Smartwatches have become an important part of the wearables market over the past few years. Thanks to the likes of Apple, the appeal for these devices has grown significantly in recent times. While Android also had its fair share of smartwatch offerings, Google never had one in its lineup. Now, it appears that Google is finally entering the market as it announced its own smartwatch at Google IO 2022.While this is the first time the tech giant is officially releasing a Pixel-branded smartwatch, it's not Google's first attempt. Back in 2016, when Google first unveiled its Pixel phone, the company almost launched a Pixel smartwatch along with it. But the idea was scrapped owing to Google's uncertainty around the product. Fast-forward a few years later, Google has added the Pixel 6 to its lineup and is now getting ready to expand the company's gadget portfolio with the Pixel Watch.In the latest edition of its annual developer conference, Google IO 2022, the tech giant finally debuted the Pixel Watch. The design features a familiar circular look along with a tactile crown and side button. The Pixel Watch will run an updated Wear OS 3 where it will house a relatively new UI, smart notifications as well as offer better navigation. Additionally, users can expect the watch to include Google's native apps such as Google Maps, Assistant, Wallet, and Home among others. Though it may not be a high-priced special edition like the Tag Heuer Super Mario smartwatch, Google says the Pixel Watch will be a "premium-priced product" and that it will launch in the coming fall.
Another notable part of the Pixel Watch announcement was its integration with Fitbit. Though it was likely always on the cards after Google acquired the company for $2.1 billion back in 2019. Rick Osterloh, Google’s Senior Vice President of devices and services has stated this will go beyond customizations and that the integration will be instilled across the Pixel Watch experience. However, Osterloh has also mentioned that Google data and Fitbit data will remain private and separate owing to a promise the Stadia owner made to regulators when it bought Fitbit.
In terms of compatibility, the Pixel Watch will need a Google account and a phone running Android 8.0 or later. This means the upcoming smartwatch will be incompatible with iPhones. Apart from this, Google has yet to share more specific details about the Pixel Watch. Regardless, it will be interesting to see what the reception will be like for Google's own smartwatch, especially amid the immense popularity of the Apple Watch.