Google is expected to launch a new Pixel Wear OS smartwatch this fall alongside the Pixel 3 series of smartphones, and rumors are flying high about what to expect in terms of specs, features, price, and release date.
The company has recently rebranded its Android Wear into Wear OS, but there's little novelty otherwise. The wearable market is declining, and there aren't really any smartwatches that truly stand out, but that may well change soon.
Google plans to breathe some new life into Wear OS smartwatches, and it should release at least one new smartwatch this year, if not three. Some rumors indicated that it was working on three separate smartwatches, but those could just be Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + Cellular and maybe some different size.
Pixel Smartwatch: In-House Or Outsourced?
It remains unclear at this point whether Google will make its own Pixel Wear OS smartwatch or task others with this responsibility like it did with most of its products.
That question remains unanswered for now, but it wouldn't be too surprising if Google finally decided to make its very own Pixel smartwatch to better compete against Apple and its Apple Watch, which is currently leading the race. If so, the Pixel smartwatch would join Google's existing range of in-house devices such as Pixel Buds, Google Home, and more.
Pixel Smartwatch With New Qualcomm Processor
As CNET reports, Qualcomm is working with Google on a new wearable processor, and that chipset will most likely power the upcoming smartwatch(es).
Pankaj Kedia, Qualcomm's senior director of the Wearables Segment, told the publication that the company's main focus right now is on improving the user experience and maximizing the potential of Google Assistant.
Kedia added that the upcoming smartwatch might have more power modes to cater to different needs and preferences beyond the existing ambient mode, low battery, and the interactive mode. This should also translate to a better battery life for the smartwatch, which could set it apart from the crowd.
Pixel Smartwatch Design
Smartwatches have come a long way from the clunky and bulky designs of the first units, but there's still plenty of room for improvement. Kedia indicated that Google's smartwatch revamp aims to improve the design and make it look better, which could mean a slimmer design.
Always-On Google Assistant
Google Assistant is constantly getting smarter and improving the experience, and Google is making notable efforts in this department. The Assistant will be a main attraction on the new smartwatch, always-on and always ready to perform tasks right on your wrist.
Moreover, Google Assistant is also expected to have better skills when it comes to handling fitness. This could mean more accuracy for recent workouts, better exercise suggestions, and better insights overall, more on par with those of fitness trackers rather than smartwatches.
Google's upcoming smartwatch is also expected to have a heart-rate sensor and be able to detect the wearer's stress levels. In terms of connectivity, the smartwatch could have GPS, LTE, and VoLTE.
Pixel Watch Pricing And Release Date Rumors
Google is expected to host a big event in the fall, likely in October, to introduce its new Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, new Pixel Buds, and the Pixel Wear OS smartwatch. In terms of pricing, the Pixel smartwatch could start at roughly $350 or so, especially if it comes with a sleeker design, better specs, GPS, and cellular connectivity.
It's all in the rumor state until Google makes it official, however, so take things with a grain of salt for now. What would you most want to see in the upcoming Pixel smartwatch? Let us know in the comments section below.
