Google has just unveiled the Pixel Watch 3, bringing a breath of fresh air to its smartwatch lineup. Available in two sizes, including a new 45mm option for those who believe bigger is indeed better, this watch combines stylish design with enhanced functionality.
This model integrates Google’s technology with Pixel for improved performance, offering comprehensive fitness and recovery tools alongside convenient on-the-go assistance—because who has time to sit still?
Bigger and Brighter Displays
The Pixel Watch 3 sports advanced Actua displays, available in both 41mm and 45mm sizes. These screens boast a dazzling peak brightness of 2,000 nits, so you can check your stats mid-stride, even on the sunniest of days. When you’re at the movies trying to sneak a glance at your watch, the display dims to a more discreet 1 nit.
The 45mm version offers a screen 40% larger than its predecessor, while the 41mm model is 10% more spacious. These displays are more power-efficient, supporting refresh rates from a speedy 60Hz down to a sluggish 1Hz in always-on-display mode—just like my cat when he’s pretending to care.
Thanks to Wear OS 5 and a hybrid architecture, the Pixel Watch 3 promises dependable all-day battery life. It features machine learning for automatic sleep detection and a Bedtime Mode that disables notifications and the always-on display, so you can finally catch some z’s without interruption.
For those who dread the red battery icon, a new Battery Saver Mode stretches battery life up to 36 hours without sacrificing health tracking or safety features. The 45mm model boasts a 35% larger battery, while the 41mm version charges 20% faster—perfect for those who can’t stand waiting.
Fitness Insights and Recovery Tools
Pixel Watch 3 introduces three new fitness tools: Daily Readiness, Cardio Load, and Target Load. Daily Readiness analyzes recovery biometrics such as resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and sleep patterns, offering a detailed view of your body’s readiness for exercise. Cardio Load monitors heart exertion during workouts, tracking intensity and trends over time. Target Load provides personalized training goals based on recent activity and readiness, assisting users in balancing fitness and recovery.
These features are integrated into the Fitbit Morning Brief, a daily digest delivered to your wrist. It offers insights into your sleep, readiness, target cardio load, weekly exercise goals, and more, helping you plan your day effectively.
Enhanced Running Tools
The Pixel Watch 3 comes equipped with tools for runners: plan, execute, and reflect on runs like never before. With the new Workout Builder, users can create custom runs with goals for distance, time, pace, or heart rate zone—because sometimes your pace needs a little push from your wrist. With haptic feedback and audio guidance, the watch will let you know when you’re off pace, over your heart rate target, or simply daydreaming instead of running.
Heart-rate tracking has improved, ensuring more accurate monitoring during runs, even in challenging conditions like trying to dodge puddles on a rainy day. After each run, users can access a detailed analysis of their form, cadence, stride, and contact time, perfect for impressing your friends with your newfound running stats.
Fitbit Premium offers additional perks, including personalized daily run recommendations powered by Google AI. Premium members can also enjoy a variety of Peloton workout classes for variety in their training routines. The Pixel Watch 3 comes with a six-month Fitbit Premium membership to help you channel your inner athlete—or at least try to.
Loss of Pulse Detection
A groundbreaking feature of the Pixel Watch 3 is Loss of Pulse Detection, designed to detect when the heart stops beating. This feature can automatically contact emergency services, providing critical context and location details. Initially available in Europe, Google plans to expand this feature to other regions pending regulatory approval.
Seamless Google Integration
The Pixel Watch 3 offers deeper integration with Google’s ecosystem, enhancing its utility. It functions as a remote for Google TV, allows viewing live camera feeds through the Google Home app, and features the Pixel Recorder app for voice notes and transcriptions. Call Assist uses Google AI to screen and manage calls, and a new Ultra-Wideband chip enables the watch to unlock Pixel phones and serve as a digital car key for BMW and MINI.
Customization and Pricing
The Pixel Watch 3 offers a range of customization options with various case and band colors. The 41mm version is available in Matte Obsidian, Porcelain, and Hazel, with an additional Rose Quartz band option. The 45mm model includes Obsidian, Porcelain, and a new matte Hazel Aluminum case with a matching band. Accessory bands are available in leather, metal, and woven materials.
Pre-orders for the Pixel Watch 3 start today. The 41mm model is priced at $349.99 for Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and $449.99 for LTE. The 45mm version is available at $399.99 for Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and $499.99 for LTE. The watches will be available from the Google Store, Fitbit.com, and select retailers worldwide on September 10, 2024.
