As a longtime Android exploiter , I ’ve spent the better part of a decennium on the sidelines of an entire product category , awaiting a wearable that could rival theApple Watch . From startups to traditional watchmakers , many company have promised a desirable alternative , only to release smartwatches with crippling compromises . Each failure dim the hopes for a viable Apple Watch competition , while Google , the company creditworthy for the underlying Android smartwatch osmium , ostensibly lose stake in its own political platform .
Now there is reason to be hopeful again . Google recently awoke from its slumber andpartnered with Samsung , whose Galaxy smartwatches have long been the best choice for non - iPhone users , to progress Wear oxygen 3 . When the first smartwatch running the new software platform arrived in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 , it was widely heralded by critics ( including us ) as the “ first good Android smartwatch . ” sales agreement of that watch haveincreasedAndroid ’s wearables food market share in recent calendar month .
Google plans to build off this impulse with the long - look release of its own Pixel Watch . Yes , a Pixel Watch , not a Fitbit one as was posited afterGoogle ’s learning of Fitbitlast year . I ’m not getting my hope too high , but everything I ’ve see so far evoke Google ’s first smartwatch could soon mold a tan line on my left-hand wrist joint .
Photo: Victoria Song
The late encouraging information comes from leaker Jon Prosser , whoposted on his YouTube channelwhat he exact are official promotional photo . Matching early render from the same sources , these leaked marketing material show mental image ( albeit grainy single ) of the rumored Google Pixel Watch .
If these are the real deal , the Pixel Watch will have a simple circular aim with a much bezel - free lookout case that seems to waterfall around the edges . On the right side is a real crown for physical controls . And unlike the somewhat chunky Apple Watch , the Pixel Watch appear imposingly thin in these render .
It looks , well , luxurious . And while not everyone will take to the conception , the low - profile watch look so pocket-sized that you in all likelihood would n’t even notice it throughout the day , even during a physical exercise . I also like that there is a physical dial to interface with Wear oxygen 3 because swiping around such a tiny display can be a botheration in the ass .
Image:Jon Prosser @ Front Page Tech/YouTube
While the escape does n’t reveal specs or give a features rundown , a few of the aver merchandising slides show what you’re able to do with the watch , including the ability to get directions on Google Maps , track health metric function , and answer phone calls .
I admit , I ’d stopped paying much attention to Pixel Watch rumor as a agency of shield myself from any further brokenheartedness , but the success of thePixel 6has rekindle my trust in Google after some refutable hardware decisions ( leaven your hands , Pixel 5owners ) . Remember , Google trouble the smartphone diligence when the original Pixel plunge and it has the chance to do so again with the Pixel Watch .
But let me slow down for a second , because there are still too many missing slice in this teaser . How Google plan to position the Pixel Watch — as a full - fledged Apple Watch competitor or a physical fitness - focussed Fitbit - same wearable — remains a mystery story , as are the components tax with allow for a smooth experience ( something past Android vigil have sputter with ) .
I ’m also worried about what the spotter ’s slimness entail for shelling life : the Achilles ’ heel of most habiliment . Using a stamp battery that ’s too small to get through a full day of use is a surefire way to ruin a smartwatch . I would n’t mind a few extra millimeters of thickness if it sustain the wearable live into day two . I ’m speculating here , but poor survival has been the kryptonite of many an Android vigil , and the petite design shown in this latest leak unsettles me .
Google is rumor to debut the Pixel Watch sometime in 2022 , so Android exploiter can start setting their analog sentry for what we all desire will be the last metre .
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