Yesterday was Google’s Pixel launch event and to say that it was jam-packed would be an absolute understatement. We got the Pixel smartphones as expected, but more than we’ve ever seen at a single launch event: the Pixel 9, Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold.
Unsurprisingly, those claimed the spotlight, but Google also released its Google Pixel Watch 3 and its Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 for the wearable crowd. It’s time for those devices to get the attention they deserve, so let’s talk about what Google has served up this year.
The Google Pixel Watch 3 Looks Very Familiar But The Family At Least Gets One Larger
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is not an unfamiliar face. It looks exactly like the Pixel Watch 2, and hey, the original Pixel Watch as well. Google clearly likes the design and feels no urge to change it up. However, for the first time ever, the device finally gets a size apart from the diminutive 41mm option. A 45mm Pixel Watch 3 joins the fray.
Even though things look the same, they aren’t the same under the hood. The screens can now hit 2,000 nits or go as low as 1 nit, perfect for sunny runs or checking your watch in the dead of night. The bezels shrink and the screens get bigger too, with 10% more screen on the 41mm and 40% more on the 45mm (both compared to the 41mm Pixel Watch 2). This is also the second smartwatch family with Wear OS 5, after Samsung’s.
The battery in the 41mm model stays the same but charges 20% faster. Meanwhile, the 45mm Pixel Watch 3 takes advantage of the extra space and has a 35% bigger cell inside. With Battery Saver Mode, you’ll be able to get 36 hours of battery life, and “all-day battery life” without it on.
The Software Features On The Pixel Watch 3
Now that we’ve rushed through the hardware changes, let’s talk about the software that you get with the Pixel Watch 3.
There are three new fitness-related features: Daily Readiness lets you know how “ready” your body is for training using variables like resting heart rate, recent sleep, and heart rate variability; Cardio Load which tracks your heart’s “exertion and intensity” to let you know how well you’re training; and Target Load which puts the other two variables together to provide a personalized target for your training.
Loss of Pulse Detection is a new feature that Google seems very proud of, especially as no other smartwatch has this. It’ll detect when the heart suddenly stops beating and will automatically place a call to emergency services, since every second counts at moments like that. It’ll be available in certain countries in Europe at the start, and will hopefully make its way to the USA.
Being part of the Google ecosystem surely works in the watch’s favor too. Your Google Pixel Watch 3 can serve as a remote for your Google TV Streamer, it can open a video feed from your Nest camera to see who’s at the door, and thanks to the new UWB chip, you can use your Pixel Watch 3 to unlock and even start a compatible car.
The Pricing And Availability
The Google Pixel Watch 41mm model comes in four colorways: Matte Obsidian with a Matte Black band, Polished Silver with a Porcelain band, Champagne Gold with a Hazel band, and Polished Silver with a Rose Quartz band. Similar Obsidian and Porcelain options are available for the 45mm model, along with an exclusive Hazel Aluminum with a Hazel band.
You can pre-order the Google Pixel Watch 3 starting at $349 for the 41mm Bluetooth/Wi-Fi model and $399 for the 45mm Bluetooth/Wi-Fi model. If you prefer LTE, the price goes up by $100. Both devices will be fully available on September 10th.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Are Seriously Built With Gemini In Mind
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are pretty impressive, and I’m saying this as someone who is getting tired of all the Gemini noise. I will say that you might forget that these are earbuds and will primarily be used to listen to music, as Google barely focused on talking about the actual audio quality.
Either way, the new Pixel Buds Pro 2 are 27% smaller than their predecessor and 24% lighter as well, which should make them more comfortable to wear. It helps that they come with four different ear tips as well. Google fits in a Tensor A1 chip which provides better ANC — Google says it’s “twice as strong” as the last generation. You also get 8 hours of battery life on the Buds alone and 30 hours when paired with the case.
Needless to say, Google Gemini is big here. You can ask Gemini questions even when your phone is in your pocket, so it is easier to get directions and recommendations for places to eat. Plus, with the new Gemini Live, you can actually have proper conversations with Gemini about whatever.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 comes in Hazel, Peony, Porcelain, and Wintergreen colorways. You can pre-order them today, for just $229, and you’ll be able to see them on shelves starting on September 26th.
