As the tech world eagerly anticipates Google’s “Made by Google” event scheduled for October 4, 2023, leaks and rumors about the upcoming Pixel Watch 2 are creating a whirlwind of excitement. A successor to the Pixel Watch, which marked Google’s debut into the smartwatch sector last year, the Pixel Watch 2 is said to be a significant upgrade in terms of both hardware and software. Drawing from Google’s acquisition of Fitbit, the watch promises to integrate the best of both worlds—Google’s AI smarts and Fitbit’s health tracking capabilities. Here’s a rundown of what we know so far.
Elevating Health Features with Fitbit Technology
Last year’s Pixel Watch was the first with Fitbit integration. The Pixel Watch 2 is poised to take this integration to the next level, adding features previously exclusive to Fitbit’s Sense series. For instance, the new watch will reportedly include an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor, aimed at helping wearers manage stress more effectively.
Moreover, the device will come equipped with a skin temperature sensor, a feature that goes beyond the capabilities of even Fitbit Sense 2, which tracks temperature only at night. This offers exciting possibilities for health monitoring, although it remains unconfirmed whether the sensor will also be used for tracking menstrual cycles, as is the case with some other smartwatches like the Galaxy Watch 5/6.
A More Cohesive Exercise Interface
The upcoming Pixel Watch 2 aims to provide a more cohesive and engaging user interface for tracking exercise. “The new design particularly makes your current heart rate more engaging, encouraging you to reach your desired zone,” reports a source. This is a departure from the current straightforward, no-frills layout and is expected to be more in line with Google’s design ethos for Wear OS.
Upgraded Personal Safety Features
On the safety front, the Pixel Watch 2 is not holding back. The new smartwatch will work in tandem with the car crash detection feature available on Pixel phones. In case of an accident, the watch will display the user’s core medical information, making it easily accessible for emergency responders. Additionally, the watch will have full support for Emergency Sharing, allowing you to share your location with trusted contacts. For this to work, the Pixel Watch 2 would need to be LTE-enabled and have an active data plan.
Reintroducing Translation Capabilities
Google is also making a comeback in the translation sphere for Wear OS. Rather than reintroducing a standalone Google Translate app, “the Google Assistant’s interpreter mode will handle translations,” shares a reliable source. This feature is expected to work similarly to how it does on other Google devices, including phones and Nest hardware.
Hardware Enhancements
The Pixel Watch 2 is expected to 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 Google’s latest Tensor G3 Chip, promising enhanced performance.
Final Insights
As the Pixel Watch 2’s unveiling date approaches, it’s clear that Google is set to make a significant impact on the smartwatch market once again. The device’s new features, which blend Google’s AI capabilities with Fitbit’s health tracking, are expected to set a new standard for what a smartwatch can do. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or simply someone who values cutting-edge gadgets, the Pixel Watch 2 is shaping up to be an unveiling you won’t want to miss.
Stay tuned for further updates as we approach the highly anticipated “Made By Google” event.
