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The new Pixel Watch is basically a Wear OS-powered Fitbit device that is designed by Google

By Zachary Chan - on 9 Oct 2022, 11:21am

Google Pixel Watch

Note: This article was first published on 6 October 2022.

In tonight’s Made by Google ‘22 event, Google announced the Pixel Watch, a sleek, round device that reminds me quite a bit of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active series. However, the Pixel Watch features an even more minimalist design with a 3D domed glass display that's curved all the way around to meet the case. This means that from a top view, you will not see any bezels at all, besides the single crown/button in the middle. Even the straps connect via what looks like a slide and lock mechanism instead of external lugs to maintain that smooth, one piece finish illusion. 

You can see from the sides that the class display curves right over to meet the case so there are no physical bezels on the Pixel Watch.

The Pixel Watch will initially feature 20 available band choices, in an assortment of woven, stretch, active and leather styles, with metal coming in 2023. It also has 19 customisable watch faces.

While Google did not reveal any hardware specifications at all on what the Pixel Watch was running on, or even the screen size and resolution, an image of the rear case shows some basic info, such as 50m water resistance, GPS capabilityan ECG sensor, and Corning Gorilla Glass for the display. According to Google, the case is made from 80% recycled stainless steel.

Fall Detection to come in an OTA feature update in 2023.

As part of Google's sustainability efforts, 80% recycled stainless steel makes up the case, and different bands may use recycled materials too.

Just like how Pixel Phones run on pure Android, we expect the Pixel Watch to be running a pure Wear OS experience. However, it is very clear that this is the first smartwatch from Google that finally makes use of their Fitbit acquisition. The Heart Rate Sensor technology on the PIxel Watch is definitely coming from Fitbit, as are the health metrics experience. From what we saw of the keynote, the Pixel Watch will likely be running on the Fitbit app, with all of Fitbit’s existing features such as Daily Readiness Score, Active Zone Minutes, and Sleep Scores

Pixel Watch may be Made by Google, but it's definitely powered by Fitbit.

And indeed, the Pixel Watch will ship with 3 months of YouTube Music and 6 months of Fitbit Premium. The Pixel Watch will be priced at US$349 (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi), and US$399 (Cellular/LTE). It will come in Black, Silver and Gold case colours. There is no news on local Singapore availability for the PIxel Watch yet.

 

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