Real-World Battery Examination of the Google Pixel Watch 4: Performance of the 45mm Variant with Dual-Band GPS, Cellular, and Streaming

clear that it provides significant improvements over previous models. So, is the 45mm upgrade worth it?

Google asserts that the Pixel Watch 4 can achieve 30 to 40 hours on a single charge, depending on your choice of size. I have subjected my Pixel Watch 4 45mm LTE to numerous battery evaluations over the last month, enabling me to inform you about its actual longevity before you decide to spend more for size or connectivity, especially concerning intensive activities like music streaming or GPS training.

In brief, anyone transitioning from a Pixel Watch 1 or 2 will be delightfully surprised by the enhanced battery performance.

While I touched on battery performance in my review of the Google Pixel Watch 4, I didn’t delve into particular scenarios such as phone conversations or cellular streaming. The table below outlines battery consumption expectations for the Pixel Watch 4 45mm.

(Note: Without a 41mm variant for testing, we can only presume it would last approximately three-quarters as long in most situations.)

Google Pixel Watch 4 45mm battery evaluations

| Scenario | Pixel Watch 4 battery consumption percentage |
|———————————————–|———————————————|
| Sleep tracking | Test 1: 10% in 8 hours (1.25%/hour) |
| | Test 2: 7% in 7 hours (1%/hour) |
| Phone call (Wi-Fi/ speakers) | 12% in 26 minutes (Approximately 4 hours max) |
| Streaming music (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) | 11–12% in two tests (Approximately 8 hours max) |
| Streaming music (LTE/Bluetooth) | 18% in 1 hour (Approximately 5.5 hours max) |
| Streaming (LTE/Bluetooth) & dual-band GPS | 28% in 1 hour (Approximately 3.5 hours max) |
| Dual-band GPS for running or walking | 8–12% per hour across five tests (Approximately 8–10 hours max) |

My “maximum” predictions are merely extrapolations; prolonged use of demanding applications may diminish the Pixel Watch 4’s battery life more swiftly. You could notice a shorter duration if you receive more notifications than I do or if you are actively utilizing Gemini or other applications at the same time.

Having stated those disclaimers, the battery life of the Pixel Watch 4 has remained remarkably stable and reliable throughout weeks of evaluation. I find that the 45mm variant consistently meets Google’s 40-hour estimate with Always On Display (AOD) activated, with ample battery reserve. Unless you frequently stream music or utilize GPS, it is reasonable to expect you will achieve two days on a single charge.

During my fitness evaluations with the Pixel Watch 4, I mainly relied on GPS and was pleasantly surprised by its minimal effect on overall battery life, despite enhanced accuracy from dual-frequency tracking.

Tshaka Armstrong, a contributor at Android Central, also owns the Pixel Watch 4 45mm and mentioned he has “been achieving approximately 42 hours of battery life with an hour or more of GPS and an hour of streaming to earbuds.” After accounting for the 20% or so of battery used during his workout and streaming, that indicates he managed to keep the Watch 4 running as long as Google’s prediction, utilizing only 80% power.

The primary battery drain for the Watch 4 occurs when cellular data and GPS are used together. If you are a dedicated athlete planning to leave your phone behind while streaming music, it may be wise to download your playlists in advance and reserve cellular data for emergencies.

Nonetheless, the Watch 4 can sustain several hours even under heavy use, which is remarkable.

On an ordinary workday, where the Watch 4 is primarily used for notifications and heart rate tracking, its standby battery life is superb. I’ve noticed it typically uses around 15% of its battery over eight “normal” hours and even less during the night. Typically, I finish with 10–15% remaining after 48 hours.

You will utilize applications like Gemini that consume additional power, but it’s reassuring to see the efficiency of Wear OS 6, together with the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip’s enhanced performance.

Equally crucial is the fact that the Pixel Watch 4 charges exceptionally quickly, thanks to the new Quick Charge Dock. Google suggests that it will take about an hour to fully recharge the Watch 4 45mm, and it usually completes the process much faster unless the battery is completely drained. For instance, I connected it when it had 9% power, and it took only 42 minutes to reach full charge.

Should you invest in the Pixel Watch 4 45mm for improved battery life?

The Pixel Watch 4 45mm may not outlast a OnePlus Watch 3 or Galaxy Watch Ultra, but it’s

Google Detects Rise in Internet Frauds Fueled by AI-Created Counterfeits and Seasonal Scams

Scammers are becoming more cunning, and Google’s latest report reveals their methods.

As individuals prepare for seasonal sales and year-end job hunting, a fresh surge of online deception is targeting them. A recent advisory from Google outlines how these criminals are operating at present.

The advisory mentions that scammers are refining their tactics by utilizing AI tools to make their schemes appear alarmingly convincing. From counterfeit job postings to harmful VPN applications, the scams are rapidly increasing, preying on anyone who drops their vigilance online.

Google points out fraudulent job offers as a significant trend. Scammers impersonate major companies by replicating their career pages, pretending to be recruiters, and advertising fake government positions. Google warns that they frequently demand “processing fees” or lure individuals into downloading counterfeit interview software that extracts personal information. Keep in mind, authentic employers will never ask for money or banking information prior to employment.

Business operators are not exempt from these threats either. A newer scam gaining traction involves “review extortion,” where attackers inundate a business with negative one-star reviews and subsequently demand payment to remove them. Google offers a straightforward method for merchants to report these extortion attempts directly from their profiles.

AI impersonation scams are increasing in prevalence. Fraudsters are creating websites and applications that claim to be “exclusive” or “free” versions of well-known AI tools. The ultimate goal remains unchanged — installing malware, stealing credentials, or promoting overpriced “fleeceware” subscriptions. Google asserts that its AI-driven Safe Browsing and Play Store policies are identifying many of these threats; however, users are still advised to verify URLs and only download from legitimate sources.

Additional cautions include malicious VPN applications masquerading as privacy tools but actually filled with malware, fraud recovery scams targeting victims who have already been deceived, and holiday shopping scams that escalate during Black Friday and Cyber Monday with phony storefronts and “too-good-to-be-true” offers.

Google’s Trust & Safety team highlights that scammers are becoming faster, smarter, and more prevalent, but protective measures are also advancing. With real-time scam detection in Google Messages and Gmail, along with enhanced AI-driven browser protections, the company aims to safeguard users before they fall victim.

Google Play Now Provides Direct Transmission of Starbucks and Disney Gift Cards

Currently, it’s accessible in just three countries.

“Galaxy XR Seeks to Transform Entertainment through Improved Immersion, Awaiting Google’s Progress in Spatial Video”

**Spatial Photo and Video Capture Needs to Become a Norm on Every Android Device**

In the fast-changing tech landscape, the capability to take spatial photos and videos is becoming ever more essential. With Apple’s Vision Pro debut in 2024, the tech leader has established a new benchmark by incorporating spatial photo and video capturing into its iPhone lineup. This functionality enables users to record immersive, 3D-like memories directly from their devices, improving how we document and revisit our moments.

Conversely, the scenario on the Android front is different. At present, capturing spatial photos or videos on Android gadgets necessitates supplementary hardware, like the Xreal Beam Pro along with compatible eyewear. Although this arrangement is effective, it is impractical for daily use because of the reliance on extra devices and the hassles of transporting and charging them.

The recent rollout of the Android XR operating system by Google and Samsung, in conjunction with the Samsung Galaxy XR headset, signifies a crucial advancement in the area of virtual reality. This new operating system enables users to operate all Android applications within a VR environment, positioning it as a frontrunner in the XR operating system domain. Nevertheless, the absence of built-in spatial photo and video capture on Android smartphones remains a notable deficit.

Google has worked to address this shortcoming utilizing AI to transform 2D photos and videos into 3D, but the outcomes do not match the quality of native captures. Likewise, Meta has rolled out features to convert Instagram content into 3D, yet these still fall short compared to native spatial material.

For Android users to maximize the potential of devices like the Samsung Galaxy XR, a unified strategy for spatial capture is crucial. Samsung has progressed by introducing an obscure feature in its Camera Assistant application for capturing 3D content, but this should be an accessible feature across all devices rather than a hidden treasure.

Furthermore, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra has already outpaced Apple’s offerings by allowing for 4K spatial video capture, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max is restricted to 1080p. This capability should be highlighted and made available to all users instead of being concealed.

In summary, for Android to maintain stride with Apple’s advancements and offer users a seamless, high-quality spatial experience, incorporating spatial photo and video capture as a standard feature on all Android devices is vital. This initiative would not only enhance user experience but also reinforce Android’s standing in the competitive tech arena.