In a surprising move, Google has given us a sneak peek into the design of its highly-anticipated Pixel Watch 2. Following the recent unveiling of the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro smartphones, the tech giant shared a video that provides the most detailed look yet at the upcoming smartwatch.
Here’s what has been gleaned from the short 15 second video so far.
Design Evolution: Subtle Yet Significant
The Pixel Watch 2 retains the water droplet-inspired design that received praise in its previous iteration. However, Google has introduced some noteworthy changes. The rotating crown is now smoother and rounded, replacing the bottle cap design of the last generation. The stem appears to be thinner, and the hole next to the speaker cutout has been removed, although one remains next to the crown.
Backside Innovations: More Than Meets the Eye
The back of the watch reveals the most changes. The black border is now much thinner, and the ring of text indicates several features like IP68 water resistance, EDA (electrodermal activity, which measures skin conductivity changes via sweating) sensor for stress management, heart rate sensor, sleep tracking, and SPO2. This aligns with our previous report that the Pixel Watch 2 would include an EDA sensor.
Material and Build: A Shiny Facelift
While last year’s model had no explicit IP certification, the Pixel Watch 2 comes with an IP68 rating. The material seems to have switched from stainless steel to aluminum to reduce weight, although it still retains a shiny polish.
Anticipated Features: More Than Just a Timepiece
The Pixel Watch 2 is expected to run on the Tensor G3 Chip, similar to the Pixel 8 series, promising enhanced performance. It will feature a high-resolution 1.4-inch OLED screen with a peak brightness of 1000 nits and a slightly improved 420mAh battery. The watch will run on Wear OS 3 and include exclusive features like Fitbit integration, Google Assistant, and Google Pay.
Contextualizing the Hype: “Made By Google” Event
The Pixel Watch 2 is part of Google’s upcoming “Made By Google” event scheduled for October 4, 2023. The event is expected to be a landmark occasion, unveiling a plethora of new products and updates. The Pixel 8 series, featuring significant upgrades like a Tensor G3 Chip and a new camera sensor, is also highly anticipated. With a tweet from the official Made by Google Twitter account stating, “Gr8 things are coming,” the stakes are indeed high.
Addressing Past Concerns: A Step in the Right Direction
Google seems committed to rectifying past flaws. The original Pixel Watch faced criticism for its large bezel and lackluster battery life. The upcoming Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel 8 series are expected to address these and other concerns, making them more appealing to consumers.
Social Media Reactions: Sky-High Expectations
The announcement has already generated significant buzz on social media, with tech influencers and the general public expressing their excitement and speculating about the new features.
Final Takeaway
As the “Made By Google” event approaches, the Pixel Watch 2 has already set high expectations. Whether you’re a tech aficionado or just someone who appreciates quality gadgets, this is one unveiling you won’t want to miss.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the much-anticipated “Made By Google” event.
