google unveils its first-ever pixel smartwatch with its metallic wristband costing half as much

introducing Google Pixel Watch

On October 6, 2022, Google unveiled the ‘Google Pixel Watch,’ its first-ever smartwatch that combines the helpful and practical features of Google and the best health and fitness features of the company’s affiliate, Fitbit, in a bold new design. The long-awaited wearable was revealed at an event in Brooklyn, New York, and serves as a natural extension of the technology giant’s Pixel series, which consists of various digital devices, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, and earbuds.

all images courtesy of Google

rounded, domed design made of recycled steel

According to Google, the Pixel Watch was designed with comfort and durability in mind. Available in a single size, the wearable showcases a bold, rounded, domed case that is 41mm wide, 12.3mm deep, and weighs 36g. It is made of recycled stainless steel and is available in multiple color combinations: matte black with a black active band, silver with a gray or silver active band, or champagne gold with a Hazel active band that matches the Hazel Pixel 7 Pro smartphone.

The wearable is finished with a ‘tactile’ rotating crown for navigating menus, as well as a discreet button just above it. ‘Inspired by a classic timepiece, the tactile crown controls on-screen scrolling, accesses shortcuts, and initiates the app tray to get you the helpful information you need. The side button subtly above the crown opens your most-recently used apps, so favorites are just a click away.’ Google explains. According to the famed technology company, the battery lasts up to 24 hours, although it is not clear whether this applies with or without the always-on display setting activated.

metallic wristbands available in 2023

The smartwatch can be attached to Google’s wide range of wristbands, including woven and leather ones. Meanwhile, the tech giant has also listed a metallic link bracelet and a mesh bracelet for its smartwatch in its online store. Although the two wristband variants will not be available until next year, the prices are already known. The mesh wristband costs $129 and will be available in gold, black, and silver, matching the Pixel Watch’s case colors. The classic bracelet made of metal links, on the other hand, will be much more expensive: it costs $199. The wristband has a classic butterfly clasp and can be adjusted to fit wrists with a circumference of 137 to 203 mm.

help by google, health by fitbit

Powered by Wear OS, the Google Pixel Watch delivers information instantly and makes tasks more convenient. The design ensures that interaction is smooth, responsive, and easy to use. With customizable tiles and watch faces, information can be delivered in a way that is personalized for each user. Of course, the watch has built-in Google Assistant for quick, hands-free assistance on the go. What’s more, users can easily control their smart home devices through the Google Home app, or simply say ‘Hey, Google’ to their watch to adjust the thermostat, turn the lights on or off, and receive notifications when someone is at the door.

Drawing on Fitbit’s expertise, the smartwatch offers leading health and fitness features, including what Google says is ‘the most accurate heart rate measurement yet.’ With on-device machine learning and deep optimization down to the processor level, it delivers an accurate measurement of heart rate that is continuously captured at one frequency per second. There are 40 workout modes available to track favorite workouts and all-day activities, including steps, distance with built-in GPS and Active Zone Minutes to help users achieve more during their workouts. Google’s first smartwatch also helps you monitor your health with an ECG app to detect signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib) and better understand your sleep with Sleep Score and Sleep Stages.

The Google Pixel Watch is available for $349 for Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and $399 for 4G LTE, including six months of Fitbit Premium. Accessory bands cost between $49 and $199.