Google Puts an End to Long-Standing Rumor: Pixel Watch Finally Official
Google has put an end to weeks of rumors and leaks as the tech giant finally confirmed during the I/O 2022 on May 11 that the Pixel Watch is indeed coming and is slated to arrive this fall along with Pixel 7.
The company is finally creating its own smartwatch after making the Wear OS framework for other smartwatches.
Rick Osterloh, Google's SVP of devices and services, shared a sneak peek of the upcoming Pixel Watch's features by actually wearing one.
True to the rumors, the watch has a circular face, a "tactile crown," a stainless steel body, and offers users customizable bands, as per Mashable.
Google/ screenshot taken from Google's Youtube Video
What Should We Expect from Pixel Watch?
The Google Pixel Watch design, based on what Google has teased, still looks like renders. During the I/O, the color of the watch displayed is silver, though there are no hints yet on other colors and size options.
The smartwatch is clean and minimalist with interchangeable bands like the renders in the leaks we saw.
The Verge reported that Pixel Watch will run on "improved" Wear OS 3 that features a "refreshed UI" with better navigation and smart notifications. A cellular version of the device may also be selected for standalone connectivity.
Pixel Watch is built with Google's Tensor chip. It is "built inside and out by Google," according to Osterloh.
It will give owners access to Google Maps, the newly announced Google Wallet for easy digital payments, plus offer integration with the Google Smart Home app, according to Mashable.
Moreover, it is fully integrated with Fitbit, allowing owners to check heart rate, track sleep, stats, progress, fitness goals, and more.
The smartwatch also has an Emergency SOS. With this, you can use your Pixel Watch to contact a trusted friend or family member as well as call emergency services.
If Google takes a serious commitment with Pixel Watch and adds some advanced features, it could potentially beat the Apple Watch at its own game.
Google should be able to ensure a Wear OS experience that's intuitive and offers a wide array of great apps.
The company also needs to leverage Google Assistant and its advantages over Siri while also offering seamless integration with other Google services like Gmail, Google Photos, and Google calendar, according to Tom's Guide.
The Pixel Watch will need to build on its Fitbit acquisition. It needs to create a fitness wearable that beats the Apple Watch on sensors and workout tracking.
Of course, competitive pricing and longer battery life are important aspects of winning against the Apple Watch.
The next question is how much will the Google Pixel Watch cost? Tom's Guide speculates that it would not cost as much as Apple Watch.
Google didn't announce the Pixel Watch price, but Tom's Guide put it in the mid-priced category.
The Apple Watch Series 7 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 start at $399 and $249, respectively. Thus, you can expect Google to try and undercut these two watches slightly.
