Google is not set to introduce new smartwatches for a while yet. To recap, the company presented the Pixel Watch 3 (curr. $299 on Amazon) simultaneously in two sizes last summer alongside the Pixel 9 series. Nonetheless, the company revealed Wear OS 6 last month during its annual I/O conference.
Now, 9to5Google claims to have discovered a new Wear OS 6 feature that Google did not outline last month. Citing recent code changes, the website has shared a screenshot showing the option to lock your smartphone when it disconnects from your Pixel Watch. In other words, the feature will complement Google's existing Watch Unlock functionality, where you can unlock your smartphone with a paired smartwatch when in range of each other.
Meanwhile, Android Authority reports that the Wear OS 6 Developer Preview has added support for 'Water Lock'. As it stands, the code strings do not elaborate on what this feature does. Regardless, both Android Authority and 9to5Google believe that Water Lock will match equivalent features in One UI Watch and Apple watchOS that disable the touchscreen upon sensing excess water and then eject water by emitting a tone from any built-in speakers.
Currently, Google is anticipated to unveil Pixel 10 models on August 20 with the return of Adaptive EQ, among other features. Thus, we may see Pixel Watch 4 models debut the same day before shipping towards the end of August. Reportedly, the Pixel Watch 4 will be over 16% thicker than Google's current smartwatches with support for inductive charging too. Full details about the Pixel Watch 4 series remain unknown for now, though.
Source(s)
Android Authority & via 9to5Google, Triyansh Gill & Unsplash - Image credits