Is it too late for the Google Pixel Watch?

The-Editors-Desk

The alleged Google Pixel Watch recaptured the headlines yesterday, after a rather long hiatus. Remember, a smartwatch made by Google has been rumored for years, and, if the recent chatter holds any truth to it, we might soon see it. Who knows, maybe Google will show something off at the upcoming Developer Conference, so we can get more clarity.

Even though it’s been a long time coming, where would the supposed Pixel Watch sit and rank on a market that is saturated?

There are currently three major smartwatch categories out there: on one hand, we have the Apple Watch running on its own watchOS, and on the other hand (pun intended) we have all the Google Wear OS-powered devices. In between, we have the HUAWEIs, the Samsungs, and the FitBits (to name a few), running on a different platform, proprietary or not.

The Apple Watch is really no competition for the other two categories as it’s only compatible with the iPhone, and, to be honest, an iPhone user will likely only purchase an Apple Watch rather than a third-party solution.

Pixel Watch and its competition

Now that we knocked the Apple Watch out of the proverbial ring, the Pixel Watch will have to compete with devices in the other two segments. Whether Tizen, HarmonyOS, or another platform built upon RTOS, these devices have already established themselves on the market.

Both HUAWEI and Samsung have some really compelling models on shelves, for every look, and for every wallet. The Pixel Watch will indeed have the advantage of having notifications you can actually do something with instead of just dismissing, but you simply can’t beat the outrageous battery life these watches offer. HUAWEI comes to mind, and HONOR, with their monstrous, more than one week-long runs.

…and then we have all the other offerings running Wear OS, from Louis Vuitton to Mobvoi, and everything in between, designer or not. These are some heavyweights that, in the absence of a Google watch, have established themselves on the market using Google’s own Wear OS.

We also need to mention that, if the rumors are true, Samsung will likely embrace Wear OS for its future models, making the competition even more cutthroat.

Pixel Watch competitor

Not all is lost for the Pixel Watch

Now, before we write the pre-launch obituary for the Pixel Watch, it makes sense to acknowledge the probable future customer. Just like in the case of Apple users, the most likely buyer for a Google Pixel Watch is a Google Pixel smartphone owner. Yes, being invested in the Google ecosystem is possible across many brands, but purists will likely flock to the online stores to complete their Google hardware collection. 

And this, I believe, will be the entire raison d’être for the Pixel Watch. It will likely be a niche product not necessarily aimed at the masses. Google might knowingly target a specific chunk of the user base – the purists and loyalists – and by doing that, on a smaller scale, it could offer the Pixel Watch a chance of finding its place on the market, and growing. Sounds familiar? Just think of the Pixel phone line-up, where it began, and where it is today.

Which begs the question: is it too late for the Pixel Watch or is it going to be just right, with the proper pricing and targeting? Let us know in the comments below: would you buy a Pixel Watch? Why?

Thanks for reading! Welcome to The Editor’s Desk!

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Pixel Watch leak claims to give us first glimpse of Google’s upcoming smartwatch

Disclaimers first. Take this Pixel Watch leak with the proverbial pinch of salt. Actually, a lot of it.

Now, let’s talk news. Looks like Google is finally ready to launch the often-rumored-and-canceled Pixel Watch. And as per leakster Jon Prosser, it might finally happen in October this year. In the latest episode of his YouTube show FrontPageTech, Prosser gave us a glimpse of the Pixel Watch’s designs. The renders, which Prosser claims were made after seeing actual material for the upcoming Google smartwatch, show a device with a round dial.

Google Pixel Watch Colors
Credit: Jon Prosser x @rendersbyian

Actually, the Pixel Watch looks fantastic – assuming it’s the real deal. There is a very strong Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 vibe here, but there are a few key differences here. First, the front glass appears curved and slopes around the periphery – almost like the waterfall display on a few HUAWEI phones – and meets the metallic frame. There is a single button – or to put it more accurately, a crown -on the right side, and it appears to have been inspired by the one on Apple Watch.

Say what you will about being a copycat, but Pixel Watch looks fantastic. In the renders, I mean!

But the overall profile of Pixel Watch looks slimmer and lighter than what we’ve seen on other round smartwatches from the likes of Samsung, HUAWEI, and Motorola. Google appears to have laid a considerable emphasis on the design aspect, from the case to the band. Talking about the band, the inner side appears to have ridges. But they’re apparently not just design elements. In fact, the locking mechanism of the clasp actually uses these ridges to make adjustments around your wrist.

Pixel Watch colors
Credit: Jon Prosser x @rendersbyian

Prosser claims that there will be over 20 band styles to choose from, while the watch face, as well as a few UI elements that are shown in the video, depict a very clean and minimalist software design. Talking about software though, Google is apparently going to give Wear OS a facelift. Well, it’s high time, Google! Unfortunately, details about the innards and key specs of the Pixel Watch are still under the wraps.

Pixel Watch plans are still not rock solid

However, Prosser makes it clear that the Pixel Watch plans are fluid, and the launch date might be shifted from the October timeframe he predicts. And Google being, well, Google, the smartwatch project might again be put on ice. So, do process this leak with some skepticism and keep your hopes not-sky-high. Until then, gaze at these renders and think of the possibilities:

Google Pixel Watch 1 Google Pixel Watch 2 Google Pixel Watch 3 Google Pixel Watch 4 Google Pixel Watch 5 Google Pixel Watch 6 View Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 on Amazon

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The lack of new Android Wear smartwatches isn’t a bad thing

By now you’ve read the news, there won’t be any new smartwatches powered by Android Wear coming from most of Google’s wearables partners this year. According to sources, LG, Motorola, and Huawei are “sitting it out” this year. LG says it’s waiting to “see what sticks”. Some news sources are painting this as “doom and gloom”, underscoring that Apple has “won” the wearable war, and pointing out that even Google’s most loyal ...

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