Google’s Pixel Watch series is set to receive a significant enhancement with the upcoming Wear OS 6 update, introducing always-on display (AOD) media controls. This feature will allow users to view and interact with media playback controls without the need to wake the device fully.
Currently, when the Pixel Watch enters ambient mode, the screen blurs, displaying only the time, while media controls are hidden. With the new update, the last active screen, including media controls, will remain visible in a dimmed state during ambient mode. This means users can glance at their watch to see the current song and playback options without additional interaction.
The AOD media controls will feature a redesigned interface aligned with Google’s Material 3 Expressive design language. In this mode, the background artwork will fade to black, and control buttons will appear as subtle outlines, ensuring clarity and reducing battery consumption. This approach mirrors the AOD implementations in other Google apps like Maps and Keep, where essential information remains accessible in a low-power state.
Google has confirmed that this feature is slated for release later this year across all Pixel Watch models running Wear OS 6. The next quarterly update, expected in December, is likely to include this enhancement. Users can anticipate a more seamless and efficient media control experience on their Pixel Watches with this update.
