Google Pixel Watch: what we want to see

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The recently rebranded Wear OS software may soon show off its full ability with the upcoming rumored Google Pixel Watch.Previously some had
expected Google to make its own smartwatch to show off everything Wear OS can do, in a similar way to the latest Android software and the
Google Pixel 2 range, but so far it hasn't happened.One new report from reliable Twitter leaker @Evleaks says he has information from a
trusted source that a Google Pixel Watch is in development and will be released later this year at Google's autumnal hardware launch.That's
set to come alongside the Google Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL and a second generation version of the Google Pixel Buds.Below we're going to break
down everything we know so far about the new watch, plus we've also put together the features and design we'd like from the first flagship
watch.Cut to the chaseWhat is it The first flagship watch designed by GoogleWhat will it cost Probably high-end cost, but no specifics
yetWhen is it out Later this year, perhaps OctoberGoogle Pixel Watch release date and priceAn exact release date for the rumored Google
Pixel Watch isn't clear
The original tweet from Evleaks  contains information from what he calls a "reliable source" that it will be announced alongside the Google
Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL.We'd expect Google to unveil its new flagship phones in October this year as that'll be a whole year since the Pixel
2 announcement and two years after the original Pixel was unveiled.That may be subject to change if Google decides to host its event at a
different time and we probably won't hear official word from Google on that event for quite a while.As for price, we don't currently have
any idea how much this watch will cost
Considering the Pixel range is usually high-end products with generally flagship level prices, we'd expect that but we don't currently have
any evidence supporting it.Google Pixel Watch news and rumorsIn terms of spec, there isn't much known about the Google Pixel Watch
We can expect this to be a high-end device that uses the latest technology in smartwatches, but what that will be won't be known until we
hear leaks of the product.Senior director of wearables at Qualcomm, Pankaj Kedia, previously said the chipset manufacturer is hard at work
on a next-gen processor for upcoming smartwatches.It'll be a follow up to the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 we've seen in a lot of the best
Wear OS watches over the last few months. He said the new tech will be available on a new flagship watch that will be ready before
Christmas, so it may be he was speaking of the Google Pixel Watch.What we want to seeBelow we've put together a list of the things we want
to see from the Google Pixel Watch when it officially launches later this year.1
Rotating crown or bezelSamsung's Gear Sport uses a rotating bezelBefore the switch to Wear OS, Android Wear 2.0 put a big focus on how the
design had been reworked to play well with rotating bezels and crowns, but then we haven't seen many watches embrace that. Why not use it
for the Google Pixel Watch Those features may be far in Google's rear view mirror as the Wear OS updates take precedent, but we'd love to
see an innovative way of interacting with the watch such as a rotating crown or bezel.2
In-display fingerprint scannerIf Google really wants to put the Pixel Watch on the map, adding an in-display fingerprint scanner would go a
long way to doing that
Currently Wear OS watches (and the Apple Watch) allow you to secure them with a PIN code – but that’s not the most secure form of
protection available.With an in-display fingerprint scanner, the secure biometric technology would fit seamlessly into the wearable without
disrupting the visual appeal of the watch
It would also allow you to approve purchases over the current contactless limit (assuming the Pixel Watch comes with NFC).There are a couple
of potential negatives here though
Firstly, the addition of this fledgling technology could increase the thickness of the watch – and no one wants an overly chunky wearable
– but secondly it’ll also likely push the price tag way up.If Google can overcome these two things though, you can sign us up for a
Pixel Watch right now.3
SwimproofWe’re used to smartwatches coming with a level of dust and water resistance, but few carry an IP certification high enough to
ensure their survival when we cannonball into the local pool.A fully swim-proof Google Pixel Watch would not only allow you to keep the
wearable on in the bath, but also allow you to track workouts in the pool without fear of malfunction.4
Three day battery lifeThe new enhanced battery saver mode on Wear OSThis is a simple one, but we want the Google Pixel Watch to last as long
as it can
Imagine a fully fledged smartwatch that doesn't need charging after two days of intensive usage.Wear OS is integrating a useful enhanced
battery saver mode that should give you a lot more time with your smartwatch, but it'll limit the amount of features you can use when it's
on.Clearly Google wants to improve how long your watch will last from one charge, but we'd love to see a big battery inside the watch and
well optimized software that offers the best battery for a smartwatch on the market right now.5
NFC paymentsAnother simple one here, but quite a few Wear OS watches don't come with NFC built in so you aren't able to use Google Pay
features on your wrist
That's a frustration for a lot of people, so we're hoping Google will include an NFC chip inside the watch.That'll especially be useful when
you're out for a run and you need to buy a bottle of water, but you've left your wallet at home.6
Best in class fitnessGarmin's Forerunner 935 comes with a lot of fitness features built-in.While we're on the topic of running, we want the
Pixel Watch to compete with the fitness prowess of the Apple Watch 3 as well as top-end specialist watches like the Garmin Forerunner
935.Imagine if Google can include all of the latest tracking tech including accurate GPS, LTE so we can listen to music on the go as well as
a top of the range heart rate tracker.We want to be able to strap the Google Pixel Watch to our wrist and head out for any type of exercise
and know we'll be tracked accurately and get as much fitness stats as we possibly can.7
High-end watch designThis one is a given, but we want to see a watch that you're not embarrassed to wear on your wrist
Not every Wear OS watch is a gorgeous creation, so we wish Google will be able to offer a slimmer option than most other manufacturers that
uses high-end materials and feels like a proper timepiece you're excited to wear.If you're going to be spending a fair amount of money on a
new watch, you'll want it to look great on your wrist so this is one of the most important things we want to see on the new wearable.Main
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