The Pixel phones mark Google's attempt to set a standard for Android phones, and they're getting better and better. Now, can Google do the same for Wear OS smartwatches?
That's reportedly the plan, as rumours and reports are circling around a so-called Google Pixel Watch. Google has helped push some Wear OS (ex-Android Wear) watches over the last few years, but none were actually made in-house. The Pixel Watch could change that.
Will it be the kick in the pants needed to jumpstart the stagnant Android watch market? Here's hoping! Read on for a look at everything we've heard about it so far.
When will the Google Pixel Watch be out?
We thought that the Pixel Watch would launch right alongside the Pixel 3 phones last year, but that didn't happen.
That was according to noted leaker Even Blass, who said that a source told him "with high confidence" that a Pixel Watch would show up at Google's big hardware event later this year. We had heard rumblings of a Google watch in the past, and it sounded like that source wass solidly convinced that it's really happening this time around.
But that didn't happen. Google's Miles Barr, director of engineering on Wear OS, confirmed to Tom's Guide that they wouldn't be releasing a smartwatch last year. And Google PR confirmed the information afterwards, for good measure. "To think of a one-size-fits-all watch, I don’t think we’re there yet,” says Barr. “Our focus is on our partners for now."
How about 2019 then? Nikkei reports that Google might roll out its own smartwatch alongside the Pixel 4 on 15 October, but that's all they had to say about it.
(LG Watch Style shown)
We hope it's true, but it still seems like a longshot for now.
What will the Google Pixel Watch look like?
Unfortunately, we don't have any info on the Pixel Watch's design just yet. If we had to take an educated guess, we'd say it'll probably have a circular face. That's a start.
Beyond that, the details could vary widely. As the WinFuture report claims, there may be three different versions codenamed "Ling," "Triton," and "Sardine."
Fashion plays a big role in wearable devices' success, and while we'd expect them to be very similar in function and ability, they could sport some different looks. We'd hope for some nice materials in the mix, though, if Google wants it to feel like a high-end device. The LG Watch Style didn't do a particularly great job of that.
(LG Watch Sport shown)
It's all fiction for now because we don't know anything for sure. That said, the Pixel phones have thus far been a bit uninspiring in looks, so hopefully Google packs in a bit more panache for our wrists.
How much power will the Google Pixel Watch pack?
Qualcomm's Snapdragon 2100 chip had been used across the board for Wear OS watches over the last couple years, but now Snapdragon 3100 chips are on the market.
It's a more energy-efficient chip that maximises battery life while also enabling easier Google Assistant usage. That sounds like a perfect match for the Pixel Watch. Meanwhile, WinFuture's report suggests at least 1GB RAM for the watches to keep things running smoothly.
(Huawei Watch 2 shown)
The Snapdragon 3100 should enable a speedier smartwatch experience.
Is there anything else I should know about the Google Pixel Watch?
WinFuture's report suggests GPS, LTE, and VoLTE support on the Pixel Watches, although we wonder if Google will pull an Apple-like move with separate, pricier LTE versions as an option to the cheaper non-LTE edition.
Also, it seems likely that the Pixel Watch will launch with an upgraded version of Wear OS, the rebranded Android Wear. There's been little movement there over the last couple of years, but there would be no better coming-out party for a majorly upgraded Wear OS version than the release of a Pixel Watch. Will an Android 10-based version ship on the Pixel Watch?
Lastly, the Wear OS name shift seems driven by increased use by iPhone users, so we have to wonder how much of a play Google will make for Apple phone-owners with the release of the Pixel Watch.
Third-party smartwatches don't work quite as elegantly with the iPhone as the Apple Watch does, and truly, that may never change because of Apple's hold on its own ecosystem. Still, we have to think that Google is working hard to figure out how to make the best iPhone-compatible experience it can for the Pixel Watch.
In any case, it sounds like Google is making moves to ensure higher-quality Wear experiences. The new Google Fit revamp suggests a smarter, more casual-friendly approach to tracking, which could be great on your wrist. Also, Google kicked off a mandatory review process for Wear apps last year, ensuring that there's less random garbage on the Play Store. Nice.
Obviously, there's still a lot left to learn about the Pixel Watch... hopefully we'll get a full reveal soon.
