Pixel Watch 2

Last updated

Pixel Watch 2
Google Pixel Watch 2, shown in Shibuya Stream.jpg
A Pixel Watch 2 on display at a store in
Shibuya Stream in Tokyo, Japan
Brand Google
Type Smartwatch
Series Pixel
Compatible networks
First releasedOctober 12, 2023;12 months ago (2023-10-12)
Availability by region30 countries
Predecessor Pixel Watch
Successor Pixel Watch 3
Dimensions
  • D: 41 mm (1.6 in)
  • H: 12.3 mm (0.48 in)
Weight31 g (1.1 oz)
Operating system Wear OS 4.0
System-on-chip
GPU Qualcomm Adreno 702
Memory2 GB SDRAM
Storage32 GB eMMC flash
Battery306 mAh (lithium-ion)
Display AMOLED at 320  ppi with DCI-P3 color
Sound
  • Speaker
  • Microphone
Connectivity
Data inputs
Water resistance 5 ATM
Codename
  • Eos
  • Aurora
OtherCustom 3D Gorilla Glass 5
Website Pixel Watch 2
References [1]

The Pixel Watch 2 is a Wear OS smartwatch designed, developed, and marketed by Google as part of the Google Pixel product line. It serves as the successor to the first-generation Pixel Watch.

Contents

The Pixel Watch 2 was officially announced on October 4, 2023, at the annual Made by Google event, and was released in the United States on October 12.

History

In May 2023, 9to5Google reported that Google intended to release a successor to the Pixel Watch, a Wear OS–powered smartwatch, in October. [2] Two codenames for the watch, believed to be in reference to the Wi-Fi and cellular models, were later discovered to be "Eos" and "Aurora". [3] Three models were approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in August, [4] while the Eos model was listed on the Google Play Console device catalog for developers. [5] After previewing the watch in September, [6] Google officially announced the Pixel Watch 2 on October 4, alongside the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, at the annual Made by Google event. [7] Pre-orders became available the same day, before being released in 30 countries on October 12. [8] [9] The watch suffered from significant shipping delays at the online Google Store. [10]

Specifications

Design

Visually, the Pixel Watch 2 is near-identical to its predecessor, save a "slightly redesigned haptic crown". Six new families of watch faces were made available at launch. [8] [11] It is available in four case–band color pairs: [12]

Color options for the Pixel Watch
Google Pixel Watch (Polished Silver + Bay).svg Google Pixel Watch (Matte Black + Obsidian).svg Google Pixel Watch (Champagne Gold + Hazel).svg Google Pixel Watch (Polished Silver + Chalk).svg
Case Polished Silver Matte Black Champagne Gold Polished Silver
Active Band Bay Obsidian Hazel Porcelain

Hardware

The Pixel Watch 2 is made of recycled aluminum, a departure from the original Pixel Watch's stainless steel watch frame. Google stated that the change was made to make the watch lighter and more comfortable for users. [13] [8] It is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon SW5100 system-on-chip (SoC), a departure from its predecessor's Samsung Exynos chip. [5] The watch's new circular sensor array consists of several new sensors. [14] A multipath heart rate sensor boasts more accurate readings; a skin temperature sensor tracks sleep but not menstruation; while an electrodermal activity sensor detects sweat beads to assess the wearer's mood. The Pixel Watch 2 is not compatible with the first generation's proprietary magnetic charger, instead requiring a newer and faster one. [8]

Software

The Pixel Watch 2 shipped with Wear OS 4.0. [5] Like its predecessor, the watch features heavy Fitbit integration, given Google's acquisition of the company in 2021. [15] New personal safety features include emergency location sharing, Safety Check, and Safety Signal. [8]

Reception

In her review for The Verge , Victoria Song praised the Pixel Watch 2's improvements from the first-generation on all fronts, especially battery life, [16] as did Yahoo! Finance reviewer Daniel Howley and Digital Spy reviewer Jason Murdock. [17] [18] Julian Chokkattu of Wired concurred, writing, "I get a watch that actually comes with everything I wish the original did out of the box. Hooray!" [19] Matthew Miller of ZDNET highlighted the watch's deep Fitbit integration and safety features, but was ambivalent toward its small size. [20] Will Greenwald of PCMag praised the watch's design, performance, and health features, [21] while Mark Knapp of IGN called it "elegant and performant" but "still not a killer". [22] CNN Underscored's Max Buondonno and TheStreet 's Jason Cipriani hailed its health, performance, and battery life enhancements. [23] [24] Writing for The Guardian , Samuel Gibbs appreciated the improved performance and battery life but was disappointed with the lack of advanced health features and ability to be repaired. [25] Engadget 's Cherlynn Low was conflicted, commending Google's efforts to close the gap between other smartwatches but still finding it mediocre overall; [26] Inverse 's Raymond Wong agreed, calling it "a better smartwatch, but not the best". [27] Elizabeth de Luna of Mashable described the watch as "playing catch-up to the Apple Watch", [12] while Robert Leedham of GQ thought it was the ideal smartwatch for those indifferent toward smartwatches. [28]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heart rate monitor</span> Personal monitoring device

A heart rate monitor (HRM) is a personal monitoring device that allows one to measure/display heart rate in real time or record the heart rate for later study. It is largely used to gather heart rate data while performing various types of physical exercise. Measuring electrical heart information is referred to as electrocardiography.

Fitbit is a line of wireless-enabled wearable technology, physical fitness monitors and activity trackers such as smartwatches, pedometers and monitors for heart rate, quality of sleep, and stairs climbed as well as related software. It operated as an American consumer electronics and fitness company from 2007 to 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smartwatch</span> Wearable computer in the form of a watch

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pebble (watch)</span> Discontinued smartwatch

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wear OS</span> Smartwatch operating system by Google

Wear OS is a version of Google's Android operating system designed for smartwatches and other wearables. By pairing with mobile phones running Android version 6.0 "Marshmallow" or newer, or iOS version 10.0 or newer with limited support from Google's pairing application, Wear OS integrates Google Assistant technology and mobile notifications into a smartwatch form factor. Wear OS is closed-source, in contrast to the free and open-source Android.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Google Fit</span> Health-tracking platform by Google

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References

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