Pixel Watch: This is Google's first smartwatch
With the Pixel Watch, Google offers its first smartwatch and, with Wear OS, no longer just supplies the software for other manufacturers. The development of the watch was probably helped by the know-how and personnel that came into the company with the takeover of the fitness service Fitbit.
Google has been offering software for smartwatches with Wear OS for a long time. It is therefore all the more astonishing how long it took to present the Pixel Watch. Strictly speaking, it offers little that is new, but could set new standards through integration into the Google cosmos.
Wear OS 3 and Fitbit on board
The Pixel Watch's stainless steel casing is made of 80 per cent recycled materials and comes in a choice of four colours. Its AMOLED display has a diameter of 41 millimetres and a damn wide bezel. However, according to Google, the curved shape of the watch will make it "visually disappear" in everyday use. Google has come up with a new connector for the wristbands, which are available in different materials and colours. You sort of twist the watch into it. Google calls the new system "Twist-and-Click".
The Pixel Watch runs Wear OS 3 and has access to many Google services. From Home to Maps and Wallet to Youtube Music and your calendar. Fitbit and the voice-controlled Google Assistant are also on board.
Google has fully integrated the offerings of its acquired fitness service into the smartwatch. Accordingly, the Pixel Watch also has GPS and can measure your heart rate and take ECGs. Next year, the watch will also be equipped with fall detection via a software update. Tracking of numerous sports, sleep monitoring and other fitness functions are now already on board.
The Pixel Watch's display is protected by Gorilla Glass 5. The smartwatch is waterproof up to five ATM. You can connect it to any smartphone running at least Android 8. A connection with iOS is not possible. The battery life specification of 24 hours suggests daily charging.
Price and availability
The Pixel Watch is available for pre-order in Germany now and is expected to cost 379 euros. This applies to the WLAN version. With LTE, 429 euros will be due.
Switzerland, however, is not one of the countries where Google is actively selling the Pixel Watch. But I hope that, like other devices from the manufacturer, it will make its way across the border.
When I was but a young student, I'd sit in my friend's living room with all my classmates and play on his SuperNES. Since then I've had the opportunity to test out all the newest technology for you. I've done reviews at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, and have now arrived at Galaxus.de.