Google Introduces the Pixel Smartwatch
The new model wants to be the Apple Watch for Android smartphone users
With its first-ever smartwatch, the Pixel Watch, Google is offering a wearable device for Android phone users who haven’t been able to hop on the Apple Watch bandwagon.
The Pixel Watch has a round stainless steel case with a domed display that integrates the crystal into the case, a bit like the latest Apple Watch models. The cases come in three colors (black, gold, and silver), and can be used with an array of 20 bands that range from active and stretch bands for sweaty workouts to classic metal and leather bands tailored for the office or a night on the town. The Pixel Watch has a camera-lens-style mount that allows for quick swapping of bands.
The Pixel Watch uses the latest version of the company’s Wear OS operating system, which is used in watches by Samsung, Fossil, Citizen, and Michael Kors. Google is also featuring fitness functionality that borrows from the fitness tracker and smartwatch functionality of Google-owned Fitbit. It includes heart zone training, granular sleep tracking, and heart rhythm monitoring. The Pixel Watch also integrates with outside apps like Spotify, Strava, Calm, and Adidas Running. A fall-detection feature is scheduled to arrive in 2023. Google also emphasizes easy access to its own apps like Maps and Wallet, tailored for the Pixel Watch.
The Pixel Watch starts at $349 for the base version and $399 for a cellular-capable model. Those prices include six months of Fitbit Premium and three months of YouTube Premium Music. The Pixel Watch is available for preorder now and will be available in stores next week.
An Apple Watch for Android?
Until now, the smartwatch market has been dominated by the Apple Watch, but that device doesn’t work with Android phones. The biggest player in the market for Android smartwatches is Samsung, with other manufacturers like Citizen and Fitbit making some inroads from their worlds of conventional watches and fitness trackers.
Google says it will be stressing cross-compatibility between the Pixel Watch and the company’s other devices and products. The Pixel Watch integrates with the company’s Android-powered Pixel phones and its Pixel Buds earbud. It even coordinates with Nest smart home products through flexible Fast Pairing. This kind of integration across gadgets is one reason people have latched on to the Apple Watch and AirPods, but it’s been largely absent for Android device users. (An exception is Samsung’s world of Galaxy devices, which do give a nod to this kind of integration.)
Google is even looking for ways to couple the Pixel Watch with its other products and services, like the Fitbit app, YouTube Music, and Nest thermostats. (You could adjust the temperature from your Pixel Watch.)
The real question is how well the Pixel Watch works, both as a stand-alone device and as part of the wide world of Google. Consumer Reports will buy one at retail (as we do with all of our rated products) and report back with a full evaluation.
