Google Pixel Watch 2 hands on: New biometric sensors in a slightly lighter package

 

Google Pixel Watch 2 hands on: New biometric sensors in a slightly lighter package

Introduction

When Google debuted the Pixel Watch last year, hopes were high that it would be a real rival for the Apple Watch. However, the company failed to deliver a truly satisfying contender due to subpar battery life and integration issues with Fitbit's health-tracking features. Now, with the Pixel Watch 2, Google needs to convince us that it adds enough to justify an upgrade.

Modest Updates with Compelling Features

From the outside, the Pixel Watch 2 brings a fairly modest set of updates. However, it offers some compelling new features that could make it one of the best health and wellness-tracking wearables in the market. Priced at $350, it sits between the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic ($300) and the Apple Watch Series 9 ($400). The Pixel Watch 2 offers a multi-path heart rate monitor, body-response and skin temperature sensors, new apps, and personal safety features that help it stand out from the competition.

Exterior Design and Weight

The new Pixel Watch is just as attractive as its predecessor. Its domed glass and round face look smooth, and Google claims to have made the case 5 grams lighter while making the glass covering the screen thinner. The recycled aluminum housing enhances the haptic feedback on the rotating crown, making it more noticeable. This decrease in weight makes the watch more comfortable to wear, especially for longer periods or while sleeping.

New Accessories and Watch Faces

Google is also introducing new accessories for the Pixel Watch 2. These include a lighter perforated sports band and a narrow strap of metallic links. Switching these out is made easy with Google's proprietary push-and-click mechanism. The watch also comes with new watch faces that place information at the farthest edges of the screen, similar to Apple's smartwatches.

Screen Size and Animations

The Pixel Watch 2 is only available in one size (41mm), and its AMOLED screen has the same 320 ppi pixel density as its predecessor. It offers a brightness of up to 1000 nits, and the font size and color scheme have been improved for better readability. The animations on the watch look smoother thanks to the quad-core Snapdragon Wear 5100 processor, which is more power-efficient than the previous model's processor.

Battery Life and Charging

The Pixel Watch 2 comes with its always-on display (AOD) enabled by default. As a result, the battery life is listed as the same 24 hours as the previous model, although disabling the AOD may provide a few extra hours of usage. The watch features a contact charging design on the underside, allowing for 12 hours of battery life with just 30 minutes of charging. However, the absence of wireless charging is notable.

Advanced Sensors and Stress Management

The Pixel Watch 2 introduces three new sensors, including a body response sensor that monitors electrodermal activity (cEDA) by detecting microscopic beads of sweat. This, along with the skin temperature sensor, pulse, and heart rate variability, allows the watch to predict and suggest stress management techniques such as logging emotions, guided meditation, or going for a walk. While similar features have been offered by Fitbit in the past, the accuracy and real-world patterns of the Pixel Watch 2 will be interesting to explore.

Enhanced Workout Tracking and Safety Features

The Pixel Watch 2 introduces automatic workout start and stop reminders, addressing a previous complaint about the lack of alerts in the previous model. This feature adds convenience by nudging you after performing one of seven common workouts, such as running or outdoor cycling. The pace coaching feature will particularly benefit outdoor runners, while the ability to set heart rate zones with haptic and voice alerts helps in maintaining target numbers during workouts. Another notable addition is the Safety Check feature, which reminds us of Apple's Check In feature, allowing users to start a timer and automatically notify pre-set contacts if they don't confirm their well-being.

Updated Google Apps and Assistant

Google has improved its suite of apps for the Pixel Watch 2, including Calendar, Gmail, and the Google Assistant. The Google Assistant now supports health and fitness queries, providing real-time or historical stats without requiring physical interaction. However, unlike Apple, the Pixel Watch 2's assistant requests are processed off-device, necessitating an internet connection.

Conclusion

With numerous updates to its design, sensors, workout features, and personal safety tools, the Pixel Watch 2 aims to catch up with the competition and potentially lead the way in some aspects. However, only time with a review unit will determine if these changes make for a significant upgrade. If you are already enticed by the new features, the Pixel Watch 2 is available for pre-order and will be released on October 12. It comes in silver, black, and gold cases with various strap options and includes six months of Fitbit Premium.