Google, the tech giant owned by Alphabet (GOOGL), has recently launched the Pixel Watch 2, a new smartwatch that integrates Fitbit’s fitness tracking features. The Pixel Watch 2 is the second generation of Google’s smartwatch series, and it aims to compete with other popular wearable devices such as the Apple Watch and the Samsung Galaxy Watch.
The Pixel Watch 2 has a circular design, unlike the square-shaped Apple Watch. It has a battery life of 24 hours with its always-on display active, and it runs on an advanced quad-core processor. The Pixel Watch 2 also has a temperature sensor and a continuous electrodermal activity sensor, which measure the user’s stress level and suggest relaxation exercises.
The Pixel Watch 2 is powered by Fitbit, the fitness tracker company that Google acquired in 2021. Fitbit provides various exercise courses, sleep profile, and readiness score functionalities to the Pixel Watch 2 users. The Pixel Watch 2 also includes six months of free Fitbit Premium service, which offers more personalized insights and guidance.
The Pixel Watch 2 has an improved heart rate sensor and a tracking algorithm that captures the heart rate during strenuous exercises 40% more accurately. It also has an automatic exercise detection feature for seven workouts, including running and outdoor cycling. Additionally, the Pixel Watch 2 has a safety check feature, which alerts the user’s emergency contacts if they are in distress.
The Pixel Watch 2 is compatible with Google’s apps and services, such as Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Pay. The Pixel Watch 2 users can send and receive calls and messages, as well as access their notifications and reminders from their wrist. The Pixel Watch 2 also supports wireless charging and water resistance.
How Much Does the Pixel Watch 2 Cost?
The Pixel Watch 2 starts at $349, which is slightly higher than the starting price of the Apple Watch Series 7 ($329) and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 ($249). However, the Pixel Watch 2 offers more features and benefits than its competitors, especially for the Fitbit fans and the Google users.
The Pixel Watch 2 is available in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm. It also comes in various colors and styles, such as black, silver, gold, and rose gold. The Pixel Watch 2 users can customize their watch faces and bands according to their preferences and occasions.
The Pixel Watch 2 is currently available for pre-order on Google’s website, and it will start shipping on October 28, 2023. The Pixel Watch 2 is also expected to be available in retail stores and online platforms soon.
Why Is the Pixel Watch 2 Important for Google?
The Pixel Watch 2 is an important product for Google, as it represents its efforts to strengthen its presence in the booming smartwatch and wearable markets. According to a report by Fortune Business Insights, the global smartwatch market is anticipated to hit $29.31 billion in 2023 and reach $77.22 billion by 2032, witnessing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.8% between 2023 and 2030. Another report by Straits Research estimates that the wearable fitness tracker market is expected to hit $192 billion by 2030, seeing a CAGR of 17.5% between 2022 and 2030.
Google has been lagging behind its rivals such as Apple and Samsung in the smartwatch and wearable segments, as its previous products such as the Pixel Watch and the Google Glass failed to gain much traction. However, with the Pixel Watch 2, Google hopes to change that and attract more customers with its unique design, performance, and features.
The Pixel Watch 2 is also a strategic move for Google to leverage its acquisition of Fitbit, which is one of the leading brands in the fitness tracker market. Fitbit has a loyal customer base and a strong reputation for its health and wellness features. By integrating Fitbit’s features into the Pixel Watch 2, Google can offer more value and differentiation to its smartwatch users.
The Pixel Watch 2 is also a way for Google to showcase its ecosystem of apps and services, which are widely used by millions of people around the world. By making the Pixel Watch 2 compatible with Google’s apps and services, Google can enhance the user experience and loyalty of its smartwatch users.
The Pixel Watch 2 is expected to contribute to the growth and performance of Google’s parent company, Alphabet, in the coming quarters. Alphabet reported a revenue of $66.3 billion from its Google Services segment in the second quarter of 2023, accounting for 88.8% of its total revenue. The Google Services segment includes products such as Google Search, YouTube, Gmail, Google Maps, Google Play, Google Cloud, and Google Hardware. The Pixel Watch 2 is part of the Google Hardware product line, which also includes devices such as the Pixel phones, the Pixel Buds, the Nest Hub, and the Chromecast.
