How Google May Give The Apple Watch A Run For Its Money
Steer clear Apple Watch! Google may have a Pixel Watch competitor up its sleeves.
This article is more than 2 years old
It’s always been a little odd that, despite creating impressive operating systems that power several smartwatches on the market, Google doesn’t have its own wearable. Since the multinational technology company already manufacturers all sorts of smart gadgets, a smartwatch is the next obvious step. Now, it seems like the tech giant is finally ready to launch the highly anticipated Pixel Watch.
According to CNET, Google is expected to officially debut the Pixel Watch during the company’s I/O 2022 conference later this week. The event will see the tech giant dive deep into the new Android 13 features. The company is also expected to share updates about its Wear OS smartwatch software which was overhauled in collaboration with Samsung last year. The company’s keynote address will likely reiterate its overall vision, detailing how its devices and services stand out from competitors like Apple, Samsung, and Amazon.
If the rumors are true, Google’s upcoming Pixel Watch will be a big focus of the event. The device will probably be a flagship, ready to compete with Samsung’s latest Galaxy Watches and the Apple Watch. According to specs leaked by 9to5Google, the device has a battery that offers 300 milliamp-hour with cellular connectivity on some models. If the report is accurate, it reinforces the idea that Google is not trying to make its watch a smaller or cheaper alternative. Instead, they’re opting for mass-market appeal.
The biggest unanswered question is which chip Google will use for their Pixel Watch. However, speculation suggests that it may be powered by Samsung Exynos. Google using the same W920 chip as the Galaxy Watch 4 would not be surprising, since the companies already have a great working relationship. While Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear 4100 or 4100 Plus haven’t shown up in a lot of watches, The Verge says it could be an option. But there could also be an unannounced next-gen Qualcomm chip in the works.
Additionally, a measurement by 9to5Google revealed that the display size on the Google Pixel Watch is just under 1.2-inches (or 30mm), which is another similarity with the Galaxy Watch 4. Possible face designs for the Pixel watch are still a mystery. Fitbit is also rumored to be incorporated into the device, but details are a little scarce. Beyond that, the biggest remaining question is how the tech giant will price the Pixel Watch and when it will be available.
However, if you really want to get a look at Google’s Pixel Watch hardware before the device is announced, a plethora of images made their way online via Android Central. The photos were supposedly taken by someone who found the new gadget at a popular U.S restaurant. The person took several snaps with the device on and off their wrist. The alleged leak fueled speculation that Google’s first smartwatch will have a round shape.
The person who is allegedly in possession of the Google Pixel Watch posted more details on an Ask Me Anything (AMA) post on Reddit under the username u/tagtech414. Hopefully, official specs will be revealed very soon.
