Ooh, I never thought of that. I will try that once I get it working. The Pixel Watch app is calling for a system update but the watch needs to be charged up first.
Edit: that does work, thanks for the tip !
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Phones Google Pixel 8/8 Pro
- Thread starter BMox81
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Edit: that does work, thanks for the tip !
Okay, I finally figured it out, LOL.
Here's what I was doing wrong. I was doing the setup outside the Pixel Watch app, which makes sense such as pairing it to your phone, adding WiFi connection to the watch manually in the PW's setting. All of that was wrong.
The proper way is to have the phone up and running. Turn the watch on, then open the Pixel Watch app. The app will prompt you to pair the watch with the phone. Then the Pixel Watch app will prompt you to add a WiFi connection to the watch. Then the PW app will see if there are any PW firmware updates. If it does and the PW has 100% battery you will still need to connect it to the battery charger that came with the phone and connected to a power source.
If it's not connected to a power source it won't download any PW updates nor install them even with 100% battery charge. What's really annoying is that none of this was in the enclosed material with the watch. This was all trial and error for me until the the light bulb went on.
Vegastouch
macrumors 603
Got my Google case today. I do like the one I had but indie really like the Lemongrass Google case I had. Somgot another.
I was actually trying to find a Lemongrass case since I liked that color so much but, nope lol.
Here it is the Hazel
I was actually trying to find a Lemongrass case since I liked that color so much but, nope lol.
Here it is the Hazel
I had some time to play around with the Pixel watch 2 and tbh, the whole idea of smartwatches seem a tad gimmicky. If you want to check on how far you've walked for exercise, you can get that info from Google Fit on your phone. If you want to use apps like messages, Google Keep, Maps etc, why would I do that on a tiny screen? I can do that on my 6.7" Pixel screen.
Sure it tracks and tells you your heart rate but what blood pressure, which is just as important and is the heart rate tracking really accurate that you can rely on? What is convenient is getting time and weather temperature when you look at the watch. But honestly there's not that much more I find worth using this for. Maybe that will change in time if I find out more of what it can do but so far like I said the idea of a smartwatch just feels rather gimmicky and that includes the Apple Watch.
Sure it tracks and tells you your heart rate but what blood pressure, which is just as important and is the heart rate tracking really accurate that you can rely on? What is convenient is getting time and weather temperature when you look at the watch. But honestly there's not that much more I find worth using this for. Maybe that will change in time if I find out more of what it can do but so far like I said the idea of a smartwatch just feels rather gimmicky and that includes the Apple Watch.
spklse
macrumors newbie
For me a smart watch keeps me more reliable on doing things and keep me accountable. For example closing my rings etc. I also use Tradingview a lot to monitor stock prices and it's very neat to check price alerts at a glance. I find myself using my phone a lot less when using a smart watch. But it has it pros and cons. I also love to use mechanical watches. Just my opinion.
Unless you are doing sports where using the phone is either inconvenient (cycling) or you aren't even bringing the phone (jogging), or you can't bring it (swimming).
At least the AW can be used to pay just about everywhere at this point. Similarly to you with the Pixel Watch 2, the only reason I use an AW is that the cheap SE came for free with a purchase. Even if I just used it for telling the time free is still cheaper than a $20 Casio.
Bkdodger
macrumors 601
I would not be able to function without my AW ...paying for stuff without the phone is priceless..and health stats I feel are more precise...quick glances while on the go without having to use the phone
Tig Bitties
macrumors 603
tbayrgs
macrumors 604
Same. I’ve mentioned it before but the Apple Watch on its own will keep me using an iPhone. I could replace my iPhone and Mac with Android and Windows but there is no alternative to the Apple Watch that that integrates into an ecosystem or works as well in totality, especially for a power user. Nothing even close.
Ludatyk
macrumors 604
I know how awesome the Apple Watch is… heck, I bought the original Apple Watch when it launched, had the Series 4 when I transition over to the Android side.
But I’ve made the adjustment from the Apple Watch to the Galaxy Watch and haven’t missed a beat. I find there are pros and cons to each platform… similar to the dynamics of Android and iOS. That’s what’s so great about competition… if Apple Watch was the only game in time, I’ll most likely find myself back with an iPhone.
But with Google newfound foray into Wearables with WearOS… Android users are getting an alternative to the Apple Watch.
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tbayrgs
macrumors 604
There are certainly alternatives but nothing matches the full functionality offered by Apple Watch. I know because I’ve looked. It’s not even remotely close. Samsung comes the closest but still has big gaps, especially in regards to third party dev support.
I won’t derail the thread with specific details, will be happy to discuss offline with anyone.
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Technerd108
macrumors 68040
The Pixel watch 2 is a great smartwatch. Obviously Apple watch has a pretty significant lead in developing and so does Samsung. For Google's second attempt it is pretty good.
I do agree blood pressure would be really nice to have. Maybe in the next version or if a software update could add the feature maybe it will come.
One thing I like about the watch is being able to take a group photo on a stand using the watch to take the photo. Getting calls, emails and messages is nice. Temperature, heart rate and moon phase are nice to have at a glance.
Sometimes I don't have my phone with me but I pretty much always have the watch so I those moments where I get a call, message, etc on the watch when I don't have my phone are very helpful.
I was interested in a smartwatch for a while. I just didn't see spending the money on one. Then I got the Pixel watch 2 for free.
I agree the entire premise of a smartwatch is a bit gimmicky but it doesn't mean that there isn't something useful too.
I do agree blood pressure would be really nice to have. Maybe in the next version or if a software update could add the feature maybe it will come.
One thing I like about the watch is being able to take a group photo on a stand using the watch to take the photo. Getting calls, emails and messages is nice. Temperature, heart rate and moon phase are nice to have at a glance.
Sometimes I don't have my phone with me but I pretty much always have the watch so I those moments where I get a call, message, etc on the watch when I don't have my phone are very helpful.
I was interested in a smartwatch for a while. I just didn't see spending the money on one. Then I got the Pixel watch 2 for free.
I agree the entire premise of a smartwatch is a bit gimmicky but it doesn't mean that there isn't something useful too.
Tig Bitties
macrumors 603
Of course Apple doesn't want to share stuff with Android, they're afraid of losing customers LOL
www.droid-life.com
Apple Watch Almost Came to Android, But You Know Why It Didn't
This seems like a pattern emerging for reasons I'm not quite sure of, but in recent years, we learn regularly of Apple projects that might have roped in the billions of Android users across the globe, only to find out that Apple nixed the idea at the last minute. The reason for that cut is...
www.droid-life.com
Tig Bitties
macrumors 603
Google Pixel 8 Pro review: King of the Androids
A surprising paradigm shift in the world of boring slab phones.
www.androidcentral.com
Technerd108
macrumors 68040
I am sure Apple has studied the benefits to their business of both approaches and clearly they have decided one approach is more profitable than the other.Of course Apple doesn't want to share stuff with Android, they're afraid of losing customers LOL
Apple Watch Almost Came to Android, But You Know Why It Didn't
This seems like a pattern emerging for reasons I'm not quite sure of, but in recent years, we learn regularly of Apple projects that might have roped in the billions of Android users across the globe, only to find out that Apple nixed the idea at the last minute. The reason for that cut is...
I think it boils down to keeping the customers you already have which is already guaranteed or the potential of gaining a customer in the future.
They bet on locking their customer based up as tightly as possible to make it as hard as possible for their customers to leave vs consistent ingenuity in product development and opening up the platform to gain more customers.
To me the lock in approach is much more anti consumer on both sides and ultimately will backfire.
They could do this approach when people were waiting in lines overnight to buy an iPhone. Those days are gone and all they have now is a Lock on their customers.
Once enough Apple customers wake up to the fact that Apple is purposely locking them in and forcing their hand some may start to push back. They like Apple products but may choose a Pixel over an iPhone and want the Pixel to integrate similarly to the iPhone and the only reason they can't is because Apple doesn't want this.
Ultimately anti consumer business practices are self limiting and eventually fail. But in the short term it works.
Technerd108
macrumors 68040
I can confirm now after about 4 days that my battery life has been consistently better with adaptive battery turned off. I am also noticing that the phone feels cooler during use and any stuttering in scrolling has gone away.
So far I don't see any benefits to using adaptive battery and only cons. Through personal experience over the years I have found that just using Android that the OS manages performance and battery better than any software like adaptive battery or battery saver.
If other people could test this for a week it could give a better idea of this is just a fluke with my unit or if it is just better to turn adaptive battery off.
So far I don't see any benefits to using adaptive battery and only cons. Through personal experience over the years I have found that just using Android that the OS manages performance and battery better than any software like adaptive battery or battery saver.
If other people could test this for a week it could give a better idea of this is just a fluke with my unit or if it is just better to turn adaptive battery off.
Technerd108
macrumors 68040
I am going to say it.
The Pixel 8 Pro is the best phone overall of the year.
If the absolute best in performance/gaming and largest screen is more important than the s23 ultra would be best phone of the year but you have some compromises to make in terms of weight and size.
So if the S23 ultra is the best in so many key areas then why do I say that the Pixel 8 Pro is the best phone of the year?
Design. The Pixel 8 Pro is about the most comfortable large bar phone I have ever used. Everything is rounded from the corners to the sides of the phone while the screen is flat. The aluminum frame is rounded which meets the rounded blasted glass back. So no matter where or how you hold the phone it feels comfortable in the hand.
I don't think we even consider these subtle design elements but the Pixel 8 Pro is all about details. It just feels like the Pixel wants to be held. The phone feels solid but light considering it's size. The camera bar is iconic and practical. Your hand naturally rests below it and it helps hold the phone in place.
Then there is the phone itself. The screen is just very comfortable on the eyes. The auto brightness feature actually works this time. I have tried auto brightness in every phone I have ever used and it always turns the screen down too low. The Pixel 8 Pro seems to adjust really quickly and dynamically and get it right most of the time. I don't find myself turning up the brightness. And in low light I am not blinded by too bright a screen. Combine this with a flat screen and high resolution and the OLED screen is just a pleasure to use.
The speakers are improved with a much better bass response than last year. I do wish in certain instances that the max volume was higher but overall the sound quality, depth and stereo separation is much better.
The cameras on the Pixel 8 Pro are great. Video stabilization is much better than before. Quick photos look great and with the Pro model you can adjust things to your liking.
Tensor G3 is finally, I can say it, a good chip. It may not be the class leader but it is no slouch this year. Efficiency, thermal throttling, thermal output, raw performance, battery life, have all been significantly improved. While I still think Google should have included vapor chamber cooling it is a huge improvement over last year.
Pixel UI and AI.
Beyond all of the improvements to the hardware this year Android 14 and Pixel unique AI features make the Pixel unlike any other phone. I am not going to list everything but if you have a Pixel you understand all of the benefits. Pixel UI is fluid, has thoughtful animations and has better customization than ever before. If you want to experience the best, cleanest Android experience then Pixel is it.
The Pixel 8 Pro is the best phone overall of the year.
If the absolute best in performance/gaming and largest screen is more important than the s23 ultra would be best phone of the year but you have some compromises to make in terms of weight and size.
So if the S23 ultra is the best in so many key areas then why do I say that the Pixel 8 Pro is the best phone of the year?
Design. The Pixel 8 Pro is about the most comfortable large bar phone I have ever used. Everything is rounded from the corners to the sides of the phone while the screen is flat. The aluminum frame is rounded which meets the rounded blasted glass back. So no matter where or how you hold the phone it feels comfortable in the hand.
I don't think we even consider these subtle design elements but the Pixel 8 Pro is all about details. It just feels like the Pixel wants to be held. The phone feels solid but light considering it's size. The camera bar is iconic and practical. Your hand naturally rests below it and it helps hold the phone in place.
Then there is the phone itself. The screen is just very comfortable on the eyes. The auto brightness feature actually works this time. I have tried auto brightness in every phone I have ever used and it always turns the screen down too low. The Pixel 8 Pro seems to adjust really quickly and dynamically and get it right most of the time. I don't find myself turning up the brightness. And in low light I am not blinded by too bright a screen. Combine this with a flat screen and high resolution and the OLED screen is just a pleasure to use.
The speakers are improved with a much better bass response than last year. I do wish in certain instances that the max volume was higher but overall the sound quality, depth and stereo separation is much better.
The cameras on the Pixel 8 Pro are great. Video stabilization is much better than before. Quick photos look great and with the Pro model you can adjust things to your liking.
Tensor G3 is finally, I can say it, a good chip. It may not be the class leader but it is no slouch this year. Efficiency, thermal throttling, thermal output, raw performance, battery life, have all been significantly improved. While I still think Google should have included vapor chamber cooling it is a huge improvement over last year.
Pixel UI and AI.
Beyond all of the improvements to the hardware this year Android 14 and Pixel unique AI features make the Pixel unlike any other phone. I am not going to list everything but if you have a Pixel you understand all of the benefits. Pixel UI is fluid, has thoughtful animations and has better customization than ever before. If you want to experience the best, cleanest Android experience then Pixel is it.
Tig Bitties
macrumors 603
So the wood case I ordered from Amazon came in.
Wow. This feels so good in the hand, it's actually much thinner than I expected, in a good way.
The sides have little rubbery bumps for better grip, and the smooth wood back feels nice. But overall this case is very comfortable to hold, while also looking super cool. Highly recommend
Wow. This feels so good in the hand, it's actually much thinner than I expected, in a good way.
The sides have little rubbery bumps for better grip, and the smooth wood back feels nice. But overall this case is very comfortable to hold, while also looking super cool. Highly recommend
I had a momentary weakness last night and ordered an iPhone 15 Pro Max for pickup today, but when I woke up this morning I came to my senses and cancelled the order.
I have just been a little disgusted with the modem and cell reception in the Pixel 8 Pro lately. It's just not very good. The iPhone has a much better modem. I did last night turn off 5G on my Pixel, so I'll see if that makes any difference.
One thing that turned me off on the 15 PM was the overheating issues. Lots of threads I read about it. For some reason even using the camera was causing the 15 PM to overheat. crazy.
I have just been a little disgusted with the modem and cell reception in the Pixel 8 Pro lately. It's just not very good. The iPhone has a much better modem. I did last night turn off 5G on my Pixel, so I'll see if that makes any difference.
One thing that turned me off on the 15 PM was the overheating issues. Lots of threads I read about it. For some reason even using the camera was causing the 15 PM to overheat. crazy.
Bkdodger
macrumors 601
I had bad reception with my P7P but seeing this one is on par with my iPhone and previous Samsung phone ....hopefully it gets resolved for you with turning off 5G...as for the 15PM not a hint of overheating on mine ...it's cool to the touch on all my tasks ..
Aneres11
macrumors 601
No over heating on my 15 PM either.
Careful dissing the 8 Pro though - you’ll cause upset to those enjoying the device. 😂😛
Is it just the cell reception that made you look to the 15 PM? Or something else.
I’ll admit, I think the 15 PM is the best iPhone yet. I love mine.
psp123
macrumors regular
I had a Pixel 6 Pro and an iPhone 13 PM, then a Pixel 7 Pro and an iPhone 14 PM. I currently have a Pixel 8 Pro and it feels good to only have one phone. I could never decide which to use as my main device and constantly switched.
The 15 PM seems nice and it's very tempting 😅
The 15 PM seems nice and it's very tempting 😅
Aneres11
macrumors 601
psp123
macrumors regular
Aneres11
macrumors 601
Yep. So one goes in the draw and the other is in my hand 😂. There's no way I can keep both of these devices. It's overkill for me.
As it stands, I'm favoring the 15 PM so it's likely I'll stick with that this year.
I normally always go Pixel over iPhone, but this year the 15 PM is just better (for ME).
Dolby Atmos, CarPlay (Android auto isn't available in a Mini), and a more reliable camera (at the moment, updates may fix the pixel cam) are the biggest reasons.
I wish I could keep two devices, and WhatsApp allowing linked devices now makes it absolutely viable, but I do not need two phones. 😊