Pixel Watch 2
A Pixel Watch 2 on display at a store in Shibuya Stream in Tokyo, Japan | |
| Brand | |
|---|---|
| Type | Smartwatch |
| Series | Pixel |
| First released | October 12, 2023 |
| Availability by region | 21 countries |
| Predecessor | Pixel Watch |
| Successor | Pixel Watch 3 |
| Compatible networks | |
| Dimensions |
|
| Weight | 31 g (1.1 oz) |
| Operating system | Wear OS 4.0 |
| System-on-chip | |
| GPU | Qualcomm Adreno 702 |
| Memory | 2 GB SDRAM |
| Storage | 32 GB eMMC flash |
| Battery | 306 mAh (lithium-ion) |
| Display | AMOLED at 320 ppi with DCI-P3 color, 450x450 pixels[1] |
| Sound |
|
| Connectivity | |
| Data inputs |
|
| Water resistance | 5 ATM |
| Codename |
|
| Other | Custom 3D Gorilla Glass 5 |
| References | [2] |
The Pixel Watch 2 is a Wear OS-based smartwatch designed, developed, and marketed by Google as part of the Google Pixel product line. It serves as the successor to the first-generation Pixel Watch.
The Pixel Watch 2 was officially announced on October 4, 2023, at the annual Made by Google event, and was released in the United States on October 12.
History
[edit | edit source]In May 2023, 9to5Google reported that Google intended to release a successor to the Pixel Watch, a Wear OS–powered smartwatch, in October.[3] Two codenames for the watch, believed to be in reference to the Wi-Fi and cellular models, were later discovered to be "Eos" and "Aurora".[4] Three models were approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in August,[5] while the Eos model was listed on the Google Play Console device catalog for developers.[6] After previewing the watch in September,[7] Google officially announced the Pixel Watch 2 on October 4, alongside the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, at the annual Made by Google event.[8] Pre-orders became available the same day, before being released in 30 countries on October 12.[9][10] The watch suffered from significant shipping delays at the online Google Store.[11]
Specifications
[edit | edit source]Design
[edit | edit source]Visually, the Pixel Watch 2 is near-identical to its predecessor, save a "slightly redesigned haptic crown". Six new families of watch faces were made available at launch.[9][12] It is available in four case–band color pairs:[13]
| File:Google Pixel Watch (Matte Black + Obsidian).svg | File:Google Pixel Watch (Champagne Gold + Hazel).svg | File:Google Pixel Watch (Polished Silver + Chalk).svg | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case | Polished Silver | Matte Black | Champagne Gold | Polished Silver |
| Active Band | Bay | Obsidian | Hazel | Porcelain |
Hardware
[edit | edit source]The Pixel Watch 2 is made of recycled aluminum, a departure from the original Pixel Watch's stainless steel watch frame. Google stated that the change was made to make the watch lighter and more comfortable for users.[14][9] It is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon SW5100 system-on-chip (SoC), a departure from its predecessor's Samsung Exynos chip.[6] The watch's new circular sensor array consists of several new sensors.[15] A multipath heart rate sensor boasts more accurate readings; a skin temperature sensor tracks sleep but not menstruation; while an electrodermal activity sensor detects sweat beads to assess the wearer's mood. The Pixel Watch 2 is not compatible with the first generation's proprietary magnetic charger, instead requiring a newer and faster one.[9]
Software
[edit | edit source]The Pixel Watch 2 shipped with Wear OS 4.0.[6] Like its predecessor, the watch features heavy Fitbit integration, given Google's acquisition of the company in 2021.[16] New personal safety features include emergency location sharing, Safety Check, and Safety Signal.[9]
Reception
[edit | edit source]In her review for The Verge, Victoria Song praised the Pixel Watch 2's improvements from the first-generation on all fronts, especially battery life,[17] as did Yahoo! Finance reviewer Daniel Howley and Digital Spy reviewer Jason Murdock.[18][19] Julian Chokkattu of Wired concurred, writing, "I get a watch that actually comes with everything I wish the original did out of the box. Hooray!"[20] Matthew Miller of ZDNET highlighted the watch's deep Fitbit integration and safety features, but was ambivalent toward its small size.[21] Will Greenwald of PCMag praised the watch's design, performance, and health features,[22] while Mark Knapp of IGN called it "elegant and performant" but "still not a killer".[23] CNN Underscored's Max Buondonno and TheStreet's Jason Cipriani hailed its health, performance, and battery life enhancements.[24][25] Writing for The Guardian, Samuel Gibbs appreciated the improved performance and battery life but was disappointed with the lack of advanced health features and ability to be repaired.[26] Engadget's Cherlynn Low was conflicted, commending Google's efforts to close the gap between other smartwatches but still finding it mediocre overall;[27] Inverse's Raymond Wong agreed, calling it "a better smartwatch, but not the best".[28] Elizabeth de Luna of Mashable described the watch as "playing catch-up to the Apple Watch",[13] while Robert Leedham of GQ thought it was the ideal smartwatch for those indifferent toward smartwatches.[29]
References
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External links
[edit | edit source]- Official website
- Made by Google 2023 (archived)