Google appears to be following Apple’s lead to offer Pixel Watch users a handy new feature. The company is reportedly working on its own version of Apple’s “Notify When Left Behind” feature, which will notify users if they accidentally leave their iPhone behind.
Samsung already offers a similar disconnection alert on its Galaxy Watch models, which notifies users if their Galaxy smartphone disconnects from the watch. According to Android Authority, the Pixel Watch is the next to get this functionality.
While searching a system app, the publication discovered new code that references a feature in development called “Notify when left behind.” As the name suggests, the feature sends a notification to the Pixel Watch when the connected phone is left behind.
What to expect from the new alert
The code indicates that the Pixel Watch must be on the user’s wrist and Bluetooth must be enabled on both the watch and the phone for the feature to work. Once the feature is enabled, the connected phone will also automatically lock if the watch is disconnected.
Additionally, the report states that users will have the option to disable the alert on their Pixel Watch when they are in a trusted location. This prevents unnecessary notifications when they are at home, at work or in other familiar places. It adds that the feature may not be available for all Pixel Watch models, although it is not yet clear which devices will be compatible.
Newer models like the Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Watch 3 will most likely be supported via a Wear OS update. For now, it’s best to wait for Google to confirm the full details when the feature is ready for release.
