Skip to main content

Google might release a smartwatch and multiple Pixel phones in 2019

Google Pixel 3 XL review
Julian Chokkatu/Digital Trends

Excited to find out what Google has planned for 2019? You’re not alone — Japanese newspaper Nikkei published a report about Google’s ambitions for 2019 that reveals a whole raft of new devices, including more Pixel phones than ever before, a new Google Home, and a Google-branded smartwatch.

The key takeaway is the idea Google is looking to rapidly expand the amount of hardware it offers. At the moment, Google offers its Pixel phones, the Google Home smart home range, and a smattering of other devices, including the enterprise-focused Titan Security Key. However, 2019 could be the year Google steps it up a notch by offering a lot more physical goods to consumers.

One of the biggest mentions goes to the long-rumored budget versions of the Pixel 3 range. The Nikkei report doesn’t reveal much we didn’t already know — except that Google intends to use these phones to “spearhead” the expansion of its hardware this year. That implies we’ll be seeing it before anything else, and that has us excited. But don’t worry if you’re a fan of premium hardware — the report also says Google is planning on releasing the Pixel 4 range this year, and we expect we’ll see that in October, as usual.

But Google apparently doesn’t intend to stop there. Also mentioned in the report is a Wear OS-powered smartwatch intended to take on the Apple Watch — presumably the long-awaited Pixel watch — and a new security camera. The camera is likely to be a Nest product, as Google purchased the startup company in 2014.

Also interesting is the mention of a new Google Home product — without many indications as to what that product could be. With the standard Google Home, Home Mini, Home Max, and newly released Home Hub, Google’s Home range has most of its bases covered so it’s possible this could be an updated model for the Google Home, rather than a new product. However, we wouldn’t discount anything at this early stage.

Most eyes are currently trained on the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event on February 20, and the annual MWC 2019 show that runs at the end of February, so we weren’t expecting to hear much about anything from Google until later in the year. Google does show up at MWC most years, but only usually to announce new software. However, this year could be different with this supposed “hardware expansion” from Google.

Editors' Recommendations

Mark Jansen
Mark Jansen is an avid follower of everything that beeps, bloops, or makes pretty lights. He has a degree in Ancient &…
Whatever you do, don’t buy the Google Pixel 7a right now
Google Pixel 7a in Snow in hand.

Google I/O 2024 is just a month away. We expect Android 15 to be shown off, and some hardware, too. In previous years, Google has used I/O to show off the latest for its Pixel A-series device. This year should give us the Google Pixel 8a, and we might even get a peek at what’s coming with the next-generation Pixel Fold 2.

The Google Pixel 7a launched last May, so it’s almost a year old now. At the time, while the 7a was mostly solid, the higher price made it a bit of an awkward recommendation, considering its specs and close positioning to the higher-end Pixel 7.

Read more
The Google Pixel 8a leaked again, and now I’m nervous
Pixel 7a back.

Just about everything regarding the Google Pixel 8a has leaked at this point. We've seen high-quality renders of the phone, its specs are everywhere online, and its release date is all but guaranteed. A new Pixel 8a leak appeared online today, and after seeing it, I'm feeling a bit nervous.

TechDroider on X (formerly Twitter) shared two hands-on photos of the Pixel 8a today, including pictures of the front and back of the phone. The back of the phone showcases a black color with a matte finish that looks quite good. We also get a clear view of the two rear cameras, the Google "G" logo in the middle, and the rounded corners.

Read more
I’ve finally given up on the Google Pixel Tablet
The Google Pixel Tablet showing a photo as wallpaper.

I’ve given up with the Google Pixel Tablet. Or, to be more precise, I’ve given up trying to make it something it’s not and instead concentrate on its strengths that I enjoy.

I have always thought this confused product should do more or be better than it actually is. But by forgetting all about such things, I’ve found a way to live happily with the Pixel Tablet.
What made me give up?

Read more