Google Pixel Watch 3 might get UWB support for Watch Unlock

According to a report from 9to5Google, evidence found in recent updates to the Google Play Services app suggests that the upcoming Pixel Watch 3 might feature ultra-wideband (UWB) connectivity. This technology could potentially enhance the Watch Unlock feature, allowing for quicker and more accurate unlocking of paired Android smartphones.

Watch Unlock, introduced with the original Pixel Watch last year, uses Bluetooth ranging to automatically unlock your Android phone when it’s within a certain distance of your connected smartwatch. While convenient, the process can sometimes experience slight delays due to the limitations of Bluetooth technology.

However, the code strings discovered by the publication indicate that Google is working on integrating UWB support for Watch Unlock, referred to internally as “ActiveUnlock.” Strings like “ActiveUnlock__enable_uwb_ranging” and “ActiveUnlock__enable_uwb_ranging_validation” point towards this upcoming enhancement.

Ultra-wideband technology offers several advantages over Bluetooth, including improved precision in distance and location tracking, as well as faster data transfer rates. By leveraging UWB, Watch Unlock could potentially provide a smoother and more responsive unlocking experience for Pixel Watch users.

Interestingly, Google has also included code to disable the UWB-based Watch Unlock in certain countries where ultra-wideband technology is not yet permitted, such as Indonesia and Ukraine. Users in these regions will receive a notification informing them of the temporary unavailability of the enhanced Watch Unlock feature and that they may experience “a slight delay and less accuracy.”

For Watch Unlock to work seamlessly with UWB, both the smartwatch and the paired smartphone need to support the technology. While recent Pixel smartphones, starting with the Pixel 6 Pro and newer “Pro” models, have featured UWB capabilities, the existing Pixel Watch models lack this hardware component.

Given the strong indications of UWB support for Watch Unlock and the fact that this feature is currently exclusive to the Pixel Watch series, it is highly likely that the upcoming Pixel Watch 3, expected to launch later this year, will incorporate ultra-wideband connectivity.

Recent leaks and rumors suggest that the Pixel Watch 3 will be available in two sizes, with Google introducing a new 45mm variant alongside the existing 41mm model. Additionally, the smartwatch is anticipated to run on a new “Wear OS 5” platform based on Android 14, which could bring various improvements and new features to the wearable operating system.

As we approach the expected launch window of the Pixel Watch 3, more details about its specifications and capabilities are likely to emerge. Stay tuned for further updates on this highly anticipated addition to Google’s smartwatch lineup.