Google has introduced its latest wearables: the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2, at an Australian media event a few days ago which I attended for techAU.
The Pixel Watch 3 offers improved fitness tracking and battery life, while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 feature a comfort-focused design, enhanced noise cancellation, and the new Tensor A1 chip for advanced audio processing.
Both devices integrate seamlessly with other Pixel products, showcasing Google’s commitment to creating a cohesive ecosystem of smart devices that work in harmony with Pixel smartphones and Google services.
Pixel Watch 3
- Larger Actua display: The Pixel Watch 3 features a bigger screen with 16% smaller bezels, offering up to 40% more display area depending on the model. The display is reportedly twice as bright as the previous version, with up to 2000 nits brightness and the ability to dim to 1 nit in always-on mode.
- Advanced running capabilities: The watch offers comprehensive running features, including customizable routines, real-time guidance, and form tracking. It uses motion sensing and machine learning to provide detailed breakdowns of running metrics like cadence and stride length.
- Readiness and cardio load tracking: This feature aims to optimize workouts by balancing activity with recovery. It provides a daily readiness score based on sleep, heart rate, and heart rate variability, as well as cardio load information to help users avoid under- or overtraining.
- Fitbit Morning Brief: This daily summary provides an overview of important health and fitness metrics, including sleep quality, readiness score, exercise progress, and any significant changes in health metrics like heart rate variability or SpO2 levels.
- Google ecosystem integration: The watch seamlessly integrates with other Google and Pixel devices, allowing users to control Nest cameras, use Google TV remote functions, access offline Google Maps, and more directly from the watch.
- Extended battery life: The Pixel Watch 3 can last up to 24 hours with the always-on display active, or up to 36 hours in Battery Saver mode. It’s designed to maintain health, fitness, and safety features even in power-saving mode.
- Fast charging: The 41mm model is said to charge 20% faster than its predecessor, allowing users to spend less time charging and more time using the device.
- Eco-friendly design: The watch’s circular design uses 100% recycled aluminum and is available in various colors. It comes in two sizes (41mm and 45mm) with multiple band options for customization.
- Fitbit Premium integration: The watch includes a six-month trial of Fitbit Premium, offering users access to more detailed insights, personalized recommendations, and exclusive workout content from Fitbit and Peloton trainers.
The Pixel Watch 3 is priced at 41mm LTE $749 and 45mm LTE $839 from the Google Store, JB HIFI, Telstra, Optus, Harvey Norman and Officeworks.
Key Specifications
| Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) | |
|---|---|
| Colors | • Matte Black Aluminum case / Obsidian Active Band • Polished Silver Aluminum case / Porcelain Active Band • Matte Hazel Aluminum case / Hazel Active Band |
| Dimensions | • Diameter: 45 mm • Height: 12.3 mm • Weight: 37 g (without band) |
| Display | • Actua display • 320 ppi AMOLED LTPO • Up to 2000 nits (peak brightness) • Always-on display |
| Battery | • 420 mAh (typical) • Up to 24 hours with always-on display • Up to 36 hours with Battery Saver mode |
| Charging | • About 28 minutes to 50% • About 50 minutes to 80% • About 80 minutes to 100% |
| OS & Chip | • Wear OS 5.0 • Qualcomm SW5100 • Cortex M33 co-processor |
| Storage & Memory | • 32 GB eMMC flash • 2 GB SDRAM |
| Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm) | |
|---|---|
| Colors | • Matte Black Aluminum case / Obsidian Active Band • Polished Silver Aluminum case / Porcelain Active Band • Champagne Gold Aluminum Case / Hazel Active Band • Polished Silver Aluminum case / Rose Quartz Active Band |
| Dimensions | • Diameter: 41 mm • Height: 12.3 mm • Weight: 31 g (without band) |
| Display | • Actua display • 320 ppi AMOLED LTPO • Up to 2000 nits (peak brightness) • Always-on display |
| Battery | • 306 mAh (typical) • Up to 24 hours with always-on display • Up to 36 hours with Battery Saver mode |
| Charging | • About 24 minutes to 50% • About 35 minutes to 80% • About 60 minutes to 100% |
| OS & Chip | • Wear OS 5.0 • Qualcomm SW5100 • Cortex M33 co-processor |
| Storage & Memory | • 32 GB eMMC flash • 2 GB SDRAM |
Pixel Buds Pro 2
- Size and Weight: The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are 27% smaller and lighter than their predecessor, while reportedly offering improved performance and battery life.
- Adjustable Stabilizer: They feature a twist-to-adjust stabilizer that can be tightened for secure fit during exercise or loosened for all-day comfort.
- Tensor A1 Chip: This is the first Tensor chip in an earbud, designed for advanced audio processing and Google Gemini AI.
- Enhanced Noise Cancellation: The Silent Seal 2.0 technology adapts to the environment up to 3 million times per second and is claimed to cancel up to twice as much mid-band noise as the previous model.
- Audio Quality: The earbuds use large 11 mm drivers for bass and a new high-frequency chamber for treble. The Tensor A1 chip allows for multi-path processing, potentially improving sound quality.
- Clear Calling: This feature aims to reduce background noise from the caller’s end, potentially enhancing voice clarity regardless of the caller’s device.
- Conversation Detection: Using AI, the earbuds can detect when the user starts speaking, automatically pausing music and switching to Transparency mode.
- Device Tracking: The earbuds support the new Google Find My Device network, allowing users to locate them on a map and ring them when nearby.
- Audio Switching: Users can switch audio playback between compatible devices, such as from a tablet to a smartwatch.
- Pixel Integration: The earbuds offer additional features when used with other Pixel devices, including spatial audio with head tracking on compatible Pixel phones and tablets.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are priced at $379 (RRP) and will be available from September 26 in various colours: Porcelain, Hazel, Wintergreen, and Peony from the Google Store, JB HIFI, Telstra, Optus, Harvey Norman and Officeworks.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Bluetooth 4.0+ devices, including Android, iOS, tablets, and laptops |
| Water Resistance | Earbuds: IP54, Case: IPX4 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4 with LE Audio and Super Wideband |
| Processor | Tensor A1 |
| Audio Features | 11 mm driver, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Conversation Detection |
| Voice Features | Clear Calling, Voice accelerometer, Wind-blocking mesh covers |
| Controls | Capacitive touch sensors, IR proximity sensor for in-ear detection |
| Charging | USB-C port, Qi-certified wireless charging |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours (ANC off), 8 hours (ANC on); Up to 48 hours total with case |
| Colours | Porcelain, Hazel, Wintergreen, Peony (availability may vary) |
| Sustainability | At least 24% recycled materials, recycled rare earth elements in magnets |