The original Google Pixel Watch finally gave us the Google own-brand smartwatch we’ve been waiting for, but there was certainly room for improvement – which is why we’re excited about the growing rumors about the Google Pixel Watch 2.
This first Pixel Watch didn’t arrive until October last year, so it’s a bit surprising to hear rumors of a successor so soon. We thought Google might reiterate its launch strategy for this original smartwatch – teasing the Pixel Watch 2 at Google I/O 2023, ahead of its full launch later in 2023 – but the company’s annual showcase has come and gone without a whisper about any new products to date. wear.
Still, rumors certainly suggest that Google Is is working on the Google Pixel Watch 2 – and while we haven’t heard any details about its features yet, we’ll be adding them to this article as they start to emerge.
In the meantime, you’ll find our top picks for the release date and price of the Pixel Watch 2 below, followed by a wishlist of what we want to see from the device.
To the point
- What is this? Another Google Pixel smartwatch
- when is it coming out? Possibly October 2023
- How much does it cost? Unclear but probably at least $350 / £340 / AU$550
Google Pixel Watch 2: release date and price
We don’t know when the Pixel Watch 2 will launch, but given that the smartwatch industry tends to move on annual cycles, there’s a good chance the device will go on sale around a year after the original Pixel Watch.
This would mean a full launch around October 2023, coinciding with the launch of the Google Pixel 8, which is likely to land in October 2023.
As for the price, it will inevitably have a similar cost to the current Pixel Watch, which starts at $350 / £340 / AU$550. It’s just speculation for now, remember.
Google Pixel Watch 2: news and leaks
The first rumors about the Pixel Watch 2 began to appear in the run-up to Google I/O 2023 in May.
Notorious leaker Evan Blass tweeted the name “Pixel Watch 2”, suggesting the smartwatch was almost confirmed to be revealed at Google’s major developer conference.
This followed earlier leaks from a known leak Jon Prosser (opens in a new tab)who predicted in early May that “Google is planning two watches later this fall,” including a new Pixel Watch, as well as a kids’ version that may feature the Fitbit logo.
So far, we don’t have any specs or features for the Pixel Watch 2. But there are a few things we can anticipate. First, it will no doubt run on Wear OS; not only does the current Pixel Watch support the same platform, but Google is making the platform, so it would be ridiculous if the Pixel Watch 2 would run anything else.
The device will also likely retain most of the features of the current model, which – in addition to all the standard smartwatch features such as built-in GPS, accelerometer and gyroscope – includes an ECG.
We expect the Pixel Watch 2 to also bring back its predecessor’s domed display, as well as the rotating digital crown and strap mechanisms. As is usually the case with successor devices, we also hope to see improved durability specs.
Google Pixel Watch 2: what we want to see
While the Pixel Watch is good, there’s a lot Google could do to make the Pixel Watch 2 even better, including:
1. Multiple sizes
The Google Pixel Watch is a one-size-fits-all device, which of course inevitably means it’s not the perfect size for everyone.
Honestly, it probably strikes the best possible balance for a wearable that will only come in one size, but we’d still prefer to have a choice; such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Apple Watch 8 – both available in two sizes.
2. Simpler band switching
One of the main issues we found with the Google Pixel Watch is how difficult it is to switch bands. Google has opted for a proprietary system, making the selection of compatible straps rather limited.
Proprietary systems sometimes make the band-swapping process easier, but the opposite is true for the DSLR-inspired mechanism on the Pixel Watch.
Once we got the hang of it, the system turned out to be less painful, but there’s definitely a learning curve, so it’s definitely something we’re hoping Google will refine for the Pixel Watch 2.
3. Smaller bezel
Despite the moderately high price tag, the Google Pixel Watch has a chunky bezel around the circular screen that works against its premium appearance and makes it seem cheaper than it is.
Thanks to some of Google’s smart UI choices, the bezel isn’t particularly noticeable most of the time, but it’s still a shock for a modern smartwatch. As such, we want to see how it shrunk before people slap the Google Pixel Watch 2 on their wrists.
4. Make sleeping more comfortable
Our review found that the dome-shaped back of the Pixel Watch made sleeping a bit uncomfortable and even woke our reviewer from sleep multiple times.
This is obviously not ideal, and while some sleepers may not have this problem, we would like the Pixel Watch 2 to have a flat back so that no one loses sleep over it.
5. Better Fitbit integration
The Google Pixel Watch is a full-fledged Fitbit device with access to the dedicated Fitbit app and Fitbit Premium features (it comes with six months of access as part of the price).
However, it all feels needlessly chaotic as you need a separate Fitbit account to access the many health and fitness features on the Pixel Watch while a Google account handles everything else.
Since Google now owns Fitbit, it doesn’t seem like much to ask for your Google account to function as a Fitbit login as well. As such, we hope all of this will be improved over time for the Pixel Watch 2; because that would put it on the path to becoming one wearable killer and possibly one of the best smartwatches out there.
If you can’t wait that long, check out our roundup of the best smartwatch deals available right now?