TechSmartwatchesGoogle’s Pixel Watch looks great, but it’ll need to nail the hardware to rival the Apple WatchThis flagship Wear OS smartwatch looks great, but it’s how it feels that mattersWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechSmartwatchesGoogle’s Pixel Watch looks great, but it’ll need to nail the hardware to rival the Apple WatchThis flagship Wear OS smartwatch looks great, but it’s how it feels that mattersWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
This flagship Wear OS smartwatch looks great, but it’s how it feels that matters
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Google)
(Image credit: Google)
Googlehas just given us a preview of the newGoogle PixelWatch atGoogle I/O 2022. It’s the brand’s first smartwatch and answer to theApple WatchandSamsung Galaxy Watch 4.
The Pixel Watch was met with cheers when Rick Osterloh pulled back his sleeve and revealed the new smartwatch, although, its design was hardly a surprise considering all of the leaks and misplaced prototypes in recent weeks.
I think the Pixel Watch looks stunning though, with its futuristic, flying saucer-like design.
In some ways, it looks exactly like anApple Watchwould look if it was circular – very modern, with a single crown, power button, and completely Black Hole-like display.
But while design is subjective – personally I love the Apple Watch, but not everyone is so keen – there’s no denying that it has felt like a premium, luxury item since the very first generation. It’s just so well made, and that’s incredibly important when you’re trying to make something that people actually want to wear.
One of the first hints that Google gave us about the hardware is that it’s made from recycled stainless steel. This gives me a glimmer of hope, as, if nothing else, steel will give the smartwatch a reassuring heft (more so than lightweight aluminium).
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(Image credit: Google)
(Image credit: Google)
In other hardware news, the bands will be customisable and look to feature a quick-swap mechanism. This means users will be able to personalise their watch, which, again, is very important for a wearable device.
Aside from the hardware design, Google promises that the Pixel Watch will feature an improved Wear OS UI with more fluid navigation and smart notifications.
Interestingly,Google Mapswill work without your smartphone present, which could be very useful.
The Pixel Watch will also benefit from a collaboration with Fitbit (which Google owns). The only information we got here was that it will provide ‘industry-leading health and fitness experiences’.
Other than these vague announcements, other functions listed were all fairly standard smartwatch features and not very interesting.
How long will we have to wait until we find out if Google has nailed the hardware? Osterloh claims theGoogle Pixel Watchwill arrive alongside the Google Pixel 7 this Autumn.
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