Google has unveiled its latest smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3, with a focus on enhanced fitness features and a brighter display. The product lead for Google Pixel Watch Devices, Noah Presler, highlighted the advanced fitness capabilities of the watch, including integration with Fitbit and Google, as well as a groundbreaking new feature called Loss of Pulse Detection.
The Pixel Watch 3 comes in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm, with a design that emphasizes performance and visibility. The display features smaller bezels for improved visibility, with the 45mm option offering 40% more screen space and the 41mm option providing 10% more screen compared to its predecessor. The display is twice as bright as before, with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, making it easier to view run stats even in bright sunlight. Additionally, the display automatically adjusts to as low as 1 nit in dark environments for a more discreet glance.
In terms of performance, the Pixel Watch 3 is equipped with Wear OS 5 and a power-efficient hybrid architecture, allowing for all-day battery life. The watch uses machine learning to automatically detect sleep patterns and enable Bedtime Mode, conserving battery life during the night. A new Battery Saver Mode extends battery life up to 36 hours, with the 45mm model featuring a 35% larger battery and the 41mm model charging 20% faster.
The Pixel Watch 3 introduces new fitness tracking tools to help users optimize their workouts and recovery. Daily Readiness, Cardio Load, and Target Load provide insights into recovery, training intensity, and personalized training goals. These tools deliver a comprehensive picture of the user’s fitness level, guiding them to improve their overall health while balancing recovery.
For runners, the Pixel Watch 3 offers a Workout Builder feature that allows users to customize their runs based on distance, time, pace, or heart rate zone. The watch provides real-time guidance during runs, including haptic feedback and audio cues to help users stay on track. After a run, the watch analyzes running form using advanced motion sensing and machine learning, providing detailed insights into cadence, stride length, and ground contact time.
One of the standout features of the Pixel Watch 3 is Loss of Pulse Detection, a first-of-its-kind feature that can potentially save lives. This feature automatically detects when the heart stops beating and calls emergency services, sharing critical information and the user’s location. Loss of Pulse Detection will be available on the Pixel Watch 3 in select countries in Europe, with plans to expand to more regions in the future.
In addition to its fitness and health features, the Pixel Watch 3 offers deeper integration with Google and Pixel devices. Users can control smart home devices, access voice notes, and even unlock their phones and cars using the watch. The watch doubles as a remote for Google TV Streamer, provides access to live camera feeds, and offers features like Pixel Recorder and Call Assist powered by Google AI.
The Pixel Watch 3 is available for pre-order starting at $349.99 for the 41mm model and $399.99 for the 45mm model. The watch will be officially released on September 10, 2024, and will be available for purchase at the Google Store, Google Fitbit.com, and select retailers worldwide.
Overall, the Pixel Watch 3 represents a significant leap forward in smartwatch technology, combining advanced fitness features, a brighter display, and seamless integration with Google and Pixel devices. With its focus on performance, health, and convenience, the Pixel Watch 3 is poised to make a big impact in the wearable tech market.