Pixel Watch 2: Google’s Surprise Teaser Reveals New Features and Design

Google has released a short video teaser of its upcoming Pixel Watch 2, which will be unveiled on October 4 along with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones. The video shows some of the new features and design changes of the second-generation smartwatch, which aims to compete with the Apple Watch.

What’s new in the Pixel Watch 2?

The video, which was posted on the Made By Google YouTube channel, gives a brief glimpse of the Pixel Watch 2, which looks similar to the first Pixel Watch that was launched last year. However, there are some noticeable differences in the design and functionality of the new watch. Here are some of the highlights:

Pixel Watch 2: Google’s Surprise Teaser Reveals New Features and Design
Pixel Watch 2: Google’s Surprise Teaser Reveals New Features and Design
  • The Pixel Watch 2 has a round display with a large rotatable crown on the right side, which can be used to navigate the watch interface and access various apps and settings. There is also a single button above the crown, which might be used to activate Google Assistant or other functions.
  • The watch face shown in the video has a minimalist design with four app widgets below the watch hands, which could be customized to show different information such as weather, fitness, notifications, or music. The watch face also has a subtle Google logo at the top.
  • The back of the watch has some markings that indicate the watch’s specifications and features. For example, it has IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, which means it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. It also has SPo2 sensor for measuring blood oxygen levels, which was promised in the first Pixel Watch but was only activated later with a software update.
  • The most striking difference in the Pixel Watch 2 is the sensor design on the back of the watch, which looks more circular and has smaller LEDs than the first Pixel Watch. This suggests that Google has improved the sensor technology and added more health features to the new watch, such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, stress detection, or fall detection.

When will the Pixel Watch 2 be available and how much will it cost?

The video does not reveal when the Pixel Watch 2 will be available for purchase, but it does say that pre-orders will start on October 4, which is the same day as Google’s launch event for its new products. The event will also showcase the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones, which have also been teased by Google in another video.

The price of the Pixel Watch 2 is also unknown, but it might be similar to or slightly higher than the first Pixel Watch, which started at $350 (£339, AU$549). The price might depend on the size, storage, connectivity, and battery options of the new watch.

How does the Pixel Watch 2 compare to the Apple Watch?

The Pixel Watch 2 is Google’s attempt to challenge the dominance of the Apple Watch in the smartwatch market. The Apple Watch is widely regarded as the best smartwatch available, with its sleek design, smooth performance, rich app ecosystem, and advanced health features.

However, Google might have some advantages over Apple with its Pixel Watch 2. For one thing, it runs on Wear OS, which is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, unlike the Apple Watch, which only works with iPhones. This means that more people can use the Pixel Watch 2 regardless of their smartphone preference.

Another advantage that Google might have is its integration with Google services and products, such as Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Photos, Gmail, YouTube Music, and more. These services could offer more convenience and functionality to Pixel Watch 2 users than Apple’s counterparts.

Finally, Google might also have an edge over Apple in terms of innovation and customization. The Pixel Watch 2 could offer more features and options that are not available on the Apple Watch, such as a rotatable crown, a blood oxygen sensor, or a customizable watch face. Google could also leverage its expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning to make the Pixel Watch 2 smarter and more personalized than the Apple Watch.

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