Pixel Watch 2 can now detect when you’ve been in a car accident

Starting today, Google’s Pixel Watch line is getting some new and improved security features. The Pixel Watch 2 will have car crash detection, while both Pixel Watches will have improved fall detection.

Car accident detection has been available on Pixel phones since 2019 and will work similarly on the Pixel Watch 2. Once the watch detects that you’ve been in a serious car accident, the watch will check in to make sure you ok via a -screen prompt. If you don’t respond, it will automatically call emergency services. Your emergency contacts will also be notified with your real-time location.

The Pixel Watch line has had fall detection for some time, but today’s update is aimed at cyclists. Google didn’t go into much detail, but it apparently tweaked the algorithm to better differentiate between a hard fall while walking and being thrown from a bike.

Google is playing catch-up here. Apple introduced fall detection for bikes with watchOS 8 in 2021 and collision detection in the Apple Watch Series 8 in 2022. That’s not a bad thing — the Pixel Watch wasn’t released until 2022. What’s more important is that with With these updates, Google continues to bridge the feature gap between Apple Watch and Android smartwatches. Car accident detection, for example, is a feature we haven’t yet seen on a Wear OS watch.

That said, these security features come with some caveats. You need to have location enabled, LTE service, or an Internet connection through your phone. Fall detection is also not yet available in all countries.

However, this month’s Pixel drop isn’t limited to security features. Both Pixel Watches are also receiving PayPal in Google Wallet. And as we previously reported, all Wear OS 3 smartwatches will now have access to a revamped Google Home app that adds complications and tiles.