Google has introduced its first own smartwatch — Pixel Watch — which comes with a pure version of Wear OS 3.5 and, thanks to the integration of Fitbit purchased from Google, is particularly suitable for recording sporting activities.
Pixel Watch comes in a round form factor made of stainless steel, and a wheel and a physical button are responsible for control. The watch has a diameter of 41 mm, is 12.3 mm thick and weighs 36 grams without the strap.
Google does not specify the size of the display, but it is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and features a round AMOLED screen with a pixel density of an average of 320 ppi. Google specifies the maximum brightness as 1000 cd/m². It is noted that it supports the Always-On function.
As for the rest of the technical specifications, the Pixel Watch has more than 2 GB of RAM, up to 32 GB of storage, and a Samsung Exynos 9110 processor.
The battery, meanwhile, is 294 mAh and promises to last all day. It is charged via a magnetic charging cable. The battery can be charged from zero to 50 percent in 30 minutes. 80 percent should be reached in 55 minutes, and the battery should be fully charged after around 80 minutes.
And when it comes to connectivity, it includes Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, WiFi and LTE. It is water resistant to 5 ATM, allowing the Pixel Watch to be used for swimming in shallow water.
In the health section, a clearer integration with Fitbit options will also come into action. It can record up to 40 different sports and heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen levels (SpO2), or the electrocardiogram function will be available. Users get a daily fitness evaluation, and active zone minutes are intended to help them better assess and control the intensity during training. Each Pixel Watch includes six months of Fitbit Premium, which comes with workouts, health and activity reports, and other options.
In 2023 these watches will also receive an update that will allow them to be used to detect falls and call emergency services in those cases.
The Pixel Watch will be available in three finishes — black, gray and gold — and will include a 20-millimeter strap as a default option. However, users will be able to choose from a selection of different materials and colors for customization. Even metal straps for this watch are expected to be released in the winter.
The Pixel Watch will go on sale in two models — with and without cellular connectivity. The version without access to mobile networks will cost $349, while the LTE variant will start at $399.
