GOOGLE PIXEL WATCH 2
Google’s smartwatch update is on the right track, but is it enough to entice people?
It’s on the right track to catch up with the Apple Watch… eventually
As anticipated, the Google Pixel Watch 2 is a better smartwatch than its predecessor. It has more features and a refined physical appearance that perfectly aligns with the design philosophy that made the first iteration so iconic.
It comes in one size (41mm), similar to its predecessor. However, the wearable has a completely redesigned back with new sensors and the domed cover glass covering the AMOLED always-on display is thinner.
It’s the back of the watch that received the most significant update. The Google Pixel Watch 2 has a new multi-path optical heart rate sensor that’s said to provide better readings in challenging situations, such as intense HIIT workouts. The sensor can automatically switch between single and multi-path modes to provide the most optimal (ie least battery-intense) operation.
The watch has a range of health and fitness features, such as ECG, all-day heart rate tracking, automatic exercise recognition, sleep monitoring, stress tracking, temperature and more. It might not have quite as many health features as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, nor is it as competent for tracking workouts as the Apple Watch Series 9, but it’s fine for monitoring basic health stats.
Google has advertised some Pixel Watch 2 features as new despite said features being readily available on other devices. A good example is the stress management feature, which is based on the cEDA sensor borrowed from the Fitbit Sense 2.
Another feature and one of our favourites, Safety Check, has been borrowed from the Pixel phone. It allows you to schedule a timer for specific situations. After the timer expires, Safety Check will send you a prompt and if no response is received, Safety Check will trigger Emergency Sharing, which shares your real-time location and situation with your pre-selected emergency contacts.
We found the GPS to be slow to pick up signals. On a more positive note, you can wait around until the GPS is latched on, which is better than the Apple Watch’s countdown approach.
The Pixel Watch 2 is on the right track to catch up with the Apple Watch... eventually. The new wearable is arguably better than its predecessor, but it needs to be further refined still. Let’s create an ecosystem that allows people to benefit from what makes Google one of the most successful tech companies in existence.