Warnings are growing that navigation accuracy for aircraft and drones could be disrupted as reference data used by electronic compasses ages quickly. Electronic compasses rely on Earth magnetic field models, unlike GPS, and the World Magnetic Model underpins compass functions in most devices. Earth’s magnetic field is constantly changing, shortening model validity. Concerns are also rising that an end to ESA’s Swarm mission could weaken data reliability, prompting U.S. efforts to develop near real-time magnetic sensing technology.

Google has introduced an “Express Pay” feature through a major Pixel Watch update that allows payments without opening the Wallet app, The Verge reported on March 3. The feature applies from Pixel Watch 2 and requires users to enable it, with payment available after unlocking the device. The update expands payments from transit to retail, enhances Pixel phone integration with auto-lock and alerts, and adds Find Hub, new gestures and broader Satellite SOS availability.