The highly anticipated Pixel Watch by Google is finally here. The tech giant unveiled it at the “Made by Google” event alongside Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, and the Pixel tab. Check out the release date, features, price, and everything about the Google Pixel Watch.
It’s been a decade since Google released the Android Wear smartwatch platform (now called Wear). Now, Google is finally following up with its much-awaited wearable which debuted today at the company’s first in-person hardware event since the pandemic.
Pixel Watch was previously teased at the Google I/O event where the company launched the Pixel 6a. We finally know everything about Google’s candidate to compete with Apple Watch Series 8 and Galaxy Watch 5.
Google Pixel Watch Full Specifications
Here’s an overview of the specifications of the Google Pixel Watch:
- Size:Â 41mm
- Weight:Â 36 grams (without bands)
- Processor:Â Exynos 9110 SoC and Cortex M33 co-processor
- Memory:Â 32GB eMMC flash storage
- RAM:Â 2GB SDRAM
- Battery:Â 24 hours
Google isn’t using the Tensor chip in the smartwatch that powers the new Pixel 7 lineup. Still, the wearable will be able to handle anything that the Wear OS is capable of achieving. There’s a special focus on the AI-focused functionalities in the watch.
Google claims that the Pixel Watch will last around 24 hours on a single charge. It uses a 294-mAh battery cell to achieve a bit better battery life than Apple Watch’s 18 hours. Specs-wise, there’s also GPS, a microphone, a speaker, and NFC capability.
Google Pixel Watch: Software & Features are Highlights
The Pixel Watch runs on the Wear 3 operating system which was launched last year. It works with only Android devices. This means you can’t sport a Pixel Watch with an iPhone (although that wouldn’t have happened even if Google provided support for iOS).
Google has added a number of key features like Google Assistant and Google Maps to the OS recently and all of them are highlights of the Pixel Watch. There’s also the Google Home app that lets you control your smart-home gadgets without picking up your device.
You will find YouTube Music for listening to your favorite songs, and there are a number of third-party apps for specific functionalities. The NFC support allows the smartwatch capable of doing tap-to-pay transactions via Google Wallet.
The Pixel Watch can also dial 911 or alert your trusted contacts with Emergency SoS. However, you must enable it manually. It’s not capable of detecting the crash automatically like Apple Watch’s latest feature.
What about the Health Features on Google Pixel Watch?
Google is relying on Fitbit for the health features of the Pixel Watch. However, you can still use Google Fit if you’d like to. Pixel Watch users will get six months of free Fitbit Premium membership with the purchase of the watch.
The subscription unlocks in-depth health-tracking features and access to fitness classes. You can track metrics like heart rate, blood oxygen level, electro-cardio activity, and sleep activity. You can also find lifestyle guidance and access to more than 1,000 workouts and 400+ mindfulness sessions.
The most important health feature of the Pixel Watch is the “Daily Readiness Score” which takes your activity and vitals into account. It explains if you should keep working out or take a rest for the day, just like the Oura Ring.
Usually, Fitbit Premium costs $10 a month or $80 a year. It’s worth the money though if you are a fitness freak.
Google Pixel Watch Design: What are the Color Options?
The Pixel Watch features a well-rounded design inspired by a water droplet. There’s a round 320PPI AMOLED display with protective glass over it and prominent bezels. You can use interchangeable bands with the smartwatch to have your own unique look.
Google has unveiled only two variants for the watch- Bluetooth/ WiFi or LTE. They’ll be available in matte black, polished silver, and champagne gold finishes. The case is available only in a single size- 41mm. It’s made of 80% recycled stainless steel and seems to be very durable and sturdy.
The Pixel Watch is using Corning’s Gorilla Glass 5 for the protection of the display instead of a sapphire crystal that offers more scratch resistance. There’s only one button on the right side above the haptic crown to scroll through the UI.
The base of the smartwatch is curved for a highly comfortable fit on the wrist. On the front, you can use a wide range of watch faces you can select from. You can also use third-party watch faces in the Pixel Watch.
Google Pixel Watch Price & Availability: How much does it cost?
The Pixel Watch is available in two variants and three finishes, as revealed above. The Pixel Watch with Bluetooth/ WiFi costs $349.99 while the LTE version costs $399.99.
Surprisingly, the Pixel Watch is only launching in nine countries (for now, at least). Google is releasing the Pixel Watch only in the United States, Canada, the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, and Taiwan.
All of these markets are tried and tested by Google with Pixel smartphones. These regions have a high number of Google-made product users. Hence, it’s more like a safe bet by the company. The chances of failure will be pretty low.
Google Pixel Watch Release Date: How to Pre-Order?
The pre-orders for Google Pixel Watch go live on Thursday, October 7, 2022, and the release date for the market is set for Thursday, October 13, 2022. Buyers are expected to be rushing to get the smartwatch and there will be limited stocks initially.
You can pre-order the smartwatch now from Amazon, Best Buy, and the Google Store. The price is the same for all outlets. You can also get it from AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile using special line-focused deals. AT&T is offering a buy one get one free offer on the Pixel Watch.
Google is offering 3 months of YouTube Music Premium and 6 months of Fitbit Premium with each purchase. Just pre-order your watch right away if you want to be among the first ones to try it.
Are you looking forward to getting the Pixel Watch? What do you think about it? Feel free to use the comment box to share your thoughts and opinions.
