Google is finally bringing some practical finesse to the Pixel Watch 4. The latest December update introduces one-handed gesture controls and major upgrades to Smart Replies making the watch easier to use when your hands aren’t free.

Pixel Watch 4 gestures bring real hands-free control

With the new Double Pinch gesture, you can now manage your Pixel Watch 4 without tapping the screen. Pinch your thumb and index finger twice to answer or end calls, snooze alarms, pause timers, control music, or even take a photo. It’s quick, subtle, and ideal for moments when your other hand is busy holding a bag, steering a cart, or walking the dog.

The Wrist Turn gesture adds another layer of convenience just flick your wrist out and in to dismiss alerts or decline calls. These gestures mimic what Apple and Samsung already offer, but now Google is giving its own watches a proper seat at the table.

Google adds gesture hints and customization

To help users get the most out of the new tools, Google is adding Gesture Hints throughout Wear OS. These subtle overlays appear near buttons or scroll bars when gestures are available. You can adjust how often they show up by heading to:

• Settings > Gestures > Hand gestures
• Options range from daily, occasionally, to just once

Each gesture can be toggled on or off individually.

Faster Smart Replies on Pixel Watch 3 and 4

Alongside the new gestures, Google is speeding up Smart Replies using a refined on-device language model powered by Gemma. According to the company, replies now generate twice as fast and use nearly three times less memory. That means smoother interactions, especially when juggling messages during a workout or commute.

Tutorial for Raise to Talk makes debut

Lastly, Google has added a clear, step-by-step tutorial for Raise to Talk, helping users activate the Assistant without a single screen tap. It’s another move toward full hands-free functionality especially helpful in motion or mid-task.

Smarter, quicker, and finally more intuitive

This Pixel Watch 4 update might not change the look, but it changes how you use it. With responsive gestures and smarter replies, Google’s wearable finally feels like it’s catching up to the promises of wrist-first tech. One wrist flick at a time.