As The Verge reports, the new Google Pixel Watch feels a lot like they took a page from the circular Apple Watch customers been clamoring for. It’s got the curved glass display, a minimalist and techy feel, a digital crown, and a flat side button. Those elements aren’t unique to Apple Watches, but they serve similar functions here. That said, even with the Apple-esque design, it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb when you put it next to the Buds and Pixel 7. It very much feels like it fits within the Pixel family.
The new Wear OS 3.5 UI also feels like it’s taken some cues from Apple’s watchOS. For instance, pressing the side button brings up your most recent apps. You use the digital crown in a similar manner, too. It’s also almost exactly the same as the Fitbit Sense 2. In any case, the Pixel Watch feels like a distinct departure from what Samsung’s doing in this space in terms of both UI and design.
The Pixel Watch is relatively small 41mm. The trend this fall has been for smartwatch makers to go big: Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 5 Pro only comes in one size, and that’s a larger, heavier 45mm. However, a smaller, lightweight, and comfy watch is a pleasant surprise. Larger displays mean better readability, the resolution was still sharp, and it’s nice to see the Pixel Watch doesn’t leave out petite people.
According the The Verge‘s review, if you look at the Pixel Watch dead-on, you’ll see noticeable bezels on the display The domed display also works a bit of optical magic so that they don’t look super egregious. And since most of the watchfaces use a dark background, you really have to be looking for them. If you’re just glancing at your wrist, it’s not going to jump out at you.
The way you attach the bands is certainly unique to the Pixel Watch. You snap them in via the side instead of underneath like most smartwatches. It really took me a hot second to get used to the mechanism. The button for the bands is also super subtle, so you might not notice it at all. It’s supposed to feel like a camera lens, and The Verge’s reviewer attests that it actually does.
Another cool feature of the new Pixel Watch: you can change the vibe of the watch using different bands. The sportier bands attach directly, but the more stylish lifestyle bands add a faux lug. That helps give the Pixel Watch a fancier feel for more formal occasions.
Reviews say the watch’s performance, even though it’s using a last-gan processor, seems snappy so far. The 2GB of RAM and the co-processor possibly makes up for it. Results will play out with further testing, especially with regard to the battery.
The Pixel Watch is now available for presale and is expected to hit shelves starting October 13th.
—
Photo Credit: Arthur_Shevtsov / Shutterstock.com