Google as they refine the Emergency SOS experience!