Google Play Services update released on July 27 adds Express Pay setup for Pixel Watch users and refreshes the Play Shorts feed, a move that could make everyday transactions and media browsing smoother for Android owners.
It works instantly.
Express Pay can now be enabled straight from the wrist
The most visible change in Play Services v26.29 is the ability for Pixel Watch owners to configure Express Pay without reaching for a phone. The feature first appeared on Pixel Watch 2 and newer models in the March 2026 Pixel Feature Drop, but required a phone‑based setup until now. With the latest update, users can tap through the watch’s interface to add payment cards, confirm verification steps, and enable the tap‑to‑pay service entirely from the watch.
The change could reduce friction for people who prefer to keep their phones stowed while on the go.
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Renamed menu and new Play Shorts content
Another tweak in the update is the renaming of the “Connected apps” menu to “Linked apps” across devices—including phones, tablets, TVs, cars, and watches. The adjustment aligns the settings label with Google’s account help pages, which have used “linked apps” for some time. While the shift is minor, it eliminates a source of confusion for users managing account integrations.
Play Store v52.5 also brings a fresh look to the Play Shorts feed. Comic book previews have been added, letting users swipe through thumbnail images of popular titles. Tapping a preview opens the full comic inside the Store, offering a quick way to discover new stories without leaving the app. The update also promises a more stable Sidekick Dashboard in Play Games and lets travel searches resume from third‑party travel apps, rather than restarting each session.
Beyond the headline features, the rollout includes a series of background improvements. System management and diagnostics receive bug fixes on phones, while developers gain new tools for Maps integration. Wallet utilities are extended across Auto, PC, Phone, TV, and Wear platforms. In Brazil, Gboard now supports the Pix payment system within messaging apps, expanding local transaction options.
While the update’s headline items are clear, the rest of the changes are largely under the hood. These maintenance patches keep the ecosystem stable but rarely surface in everyday use. Users who rely on third‑party travel apps may notice the ability to pick up where they left off, a subtle improvement that could streamline trip planning.