Pixel Watch 2's Always-On Display Makes App Launching Faster with Single Tap

The Pixel Watch 2's AOD lets you instantly launch complications with a single tap, unlike the original Pixel Watch which requires two taps.

This is convenient if you disable raise-to-wake to save battery life.

Tapping a complication instantly launches the app, e.g. media controls.

There's a slight delay if the watch hasn't been active recently.

One downside is you have to be careful not to accidentally launch apps if you just wanted to see the watch face.