New Pixel Watch Available in Two Sizes
Today Google announced not only new phones , but also new accessories for them. Like the Pixel 9 Pro , the Pixel Watch 3 finally gives users more size options, and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 aim to solve one of the biggest problems with wireless earbuds.
Pixel clock 3
Since purchasing Fitbit in 2021, Google has positioned itself as a major player in the smartwatch industry, but it has yet to offer a pro model like Apple or Samsung, or even multiple sizes. That’s changing with the arrival of the Pixel Watch 3.
While there is still no Pixel Watch Pro or Pixel Watch Ultra, the Pixel Watch 3 comes in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. This puts it roughly on par with the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 9 variants, as well as the Galaxy Watch 7 variants .
Also new are bezels that are 10% smaller, and Google promises 10% more screen real estate on the 41mm model and 40% more screen real estate on the 45mm model (compared to the 41mm Pixel Watch 2).
This is a big boon for a round watch, which by nature has less screen real estate than Apple’s square design. An extra 10% still won’t bring it closer to the 1.7 inches on the 41mm variant of the Apple Watch Series 9 or the 1.9 inches on the 45mm variant, but it should be a noticeable improvement over the 1.2 inches on the Pixel Watch. 2.
Google also promises that both Pixel Watch 3 models should be twice as bright, although as with previous models, adaptive brightness can dim them when you’re not looking to improve battery life when using the always-on display.
Speaking of battery life, the larger size of the 45mm variant means it can accommodate 35% more battery, and Google says it can last up to 36 hours on a single charge in Battery Saver mode. When you do need to charge it, Google promises faster charging by 20%.
All of these promises will need to be tested to be true, but it’s clear that the Pixel Watch hardware will be significantly improved this year.
However, this does not mean that the software is ignored. Pixel Watch 3 introduces a new algorithm that eliminates static fitness rings for daily recommendations. It will now track your heart rate throughout your training history to give you insight into your training status and personalized target each morning. It will also provide you with a “Morning Brief” that gives you a daily readiness rating (how intense your fitness routine should be), weather, and more.
For example, if you’re overtired one day, your watch may tell you to relax a little more.
All of these features will be available without a Fitbit Premium subscription, as will a new automatic sleep mode that temporarily turns off notifications and the always-on display (as well as a few buttons you might accidentally press) when the watch detects you.” are you sleeping.
Beyond fitness, Google is introducing ways to use the Pixel Watch 3 as a Google TV remote and a screen to view smart home cameras. There is also a way to screen calls using artificial intelligence, which helps determine which calls may be spam. There’s also finally an official audio recording app for the Pixel Watch and improved watch unlocking for Pixel Pro phones and select cars.
Pixel Buds Pro 2
With the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, Google is leading the way not so much with hardware improvements, but with better fit.
The main feature here is the new twist mechanism that “locks” the earbud into your ear so it doesn’t slip out during exercise. It took me a few tries to get used to them when I showed off the headphones behind closed doors, but it was comfortable and they really felt secure. I haven’t had a chance to workout with them, but if the locking feature works, it should be a big improvement over my AirPods Pro, which get slippery during long workouts.
To secure the Pixel Buds Pro 2 in your ear, simply insert them naturally and then rotate them downwards. This sounds more complicated than it is, and all the difficulties I encountered were because I thought about it too much. You also don’t have to worry about the earbuds getting stuck in your ears—just take them out as you normally would, and they’ll come right out, without even having to twist them out again.
Aside from convenience, the drivers and EQ options are on par with the original Pixel Buds Pro, as is the wireless charging. Google promises active noise cancellation (ANC) will be twice as strong with an improved fit and better processing thanks to the new Tensor A1 chip, the first Tensor chip built specifically for audio.
Battery life is also improved: Google says you should get about eight hours with noise cancellation turned on and 31 hours if you use the charging case without listening to music. That’s about a one-hour improvement for the headphones alone, and an 11-hour improvement with the addition of the case.
Google has also suggested using Gemini Live on headphones, saying it works purely through audio so you can interact with your phone without taking it out of your pocket.
How to pre-order the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2
Pre-orders for the Pixel Watch 3 (shipping September 10) and Pixel Buds Pro 2 (shipping September 26) are now available online. The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 costs $349 for the Wi-Fi model and $449 if you want network connectivity. The 45mm watch increases the price to $399 and $499 respectively, while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 increases to $229. There are several watch bands available in different colors, and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 come in white, black, green, and pink.