
If you’re watching for the Watch, better set your alarm — because Google’s long rumored device may be just around the corner.
Google has dipped its toes into the consumer hardware business for years, and while the endeavor started off rocky — ahem, Google Glass — the tech giant quickly redeemed itself with its line of smartphones, Pixelbooks, and Google Home products. Eventually, it may re-enter the wearables market with its first smartwatch. The Pixel Watch has been rumored for years now, and 2019 could finally be the year that we see it. Here’s everything you need to know.
Release and availability
Could 2019 be the year that we finally see the
The new rumors back up a February report from Japanese newspaper Nikkei. The newspaper, which has a history of getting tech predictions right, noted that Google will likely release a
Better apps
Google has announced a revamp of policy surrounding the Wear OS apps that run on devices like the
The new policy is meant to address two common issues Google says it has seen in Wear OS apps: Weak support for different shapes and a lack of screenshots detailing an app’s appearance. Some of the best wear OS watches are weird shapes, after all. Here’s how Google puts it:
- Support for different screen types: Wear OS by Google is available in both round and square screens, and some round devices also have a chin. Developers are advised to test on all screen types. If a physical device is unavailable, they are asked to use the Wear OS by Google emulator.
- Wear OS by Google app screenshot: To pass the review, the app needs to have at least one Wear OS app screenshot. To keep prerelease Wear apps private, the Google Play Store will not show the Wear screenshots unless the Wear app is in production or open testing.
Specs
Since we’re still a while away from a possible
Much like similar premium smartwatches, we anticipate both Wi-Fi and LTE versions of the
Perhaps the biggest benefit of the rumored
Features
While rumors of the
Design
It’s hard to guess exactly what the
We do anticipate that the
On the other hand, Google is reportedly looking to pack features into the watch. According to a report from WinFuture, the
Name
Google has yet to confirm it is even making a smartwatch, so we’ve yet to receive confirmation on the name. Famed leaker Evan Blass and other tipsters have referred to the upcoming device as the
Updated on October 10, 2019: Added rumors about release date at Google’s upcoming Pixel event.
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