Waking up just got a little more interactive—and potentially more frustrating. Google Clock’s latest update, version 8.5, introduces a ‘swipe to dismiss’ feature for alarms, but here’s where it gets controversial: is this a helpful addition or just another hurdle when you’re half-asleep? Released last week for Android users, this update is rolling out gradually, and Google will soon notify you that ‘you can swipe or tap to dismiss your alarm.’ Sounds simple, right? But this is the part most people miss: there’s now a new preference in Settings called ‘Dismiss alarm with,’ giving you the choice between tapping or swiping. The tap option features those large, pill-shaped buttons with Dynamic Color themes, while the swipe gesture places ‘Snooze’ on the left and ‘Stop’ on the right, complete with guide animations to help you navigate your groggy morning state.
But is swiping really the answer? Adding an extra step to dismiss an alarm could be seen as unnecessary friction, especially when you’re already battling the urge to hit snooze. This change follows a similar trend in Google’s Phone app, which introduced a swipe gesture for incoming calls last year as part of its Material 3 Expressive update. Is Google trying to standardize gestures across its apps, or is this a step too far? Let us know what you think in the comments.
The update is server-side, meaning you’ll need to install Google Clock version 8.5 (available on the Play Store) to see it, though we’ve only spotted it on one of our Pixel devices so far. Beyond the swipe feature, the only other notable change is the Material 3 Expressive slider, which replaces the older Material 2 version. The new slider has a thicker, pill-shaped track and a more substantial handle, displaying values between 1.00 and 7.00 as you drag—a small but noticeable upgrade.
Old vs. new: which do you prefer? The Material 3 redesign aims for a more modern look, but does it improve functionality? Share your thoughts below.
For those keeping up with Google Clock updates, here’s a quick recap: the Pixel Watch recently rolled out always-on Media Controls, Timer, and Stopwatch, while Clock 8.3 toned down alarm backgrounds for a less jarring wake-up experience. Interestingly, Google Clock for Wear OS is now exclusive to the Pixel Watch—a move that’s sure to spark debate among smartwatch users. And remember, as always, we use income-earning auto affiliate links to keep the lights on. More details on that here: Affiliate Link Disclosure.
So, what’s your take? Is the ‘swipe to dismiss’ feature a welcome addition or an unnecessary complication? Let’s discuss in the comments—we’re curious to hear your morning alarm strategies!
