Google is rolling out a series of updates to improve user experiences on both its Pixel Watch and the Walmart Onn 4K Pro, a popular streaming box for Google TV. While Google’s latest features add functionality to Wear OS watches like the Pixel Watch, international users of Walmart’s Onn 4K Pro may encounter some surprising changes.
Pixel Watch gets the Contacts Tile
Starting with the Pixel Watch, the October 2024 Pixel Drop introduces a new Google Contacts Tile, making it even easier to reach favorite contacts with just a tap. The Individual Contact Tile displays your chosen contact’s name and photo in the center, surrounded by one-tap shortcuts for calling or messaging. This feature brings the convenience of calling, texting, or sending quick replies — like “Yes,” “Thanks,” or “On my way” — right to your wrist. And if a contact has multiple numbers, you can choose which one to use seamlessly.
Pixel Watch owners can place several Individual Contacts Tiles on their watch face for easy access, adding to the pre-existing Favorite Contacts Tile for even more versatility. Although only available on Pixel Watches for now, Samsung Galaxy Watch users may soon enjoy the same feature as Google hints at broader Wear OS compatibility. This Tile debuts with Google Contacts version 1.64 on Wear OS, available now through the Play Store.
Google TV update brings mixed news for Walmart Onn 4K Pro users
Meanwhile, over on Google TV, Walmart’s budget-friendly Onn 4K Pro device is getting a fresh update, including the September 2024 security patch. Notably, this update includes a handy new volume control for the onboard speaker, enhancing the audio experience on a box known for affordability and reliable performance.
However, there’s a twist. This update seems to be enforcing a region lock, making the Onn 4K Pro functional only in the United States and Puerto Rico. Users outside these regions have reported encountering an “Unsupported region” message when attempting to set up the device. Until now, many international users had enjoyed using the Onn 4K Pro despite Walmart’s official US-only availability. Yet, with this update, attempting to reset or freshly set up the device outside supported regions now appears to trigger the region-lock barrier.
The development is a curveball for global fans of the device, but Walmart is already working on another Google TV product, rumored to launch next year, which may offer broader support.
Between these updates, Google is adding both new ways to stay connected on Wear OS watches and enhancements for Google TV fans — though region-locking on the Onn 4K Pro is bound to spark some debate among international users.