Google’s Wear OS 5.1 Update Introduces Advanced Step Tracking for Pixel Watch 3
With the launch of Wear OS 5.1, Google has rolled out a notable enhancement to its step-counting algorithm, targeting improved precision in “difficult circumstances” where conventional wrist-based tracking generally underperforms. This update, which is being deployed to the Pixel Watch 3 and other Wear OS devices, assures more dependable step tracking even when your arms are not swinging freely — such as when maneuvering a stroller, utilizing trekking poles, or pushing a shopping cart.
But how effective is it really? Android Central’s Michael Hicks evaluated the update across various real-world situations. Here’s what we’ve discovered.
Why Step Tracking Can Be Difficult
Most smartwatches, including those powered by Wear OS, depend on wrist movement to sense steps. This method works efficiently when your arms sway naturally, but accuracy significantly declines when your wrist is stagnant — for example, when holding a phone, pushing a cart, or utilizing a walker.
Google’s latest algorithm in Wear OS 5.1 aims to overcome these challenges. According to a community update from Google, the revision employs enhanced motion detection to more accurately identify steps even when your wrist isn’t engaged in typical walking motions.
Testing the Pixel Watch 3
To assess the efficacy of the new algorithm, Hicks performed a set of experiments comparing the Pixel Watch 3 to the Garmin Fenix 8 — a device recognized for its precision in step counting.
Here’s a summary of the tests and outcomes:
1. Regular Walking (10,000 Steps)
– Pixel Watch 3: 9,896 steps (104 steps under)
– Garmin Fenix 8: 10,050 steps (50 steps over)
While Garmin slightly overreported and the Pixel Watch 3 slightly underreported, both devices maintained a 1% margin of error — a considerable improvement for the Pixel Watch series, which had previously struggled with accuracy.
2. Trekking Poles (8,000 Steps)
– Pixel Watch 3: 7,857 steps (143 steps under)
– Garmin Fenix 8: 8,300 steps (300 steps over)
Incorporating trekking poles presents a specific challenge, as each pole movement can equate to multiple steps. The Pixel Watch 3 demonstrated commendable performance, particularly after the initial 2,000 steps, indicating that the algorithm may adapt to new movement patterns over time.
3. Grocery Cart (Approximately 1,200 Steps)
– Pixel Watch 3: 742 steps
– Garmin Fenix 8: 745 steps
This scenario proved to be the most challenging. While moving slowly with a cart, both watches had difficulty registering steps. However, as Hicks increased his pace, the Pixel Watch 3’s step detection improved. This implies that the algorithm depends on subtle vertical movement to recognize walking when wrist motion is restricted.
Step Count Accuracy Test Recap
| Test | Pixel Watch 3 | Garmin Fenix 8 |
|——————————|—————-|—————-|
| Normal walking (10,000 steps)| 9,896 (-104) | 10,050 (+50) |
| Trekking poles (8,000 steps) | 7,857 (-143) | 8,300 (+300) |
| Grocery cart (~1,200 steps) | 742 | 745 |
A Positive Development
The Wear OS 5.1 update also enhances tracking for wheelchairs and strollers, though these functionalities weren’t included in Hicks’ analysis. Judging by the results, it’s reasonable to speculate that the algorithm performs similarly in those scenarios — enhancing accuracy where motion is stable and identifiable, yet still facing challenges when movement is slight or erratic.
While the Pixel Watch 3 did not surpass the Garmin Fenix 8 in absolute accuracy, it exhibited significant enhancement over earlier models of Pixel and Fitbit devices. In previous evaluations, step counting on Pixel Watch 2 and Fitbit Sense 2 could differ by 200–300 steps over a mere 5,000 steps. The new algorithm greatly shrinks that disparity.
Final Remarks
Google’s Wear OS 5.1 update signifies a significant advancement in wearable fitness monitoring. The refined algorithm positions the Pixel Watch 3 as a more trustworthy ally for users walking in less-than-optimal settings — be it pushing a cart, using mobility aids, or trekking with poles.
Although it may not yet rival the precision of premium fitness watches like the Garmin Fenix 8, the Pixel Watch 3 now provides a degree of accuracy that suffices for most users — marking a substantial gain for Wear OS.
For individuals who depend on their smartwatch to monitor daily activities, this update is a welcome enhancement that aligns Google’s wearable platform closer to a top-tier fitness tracking experience.
