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The Google Pixel Watch: Here’s everything we know

Christian de Looper
Mark Jansen
By and
Wear OS - Do Not Disturb
Simon Hill / Digital Trends

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.

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Release and availability

Could 2019 be the year that we finally see the Pixel Watch? Fresh rumors from Asian trade newspaper Nikkei Asia Review suggest that the watch could finally be released alongside the Google Pixel 4 at the company’s hardware event scheduled for Tuesday, October 15. The report doesn’t mention the Pixel Watch by name, however,

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 Pixel 4 phone, Pixel Lite phone, and the long-awaited Pixel Watch at some point in 2019. If we had to bet, we’d wager that the watch will likely launch in October, at Google’s annual hardware event.

Better apps

Google has announced a revamp of policy surrounding the Wear OS apps that run on devices like the Pixel Watch. It’s aimed at improving the overall quality of them — a clear suggestion the company is looking at the wearable ecosystem as it prepares for some sort of launch. The policy, unveiled on August 15, calls for mandatory review of apps by Google rather than allowing app makers to voluntarily submit to the process (you know, if they feel up to it). Google also now insists that developers include at least one screenshot of the app in action.

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 Pixel Watch announcement, details on the rumored smartwatch are sparse. But we do expect the Pixel Watch to ship with flagship-quality hardware.

Much like similar premium smartwatches, we anticipate both Wi-Fi and LTE versions of the Pixel Watch. German website WinFuture reports that the Pixel Watch is currently being developed as three different models, code-named “Ling,” “Triton,” and “Sardine.” If true, this also means it’s possible the Pixel Watch will come with size variants as well. That same report also goes on to state that the Pixel Watch will come with at least 1GB of RAM, though it’s uncertain whether that would apply to every model.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of the rumored Pixel Watch is its operating system. The Pixel Watch will most likely run a stock version of Wear OS, or a version with special features just for the Pixel Watch — similar to Google’s brand of Android for the Pixel phones. Since the smartwatch will be Google’s own hardware, it should receive frequent software updates and support for at least a few years.

Features

While rumors of the Pixel Watch’s features aren’t widespread yet, expect Google Assistant, Google Assistant, and a touch of Google Assistant. Google has leaned heavily into Assistant in the last year, improving it significantly and packing it into more products. It would be fair to assume that Google’s voice assistant will be a big part of the Pixel Watch’s intended use.

Design

It’s hard to guess exactly what the Pixel Watch will look like. There have been no leaked images or schematics of the device just yet, so anything we list is almost pure conjecture.

We do anticipate that the Pixel Watch will be smaller than many other smartwatches on the market. Since it will likely use a smaller, yet to be released processor, Google will likely be able to shave off a few millimeters of the overall case width.

On the other hand, Google is reportedly looking to pack features into the watch. According to a report from WinFuture, the Pixel Watch will contain a heart rate monitor, Bluetooth support, and other premium features.

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 Pixel Watch, and that name appears to be on brand. So for now, that’s good enough for us.

Updated on October 10, 2019: Added rumors about release date at Google’s upcoming Pixel event. 

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Christian de Looper
Christian de Looper
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