Pixel Watch Update Brings Controversial AOD Feature | Image Source: 9to5google.com
March 9, 2025 – Google is preparing an important update for its Pixel Watch alignment, introducing Wear OS 5.1. Although this update includes a number of improvements, a particular feature is to attract attention: a ​development option called Force Global ODA Experience. This configuration allows users to force the ​screen ​always in all applications, ​a feature previously limited to a handful of Google ​applications.
What is the overall experience of the Force?
Since the introduction of Wear OS 3, many ​requests from third ​parties have not received adequate ODA support. When a user drops ​the wrist using an unsupported application, the screen is not pulled and shows ​only time. Google Maps, Keep and Spotify are some of the apps that support APD natively. With the new experience of World Force ODA, use OS 5.1 changes in this behavior.
Now, when users allow this feature, their last active screen remains visible ​in an ​unmounted state rather than reversing the overlap of the blurred watch. This change aligns the behavior of the applications to ​the operation of the clock itself. As the examples shared by ​9to5Google show, the Stopwatch application ​continues to display ​the ​number of operations rather than ​disappear ​on a blurred screen.
How to activate global ODA in Pixel Watch
As this is a developer option, ​it allows you to navigate in depth in the settings. Here’s how users ​can activate it:
- Go to Settings > System > About > Versions.
- Tap the Build number multiple times until Developer Mode is enabled.
- Once unlocked, find Developer options at the bottom of the main Settings menu.
- Scroll to the last item, Force ​Global AOD ​Experience, and ​enable it.
Problems and risks to battery life
While this feature may be useful for users who want ​uninterrupted APD functionality, there is a major drawback: ​battery life. Always lit screens already consume more energy, and forcing ODA in all applications could dramatically accelerate battery drainage. ​Even the best-optimized OLED screens fight with energy efficiency by showing ​static elements for long periods of time.
According ​to TechRadar, this feature can ​be ​more beneficial ​for developers to test APD support in their applications rather ​than for daily users. Google has not confirmed whether this ​option will ​become a standard feature for all ​users, but for now it remains buried in ​the developer’s configuration.
Other features of the Wear OS 5.1 update
Beyond the new fight for ODA, Wear OS 5.1 brings several functional and health-related improvements. The update includes:
- Loss of Pulse Detection: A new feature that detects when a user’s heart stops due to ​primary cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, overdose, or poisoning. The watch can automatically call ​emergency services ​if the user does not respond to warnings.
- Step Tracking Enhancements: Google ​has improved its step-counting algorithm to recognize movements ​like pushing a stroller, shopping cart, or wheelchair.
- Menstrual ​Health Tracking: The Pixel Watch 3 now includes on-device ​menstrual cycle tracking, allowing users to log their periods and view cycle predictions.
- Auto Bedtime Mode: Rolling out to the Pixel ​Watch 2, this feature detects when a user falls asleep and automatically disables notifications while dimming the display.
- Improved Media Controls: Users can now fast-forward, rewind, ​and adjust ​playback speeds directly from their Pixel Watch.
When does your pixel watch get Wear OS ​5.1?
The official ​article from the Google community indicates that ​the Wear ​OS ​5.1 ​update started working ​on March ​5, 2025. However, the output is progressive, which means that not all devices will receive it immediately. ​The update applies to all Pixel Watch models, ​including the ​original Pixel Watch, the Pixel Watch 2 and the ​new Pixel Watch 3.
The ​update version numbers are as follows:
- Pixel Watch 1: BP1A.250305.019.W2
- Pixel Watch ​2 & 3: BP1A.250305.019.W3
Now Google has only released factory ​image and OTA files for ​Bluetooth/WiFi ​Pixel ​Watch ​2 and Pixel Watch 3 models. The updating of the LTE ​models and the original Pixel watch is expected to continue in the coming weeks.
Should you activate global ODA?
For ​those who rely heavily on ODA ​to quickly access information, this new feature may seem like a game change. However, the ​impact on battery life cannot be ignored. ​If your Pixel watch is already struggling to last all day long, ​the World Force ODA experience could make things worse.
For now, the best solution would be to ​wait for app developers to update their ​applications with native ODA support. Google must lead the way by ensuring ​that all its first-party applications are fully integrated into functionality. Until then, this new configuration remains an intriguing but potentially problematic option for Pixel Watch users.
