Google sacrifices advanced step tracking to fix Pixel Watch issues

The post Google sacrifices advanced step tracking to fix Pixel Watch issues appeared first on Android Headlines.

Apr 22, 2025 - 17:32

AH Google Pixel Watch 3 Factory Reset (1)

Summary: Google’s second Pixel Watch update for April 2025 not only fixes a step-counting bug that recorded inflated numbers after March’s update, but also finally delivers Wear OS 5.1 with important features like Loss of Pulse Detection to users who missed the previous update entirely.
Google’s second Pixel Watch update is here for April 2025, and while it remains small, including only two main fixes, it will likely have more of an impact than some think. For many, their smartwatch is their lifeline to many things. Whether that be an easy way to check incoming messages without having to look at their phone, or their method of tracking exercises and other activities to improve their overall health and wellness.

The point is, your smartwatch is a powerful accessory that really only serves you well when everything works as intended. For some, that wasn’t the case when Google pushed out the March 2025 update last month, as it broke the step counter slightly. Based on details from that release, the step counter was unintentionally recording a higher number of steps than intended. This doesn’t seem like much. Think about it, though.

If you walk around a lot and you personally rely heavily on that step counter to keep you motivated, you’d probably want it to work correctly. Now, it should, following the installation of today’s update. In Google’s official release notes, the update today mentions a fix specifically for those who were experiencing an issue with the higher step count. The issue stemmed from the steps algorithm. To fix it, Google simply reverted all users to the older version of the steps algorithm before the March update that caused the issue.

The Pixel Watch April 2025 update fixes the overall experience for some users

Another really big thing for this update is that it fixes the overall experience. For some, at least. There was a small number of users who never ended up getting the March 2025 update that added a handful of actual new features. Those users were still on the November 2024 update. Now, these users weren’t experiencing the steps algorithm issues, but they were also missing out on several features and bug fixes.

For example, the March 2025 update included Wear OS 5.1. Part of Wear OS 5.1 included the Loss of Pulse Detection feature for users in the US with a Pixel Watch 3. That could end up being a pretty big feature to not have. There were also some upgrades to the Media Controls. These added enhancements made it easier to control audio from your watch based on the type of content. So, controls changed slightly to fit the content.

The update also added Auto-Bedtime Mode to the Pixel Watch 2, Menstrual Health Support. and more. So, while the second April 2025 update was about fixing some bugs, it’s about a lot more than that. Users who were missing everything from the last update will now get those enhancements. Save for the steps algorithm changes due to the bug.

There is one downside

Because Google’s enhancement to the steps algorithm included new ways to count steps, which caused an issue with inaccurate readings, Google had to pull that part of the update entirely with this new update. That means that for now, it won’t be possible to count steps more accurately when doing certain things.

For clarification, the March 2025 update changes to the steps algorithm were supposed to increase accuracy for step counting in more challenging situations. Such as running or walking when pushing a stroller or a shopping cart. With Google having to revert the steps algorithm to the version before the March 2025 update, users will miss out on these enhancements for the time being. This is a shame, certainly, but overall, the second April 2025 update is a big win for all users.

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