![]() A Pixel Watch 2 on display at a store in Shibuya Stream in Tokyo, Japan | |
Codename |
|
---|---|
Brand | |
Series | Pixel |
Compatible networks | |
First released | October 12, 2023 |
Availability by region | 30 countries |
Predecessor | Pixel Watch |
Type | Smartwatch |
Dimensions |
|
Weight | 31 g (1.1 oz) |
Operating system | Wear OS 4.0 |
System-on-chip | |
GPU | Qualcomm Adreno 702 |
Memory | 2 GB SDRAM |
Storage | 32 GB eMMC flash |
Battery | 306 mAh (lithium-ion) |
Display | AMOLED at 320 ppi with DCI-P3 color |
Sound |
|
Connectivity | |
Data inputs |
|
Water resistance | 5 ATM |
Other | Custom 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.
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
[edit]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
[edit]Design
[edit]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]
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Case | Polished Silver | Matte Black | Champagne Gold | Polished Silver |
Active Band | Bay | Obsidian | Hazel | Porcelain |
Hardware
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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]
References
[edit]- ^ "Google Pixel Watch Tech Specs". Google Store. October 4, 2023. Archived from the original on October 11, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
- ^ Li, Abner (May 5, 2023). "Source: Google planning to launch Pixel Watch 2 with Pixel 8". 9to5Google. Archived from the original on May 5, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
- ^ Bradshaw, Kyle (June 13, 2023). "Google app reveals Pixel Watch 2 'Eos' code name, suggests similar design". 9to5Google. Archived from the original on June 13, 2023. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
- ^ Song, Victoria (August 14, 2023). "The Pixel Watch 2 may not get UWB support after all". The Verge. Archived from the original on August 14, 2023. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
- ^ a b c Cantisano, Timi (August 18, 2023). "Pixel Watch 2 Google Play Console listing reveals Snapdragon W5, 2GB RAM, and more". XDA Developers. Archived from the original on August 19, 2023. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
- ^ Roth, Emma (September 7, 2023). "Google teaser previews Pixel Watch 2 and both Pixel 8 phones". The Verge. Archived from the original on September 7, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
- ^ Haselton, Todd (August 30, 2023). "Google announces event for Oct. 4, where new Pixel phone and smartwatch expected". CNBC. Archived from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Chokkattu, Julian (October 4, 2023). "Google's Pixel 8 and Pixel Watch 2 Have Arrived. Here's What's New". Wired. Archived from the original on October 4, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ Waraich, Sandeep (October 4, 2023). "Google Pixel Watch 2: New ways to stay healthy, connected and safe". The Keyword. Archived from the original on October 4, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
- ^ Schoon, Ben (November 1, 2023). "Pixel Watch 2 is still heavily delayed at Google Store, but shipping immediately from Best Buy". 9to5Google. Archived from the original on November 1, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- ^ Wong, Raymond (October 4, 2023). "Google Pixel Watch 2 Hands-On: The Major Upgrades Are All Internal". Inverse. Archived from the original on October 5, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- ^ a b De Luna, Elizabeth (October 4, 2023). "The Google Pixel Watch 2 feels like deja vu". Mashable. Archived from the original on October 4, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
- ^ Li, Abner (July 24, 2023). "Sources: Pixel Watch 2 will use aluminum, Fitbit 'Coach' coming". 9to5Google. Archived from the original on July 25, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
- ^ Blum, Sofia (October 4, 2023). "Google's latest Pixel phones have new camera AI tricks". CNBC. Archived from the original on October 4, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ Song, Victoria (October 11, 2023). "Google Pixel Watch 2 review: better battery, better watch". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 11, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- ^ Howley, Daniel (October 12, 2023). "Google Pixel Watch 2 review: Google's smartwatch is better the second time around". Yahoo! Finance. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- ^ Murdock, Jason (November 1, 2023). "Google Pixel Watch 2 review: The most stylish wearable returns". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on November 1, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- ^ Chokkattu, Julian (October 13, 2023). "Review: Google Pixel Watch 2". Wired. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- ^ Miller, Matthew (October 11, 2023). "Google Pixel Watch 2 review: In one key area, it surpasses every other smartwatch". ZDNET. Archived from the original on October 12, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- ^ Greenwald, Will (October 11, 2023). "Google Pixel Watch 2 Review". PCMag. Archived from the original on October 12, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- ^ Knapp, Mark (October 13, 2023). "Google Pixel Watch 2 Review". IGN. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- ^ Buondonno, Max (October 12, 2023). "The $350 Google Pixel Watch 2 is a big improvement over the original". CNN Underscored. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- ^ Cipriani, Jason (October 18, 2023). "The Pixel Watch 2 marries Google brains with Fitbit brawn in an elegant design". TheStreet. Archived from the original on October 19, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- ^ Gibbs, Samuel (October 26, 2023). "Pixel Watch 2 review: Google smartwatch gets speed and battery boost". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on October 26, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- ^ Low, Cherlynn (October 11, 2023). "Pixel Watch 2 review: Not leading the way, but no longer lagging". Engadget. Archived from the original on October 11, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- ^ Wong, Raymond (October 24, 2023). "Google Pixel Watch 2 Review: A Better Smartwatch, But Not the Best". Inverse. Archived from the original on October 26, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- ^ Leedham, Robert (October 13, 2023). "Google's Pixel Watch 2 is a great smartwatch for people who don't like smartwatches". GQ. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.