On Tuesday, at its Made by Google event, Google announced a line of Pixel 9 smartphones, Buds Pro 2 earphones, and the third edition of Pixel Watch.
The watch, which will be powered by Google’s WearOS 5, has several handy updates, including a battery and smarter AI.
“It's going to be designed for performance. It features our most advanced fitness, and it delivers helpful glanceable assistance while you're on the go,” said Noah Presler, Senior product manager for Pixel Watch, in a briefing for media.
Battery and the screen
The Pixel Watch will be available in two sizes for the first time. In addition to the standard 41mm version, there is a 45mm size, which, according to Google, results in 40% more screen.
With the third edition of the watch, Google is ditching Samsung’s Amoled display and using its own Actua display instead which was first introduced with the Pixel 8 smartphone line. The screen will be twice as bright as last year's models, reaching up to 2000 nits.
The display will feature a refresh rate of up to 60 Hz, adapting according to the environment. Google claims that for a 45mm model with 420 mAh battery, this will result in 35% more battery life.
In addition, there will be an improved battery-saver mode, enabling the watch to last up to 1.5 days while still tracking fitness and fall detection.
Meanwhile, Auto bedtime mode will use a machine learning algorithm to detect when users fall asleep and automatically put the watch in bedtime mode. The mode will turn off notifications and always-on display until it automatically detects that you wake up in the morning. Google claims this will also result in better battery life.
AI-empowered tracking
The watch will feature sensors that monitor oxygen level, heart rate, stress, and sleep, allowing one to track progress in sport and see overall heath metrics, which is quite typical for a wearable.
However, with the Pixel Watch 3, Google aims to use AI for more advanced insights and use cases, like planning optimal workouts based on personal metrics and guiding users through workout sessions.
For example, a new workout builder in the Fitbit mobile app allows users to create the right run for a specific individual and set targets such as pace and heart rate.
During the workout, the watch can provide guidance via audio or haptics, such as knowing when to start a warm-up, increase or slow down the pace, etc.
During the media briefing, Google underlined several other enhancements, such as improved sensor accuracy, which now includes machine learning and several more tools that will enable users to better balance their training and rest.
For example, target load provides a daily training goal tailored to one’s recent activity and recovery, while cardio load measures how much strain your heart is under during exercise and throughout the day.
In Europe, the 41mm version of the Pixel Watch 3 will start at € 399, while the 45mm version will start at €449.
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