Google is quietly preparing to pull the plug on a potentially life-saving feature on Pixel Watches. A recent teardown of the Google Pixel Watch companion app contains code strings that warn users that the "Safety Signal" service is officially being discontinued.
The strings were first unearthed by Android Authority in the teardown of the Pixel Watch app version 5.1.0.990450614. Tied to a Google Health Premium subscription, the service provides standalone LTE connectivity to supported Pixel Watch 2 and 3 LTE models.
This would previously work even if the user hasn't paid for a dedicated smartwatch cellular plan, ensuring that vital tools like Fall Detection, Emergency SOS, Safety Check and Emergency Contact Calling remain fully active when users leave their smartphone at home.
However, the impending shutdown and the app strings mention that users will need to seek "other ways to stay safe". Google probably implies that owners will either be forced to purchase an active cellular plan from their carrier if they want their emergency services to function without their paired phone, or upgrade to a newer Pixel Watch which uses Satellite Connectivity instead.
Google has not yet provided an exact termination date in the application's code, nor is it clear whether a replacement service is in the pipeline. However, the departure of these free services would mean users would be left with no choice but to get a cellular plan on their Pixel Watches if they want to access these crucial features.
The potential reasoning behind this decision could be tied to broader cost-cutting measures, logistical complexity, low usage, or simply pressure from Carriers because users weren't buying their plans.
Or perhaps the simplest explanation could be that the Pixel Watch 2 and 3 are too old at this point to justify the additional expense. On top of this, Google has moved to satellite connectivity starting with the Pixel Watch 4, so the discontinuation only makes sense.
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