Google has released its second Pixel Watch update for April 2025, addressing a significant step-counting bug from the previous month’s update. This new update not only corrects the inflated step counts that users experienced but also introduces Wear OS 5.1 to those who had not received the earlier update. Wear OS 5.1 brings critical features, including Loss of Pulse Detection, which is particularly valuable for Pixel Watch 3 users in the United States.

The April update may seem minor, containing only two key fixes, but it is expected to enhance the user experience substantially. Many users rely heavily on their smartwatches to manage communication and monitor their physical activities. Therefore, the proper functioning of features like the step counter is essential for motivation.

The March update had inadvertently caused the step counter to record more steps than actual, impacting users’ ability to track their activity accurately. With this April update, Google has rolled back to the previous version of the steps algorithm, hopefully restoring accuracy for those affected. Additionally, this update is crucial for those who missed out on the March enhancements.

These users were running on the November 2024 firmware, leading them to miss out on improvements like auto-bedtime mode, menstrual health support, and upgraded media controls that adapt based on different types of content. Thus, this April update is not just a bug fix; it enriches the functionality and user experience for those who had been left behind. However, there is a downside.

The reversion of the steps algorithm means that users will temporarily lose the advanced step-counting capabilities originally intended to improve tracking during activities like running while pushing a stroller. Despite this setback, the overall benefits of the April 2025 update are significant for all users.