Google has now announced its anticipated Pixel Watch by expanding the company into hardware. The tech giant taunted its first smartwatch at the Google I/O conference but expected to announce more details just before the launch. The smartwatch features a curved circular design and runs on the Wear OS smartwatch of Google.
The wearable also includes some features of Fitbit health-tracking. However, the company didn’t disclose the price but confirmed the availability as a premium product. Research said the new Pixel Watch has marked the first step for Google into the smartwatch market. It has already experienced around 24% shipment growth in 2021.
However, Google has just entered this market but its competitors like Samsung and Apple are leading the market. Both companies have been selling their smartwatches to this market for years. Google seeks its new smartwatch as essential to building Pixel models into a complete ecosystem of products. A research director for International Data Corporation, Ramon Llamas issued a statement.
Pixel Watch and Fitbit’s Lineup of Devices
Llamas said you already have your Pixel phone, Pixel Buds, and YouTube Music. Now, you will see this more than we have in previous years. It would become a much clearer head-on rival to Apple. The recent announcement came at least a year after the acquisition of Fitbit from Google closed in January 2021.
The senior vice president of devices and services of Google said the company will not blend the 2 product lines. However, the Fitbit team is now working on the development of the Pixel Watch. The co-founder of Fitbit (now the leading wearable division of Google), James Park issued a statement. He said the Pixel Watch and Fitbit’s lineup of devices will alternatively companionship one another.
LTE support, Fitbit Charge, and Active Zone Minutes
The Pixel Watch has more traditional smartwatch features such as LTE support as well as health tracking. Moreover, the Fitbit Charge has become an ideal option for customers who care about battery life and fitness. Park also said the interesting thing about joining Pixel and Fitbit is to collectively offer different devices. It would allow people to pick and select their desired device.
However, famous Fitbit features such as Active Zone Minutes measure the time spent in specific heart rate ranges during exercise. This feature is now available on Google’s new smartwatch. The Pixel Watch also has the ability to track and maintain your heart rate and sleep record. Google is now planning to add more functionality in the near future.
Pixel Watch with Android Health Sensor
Park also said the Pixel Watch will feature the latest health sensors with an Android-only version. However, most products of Fitbit are compatible with iPhones, unlike the Pixel Watch. Fitbit doesn’t have any plans to discontinue for iOS users on its products, it is essential for the company’s lineup. Pixel Watch features popular Google apps such as Google Assistant, Wallet, and Maps.
The Pixel Watch has refreshed software that is more fluid and easier to navigate. The watch also features customizable bands and a physical crown similar to those discovered in the Apple Watch. However, Google didn’t disclose details, price, battery life, or other specs like processor, display type, and health sensor. The company already holds some influence in the smartwatch market such as Wear OS software.