In a remarkable display of ingenuity, PhD student Gustave Monce has embarked on an unconventional project that showcases the potential of wearable technology. By leveraging the capabilities of the Pixel Watch 3, Monce has managed to run Windows for Arm on the device, a feat that many would deem impractical yet undeniably fascinating.
Technical Triumphs and Challenges
Monce’s journey began with the Pixel Watch 3’s quad-core Snapdragon processor and its compact 456×456 OLED display. Utilizing Qualcomm’s UEFI-based XBL bootloader as a foundation, he meticulously edited configurations and patched tables to coax the watch into booting the Windows Preinstallation Environment (PE). While the visual output may seem minimal—a simple blue background—Monce’s detailed explanations lend credibility to his achievement.
As he navigated through the complexities of this project, Monce encountered a significant hurdle when Google released Android 15 for the Watch 3. This update inadvertently disrupted his code-loading process. However, demonstrating remarkable resilience, he implemented several creative modifications to the stock kernel image, enabling the Pixel Watch 3 to boot into Windows PE once again, albeit in a limited capacity.
Exploring New Frontiers
While the current state of the project does not offer a fully functional Windows experience, Monce has made strides in achieving basic USB support, specifically for mass storage. This endeavor serves as a compelling reminder of the untapped potential within modern mobile hardware. Although a comprehensive Windows interface on a smartwatch may remain elusive, the underlying silicon is certainly capable of more than we often realize.
As the tech community continues to explore the boundaries of what is possible with wearable devices, Monce’s project stands as a testament to innovation and creativity in the face of challenges. The implications of such work could inspire future developments in the realm of wearable technology, pushing the envelope of what these devices can achieve.
