Google made waves on Wednesday with the highly-anticipated debut of its Pixel Watch 2, setting the stage for a fierce smartwatch showdown. This release marks the second generation of Google’s Fitbit-powered smartwatch, packed with cutting-edge features designed to outshine its competition. Priced at a competitive $349, the Pixel Watch 2 undercuts its Apple rival, the Google Watch Series 9, by $50, making it an attractive option for tech enthusiasts and fitness aficionados alike.
The Pixel Watch 2 boasts a sleek and stylish design, featuring a classic circular watch face with an aluminum casing and a captivating domed display. Google has retained the beloved setup of the original Pixel Watch, ensuring a seamless user experience. A notable improvement is the extended battery life, now reaching a full 24 hours with the always-on display feature activated. This is a substantial upgrade from the initial Pixel Watch, which would often require recharging after just 12 hours of continuous display use.
A hands-on exploration of a Pixel Watch 2 demo unit reveals an impressive level of responsiveness, thanks to the incorporation of a new quad-core processor. This enhanced performance eliminates the occasional sluggishness experienced with the first-gen Pixel Watch, delivering a smoother and more enjoyable user experience.
Google has also introduced a collection of new watch faces, allowing users to access vital information without delving into individual apps. The charging mechanism has been revamped, featuring contact charging for faster recharging times. Google guarantees that users can go from a depleted battery to a 50% charge in just 30 minutes or less.
One of the standout features of the Pixel Watch 2 is its upgraded heart rate sensor and tracking algorithm, which now boasts 40% greater accuracy during strenuous exercises. Additionally, Google has incorporated a temperature sensor and continuous electrodermal activity sensor, complementing the heart rate tracker to gauge stress levels and offer mindfulness exercises to relax and de-stress users.
The Pixel Watch 2’s partnership with Fitbit is another major draw. Users will enjoy 6 months of free access to Fitbit Premium, a service typically priced at $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year. Fitbit Premium includes an array of exercise courses, as well as innovative features like the Sleep Profile and Readiness Score, which provide personalized exercise recommendations based on previous workouts, sleep patterns, and stress levels.
Automatic exercise detection is now available for seven different workout types, streamlining the tracking process. Notably, the Pixel Watch 2 can pause a workout when users take short breaks, ensuring accurate tracking and data collection.
As expected from a Google product, the Pixel Watch 2 seamlessly integrates with Gmail and Google Calendar. Additionally, it allows users to send and receive calls and messages directly from their wrist.
In terms of safety features, Google has introduced Safety Check, enabling users to set timers for check-ins with friends or family while traveling or engaging in outdoor activities. In the event of a missed check-in, Safety Check will automatically send emergency alerts to designated contacts.
The Pixel Watch 2 is scheduled to hit stores on October 12, and its combination of style, enhanced performance, and innovative features positions it as a formidable contender in the smartwatch market, poised to challenge its competitors.
Source: Yahoo Finance
