The Google Pixel Watch has had this Watch Unlock feature for a while now, which allows you to, well, unlock your phone without a PIN, fingerprint, or your face. This little feature works with all the models, including the original Pixel Watch, Pixel Watch 2, Watch 3, and Watch 4. Now, folks at Android Authority have learned that Google is planning to expand the feature.
According to the APK teardown of version 25.37.31 beta of Google Play Services from Android Authority, Google is working on "Authorized Apps", a new feature within Watch Unlock that adds a layer of functionality. When you get a notification on your watch, you will often see an "Open on phone" button.
With this new system, tapping that button will not just unlock your phone but also take you directly to a specific page or section within an app like WhatsApp or Google Messages. Authorized apps are permitted to unlock your phone directly from your watch to continue an activity. This list is initially preloaded, but you can manage allowed apps in Settings, and it can grow if you grant permission to a new app.
Android Authority claims this functionality could be limited to Google"s own hardware ecosystem, meaning a Pixel Watch paired with a Pixel phone, specifically a Pixel 4a or newer. It is not clear if Google will decide to bring it to other watches running Wear OS, so we will have to wait and see what the company"s plans are.
The Pixel Watch 4, Google"s latest addition to the Pixel Watch series, was unveiled about a month ago, alongside the Google Pixel 10 series smartphones.
It keeps the signature circular shape and comes in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. The watch has an "Actua 360 display", a domed and physically curved screen that provides a larger viewing area.
It also introduces standalone emergency satellite communications on the LTE models. For the 41mm, the price is $349 for Wi-Fi and $449 for LTE, while the 45mm costs $399 for Wi-Fi and $499 for LTE.