Google announced the Pixel Watch 2 on Wednesday as part of its latest product showcase. The wearable was unveiled alongside the Pixel 8 series smartphones and the Pixel Buds Pro feature drop details, among other news Google had to share with journalists and other industry members.
The brand has melded several design, power, and AI features together into the Pixel Watch 2. The wearable maintains the curved and circular shape introduced in the prior model while featuring a more durable cover glass and a housing made of 100 percent recycled aluminum. It is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance. Google has also introduced new bands and watch faces, including a more breathable design for its sports band while retaining the simple band mechanism that allows bands from the original Pixel Watch to work with the Pixel Watch 2.
The wearable is powered by a quad-core CPU that allows for 24 hours of battery life on a single charge, even when the always-on display mode is activated. It supports a 12-hour charge in 30 minutes. For software, it runs WearOS 4, which brings to Pixel Watch 2 new applications, such as Gmail and Google Calendar, updates to already available apps including YouTube, Maps, and Google Assistant, as well as improvements to Third-party apps.
The wearable also includes safety features such as allowing users to store medical information and enable safety sharing information directly on the watch. It is also getting the Safety Check feature, which was first introduced on Pixel phones. It allows you to set a timer for when you expect to arrive home; if you can’t check in after it expires safety check will share your location with emergency contacts. The Pixel Watch 2 also works with Fitbit Premium, to allow users to access features including safety check and emergency sharing when an LTE-enabled mode is not connected to a network.
Three main focuses on the Pixel Watch 2 include its AI algorithm, three new sensors, and multipath sensor, which work together to give users the most complete picture of everyday health, Google said.
The wearable includes a heart rate sensor that has been upgraded from a single path sensor to a multipath sensor with 10 times the channels to measure heart rate more accurately compared to the original Pixel Watch. The sensor also allows for 40 percent better heart rate tracking during vigorous activities including HIIT, spinning, and rowing. Users can take advantage of the coaching features that are visible through the glanceable UI.
The skin temperature sensor provides insight into sleep and overall wellness. The continuous electrodermal activity sensor (CEAS) tracks the body’s response for signs of stress. In turn, the Pixel Watch 2 recommends methods to destress, as well as prompts reflection of your day, week, and long-term management of stress.
The Fitbit app has gotten a new redesign that launched last month and pairs with the Pixel Watch 2. The app has an updated UI that focuses on metrics. There are three main tabs. The Today tab keeps you on track with your stats and goals, the Coach tab allows you to browse and filter workouts and mindfulness sessions, and the You tab helps you manage your personal details goals achievements, and connections with friends and family.
Fitbit Labs advanced insights and trends powered by AI is a feature that allows users to ask the Fitbit app questions about their exercise behaviors. The app will use generative AI and tracked data to observe trends and determine how to improve workouts. The feature will roll out early next year to trustee testers with priority access for Pixel phone owners. There are also more Fitbit Labs experiences to come in the future.
The Pixel Watch 2 is available for preorder today starting at $349 starting. It will come in Wi-Fi and LTE versions and will ship next week. The wearable will come with six months of Fitbit Premium free.
