Time-telling on smartwatches has come a long way in recent years. What was once simply displaying numbers on a screen has evolved into an immersive, sensory experience for users. This looks to be the case with Google’s Pixel Watch, as a new vibration time-telling feature has been discovered that points to an exciting advancement.
According to reporting by 9to5Google, a Reddit user recently shared that they spotted a new “Vibration” option under settings on their Pixel Watch 2. Selecting this opens up a menu that allows the watch to convey the time through subtle vibrations instead of visually.
The incredibly intuitive feature appears to work by using different vibration patterns to signify the hour and minutes. A single longer vibration indicates the hour, while a double quick vibration relays the minutes. This allows users to discreetly check the time by tapping the watch face twice with two fingers, without having to activate the screen.
Two vibration modes are apparently available: “Digits” and “Terse.” Digits seems to utilize the method described above, with a long vibe for each hour and a short vibe for individual minutes. Terse takes a more rounded approach, vibrating every 15 minutes for a less precise but quicker time check.
Users look to have some customization options as well. The viral Reddit post showed the ability to select between 5 different vibration intensities, likely allowing for personalized settings based on sensitivities and situations. Those who want a subtle buzz for occasionally checking the time in a meeting can choose a gentler vibration, while others may prefer a stronger buzz if they are on the move.
Since this intriguing feature has only been spotted by a few users so far, it appears Google is limiting its rollout for now, likely testing it privately through A/B trials. To check if Vibration is available on your Pixel Watch 2, try heading to Settings > Vibrations. But even if you see the option there, it probably won’t be functional yet.
This type of vibration time-telling would allow Pixel Watch owners to discretely check the time without lighting up the screen or making an obvious wrist gesture. It could come in handy for not disrupting meetings, events, movies, and more. The implementation seems clearly inspired by the Apple Watch’s similar “Taptic Time” capability, which uses haptic feedback vibrations to relay time information through Morse code patterns.
Google appears to be putting their own spin on the concept though, with easy to understand vibration cues rather than complex codes to decipher. If all goes well in testing, this feature seems like a prime candidate for inclusion in an upcoming Pixel Feature Drop update, possibly as soon as March 2024.
For those excited to try out vibration time-telling on their Pixel Watches, keep an eye out for updates in the coming weeks and months. This innovation highlights how smartwatches continue to evolve past just visual time displays, using other senses like touch to create an immersive, convenient user experience. Google seems keen to keep pace with advancements in the category.
It will be interesting to observe how this feature rolls out, whether it remains exclusive to the Pixel Watch 2 or also comes to the original Pixel Watch. My instinct is that Google will want to bring timely improvements like this to all their existing wearable devices, not just the latest model. However, the Pixel Watch 2 may be better optimized to take advantage of the new vibration capacities.
Regardless of which specific models support it, vibration time-telling stands to be an intriguing new feather in the cap of the Pixel Watch. As Google’s first real entry into the smartwatch space, the Pixel Watch needed to get core functions like notifications, fitness tracking, and general connectivity right first. Now that those foundational capabilities are established, focusing on enhancements like this help the watch stand out against veteran competitors.
Small touches that improve convenience and accessibility reflect Google’s user-centric hardware philosophy. Easy yet thoughtful innovations like vibration time-telling demonstrate that even traditional functions like time-telling can be reimagined on modern smart wearables. It will raise users’ expectations about what their devices can do for them.
This is an exciting time for the Pixel Watch as Google hits its stride in the smartwatch market. With Apple still dominating wearables and Samsung offering stiff competition, Google needs to leverage strengths like its software design and AI expertise. Creative features that simplify life for users are perfect embodiments of this.
Vibration time-telling represents both thoughtful design and technical aptitude. If Google provides the option across its Pixel Watch lineup soon, it will make their wearables stand out and give the company valuable feedback to build upon. Little touches can go a long way towards winning over consumers in the competitive world of smartwatches.
The Pixel Watch’s debut last year marked a major milestone for Google, signaling the company’s commitment to wearables and intention to be a real player in the space going forward. Seamless innovations like vibration time-telling demonstrate this commitment and understanding of what users want from their smartwatches.
As Google listens to user input and pushes the boundaries of its software capabilities, the Pixel Watch has the potential to evolve into one of the premier smart wearable options on the market. Vibration time-telling is only the first sign of the intuitive advancements to come. With Google’s knack for AI-driven software features, the future looks bright for the Pixel Watch as it aims to give competitors a run for their money.
