Google Watches

Last updated: Sep 17, 2023

Google Watches are a collection of smartwatches created by Google. These sleek devices run on the Wear OS platform and boast a wide range of capabilities. From fitness tracking to notifications, voice assistance to mobile payments, these watches have it all. They seamlessly integrate with Android phones and are designed to work harmoniously with Google services, apps, and even Fitbit since Google acquired it

In this article, we will explore the history, features, advantages, and disadvantages of Google Watches. We will also compare them to other popular smartwatches available in the market today.

History of Google Watches

Google entered the smartwatch industry in 2014 with the launch of its operating system for wearable devices called Android Wear. In 2018, it was rebranded as Wear OS to emphasize its compatibility with both Android and iOS devices.

However, Google did not produce its own smartwatch hardware until 2023, when it released the first-generation Google Pixel Watch. The Pixel Watch was the first smartwatch to combine the helpfulness and convenience of Google with the health and fitness expertise of Fitbit. It also featured a unique design with a domed glass face, giving it a sleek and elegant look.

The Pixel Watch was well-received by critics and consumers alike, who praised its attractive design, smooth performance, and rich feature set. It was also one of the first smartwatches to support Wear OS 3.5, the latest version of Google’s smartwatch software.

Second-Generation Pixel Watch (2024)

The second-generation Pixel Watch, Pixel 7, and Pixel Buds 3 wireless earphones debuted in October 2024. It started at $349 and came in black, silver, rose gold, and blue.

The second-generation Pixel Watch had a 1.6-inch circular AMOLED display with 448 × 448 pixels and 345 ppi. Stainless steel case with domed glass front gave it a curved appearance. A revolving crown on the right let you scroll between menus and apps. The same side has two customizable buttons for different uses.

The second-generation Pixel Watch used the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 5100 processor, an improved wristwatch CPU. Internal storage was 16 GB and RAM was 2 GB. A single charge lasted three days on its 450 mAh battery. It supported rapid and wireless charging.

The Pixel Watch 2 has more sensors than the first, including blood oxygen, ECG, fall detection, and sleep apnea. These sensors provide the Pixel Watch more advanced and precise health and fitness capabilities like:

Blood Oxygen Monitoring: The Pixel Watch's red LED light and photodiode on the back measured the user's SpO2. The user's SpO2 level showed how well they delivered oxygen to tissues and organs. Between 95% and 100% was normal SpO2. A low SpO2 level may suggest hypoxia, a lack of oxygen. The Pixel Watch could notify the user of a low SpO2 level and recommend medical intervention.
ECG Monitoring: The Pixel Watch could perform an ECG using two electrodes on the back and one on the crown. The watch screen displayed the user's ECG waveform. The ECG might detect atrial fibrillation (AFib), a frequent arrhythmia that raises stroke and heart failure risk. If the Pixel Watch detected AFib in the ECG, it would recommend seeing a doctor.
Fall detection: The Pixel Watch's accelerometer, gyroscope, and barometer sensors detect falls. The Pixel Watch could detect forward, backward, sideways, and rotational falls. The Pixel Watch could distinguish accidental and intentional falls, such as sitting or lying down. If the Pixel Watch detected a fall, it vibrated and displayed a notification inquiring if the user was okay. Pixel Watch would automatically summon a pre-set emergency contact or service if the user did not answer within a minute.
Sleep Apnea Detection: The Pixel Watch's microphone, blood oxygen sensor, and heart rate sensor can detect sleep apnea. Sleep apnea causes low oxygen levels and poor sleep quality by stopping and starting breathing. The Pixel Watch could detect sleep apnea by recording snoring, SpO2 levels, and heart rate. The Pixel Watch might potentially offer sleep and wellness advice.

First-Generation Pixel Watch (2023)

The first Pixel Watch, Pixel 6, and Pixel Buds 2 wireless earphones debuted in October 2023. It started at $299 and came in black, silver, and rose gold.

The Pixel Watch has a 1.4-inch circular AMOLED display with 416 × 416 pixels and 326 ppi. Stainless steel case with domed glass front gave it a curved appearance. A revolving crown on the right let you scroll between menus and apps. The same side has two customizable buttons for different uses.

The Pixel Watch used the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ CPU, one of the most powerful wristwatch processors. It had 1 GB RAM and 8 GB storage. A single charge lasted two days on its 400 mAh battery. It supported rapid and wireless charging.

The Pixel Watch contained accelerometer, gyroscope, heart rate monitor, barometer, ambient light sensor, GPS, NFC, microphone, and speaker. Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi were included. Up to 50 meters of water resistance and IP68 rating.

The Pixel Watch ran Wear OS 3.5, Google's latest wearable software. It had many characteristics and functions:

Google Assistant: The Pixel Watch's microphone and speaker allowed speech and crown commands to speak to Google Assistant. Set reminders, check the weather, operate smart home devices, send messages, make calls, play music, and more with Google Assistant.
Google Fit: The Pixel Watch worked with Google Fit. Google Fit tracks running, cycling, swimming, and more. They could also measure heart rate, calories burned, distance, steps, etc. User goals and challenges could encourage physical activity and wellness.
Fitbit: Google acquired Fitbit in 2020, which integrated with the Pixel Watch. Fitbit features sleep tracking, stress management, blood oxygen monitoring, ECG monitoring, and more for health and fitness enthusiasts. Pixel Watch users could sync their Fitbit account and view their data on the Fitbit app or website.
Notifications: The Pixel Watch might display phone notifications related to messages, calls, emails, social media, news, weather, and more. Some announcements allowed voice, text, or emoji replies. Pixel Watch owners could also choose which notifications and how to get them.
Google Pay: The Pixel Watch supports the mobile payment service Google Pay. Touching the Pixel Watch on the reader allowed contactless payments at compatible terminals. Google Pay users may access their credit, debit, loyalty, gift, and transport passes on their Pixel Watch.
Google Play: The Pixel Watch on Google Play for Android devices. Users could install Google Play apps and games on their Pixel Watch. Spotify, Strava, Uber, TicTacToe, and others were Pixel Watch favorites.
Pixel Watch GPS: The Pixel Watch supported Google Maps. Voice or screen taps could guide Pixel Watch users to various locations. Users may check their position, surrounding attractions, traffic, and more on their Pixel Watch.
Google Photos: Both the Pixel Watch and Google Photos were compatible. Pixel Watch owners could view their photographs and albums by swiping or using the crown. Tap the Pixel Watch screen to utilize it as a remote shutter for your phone.

Pros and Cons of Google Watches

Google Watches had many advantages and disadvantages compared to other smartwatches on the market. Some of the pros and cons of Google Watches were:

Pros

Design: Many consumers liked Google Watches' beautiful appearance. The domed glass face gave them a curved impression, and the circular display mirrored a watch face. Their revolving crown adds elegance and functionality. They fit different wrist sizes and preferences with varied colors and sizes.
Performance: Google Watches ran smoothly and quickly, smoothing the user experience. Powerful CPUs operate many apps and tasks without lagging or crashing. They also have the memory and storage to store more data and apps on watches.
Features: Google Watches has many valuable features. They monitored heart rate, blood oxygen, ECG, fall detection, sleep apnea, and more with multiple sensors. Google Assistant lets customers control their timepieces with voice or crown commands. They had Google Pay for watch-based contactless payments. Google Play provides watch apps and games.
Integration: Google Watches worked nicely with Google Fit, Fitbit, Photos, Maps, Play Music, Gmail, YouTube, and more. They also synced data and settings with Android phones. With some restrictions, they could function with iOS devices.

Cons

Battery Life: Google Watches have a shorter battery life than comparable smartwatches. They can last two or three days on a charge, depending on usage and settings. Some consumers complained that their watches drained faster or had unpredictable battery performance. Users must charge their eyes often or use battery-saving options to extend battery life.
Compatibility: The Google Watch has compatibility concerns with several apps and devices. Pixel Watch could have worked more effectively with some Google Play apps and games. Some Pixel Watch customers had trouble associating with their phones or Bluetooth devices. Pixel Watch customers also reported not receiving app or service notifications.
Availability: Some regions and marketplaces have restricted Google Watches availability. Only the Google Store and select shops and carriers sold them. They were also unavailable in areas where Google services were restricted or banned. Pixel Watch buyers and users must locate other providers in these places.

Conclusion

Google Watches are top Android smartwatches. They are suitable for consumers who seek a wristwatch with health and fitness tracking, voice assistant, mobile payments, app downloads, and more. Google Watches have limitations that should be considered before buying. They feature a low battery life, compatibility concerns, and restricted availability in various markets. Consider other smartwatches if you want one that lasts longer, works better with other apps and devices, and is more accessible. Many Android smartwatch users choose Google Watches because they function well with other Google goods and services. Though imperfect, they may not satisfy everyone's tastes or expectations. Before buying, Google Watch users should examine the pros and downsides.