Can Google revive the Android Wear platform with the first iteration of the Pixel Watch? Does it have what it takes to stand toe-to-toe with the Apple/Galaxy Watches, Garmin’s and Fitbits of the world? Let’s take the water drop smartwatch with the pebble design for a flick of the wrist to find out.
Specs and Features
While the Pixel Watch doesn’t revolutionize the wearable market with any unique features that aren’t already available, it does excel in the design department.
| Display | 1.4” Retina AMOLED 454 x 454 + FSTN display + Low-Power backlit LCD Always-on display |
| Processor | Snapdragon Wear 4100 |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| NFC | Google Pay-enabled |
| Sensors | Gyroscope, Accelerator, Barometer, Heart-Rate Sensor |
| Audio | Loudspeaker, Microphone |
| Navigation | GPS+Beidou+Glonass+Galileo+QZSS |
| Waterproof | IP68 and pool swimming suitable |
| Storage | 32GB ROM, 2GB RAM Memory |
The Pixel Ecosystem
While I think Google does a good job making sure the Pixel Watch isn’t short of any features that are expected from a high-end wearable, it does seems a bit disjointed in the fitness area. The Fitbit app is now integrated into Google’s ecosystem, but it remains separate from their own fitness/health app – Google Fit.
Conclusion
While I personally think Google did a great job with the Pixel Watch for a first try, the battery life could be better, and the one size fits all mantra could have be sidestepped for a bigger size 40mm+ size option. Google Fit and Fitbit could use tighter integration, although to be fair – Apple does use three apps also (Watch, Health and Fitness). For the second iteration, I would like to see better battery life, a bigger size option (or just release a Pro/Ultra version). But I do think the Pixel Watch is a wearable to keep a look out for, and consider when you shopping for a wearable that works with Android. Then should be your first choice
