So the Google Pixel Watch is finally official, after years of speculation and more recently, months of rumors and leaks showcasing things like the design. At Google I/O 2022 Google lifted the veil on its first in-house smartwatch. A smartwatch designed to perfectly compliment your Pixel smartphone, running on Wear OS, and featuring a “bold and stylish” look.
At its core it’ll be just like any other Wear OS watch. It’ll come with many of the same features and be compatible with many of the same apps. Though it will no doubt come with exclusive features. Even if those features are only exclusive for a limited time.
If you’re a Pixel fanatic and you enjoy Wear OS, then this is the smartwatch for you. But what about price? When is coming out? Can I customize it? These are all questions this guide aims to answer. And while not all of the information about the Pixel Watch is readily available just yet, we’ll be updating this post as Google shares more details about the device leading up to its launch.
Google says it’ll share more information about the device in the “coming months.”
What is the Pixel Watch?
The Pixel Watch is Google’s in-house smartwatch running on Wear OS, designed for Pixel smartphones and to be part of the Pixel brand.
When is the Pixel Watch coming out?
Google didn’t give exact specifics here but it does say the Pixel Watch is launching this Fall alongside the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. With that in mind, we’re likely to see the watch release sometime in October. If things go by the release date of last year’s Pixel 6, then the watch could very well have a launch date close to mid-October.
The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro launched on October 19, 2021. That won’t necessarily be the same date for this year’s flagship devices. But it wouldn’t be surprising to see it drop at least in the same month.
What is the Pixel Watch going to cost?
Google hasn’t confirmed a price yet. The company did say though that it will be a “premium-priced product.” Comparing that to current smartwatches running on Wear OS, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility that the Pixel Watch could end up retailing for upwards of $300. Though it’s also possible Google will try to competitively price the Pixel Watch to be slightly cheaper than Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4, which starts at $249.
Whatever the price ends up being, Google is using the Pixel as yet another device to push the Pixel ecosystem. It wants users to keep things in the family. Pixel phone, Buds, Tablet, and Watch. So despite “premium pricing” Pixel users will no doubt still pay the cost if it means better integration and functionality. Which is what it seems like Google is advertising here.
Is it running on Wear OS 3.0?
More than likely Google is going to be pushing the Pixel Watch to market with Wear OS 3.1. This will be a slightly more polished version of Wear OS 3.0. With a UI that’s more streamlined with design elements that you can find on Google’s latest Pixel devices running on Android 12 and the Android 13 beta.
Will it have any new features?
Google hasn’t listed all of the new features yet, but users can certainly expect some. It’ll be the first watch to feature Fitbit integration with insights on heart rate, sleep tracking, and Active Zone Minutes. Google also says that all data collected on the Pixel Watch through the Fitbit features will stay under the purview of Fitbit, and that Google will have no access to that data. Which should be a win for users who value privacy highly.
In addition to the Fitbit integration, the Pixel Watch will also come with a new Emergency SOS feature. This is something that will also come to other Wear OS devices eventually. But it may end up coming to the Pixel Watch first. Then there’s Google Home. You can currently control your smart home devices that are linked to the Google Home app from your smartphone. But no existing Wear OS watches have access. That’s changing with the Pixel Watch.
From your wrist, you’ll be able to do everything from turning lights on and off to adjusting the temperature of your smart thermostats. It’ll have access to the new Google Wallet app too, as well as Google Assistant, and a handful of other Google apps like Maps, Google Fit and others.
Will it have LTE support?
Google doesn’t confirm this in its teaser from Google I/O but it is already rumored that the Pixel Watch will have support for LTE connectivity. Google may offer both Bluetooth/Wi-Fi only and LTE models, or it may only offer a model that has support for all three connection types.
Either way, it’s unlikely that users will be required to connect the watch to LTE. Google may simply be giving people the option here. That being said, it’s a good option to have if you prefer to leave your phone at home for things like runs or walks.
Will there be any accessory customization?
Earlier this year Google applied for the Pixel Watch trademark, and in the documentation it mentions numerous accessories for the Pixel Watch including straps and bands made of various types of material. It also mentions cases adapted for holding smartwatches. So it’s a safe bet Google will offer at least some accessories for this device. In Google’s brief I/O teaser, it shows off a handful of different silicone straps in different colors. At least four can be spotted, including black, gray, a lighter white or cream color, and what looks like a neon yellow that matches the new Lemongrass colorway of the Pixel Buds Pro.
Google’s trademark documentation also mentions other materials like metal and leather. So don’t be surprised if you see bands and straps made of those materials as well.
What are the compatibility requirements?
The list isn’t long, but you will need to have an Android device. It’ll need to be a phone running at least Android 8.0 or later. Which means there’s no compatibility for iOS. You’ll also need to have a Google account to use it. But then again that’s nothing new since current Wear OS smartwatches also require that the user has a Google account.
Really, these requirements are par for the course. Since the Galaxy Watch 4 doesn’t support iOS either.
2022-05-12 15:09:04