• Someone has allegedly found a Google Pixel Watch 5 prototype in the sea
• It was shared in an X post by Gearbox founder Randy Pitchford
• The device looks the same as its predecessor, but has 'Pixel Watch 5' printed on the back

Tech leaks are more common than they used to be, but this unannounced Google smartwatch has just taken first prize for the weirdest tech leak ever — the Pixel Watch 5 has been found at the bottom of the ocean.

Founder of video game company Gearbox, Randy Pitchford, came across a post on his X account from someone who claimed that a friend found the unreleased Pixel Watch 5 while scuba diving near the island of St. Martin in the Caribbean (see below). The Pixel Watch 5 is projected to launch later this year.

In the X post, Pitchford included two close-up images of what appears to be a Pixel Watch 5 prototype. Pitchford also shared that despite having an empty battery, the watch had enough reserve power to display the correct time. Additionally, the embeddings on the back of the watch heavily suggest that the device is, in fact, a model of the Pixel Watch 5.

Pitchford’s images show clear readings on the back of the device that say ‘Google’ and ‘Pixel Watch 5’, as well as readings listing the device’s health-tracking and monitoring tools.

As per the image, the device has several labels, including ‘SpO2’ (Blood Oxygen Level), ‘EDA’ (Electrodermal Activity), ‘Skin Temperature’, ‘Heart Rate Sensor’, ‘Pulse Sensor’, and ‘UWB’ (Ultra-Wideband). Additionally, the smartwatch has IP68 water and dust resistance.

Design-wise, the device looks pretty much the same as the Pixel Watch 4 — it has a similar round watch face, and the inscriptions on the back are also identical to its predecessor, but it doesn't mention any new health tracking tools.

This makes sense, as the Pixel Watch 4 was only released in October 2025 and came with a major design upgrade and advanced features, including a skin temperature sensor and an AI health coach.

As you can imagine, the reactions to this story have been hysterical, garnering hundreds of reposts and comments from users. “This is maybe the most Google thing to ever happen,” one user commented, while another described it as “an underwater time portal”.

Comment from r/PixelWatch

This is by far one of the whackiest tech leaks we’ve seen since an Apple software engineer left a prototype of the iPhone 4 in a California bar in 2010 — it’s hard to top finding a smartwatch at the bottom of the ocean like Kate Winslet’s 'Heart of the Sea' diamond necklace from Titanic.

But despite the absurdity of this discovery, it has left people scratching their heads and questioning the leak's legitimacy.

Just five hours after Pitchford’s original post, he shared another post to say the watch had been reunited with its owner “thanks to the magic of the internet” — but he didn’t disclose who the prototype belongs to and where they managed to get their hands on one.

Not only that, other outlets that have reported on this have flagged Pitchford’s history of boosting engagement metrics with shock-factor posts, or “engagement farming,” as Tech Advisor describes it. There’s also the question about whether a tech company as large as Google would imprint health tracking information on the device this early in the development process.

Since Pitchford hasn’t shared anything about the prototype's owner and given Google’s silence on the matter, it’s best to view this with skepticism, as there are more questions than answers. However, that doesn't take away from the fact that it’s one of the funniest and most unhinged tech leaks ever.

• Spotify has rolled out a bold upgrade for Wear OS
• As well as new visual elements, you can now use tap gestures to play and skip songs
• It's available to all Wear OS-compatible devices, so long as you update the Spotify app in the Play Store

Are you a Wear OS user and a Spotify subscriber? Your on-wrist experience is about to get better thanks to a major upgrade coming to some of the best smartwatches — which includes a new graphic redesign and handy tap gestures.

If you’re a power-user of a Samsung Galaxy Watch or Google Pixel Watch, you’ll now have access to the new Spotify experience for Wear OS so long as you’ve installed the latest version of the Spotify app via the Play Store. In an email sent to TechRadar, Spotify details that the new wave of Wear OS features are “redesigned to be more intuitive, more discoverable” bringing “the best of Spotify to your watch”. So, what’s new?

First off, Spotify’s Wear OS revamp puts visual aesthetics at the forefront of its new ‘Now Playing’ screen, which displays creator art behind the current playing song as well as the playback controls. You can also view and amend your music queue from this view and control audio output too. When you swipe from top to bottom, it takes you to a new ‘immersive view’, where the creator art is displayed in its entirety without the obstruction of the pause and play icons.

When you swipe up on the ‘Now Playing’ screen it takes you to Spotify's main Home page, where your Liked Songs, Downloads, recently accessed playlists, podcasts, artists, and more will be front and center. That said, one of the more handy tools is the search function allowing you to look up a song to add to your queue, bringing music discovery features to your wrist.

However, the new update isn’t just about how pretty it looks, it also has a slew of practical new tools. Now you can manually use your finger to pause, play, and skip through songs on your watch face, as well as use tap gestures to control the playback. One tap will pause and play music for you, while two taps will skip from one song to the next.

I’m an Apple Watch user, and I’m envious of this upgrade

The best part about Spotify’s smartwatch app is that it takes all the best features from the mobile experience and puts them right on your wrist, providing a convenient way to control your music playback when you’re working out or have your hands tied.

Spotify’s Apple Watch experience isn’t dissimilar to its new Wear OS update. You can still amend your music queue, search for songs, and access your full Library of saved artists, albums, and recently streamed playlists — but it’s certainly not as pretty.

Apple Watch users miss out on the album art feature, a tool that makes the new Wear OS Spotify experience so bold and visually engaging. Instead, the ‘Now Playing’ page on Apple Watch just displays the song title and artist, with pause, play, skip, and queue icons against a plain black background. It’s far too simple for my liking and, dare I say, slightly dull.

However, Spotify for Apple Watch does replicate the Home tab and Your Library from the mobile experience, so at least you don’t have to navigate an interface that feels completely different. That said, I do hope that Spotify gives its watchOS version a bit of TLC in the near future — it should at least emulate the Liquid Glass aesthetic that Apple has been pushing for almost a year.

Smartwatches in 2026 are basically mini smartphones, and in some ways, they are even more ubiquitous, given the placement on your wrist.

The funny thing is, most people still use them like a fancy pedometer: steps, a few notifications, maybe a run every so often, and then a vague sense of guilt when the rings aren’t behaving. However, the genuinely useful fitness features aren’t the most obvious ones. They’re the quieter tools hiding in health dashboards, post-workout screens, and settings menus you probably only opened once, when you first strapped the watch on, and never again.

Set up the right handful, though, and your smartwatch stops being a passive tracker and starts nudging you towards better training decisions. To help you make the most of your smartwatch and keep up with those 2026 fitness goals, I've found eight features worth digging into.

Feature 1: Training Load

Training Load (sometimes called workload) is a simple concept: your watch looks at recent workouts and visualises how hard you’ve been going, so you can see trends you’d otherwise miss.

On Apple Watch, you can view it in the Activity app’s Workload view, and scroll through the past seven days to get a quick sense of whether you’ve been steadily building, staying level, or quietly overdoing it.

The practical win is that it discourages accidental hero weeks.

You don’t need to stare at charts or micromanage your sessions, either. Just do a quick daily glance, plus a check-in after anything particularly demanding.

Feature 2: Rate your workouts

Here’s the problem with relying purely on pace and heart rate: two workouts can look identical on paper and feel completely different.

Heat, hills, poor sleep, stress, and even what you eat can shift how demanding a session feels, even if the numbers don’t scream it.

That’s why effort rating, sometimes shown as perceived exertion, is such a useful little add-on. Apple explicitly ties this into Training Load, allowing you to log how hard a workout felt so the load picture better reflects reality over time, while Garmin also has a smiley-face rating system. You don’t need to be ultra-precise, either; the trick is consistency.

If you keep the meaning of your ratings steady, even in broad strokes like easy, moderate and hard, your training history becomes far more honest.

Feature 3: Set heart-rate or pace targets

Most people use their smartwatch like a receipt: you do the workout, then you look at the stats afterwards. Targets flip that around.

There are two target styles that matter for everyday training. Heart rate targets are brilliant for easy runs that accidentally get harder, and pace targets are great for steady sessions where you want to stay inside a comfortable range.

In Fitbit’s ecosystem, which covers both Fitbit devices and Fitbit-powered Wear OS watches, zone-based guidance and workout targets are designed to keep you in the right intensity range during the session.

The trick is finding the target in the first place, because it’s often tucked inside workout settings, custom runs, or coaching options, not the default “start run” screen. Luckily, it only takes a few minutes to find and configure.

Feature 4: Use your Readiness Score

A readiness score is basically a daily tie-breaker. Instead of guessing whether you’re up for a tough session, your watch uses recovery signals to nudge you towards the right type of workout.

In Fitbit’s ecosystem, the Daily Readiness Score is designed to reflect how prepared your body is for activity, using factors like sleep, recent activity, and heart metrics such as resting heart rate and heart rate variability.

The best way to use it is as a decision tool, not a strict rule. A low score does not have to mean “do nothing”, but it is often a good prompt to swap intervals for an easy run, a walk, or mobility work.

Feature 5: Check your Vitals

Some mornings you wake up and feel off – not ill, just sluggish or strangely flat. This is where Vitals-style dashboards are genuinely useful, because they turn a vague feeling into something you can act on.

On Apple Watch, the Vitals app builds a typical range for overnight health metrics it collects while you sleep, then flags readings as outliers when they’re meaningfully above or below your norm. Garmin watches offer a Health Status digest with five key metrics, such as pulse ox and heart rate variability, as well as a Morning Report on how you slept.

If multiple metrics fall outside your typical range, you can also get a notification the next morning, alongside context for factors that can influence the results, such as medications, elevation changes, or alcohol.

It's important to note that you do not need to obsess over the numbers. The simplest, most useful habit is to treat it as a traffic-light check on mornings you feel questionable; if everything looks typical, you can train as planned.

Feature 6: Wrist temperature trends

Wrist temperature is easy to misunderstand, so it helps to set expectations upfront: it's not a “take your temperature on demand” feature, and it is not about obsessing over one reading.

The value is in night-to-night trends, which can add a useful layer of context when you’re trying to work out if you’re under-recovered, travelling poorly, or simply heading into a rough week.

On Apple Watch, wrist temperature is measured overnight and shown as a baseline with changes from baseline, rather than a single absolute number, and it can take several nights of wear to establish that personal reference point.

Feature 7: Irregular rhythm notifications

This one sits slightly to the side of pure fitness, but it’s exactly the sort of feature people forget they have.

Irregular rhythm notifications can run in the background and look for signs of an irregular heart rhythm, while ECG is usually an on-demand test where you open an app and follow the prompts.

On Apple Watch, Apple describes irregular rhythm notifications as a feature that can occasionally check your heart rhythm and send a notification if it detects an irregular rhythm that appears consistent with atrial fibrillation. Fitbit, Google Pixel, Samsung and Garmin behave the same way.

We need to stress that this is not medical equipment, and you should contact your doctor for anything serious.

If your watch supports these features, it’s worth enabling the notifications and making sure you know where the ECG app lives.

Feature 8: Use an adaptive running coach

A lot of people would run more consistently if they didn’t have to decide what to do every single time, which is why built-in coaching features can be such a win.

On Samsung’s recent Galaxy Watch line, the company's personalised Running Coach is designed to assess your running level and build a tailored plan, with the coaching experience running through Samsung Health.

Fitbit’s ecosystem also leans heavily into guided training and readiness-style prompts, which is why it tends to be a natural fit for Wear OS watches that prioritize health coaching alongside workout tracking.

• Your phone may soon alert you if you've left your Google Pixel Watch behind, according to an Android Authority teardown
• This mirrors another rumored feature, which would have your Pixel Watch alert you in the opposite scenario
• Apple has provided this sort of feature for years, but Google is quietly catching up

I liked the Google Pixel Watch 4 when I reviewed it. It's got a lovely design and some innovative features in addition to the usual smartwatch stuff, like replaceable batteries, a domed display and satellite connectivity.

However, it's lacking in a few features that the best Apple Watches and best Samsung watches already have, with 'forgotten device' notifications being one of them.

These notifications alert your device if it's been separated from another device in its ecosystem. For example, if you leave your phone behind in a restaurant, your smartwatch will alert you when the connection is lost, and vice versa. Currently, the Pixel Watch doesn't do this, but Android Authority has spotted lines of code in its companion app that indicates such a feature could be on the way.

The code found stipulates that your phone will alert you if your Pixel Watch is left behind, although a separate teardown last June, again by Android Authority, indicated that this also worked in the reverse scenario.

It looks like only certain models of Pixel Watch will be compatible with this feature, and both devices require Bluetooth turned on for it to work. The feature would also automatically lock the left-behind device, a useful addition to prevent security breaches.

Right now, it's unclear when the feature will make its way to Pixel Watch owners. However, considering that this appears to have been in the works for a few months now, there's every chance we'll have to wait for a Google Pixel Watch 5 to see it, with the feature advertised as an incentive to upgrade.

Google's quietly catching up to Apple

Useful additions like 'left behind' notifications, and other background features that make smartwatches eminently usable, are exactly what Google needs in order to tempt people over to the Android ecosystem.

While much of Google's noise is around Gemini these days, it seems its smartwatch has been all but forgotten. That's a shame, because Google's flagship smartwatch has slowly getting better every year, and it's now at the point where I'd genuinely recommend most Android users get a Pixel Watch to meet their smartwatch needs.

They offer different sizes, longer battery life, great fitness features via Fitbit, some fun design choices, repairability – and add on an ecosystem that works just as well as Apple's, and the Pixel Watch is a true Apple Watch rival in terms of quality.

• The Pixel Watch 4 has been named the best smartwatch for reparability, over the Apple Watch
• iFixit did a breakdown of the Pixel Watch 4, praising it for visible screws and easy access into the watch's mechanism
• The outlet also addressed the watch's battery, naming it a 'truly replaceable smartwatch battery'

When Google unveiled the Pixel Watch 4, we were excited to see a whole host of new features, from its upgraded battery life to its new slick domed screen – but its replaceable parts topped our list, which goes forgotten for a lot of wearable tech.

The option to be able to repair your own tech is quite a common request among consumers, and has been for some time.

While most of the best phones have been amended to cater to this request, wearables are still overlooked in the reparability department, but Google is changing that with the Pixel Watch 4, a device that iFixit has crowned the most reparable smartwatch out there – even beating out the Apple Watch.

What has changed?

In its breakdown of the Pixel Watch 4, iFixit , a company that posts repair breakdowns of devices and sells toolkits to do so, drew attention to a number of new design elements making it easier for consumers to repair their own devices. This bumps its Pixel Watch 4 score to a 9/10 for reparability.

That's significant compared to the low 3s and 4s it’s given to similar devices in the past, as most smartwatches arrive as sealed units and require specialist services such as AppleCare.

First and foremost, the outlet summarizes Google’s latest smartwatch simply; "Gone is the glue, the frustration, and the heartbreak. In its place: screws, seals, and pure design joy".

What stands out to iFixit immediately is the visibility of the Pixel Watch 4’s screws, deeming it "a good sign", but Google takes it even further by giving each screw its own O-ring keeping its IP68 water resistance intact – but still allows easy access inside the watch.

According to iFixit, it managed to get inside the watch within minutes just by using three Torx Plus bits (1IP, 2IP, and 5IP), a spudger, and tweezers. This allows you to access the inside of the watch via the rear.

From there, you can even remove the main display as there’s no glue holding it in place, which iFixit describes as a "complete rethink of smartwatch design". Then there’s the matter of the battery.

Once you’ve mastered the above, this will give you access to the Pixel Watch’s battery, which iFixit managed to remove and swap out by removing its two screws and connector – a 'truly replaceable smartwatch battery'.

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• Code has leaked from the latest Fitbit for Android app update
• It suggests Google might be working on a hypertension study
• This could inform high heart rate alerts in future Google Pixel Watch models

When Apple announced the Apple Watch Series 11, it said that this device – alongside previous Series 10 and Series 9 models – would be able to send users hypertension notifications that alert them of high blood pressure. Now, it looks like Google wants to get in on the act with its own Pixel Watch lineup.

According to code spotted by 9to5Google, version 4.53 of the Fitbit for Android app contains hints that Google is planning to roll out a “Fitbit Hypertension Study” in the near future. The purpose of this study would apparently be to “advance research for hypertension screening with the Pixel Watch.”

Once a user has signed up for the study, they’ll be sent a questionnaire. Selected participants will “have sensor data collected from their watch during normal wear,” although Google warns that doing so might result in increased battery consumption.

As well as that, a random group of study applicants will be asked to “wear a monitor to measure blood pressure for 24 hours.” Those users will be sent $50 as compensation after the monitor has been used and returned.

Questions remain

Although 9to5Google didn’t say which Google Pixel Watch models will be required for the study, the outlet noted that it would “not require the latest model” of the company’s smartwatch. That could help to increase the number of participants, thereby improving the data collected by Google.

Apple’s own hypertension notification system was enabled thanks to a large survey, which the company said involved 100,000 users.

The resulting notifications use the Apple Watch’s heart rate sensor and a custom algorithm that analyzes “how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart” in order to alert you of any abnormal patterns detected over a 30-day period. It doesn’t tell you your actual blood pressure, though.

We don’t know how Google’s own hypertension notifications might work, but the suggestion that the company is planning to collect important data in a wide-ranging study should be encouraging. Now we just need to wait for further announcements from Google to learn exactly what its plans are.

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The reveal of the Google Pixel Watch 4 was the main bone thrown to Google's health and fitness ecosystem at this year's Made by Google 2025 live event and the Pixel 10 launch. The watch was undeniably impressive – starting at $399 / £349 / AU$579, it includes all-new features like on-wrist Google Gemini AI, all-new workouts, replaceable parts, and a satellite SOS service. We can't wait to review the watch in full, but you can read our early Google Pixel Watch 4 review for our first impressions.

However, another fitness feature was briefly mentioned alongside the new hardware: a personal AI health coach. During a segment with celebrity Peloton trainer Cody Rigsby, it was announced via a stock-footage sizzle reel that the health coach, powered by Google Gemini, was "always available, always adapting, backed by science, and uniquely tailored to you". It'll begin previews in the US in October, presumably rolling out to other regions shortly after, as part of a redesigned Fitbit app.

Aside from touching on performance, health and wellness, and sleep (and featuring NBA all-star Stephen Curry as Google's 'performance advisor' whatever that means), very little was said about what the Coach would actually do or look like. In fact, we got more information from a YouTube video which was shared by Google, but not publicized or shown during the presentation itself. I've embedded it below.

Clearly, it shows that the user can ask questions about their health and fitness, and the AI coach will pull data from their Fitbit and contextual information (such as the user tweaking their back) to provide contextual fitness advice, such as altering their sleep schedule or replacing a high-impact cardio session with a gentler yoga flow.

However, considering how much was shown about other Google Pixel devices and features during the live event, the health coach was barely touched on. I'd love to know more; how is the AI health coach "backed by science"? What features will it have? Will it interface with the Pixel Watch 4? What does 'Stephen Curry, Performance Advisor' actually look like? What will its name be?

Below are some of the features I think the AI health coach needs to adopt (read that as 'steal from other apps') to be a truly revolutionary tool and an industry leader. Forget celebrity endorsements and flashy sizzle-reels

1. Interfacing with non-AI devices

The Google Pixel Watch 4 may have Gemini on-wrist, but the vast majority of users of even the best Fitbits will be sporting devices with no AI capacity. While the AI assistant is likely to process and answer questions on your phone, it would be cool if certain features, such as any workouts or running routes the AI comes up with, could be pushed to your Fitbit watch to follow along on-wrist.

This would require the AI to first devise the plan, then export the plan into a format the watch can use, then push the plan to your watch. We imagine it would then remind you to sync your watch again to ensure the plan loads, but this would allow Fitbit or older Pixel Watch users to still use the AI service to its fullest extent just by subscribing to Fitbit Premium – which, of course, is where the money is.

2. Adaptive training plans

While the AI health coach video above shows the AI suggesting tweaks to its training plan, such as replacing a high-impact cardio session with a low-intensity yoga class to support the user's bad back, it stopped short of suggesting adaptive training plans of the kind used by AI-powered training apps such as Runna.

Truly adaptive training plans take into account your performance as well as your preferences: if you're doing better than expected and hitting goals beyond what your training plan had prescribed for you, it can intelligently recognize this and up the intensity.

For example, Samsung has 140 different running coach plans for all sorts of distances and fitness levels, automatically shifting you to easier or more challenging plans based on your performance during workouts. If you're struggling with the speed and distance Samsung recommends, it'll make things easier next time.

3. Plateau-breakers in strength training

Cardiovascular training is easy for fitness watches to record because it uses metrics the watch can record on its own, such as heart rate, distance, time, and speed. Making a fitness watch or app relevant for strength training has always been a challenge: a watch can make a good guess at the number of reps in a set, but there's no way for it to automatically record what kind of weight the user is picking up.

Most weightlifting apps take the form of a combination journal and workout planner. PUSH, which we rated the best app for strength training, offers AI-generated workout plans, a built-in rest timer, journal functionalities, and even recommends 'plateau-breaker' exercises. If you find yourself recording the same amount of weight on a particular exercise, PUSH will recommend a move that will help you build the strength to clear the bar next time.

We'd love it if the AI fitness coach could recommend similar exercises, do so intelligently, and prompt users to try them. Very few people would think to ask Gemini "what's a plateau-breaker exercise for a 70kgs bench press?" but might give an exercise a go if prompted to do so.

4. Scanning your plates

When it comes to health, exercise is only one-third of the battle, with the other two-thirds being sleep and nutrition. Each affects the other. Nutrition suffers the same problem as weightlifting: the need to manually record a number, be it calories, grams of protein, or something else.

The success of apps like MyFitnessPal was down to attempting to automate the process by having an automatic calorie estimation for the most common foods, or the ability to scan barcodes to provide nutritional information. There are quite a few third-party apps now that offer, or promise, calorie estimation of a meal via a quick photograph of a plate.

This is not a perfect process, and many of these apps seem more than a little suspect and data-hungry to me. But with Google Gemini and all the image-recognition photograph tools it enables, there's an opportunity for Google to incorporate something really interesting here: an easy way for people to monitor their nutrition, and add their macros and calorie counts to the vast amounts of information the AI health coach draws from. Simply take a photograph of your meal, tell the AI what it is, and it could automatically estimate nutritional stats.

5. An inclusive approach

We saw the AI chatbot give encouraging advice to someone who had hurt their back, which has given us some indication that context is key for the Fitbit AI health coach. But every suggestion we've seen so far is for people who fall into some degree of normalcy: those who would benefit from, or are able to take part in, regular exercise such as walking and running workouts.

But what about the outlying points on the graph? People who are very underweight, or very overweight, the elderly, or perhaps those confined to a wheelchair. Will the health coach be sufficiently science-backed to cater to the marginalized as well as the majority? We hope so.

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• Google has just launched the Pixel Watch 4 smartwatch
• It lets you contact emergency responders via satellite connectivity
• It means Google has beaten Apple to this particular feature

Satellite connectivity can be a life-saving way to get you out of a tight spot, especially if you’re off-grid with no cell phone signal. Plenty of the best smartwatches can call emergency services for you, but none are able to do so by relying entirely on orbiting satellites.

Now, though, Google says its new Pixel Watch 4 is the “first-ever smartwatch with standalone emergency satellite communications.” That means it’ll work even when you’ve left your phone behind or it’s otherwise unavailable.

Here’s how it works. If you’re in a non-cellular area, you’ll need to dial 911 directly from the watch’s interface. You then need to specify what your emergency is – an illness, injury, robbery, and so on – before the watch shows you a quick tutorial on how to connect to a satellite. You’ll have to orient your wrist as guided on the watch, which will help it align with a satellite and send your message to emergency responders.

When you’re using the emergency satellite system, the Pixel Watch 4 goes into battery saver mode in order to keep the device going as long as possible while you need help.

You also need to have the LTE version of the Pixel Watch 4, according to content creator DC Rainmaker, although you don’t actually need to have an LTE service plan. Google says you’ll get satellite connectivity free for two years, but we’ll see if this gets extended like it has been with Apple’s emergency satellite service.

Beating Apple to the punch

Google has done well to bring satellite connectivity to the Pixel Watch 4 ahead of its rivals, but the proof is in the pudding.

After all, being first is all well and good, but we’ll have to see how it works in practice to know if the feature is up to snuff. That said, I’d like to see more watches gain this functionality, as anything that can save your bacon when you’re away from cell service towers should be welcomed.

Apple is supposedly going to add satellite connectivity to the Apple Watch Ultra 3, which is expected to launch this September. When (or if) that happens, it’ll be interesting to see if Apple does anything different compared to Google’s approach, or whether the feature is broadly similar across the devices.

The Google Pixel Watch 4 starts at $349 / £349 / AU$579, although you’ll need to pay $449 / £449 / AU$749 for the most affordable LTE version with satellite connectivity. You can order one right now, but it won’t start shipping until October 9.

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The Google Pixel Watch 4 has been revealed, and you can check out our first impressions along with the next crop of phones – Google Pixel 10, Google Pixel 10 Pro and Google Pixel 10 Fold – and the Google Pixel Buds 2a headphones.

While there are plenty of features to get excited about, including on-device Gemini, the gorgeous new 3,000-nit domed display, and the improved battery life, there's one feature I'm really happy about, especially due to its implications for the rest of the wearable technology industry. Of all the companies that were going to crack this feature first, I wouldn't have picked Google, yet here we are.

In a move towards longevity and sustainability, Google has introduced replaceable batteries and screens to its Pixel Watch series. The Google Pixel Watch 4's case can be unscrewed, allowing users to remove and replace parts. Google will sell the parts during the Pixel Watch 4's life cycle and up to two years after it's discontinued.

Fantastic (Pixel Watch) 4: First Steps

Google not only now offers smartwatch repair services for the Pixel Watch 4, but it's also enabled home repairs for the battery and display by partnering with iFixit just as it's done for phones. Despite the fact anyone with a Torx screwdriver and a bit of patience can replace the battery or display on the Watch 4, according to this WIRED report, it even manages to retain its waterproofing.

This is a first for Google, and really there's not much traction on ideas like this in the smartwatch industry as a whole. I've been reviewing smartwatches for years, and most mainstream watches – including those from the likes of Apple, Samsung and Garmin – are designed as sealed units. Once they croak (be it from a sudden crack or drop on concrete, or a gradual wearing down of the battery) they are designed to be thrown away and completely replaced.

In an age of consumption, Google's throwing a welcome bone to longevity here. Depending on the price of the replacement parts (which Google hasn't yet revealed) this initiative could save users money, as they're able to repair rather than replace their old tech.

In addition, it's also a very welcome prospect from an environmental perspective. E-waste is a growing problem, and one that other companies frequently pay lip service to. Apple does offer in-house watch services and repairs via its AppleCare+ scheme, but draws the line at home repairs. If you haven't shelled out for AppleCare, you'll have to pay a one-time fee and shop your watch in while Apple repairs it. Depending on the age of your watch, this fee and inconvenience could be enough to consider throwing it away and upgrading.

Apple made much about the carbon-neutral production of its latest couple of crops of smartwatches, even casting Octavia Spencer to play Mother Earth in a skit two years ago. But while Apple may be offsetting carbon from its production, it's still producing like crazy, churning out annual product releases and enormous volumes of units. It's hardly anti-consumption.

While all the lithium from Google's replacement batteries isn't exactly virtuous, a repairable device is a step in the right direction. You're not throwing away perfectly good electronics just because one part has failed: much like a PC or an older Android device, the Google Pixel Watch 4 can be taken apart and replaced. Perhaps one day, it could even be modded, installing a battery from the Pixel Watch 5 range if compatible. A great start to the scheme.

Future imperfect

It's not all sunshine and roses, however: the need to open up the back has resulted in a change for the Pixel Watch 4's charging port. Rather than opt for a magnetic or pin-based proprietary puck, like previous incarnations, this charging dock is positioned on the side of the device, allowing the Pebble design to stand up like a little alarm clock.

It's cute, and Google has definitely made the best of it with a rotating display and by positioning the digital crown straight upwards, like the snooze button on a real alarm clock. However, there's no doubt we'll see frustration in some corners about the third proprietary charger in as many years – and there's definitely a sense this is a waste of plastic.

For all its faults, Apple has at least stuck with the same charger for nigh-on a decade, so it can be used interchangeably with different watches. However, if Google is intending to keep its devices repairable, this might be the winning design and taken forward to use with next year's model – and there's no denying that the 'little alarm clock' idea feels like a winner.

A better tomorrow

Despite Google and its parent company Alphabet's energy-hungry lust for AI and its greediness for all our data, I'm pleased one of the major tech firms took a small step away from forcing us to buy more stuff we don't need, and instead taking us back to the days in which our watches, our phones, our computers and other essential technologies were repairable and lasted longer.

Here's hoping it's a massive success, encouraging more companies to adopt similar or even standardized, interchangeable replacements (hah, what a pipe dream!) creating a more ethical, sustainable wearables industry.

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Google has finally revealed its new Google Pixel Watch 4 alongside its latest crop of phones and earbuds, and it certainly looks like the best Pixel Watch yet – perhaps the best Android watch of 2025 so far.

With two sizes, both hardware and software redesigns, and a glut of new features, it might finally convince me to make the switch. I can usually be found sporting one of the best Garmin watches on my wrist, but I find myself genuinely excited about some of the features coming to the Pixel Watch line this go-round.

In particular, number 4 on my list is something that’s long been on my wish list for most smartwatches, and it’s a feature not even Apple, Samsung, or Garmin has managed to pull off. I'm certainly hoping they are taking notes – it's got all the makings of an industry game-changer.

So, without further ado, here are four new features coming to the Pixel Watch 4 that I’m most looking forward to getting to grips with once the watch finally drops in October. Let’s get into it.

1. The domed display

The Pixel Watch 4 has a new domed display. That classic black teardrop shape has always given the Pixel Watch range a unique look, but the circular display now expands in three dimensions to create a full domed shape, spelling doom (or should that be dome?) for the old flat format.

Not just the glass, either: the entire screen underneath the glass is domed too, which means it should be way easier to just quickly glance at your wrist as you’ll be able to catch it from the side.

It also provides tons of surface area, with a 16% smaller bezel and 10% more screen overall. The user experience software, redesigned to match the Pixel phone’s new Material 3 Expressive visual language, has been tweaked to make the most of the increased circular surface area.

While my colleague Jake Krol has had hands-on time with the watch and notes the dome does mean the watch sticks out considerably from the wrist, it’s a unique design I can’t wait to see more of.

2. Boosted battery

Finally, the Pixel Watch’s biggest problem is being solved: battery life. Android watches and even the best Apple Watches face demands on their battery due to their bright screens and the processing power needed to run a miniature phone-style operating system on the wrist.

Previously, the Google Pixel Watch 3 was stuck on 24 hours with the Always-on Display feature turned on, but the Pixel Watch 4 reportedly offers six extra hours, for a total of 30 hours with that Always-on Display enabled.

Without it, expect to get a full couple of days out of it, assuming the Raise to Wake feature is sensitive and responsive enough for it not to be a nuisance.

3. The charging dock

This is a really fun redesign that just makes sense: turning your Pixel Watch into a smart alarm clock with this ground-up retooling of its magnetic charging dock. For reasons I’ll go into below, the Google Pixel Watch 4 has been redesigned to charge from the side, instead of the back.

You simply pop the Pixel Watch 4 on its side in the charging dock, and the display reorients. With the crown at the top, it looks for all the world like a little old-school alarm clock, and seems perfectly poised to function as a bedside table companion.

You won’t have to charge it all night, though: it reportedly goes from a fully-drained battery to 50% battery capacity in as little as 15 minutes, affording you a quick bit of juice for your next run or gym session if you’re running low.

4. Replaceable parts

Excellent news for people hoping for a more sustainable smartwatch industry, and a move that should inspire a similar design ethos from Apple and Garmin – both of whom claim eco-friendly credentials such as carbon-neutral production and ethical usage of materials.

The Pixel Watch 4 is designed to be taken apart and to have its battery or screen replaced, rather than being a sealed unit that users have to throw away if it breaks. That’s incredible news, and one that should extend your watch’s life cycle, reducing e-waste.

Google will support the Pixel Watch 4 with replacement parts for two years after its life cycle finishes – so even when Google stops producing the watch in a few years’ time, you’ll still be able to source replacement parts. Any attempt to reduce the environmental impact of consumer tech and improve the life cycle of a product deserves credit in our books.

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August 20th's Made by Google showcase was an unexpectedly star-studded affair with TV's Jimmy Fallon hosting the event... with all the oddities that entailed.

Alongside taking a few cheeky swings at Apple, Google revealed a host of refreshed Pixel products, which we had time to take for an initial spin: check out our hands-on Google Pixel 10 review, hands-on Google Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL review, hands-on Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold review, hands-on Google Pixel Watch 4 review… and finally, our ears-and-hands-on Google Pixel Buds 2a review.

There's more to chew over here so for a blow-by-blow recap of the showcase, along with the key information you need to know, read on.

What you need to know from the Made by Google showcase

• 13 things we saw at the wild Google Pixel 10 launch – including the best Pixel phones yet
• Not a drill – Google finally brings MagSafe-style accessories to Android with Pixelsnap
• The Google Pixel Watch 4 is here – these are the 4 new features I'm most excited about
• Google Pixel 10 lineup – 5 key upgrades including Pixelsnap, Tensor G5, and Camera Coach
• Google Pixel Buds 2a are official, bringing noise cancellation and Gemini AI to your ears for a low price – and Pixel Buds Pro 2 get some great free upgrades too
• Jimmy Fallon hosted the Made By Google event live, along with a host of famous guests
• Hands on: Google Pixel 10 review
• Hands on: Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold review
• Hands on: Google Pixel Watch 4 review
• Hate your smartphone photos? Google’s Pixel 10 could have your back – here’s how
• Google Pixel 10 preorders are live – I've found all the best deals, including free phones and huge trade-in discounts
• Check out our TechRadar TikTok for videos from Made by Google

Good morning. Managing Editor of Mobile Computing Roland Moore-Colyer here to take you through the run up to the Made by Google event.

If all the rumors I've seen so far prove to be true, then we could be looking at a big showcase for Google later on today, with new phones, a new Pixel Watch and new earbuds.

And I'll buy a hat and eat it if Google doesn't spend a good amount of time discussing what it's been doing on the AI side for its Pixel devices.

Expect to see four new Pixel phones today: the Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. This will be a refresh of the whole main Google Pixel phone lineup.

Don't expect any drastic design changes, at least going by the rumors, but I do expect to see new Tensor chips, perhaps some improvements on the camera side such as new sensors, and a big injection of AI software upgrades.

Going by a rather last-minute rumor, it looks like magnetic accessories will be a big part of the Pixel 10 lineup, with an Apple MagSafe-style system facilitating a magnetic charging stand for the phones.

I currently use a Pixel Stand from 2021 to charge my phones that support wireless charging, so an upgrade here would be much appreciated, especially if it enables a wider range of accessories ot be used with the new Pixel phones.

One thing that's will be new, is the Made by Google event will be hosted by TV's Jimmy Fallon, which is unusual for Google as it tends to use its own executives and marketing folks to spearhead the showcases.

Check out the teaser video below...

I'm not sure what secret Jimmy could be referring to... maybe it'll be some new AI tool or assistant, or maybe something to do with mixed reality. So far there have been scant rumors on any big surprises from the Google event.

A big last-minute leak!

We've just got another last-minute Pixel 10 leak, with it pointing towards an eSIM only approach by Google for its new phones, and new AI features tipped.

And a promo clip has been shared too.

But there's more too, with serial tipster Evan Blass seemingly leaking the pricing for all the Pixel devices we expect to see.

The standard Pixel 10 seems to be missing from that price leak, but we expect it to come in around the same price as the Google Pixel 9.

And overall, those prices look reasonable for a flagship range of phones.

Some people might baulk at the idea of paying iPhone 16 Pro and Galaxy S25 Plus prices for phones with Tensor chips in them. But I feel AI performance, rather than raw silicon horsepower, will be the key to these Pixel phones.

In fact, I've already touted how I think the Pixel 10 needs to bring more AI stuff to the table to keep at the top of the AI phones pile.

To quote myself: "with the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 landing with improved AI features, and Apple Intelligence starting to get up to speed and offer a solid suite of features on compatible iPhones, as well as some synchronicity with Macs, Google’s AI phone crown could be up for grabs.

"So I feel that for Google to keep ahead and continue to blaze a trail for practical, and hopefully safe, consumer use, it'll need to bring more to the table with the Pixel 10."

Don't expect major hardware changes

As I've mentioned before, a lot of the rumors and claimed leaks so far have all pointed at the Pixel 10 lineup being a minor evolution on its predecessors, rather than bringing in any dramatic upgrades.

For me, that's kinda fine, as the Pixel 9 phones are so good, I don't think I'd appreciate Google messing with a winning formula quite yet.

One rumor did hint at the standard Google Pixel 10 going for a triple rear-camera system, adding a telephoto snapper into the mix. I've already written how I'd be a fan of that and how it could tackle the looming phone threat of the iPhone 17.

But I'm not really all that convince Google will do that, especially given the price leaks, which would suggest Google will still keep the telephoto camera for the Pro Pixels.

The same can be said for the Google Pixel Watch 4 which looks a lot like its predecessors.

Not a bad thing in my opinion as I've always like the design of Google's smartwatch, But I do hope its got snappier performance and a host of AI features to make it feel like an 'AI smartwatch'.

I expect boosts in the sensor and performance capabilities on the Pixel Watch 4 could make it a lot more appealing than its rumored design might tip.

On the Pixel Buds 2a side, the rumors so far point towards an evolved design, more power, new features like head tracking, and better sound isolation.

In terms of hardware upgrades, they could offer the biggest leaps out of all the products Google is set to reveal today.

However, the Pixel Buds 2a could bring with them a price hike: where the Pixel Buds A came in at €99, the Buds 2a will supposedly be €149. That's a hefty price increase and if it's reflected in other markets would mean $149 / £149 / AU$195.

So you might ask, what Pixel device am I most looking forwards to?

Even if you didn't I'm still going to ponder that question. I tend to like the Pixel Pro phones, with the Pixel 9 Pro offering a neat blend of specs and AI smart all in a decently compact package. So the Pixel 10 Pro is sure to appeal to me.

But I'm also curious to see what Google does with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which will be the search giant's third stab at a foldable phone. I hope AI is employed to make that extra screen space a lot more usable and helps make the folding phone a productivity powerhouse.

Now over to my Phones Editor Axel Metz, who I've tapped up for what he's looking forward to from Google today:

"It feels wrong to say that an accessory announcement is my most anticipated reveal at today's Made by Google showcase, but the Pixel 10 series potentially getting its own MagSafe-style technology is a bigger deal than it sounds. We love Google phones for their clean software, but true Qi2 charging support would give Pixels rare hardware edge over Android competitors."

Editor-at-Large, Lance Ulanoff, just pointed out a suite of things he recalls older Pixel phones sporting.

He detailed the rear fingerprint reader, how the Google Assistant was front and center to the Pixel experience, how good the cameras were, and how some people shrugged at the design.

So the Pixel phones have evolved a lot since then, but I feel they always tried to put smart features front-and-center, which means their evolution into AI phones seemed logical.

I also reckon Pixel phones have consistently delivered on impressive cameras, although Samsung and Apple have certainly caught up and often surpassed Google.

I do miss the innovation that Google used to bring to the Pixel phones, such as the radar sensor found in the Google Pixel 4, and the squeezable sides of the Pixel 3 series.

I also think the rear fingerprint scanner was also rather neat. But each to their own when it comes to smartphone preferences.

I should say I always rather liked the older Pixel phone design. I liked the simple, utilitarian look of them. But I do think the design language introduced with the Pixel 6 and then iterated on has been my favourite so far.

Back to the Pixel 10, and we've already seen early benchmarks of the phones, but as Senior Editor Philip Berne points out, they don't really matter.

"Pixel phones can do everything Google says they can do, unlike some faster phone makers. I’m still waiting for the promised AI features from Apple and Samsung, but I don’t remember Google overpromising Gemini’s ability to make career decisions for me (Siri) or turn out the lights when it detects I’m asleep (Bixby)," Berne said, pontificating on the benchmarks.

As Phil notes, a focus on AI is what all the Pixel phones are about, and I'm hoping we'll see Google go hard on AI today.

After Apple fumbled the ball a bit with Apple Intelligence, and Samsung hasn't made Galaxy AI as neatly integrated into its phones experience as I'd like, I think Google has a clear opportunity to really set the standard here.

Not seeing much on the last-minute leaks front, so I suspect things could be quiet until the main show.

Over to our Senior Editor of AI, Graham Barlow, with what he'd like to see from Google on the AI side today:

"As a regular Gemini user I’m looking for some improvements to my favorite parts of Gemini which make use of any hardware improvements that the new Pixel 10 phones may have. Simply put, the faster and more powerful the phone, the more you can do with AI. Improved speed and smoothness in AI generated responses would be top of my list."

As an aside, don't expect to hear anything about Google Nest today or Home updates, as there's been no hint from Google or outside of it that there'll be any new feature drops or updated for its home-centric tech.

Just a bit over an hour until show time

Hello there, Jacob Krol, TechRadar's Managing Editor for News in the US, stepping in to continue our Made by Google 2025 live blog festivities. While we're still waiting for the official stream to kick off on Google's YouTube channel, we have about an hour and ten minutes to go until the event kicks off.

We'll have two of my colleagues – Lance Ulanoff and Philip Berne – on the ground at the event in Brooklyn, NY, and it's looking to be a star-studded event. Stick with us!

Google's just made its next-gen devices official

Well, we still have about an hour to go until the official Made by Google event kicks off, but Google's just made its next-generation devices official. The Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Pixel Watch 4, and Pixel Buds 2a all just entered the room.

And TechRadar's Editor-at-Large Lance Ulanoff has his early impressions of Google's latest foldable for your reading pleasure here, or in the video below. One of the significant changes with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is that it ushers in some mighty durability chops and keeps a working design from the 9 Pro Fold.

There is a lot more to unpack, including the Tensor G5 chip, which also powers the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro XL, new on-device AI features, and upgrades to the Camera courtesy of some software tricks.

Our early Pixel 10 Pro thoughts – the best Pixels yet?

Last year, we crowned the Pixel 9 Pro as our 2024 Phone of the Year – and as our hands-on Pixel 10 Pro review concludes, it could be an equally strong successor.

Our US Mobiles Editor Philip Berne has spent a few hours with both the 10 Pro and Pro XL and says “they look like the best Pixel phones yet”. He was particularly impressed by the arrival of Pixelsnap (Google’s answer to Apple’s MagSafe), but also the promising camera improvements – most notably, a new 5x telephoto lens and the prospect of 100x Pro Res zoom.

We’ll need to spend a little more time living with the new AI features like Magic Cue. But even if the Pixel 10 Pro is more a refinement than a big leap, it’s still shaping up to be a very compelling flagship phone.

Read more: Hands-on Google Pixel 10 Pro review

Now, we'll take a quick break from our early thoughts on the rest of the lineup – Pixel 10, Pixel Watch 4, and Pixel Buds 2a – to give you a glimpse at what the event space looks like.

TechRadar's Lance Ulanoff and Philip Berne are on the ground in Brooklyn, encountering some good-looking food – a staple for tech events – and a big screen with some seats.

Pixel 10 impressions – this year’s biggest Pixel upgrade

We haven’t spent long with the base Google Pixel 10, but we’ve already seen enough to conclude that it’s this year’s most-improved Pixel phone. Thanks to a new 5x telephoto zoom lens, magnetic Pixelsnap charging and the same cool design we saw last year, it’s now a true rival to the iPhone 16.

The standout feature is that 5x zoom camera, which puts it a cut above the iPhone 16 (which has no optical zoom) and Galaxy S25 (3x zoom), in terms of optical reach at least. If that lens combines well with the Pixel 10’s new Tensor G5 chip and image processor, it should take Google’s base model to new photographic heights.

We’ll need to spend more time with the AI features (the likes of Camera Coach and Magic Cue weren’t available on our early devices), and the Tensor G5 likely won’t set the benchmark tests ablaze. But as an overall package, the Pixel 10 is a very promising phone indeed.

Read more: Hands-on Google Pixel 10 review

We're just about five minutes from the actual Made by Google event kicking off, and you can watch it live in the video block above and follow along with our live reporting below.

As far as what's going on at the venue, a person is hyping up the crowd and giving out swag to those lucky to be in attendance. We'll have to see if Lance and Phil walk away with some. But you can bet we'll be hearing more about the Pixel 10 family, the Pixel Watch 4, and the Pixel Buds 2a shortly ... likely from Jimmy Fallon.

Made by Google kicks off with Jimmy Fallon

And Made by Google is kicking off with a teaser showing how far the Pixel lineup has come, starting with Pixel 1 all the way through – you guessed it – Pixel 10. And now Google's giving us its trend on TikTok style of passing the phone, starting with Alex Cooper – of Call Her Daddy fame – with other celebrities, a fire-breathing dragon, an actual GOAT, and ending with Jimmy Fallon. These digital creations were made with Google's own Veo tech.

Much like a live show for a late-night show, Jimmy Fallon is taking the stage to applause. He dubbed this event a 'Taylor Swift album announcement for nerds' and that we're celebrating the tenth Google Pixel.

Now, after listing off a bunch of celebrities who are in attendance to help unpack the Google Pixel 10, Jimmy's welcomed Rick Osterloh, who leads devices at Google. It's now a sit-down interview format, with the two unpacking what's to come. Osterloh is dubbing this a 'game-changing launch event."

We have our first mention of glasses with Gemini, which Google teased and announced several partners with at Google I/O 2025. That doesn't mean we'll see a pair of made-by-Google glasses today, as the conversation between Jimmy and Rick has shifted back to Gemini and Google's vision for it on its own devices.

Jimmy is also highlighting some consumers who own Pixel devices through posts on Reddit. It's a way to highlight some features, starting off with 'Circle to Search' – Jimmy says he's used it quite a bit.

To help you make the most of Google's AI feature suite – Notebook LM, Gemini, and Veo included – those who purchase a Pixel 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, or 10 Pro Fold will get a year of Google AI Pro at no additional cost.

Rick also showed off a fun demo of Veo animating his family dog, which shared that it wants more treats. As someone with a Bernedoodle at home, I think my pup would agree.

One thing to note – while the conversation with Jimmy and Rick is live, these demos appear to be pre-recorded. It's likely easier than a live demo, especially when it features celebrities and famous athletes. Right now, we're getting a quick dive into Gemini Live, which is especially neat on the Pixel 10.

Adrienne Lofton, VP of Consumer Marketing at Google, is now on stage with Jimmy Fallon in front of a table filled with the entire new Pixel family of devices. Eye spy the Pixel 10 in the Indigio shade – which is a nod to the first ever Pixel – as well as the 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL, and even the Pixel Watch 4.

We're now getting a closer look at the features of the Pixel 10 lineup, specifically on the Pixel 10 Pro and its ProRes Zoom functionality. The demo here is zooming in on a car from a very far-away capture point. We're keen to put this to the test, but it's impressive, utilizing an LLM on the device to aid in upscaling and creation.

Throughout all of this, Google is also throwing plenty of shade at Apple and its products, most notably the iPhone.

Jimmy Fallon is pretty darn excited about PixelSnap, but he also has some concerns about saying the "A word" ... Apple. We tested it, and Google even confirmed moments ago, but PixelSnap does work with Apple MagSafe Accessories.

Now, Jimmy Fallon is promising some live demos and is being joined by a few 'Googlers'! We're starting off with a demo of Magic Cue, which can intelligently surface information.

So in this example, if you get a text asking when you arrive in the Bay Area, it can surface your flight info and your calendar. This is pretty neat to see in action and really highlights how Google's AI chops are embedded directly into the phone and integrated throughout.

Alex Cooper just gave us a live demo of Camera Coach with Jimmy Fallon as the subject. This is a new built-in helper that can guide you through taking a shot. It'll recommend the right mode, different angles, and even if you need to adjust the lighting.

Now, Photographer Andre D Wagner is walking through some photos he captured using the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Many of these were taken in Washington Square Park in New York City.

Of course, there was also a comparison with the iPhone 16 Pro, specifically, low-light performance.

While the Jonas Brothers aren't live at the event – at least as of yet – the three brothers did shoot a music video in New York City on a Google Pixel 10 Pro for a new track, and we're getting a highlight reel of this process right now.

To test the Pixel's camera, there are scenes during the day and at night in lower-lighting conditions.

Pixel 10 can translate your voice in real time on calls

One of the neatest exclusive features of Pixel is Live Translate on calls. With this, it can automatically translate your voice to a specific language, and it sounds pretty darn close to the original speaker, including inflections.

I saw a demo of this with Lance Ulanoff, TechRadar's Editor-at-Large, with his voice being translated to Spanish, and on stage at Made By Google, Jimmy Fallon demoed this live as well.

It's certainly impressive, and I think this will be a big hit among users, which might inspire other companies, such as Apple or Google, to work on this tech as well.

Moving onto the Pixel Watch 4

If you've been wondering when Google was going to move onto the Pixel Watch 4, the time is now. Cody Rigsby, a Peloton instructor, is on stage now talking about the 'Morning Brief' feature and the 'readiness score' element that the Pixel Watch will deliver.

This feature was available on the Pixel Watch 3, and it remains a highlight of the experience on the fourth-generation as well. Within the Fitbit app, new content from Peloton instructors – including Cody Rigsby – is arriving this Fall (think September or October).

I had the opportunity to spend some time with the new Pixel Watch 4, and beyond its health features, there are two other major upgrades. It features a new, physically curved, domed display that expands the actual screen area. Additionally, thanks to a redesign of the build, the battery and screen are now user-replaceable. That's a huge step, and you can see my early hands-on with the Pixel Watch 4 here.

Rick and Jimmy are back

We're nearing the end of Made by Google with Jimmy Fallon and Rick Osterloh now on stage. It's definitely wrap-up time, but the pair is announcing that Stephen Curry is now the performance advisor for Google. Rolling now is a quick video of Curry's 'interview' for the job at Google.

Then we had a special, live guest, Nick Jonas, to roll the music video the band shot on the Pixel 10 Pro.

And that's a wrap

With the music video premiere, that's a wrap on Made by Google 2025. There's a lot to unpack here, and we'll be doing just that both remotely and with our colleagues on the ground at the event in Brooklyn.

For now, though, here are some quick links to our early hands-on with the latest and greatest from Pixel:

• Hands on: The Pixel 10 may look the same as before, but what's inside will change Android forever
• Hands on: Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold isn’t a reinvention, but two major upgrades make it a foldable worth considering
• The Google Pixel Watch 4 might look similar to its predecessor, but the changes under the hood could make a big difference

• A prominent leaker just spilled the beans on Google’s Pixel Watch 4
• The upcoming smartwatch is set to launch on August 20
• The leak includes a host of upgrades and new features

Google is set to launch the Pixel Watch 4 on August 20, but that hasn’t stopped various leaks emerging in the meantime. And now, we’ve just received another substantial rumor cache surrounding the device, revealing many of the new features we could see in a few weeks’ time.

The revelations come from prolific leaker Evan Blass, who recently posted them on X. There, Blass revealed a wide range of specs and features that could make it into Google’s smartwatch, as well as some official-looking slides that might be used on the device’s launch date.

Among the specs are measurements, display details, battery life, and more. Blass claims that the Pixel Watch 4 will come with 41mm and 45mm sizes, an always-on Actua 360 display with up to 3,000 nits of brightness, 30 hours of battery life in the 41mm model and 40 hours in the 45mm size, plus 25% faster charging when you use a Quick Charge Dock versus the regular rate.

As for sensors, Blass’s posts suggest that the Pixel Watch 4 will get dual-frequency GPS, an electrocardiogram (ECG), blood oxygen monitoring, plus the ability to sense heart-rate variability. There will also be safety features, including detection of hard falls and loss of pulse.

A significant upgrade

According to Blass’s images, you’ll get “40+ exercise modes and real-time stats” with the Pixel Watch 4, plus custom run plans and real-time guidance. It will also advise you if you’re ready for a tough workout or need a rest.

And the updates aren’t limited to health and fitness features. For instance, if you buy an LTE model, you’ll get two years of Google Fi Wireless data included for free (although this does not include calling).

The Google Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot is built into the watch, and it looks like it’ll be on hand to help in a variety of ways. That includes the creation of “a playlist for a 10-minute-mile run,” in one of the examples given.

The slides also suggest you’ll be able to “Raise your wrist for quick AI assistant responses and personalized help” and “Keep the conversation going with AI text suggestions that sound like you.” Google seems to be promising Gemini integration with third-party wearable apps, too.

Overall, this looks like a significant upgrade over the Google Pixel Watch 3 – as long as the leak proves to be accurate, of course. But with the August 20 launch date fast approaching, we won’t have long to wait before we find out.

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The Made By Google event is just around the corner – it’s happening August 20 – but some of the tech launching from it might be further away than we had realized if new leaks are to be believed.

That’s according to WinFuture (machine translated to English from German), which claims that its unnamed sources are telling it that while the Google Pixel 10 lineup will land later this month, the new foldable, earbuds and smartwatch won’t be landing as quickly.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Pixel Watch 4, and Pixel Buds 2a (which have all previously been teased by leaks) are instead reportedly set to be available from October 9.

Problems with Google’s supply chain are the cited excuse for the delays, though WInFuture says its source didn’t get into specifics.

There’s a whiff of irony here if the leak proves correct, as Google just teased Apple for its tech not being ready in a Google Pixel 10 ad, which pokes fun at the delayed launch of the AI-enhanced Siri. At the time of writing, the new Siri still hasn’t launched in its promised full capacity.

If Google’s hardware is delayed, this will cause its own frustrations for many who were desperate to upgrade their tech – especially if it is indeed held up by over a month.

As with all leaks though, we should take these details with a pinch of salt.

Apart from the Google Pixel 10, we haven’t had any direct promise of what hardware we’ll see at Made By Google, and we haven’t heard any official release dates for any devices.

Nevertheless, this leak could be one to keep in mind on August 20 so we aren’t too disappointed if some of Google’s new tech is as delayed as it suggests.

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• The Google Pixel 10 Pro series has been pictured in four shades – some of which we like far more than others
• Google just teased the Pixel 10 Pro – and a fresh new Pixel color

• Google Pixel Watch 4 specs have reportedly leaked
• According to Android Headlines, Watch 4 will sport a larger capacity battery
• Other improvements include a brighter screen, but the watch will wield the same Snapdragon chipset as last year

The Google Pixel Watch 4 specifications seem to have leaked, giving us an advance preview of what's sure to be one of the best Android smartwatches of the year.

As reported by Android Headlines, the Google Pixel Watch 4 will again arrive in two sizes: a 41mm and 45mm. It's said to be getting a revamp in several areas, including a brighter screen with up to 3,000 nits of brightness, and a new co-processor to handle the workload of on-device AI.

Crucially, it will apparently be getting a larger capacity battery, with the 41mm said to be able to reach 48 hours in battery saver mode and the 45mm reaching 72 hours.

Battery saver mode on Pixel Watch disables the always-on display, can delay notifications and dims brightness. We're not sure yet how it would interact with Gemini, but it's likely the power-hungry AI features would be affected too.

Wear OS 6, the operating system the Google Pixel Watch 4 will be running, is said to be battery-efficient despite the colorful Materia 3 Expressive redesign and AI functionalities, with Google stating watches running the OS get 10% more battery life. That's really encouraging, although if battery saver mode prevents users accessing Gemini features, the larger capacity battery will only serve to keep the Pixel Watch 4 at the same 24 hours between charges as its predecessor.

Analysis: I've been begging for longer battery life on smartwatches for years

I've been saying it for years: health-focused watches that are designed to be worn for battery-sapping GPS workouts and sleep tracking need longer battery lives in order to be useful. There are a lot of people who hate charging their watches every day, so seeing Google equip its latest Pixel Watches with larger-capacity batteries is very encouraging.

However, there's not much point in buying an AI-equipped watch if you don't use the AI features. If battery saver mode impacts Gemini on Google watch, it's likely that we'll be stuck with the same old 24 hours or so, as we'll mostly leave battery saver off in order to make the most of Wear OS 6's advanced suite of AI-powered tools.

Whether you're asking Gemini to summarize your notifications, add something to your workout plan or text your significant other to ask for items to add to your grocery list, this is going to be the Pixel Watch 4's key selling point. I'd just love it if I could wear my Pixel Watch for 48 hours straight while using all its features, like I can the best Garmin watches.

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• A new Pixel Watch feature has been spotted
• It would auto-lock your phone if your watch was disconnected
• We're not sure when the feature may launch

Code spotted in the latest Pixel Watch app for Android suggests there's a new feature on the way for the Google Pixel Watch 3 and older models: the ability to have your phone automatically lock itself when it's out of range of your smartwatch.

This code was found by the team at Android Authority, and while it hasn't been enabled yet – and there's no word yet on when it might be – the feature would be a useful security upgrade if you pair a Pixel Watch with an Android smartphone.

The idea is that if someone should swipe your phone without you knowing, or if you should happen to leave your handset behind without realizing it, you'd have the reassurance that your phone would automatically lock itself.

According to the newly discovered code, this feature could be called 'lock on disconnect' or something along those lines. With a little tweaking, one user has managed to make the setting show up in their Pixel Watch app.

Extra functionality

This isn't something that's currently offered by any other wearable at the moment – including the best Apple Watches – though you can of course remotely lock an Android phone at any time using the Find My Device service from Google.

With no official announcement about this feature, it's difficult to predict when we might see it rolled out. Nothing was said at the recent Google I/O 2025 conference, but Google does tend to roll out software updates all across the year.

Presumably, once the feature goes live for Pixel Watch devices, it might then be pushed out into the code for Wear OS. That would then enable wearables like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra to take advantage of it.

What you can already do with your Pixel Watch is use it to unlock your smartphone: so if the watch is nearby, you don't need to keep unlocking your phone. This would be a useful extra function to add to that, once it eventually rolls out.

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While 2025 has already heralded some very impressive smartwatches, such as the Garmin Instinct 3 and the OnePlus Watch 3, the best is yet to come, with a plethora of new releases set for later this year.

Thanks to leaks, rumors, and companies' regular update cadences, we can make educated guesses with varying degrees of certainty what the rest of the 2025 wearables calendar has in store.

So if you're in the market for one of the new best smartwatches, pause and have a look at what we expect to drop later this year from all the major players.

1. Apple Watch SE 3

The Apple Watch SE 2 turns three years old in September and is ripe for an upgrade. According to top insider Mark Gurman, Apple will unveil the SE 3 at its September iPhone event, with a major redesign planned.

Leaks indicate this could be a shift to the 41mm and 45mm chassis sizes, reflecting the design of the Series 8 and Series 9 models. This will be an exciting refresh to Apple's budget offering, and is practically a certainty.

2. Apple Watch Series 11

Accompanying the Apple Watch SE 3 will be a new Apple Watch Series 11, the latest instalment in Apple's mainstream line-up. While we're not expecting a major redesign, rumor has it that blood pressure monitoring could feature for the first time.

As with the Apple Watch SE 3, this release is foretold by Mark Gurman, and also lines up with Apple's existing release schedule.

3. Apple Watch Ultra 3

The final Apple Watch expected in September is the Ultra 3. Like the Series 11, no redesign is expected, but blood pressure alerts are again likely to appear.

Other upgrades should include Reduced Capacity 5G, and an improved OLED display to reflect the upgrades brought to the Series 10.

4. Galaxy Watch 8/8 Classic

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 has leaked in various database filings, alongside a mystery model we believe to be the return of the Classic model due to Samsung's cadence of regularly releasing Classics every two years. That should mean a more premium model with Samsung's iconic rotating bezel.

The bombshell news is that Samsung may adopt the squircle design of the Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch, eschewing the circular design that has served it so well for the first seven generations. The Galaxy Watch 8 should land in July 2025.

5. Pixel Watch 4

The Pixel Watch 4 leaked in renders in April, revealing a design almost identical to that of the Pixel Watch 3. The Pixel Watch 4 will reportedly be slightly thicker than the previous one, possibly hinting at better battery life.

Other changes include slightly thinner bezels and possibly wireless charging. The Pixel Watch 3 debuted in September 2024, so it's likely Google will wait the full year before dropping the new one.

6. Galaxy Watch Ultra 2

Something of an enigma, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 may well debut in the middle of the year alongside the Galaxy Watch 8. However, we've heard almost no leaks and rumors to hint at that.

Ultra 2 speculation is based purely on a one-year release cycle, which Samsung may or may not stick to. This is the least likely candidate for a 2025 release in our book.

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• Google has just released a software update for the Pixel Watch
• It fixes an issue with over-inflated step counts
• It's also an important upgrade for people on last year's releases

Google has just released a second April 2025 Google Pixel Watch software update, which includes a vital step count algorithm fix to correct previously over-inflated step counts.

Google announced the update on its support site. It says it has started rolling out and will be pushed to devices in phases over the next few weeks. As always, when you get the update depends on your carrier and device, but you should get a notification to tell you when the download is ready.

Since the March and first April software updates, Google says that some users have reported receiving step counts that were higher than expected. Google changed the step count algorithm in March, but has since reverted to the original algorithm for all users.

Pixel Watch's second April update

Google also confirms that the update is far more significant for anyone on last year's Pixel Watch software. Wear OS 5.1 brings users in the US the Loss of Pulse Detection feature, which can alert emergency services and bystanders if your heart stops beating. However, you'll need the best Android smartwatch, the Google Pixel Watch 3, to take advantage of this feature.

If you're still on the November release, other upgrades include new Menstrual Health support, Media Controls upgrades, and an expansion of Auto Bed-Time Mode on the Pixel Watch 2. The step count upgrade is of course, absent.

Sadly, this isn't the Pixel Watch Gemini upgrade we've been waiting for. While that did show up briefly on devices in recent weeks, Google may be reserving the AI rollout to its wearables line for the unveiling of the Pixel Watch 4, which we can probably expect later this year.

Gemini will replace Google Assistant as an AI-powered on-wrist assistant. While that's good news for Pixel Watch fans, Fitbit owners will be left out in the cold, with Google confirming it will end Google Assistant support on Fitbit with no Gemini replacement in sight, a change that has already started to take effect.

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• It's part of a broader rollout to replace Google Assistant across its ecosystem
• The AI assistant has been spotted again, this time in code for Google's Wear OS Assistant app

Google is planning to replace Assistant across its ecosystem with its potent Gemini AI, and Wear OS could be the next platform to get the treatment, with code suggesting the upgrade could be very close at hand.

We've known about Gemini coming to Wear OS for a while, and now the feature has been spotted buried in the code of the Assistant app for Wear OS, possibly indicating that a launch could be imminent.

As spotted by 9to5Google, the Google Assistant app for Wear OS has been updated and now features several references to Google Gemini buried within its code. Here's what we know, and what it tells us about Gemini.

Google Gemini on Wear OS

The code strings reveal the usual popups you might expect to see following a Wear OS Gemini update, specifically "Gemini is now on your watch" and "Get started with Gemini: Speak naturally and get more done with a personal AI assistant on your watch."

However, the leak also includes some details about how the feature will work and what you might be able to do with it.

“You’re using Gemini on your phone and now it’s the assistant on your watch. To talk to Gemini, hold down the side button, or just say “Hey Google,” if you’ve turned on that setting," another prompt says.

Furthermore, 9to5 reports functions found in the code strings, including "set alarms, timers, message your contacts, and more." As the report notes, that's broadly similar to Google Assistant's current suite of functions.

Google Gemini has plenty of advanced features for Mail, weather updates, and beyond. Whether these more advanced features will come to Wear OS remains to be seen. However, the limited processing power and battery of even the best Android smartwatches indicates that we're unlikely to get every Gemini feature on Wear OS.

As to a rollout timeline, there's no firm date as yet, but this code sighting seems to indicate that Gemini is very close indeed. One possibility is that Google could reserve the rollout for the advent of the Pixel Watch 4, which we'd expect to see as the replacement for the Pixel Watch 3 later this year.

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• Google's March Wear OS update has been causing Pixel Watch problems
• Users have reported notification lag, crashing, and more
• An April hotfix has rolled out that appears to solve those issues

Google appears to have rolled out an April hotfix for the delayed-notifications, crashing, and performance issues caused by the Google Pixel Watch Wear OS 5.1 update that rolled out in March.

Redditors in the r/Pixelwatch subreddit noted the rollout on April 8. We've reached out to Google to confirm whether or not this specifically fixes the aforementioned issues, and while the company has yet to respond, the early signs are promising.

In March Google told TechRadar: "We’re aware of an issue affecting a very small number of Pixel Watch users, where they are experiencing delayed notifications on their device after taking the March update."

Google confirmed that it was investigating and said it would share more details when a fix was ready. While those details have yet to be shared, users are reporting that many of the issues appear to be solved.

Wear OS 5.1 fixed

"I've been testing it for around 2 hours and so far so good regarding the notification lag," one Redditor stated. Another said the update had "Fixed my issues with editing the watchface in the phone app. It was crashing and lagging. Back to smooth again."

Users are downloading the fix on all three Pixel Watch models, including the original, the Pixel Watch 2, and Google's best Android smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3.

One issue that went unreported when the first update rolled out last month was battery drain. However, in the wake of the hotfix, a few users have reported the issue, hoping it'll be fixed.

"I completed the update, and now everything is working," another reported users.

You should be able to download the latest Wear OS 5.1 hotfix from Settings > System > System updates, tapping multiple times to trigger the download.

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• It could hint at new AI-powered ways to handle calls

We're expecting Google Gemini to replace Google Assistant on Wear OS at some point this year, and now it might have just appeared in the wearable wild for the very first time.

A report from Beebom's Abubakar Mohammed appears to a Google Pixel Watch 2 running Wear OS, replete with a Google Gemini icon that could suggest an AI rollout is close at hand.

"When I received a call earlier this morning, I glanced at my Pixel Watch 2 and spotted a little Gemini icon inside the Phone app’s call screen," the report says.

Specifically, the icon marks the three-dot button where Pixel Watch users would expect to find Quick Replies, a feature that lets you quickly respond to calls with a text message in case you can't answer at that moment.

Beebom has provided both pictures and screenshots of the feature, which could indicate Google Gemini for Wear OS is very close, and could also give us the first hint at some of the features we can expect.

Wear OS Google Geminin launch imminent?

As noted, Gemini looks set to replace Google Assistant in the future, with code strings referring to Google's AI on Wear OS watches spotted back in January.

Based on our preliminary testing, this feature isn't showing on our other Wear OS devices, namely the OnePlus Watch 3. However, Beebom notes this appeared on the Pixel Watch 2 connected to a OnePlus 12R and Pixel 6, which could indicate you won't need the very best Android smartwatches to take advantage.

As to the feature itself, Gemini-powered Quick Replies could enable more specific ways to handle calls with more AI-powered context. For example, if Google Gemini can see you're currently navigating your way to an appointment on Google Maps, an AI quick reply might be able to give a more specific location or your ETA to the person who's calling you, right from your wrist.

This might just be a code quirk, so we don't know for certain when Google Gemini is coming to Wear OS. But its inclusion seems a certainty at this point. We've reached out to Google for comment and will update this story with any news.

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• Google is having troubles with its Wear OS 5.1 update for Pixel Watch
• Users are reporting crashing, slow performance, and delayed notifications
• Google says the problems are only affecting a small number of users and a fix is on the way

Following multiple reports that the Wear OS 5.1 update for Google Pixel Watches was causing several issues for some users, Google has confirmed the problem and says a fix is on the way.

Google has issued Wear OS 5.1 to the best Android smartwatch, the Google Pixel Watch 3, as well as its two older models in recent weeks. Notable tweaks include the Loss of Pulse Detection feature finally arriving in the US. However, the update has been causing a stir for all the wrong reasons, causing delayed notifications, crashing, and more.

Now, Google has acknowledged the issue and says it's working on resolving the problems. "We’re aware of an issue affecting a very small number of Pixel Watch users, where they are experiencing delayed notifications on their device after taking the March update," the company told TechRadar in a statement. "We are currently investigating the situation, and to address it as quickly as possible – we’ll share more details when a fix is ready."

If Google is correct, it's good news that there are only a small number of affected devices, but that will be of little comfort to users who are no longer getting timely notifications on their Pixel Watches and are experiencing other issues, including crashes and unresponsive touch screens.

More reassuringly, it looks like Google can and will eschew its newly-minted quarterly upgrade schedule for Wear OS when it needs to fix this sort of thing. But, as a long-time Apple Watch user deeply bemused by Android software launches, I think this begs the question of why Google can't seem to get this right.

Google's Wear OS woes continue

I'm old enough to remember when Google had to pause its Wear OS 5 rollout because it was causing devices to crash and even brick when installed. That's because it happened less than six months ago.

Apple's watchOS launches and updates are never perfect, but I generally tend not to live in fear that the next software push from Cupertino is going to completely ruin my watch.

On Wear OS devices like the Pixel Watch, however, this seems to be a much more common occurrence, and one I can't imagine thrills users.

Google also owns Fitbit, which recently surprised and delighted users of the Versa 3 and Fitbit Sense with a software update designed to stop their batteries from overheating and becoming a danger to users. However, the upshot is that many users are now reporting that their devices last less than a day on a single charge.

Apple again isn't spotless in this regard but, as a decade-long user of the Apple Watch, software teething and quirks from the company have generally faded into the past.

Each time I find myself casting a jealous eye over some of the more unique features of Wear OS or the designs of the best smartwatches from Apple's rivals, I'm jolted back to reality by the next impending software debacle.

Google hasn't issued a timeframe for the release of a Wear OS 5.1 fix, but we'll bring you news as soon as we have it.

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• Google has rolled out Wear OS 5.1 to all of its Pixel Watches
• There are reports it could be causing serious issues
• Reported problems include delayed notifications, crashes, and sluggish performance

If your Google Pixel Watch has recently started giving you delayed notifications, crashing, and slowing down, you're not alone, and the recent Wear OS 5.1 update could be to blame.

Google rolled out Wear OS 5.1 to all of its Pixel Watch models, including the best Android smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3, at the start of March.

Promised upgrades include the Loss of Pulse Detection feature in the US, as well as upgrades to menstrual health support, step counts, and sleep tracking.

However, there are now numerous reports from users who are saying the update appears to be causing serious performance issues, delayed notifications, and more.

As reported by Android Police, multiple Pixel Watch 3 owners on Reddit are reporting problems, some of which are also occurring on older models.

Wear OS 5.1 issues on Pixel Watch – what we know

"Has anyone else had sluggish connection issues from the app to the watch since the March update? I am not able to edit watch faces, syncing with Fitbit is very slow and there are delayed notifications," one poster noted in the Pixel Watch subreddit.

"Delayed notifications issue is definitely affecting me," one commenter replied. "My landlord had called me today and the watch didn't even react once," another added.

Delayed notifications seem to be the most prevalent issue, however. Users are also reporting crashing when trying to edit Watch faces, a frozen or unresponsive touchscreen, Fitbit syncing issues, and more.

TechRadar has also seen similar reports in Google's Pixel Watch Help Community.

It's a blow for Google, which recently moved to a quarterly software update cycle for Wear OS. Whether that precludes more frequent patches for serious issues like this remains to be seen, and we've reached out to Google for comment on these issues.

We'll be sure to update you if anything changes. If the company sticks to the quarterly cycle, even for security and performance, it could be a long few months for users who've upgraded.

If you haven't yet downloaded Wear OS 5.1, we'd recommend swerving the update until these issues get fixed.

Last year, Google had to pause the rollout of Wear OS 5 to older Pixel Watch models because of issues with crashing and even bricking, so it looks like the company is yet to get a handle on pushing stable software updates to its users.

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• Google is rolling out Wear OS 5.1 to the Pixel Watch
• It includes updates and tweaks, plus a new display feature
• You can now force the always-on display to stay on – but it might crush your battery life

Google is rolling out the Wear OS 5.1 update to the Google Pixel Watch 3, plus its older models, and it includes an interesting new display setting that you might not want to go messing with.

Wear OS 5.1 includes the long-awaited Loss of Pulse Detection feature for users in the US (it's already available elsewhere), as well as tweaks to the step-count algorithm and changes to media controls.

However, another change that went under the radar has been spotted: the option to lock your always-on display mode to 'on' across every app – although as I'll explain below, you probably shouldn't enable this.

The feature, spotted by 9to5Google, is officially dubbed Force Global AOD Experience. The new setting is a developer option, which means you can only access it deep within your Watch's system settings. So what does it do, and why should you probably avoid it?

Pixel Watch's Force Always-On Display mode explained

For some years, the best smartwatches on the market have had always-on displays, which let users glance at their watch face knowing it'll always be showing helpful information.

The feature has always been available on the Google Pixel Watch, but Wear OS support for the feature is sadly lacking. As such, if you've got your AOD turned on but are using an unsupported app, your AOD just becomes a blurred screen overlaid with the time whenever you lower your wrist.

As 9to5 notes, only the likes of Google Maps, Keep, and Spotify offer true AOD support. This new feature – which you can find by going to Settings > System > About > Versions and tapping Build Number several times – will now force your Pixel Watch to show the app in all its glory, rather than the blurred overlay.

However, there's a reason why this feature is buried deep in the settings, and it's because turning it on could have catastrophic consequences for your battery life. Even the most efficient always-on displays will significantly reduce battery life day-to-day, so forcing your Pixel Watch to always show unoptimized apps on screen is definitely going to hurt longevity.

It's likely that this feature is designed more to help developers upgrade and test their own apps, rather than as a user setting, although you can of course try it if you want to.

Wear OS 5.1 also includes the aforementioned Loss of Pulse Detection feature and some other cool upgrades. Step counting now works more accurately, even if you're pushing a stroller or a shopping cart. The Auto Bedtime feature has also been upgraded on the Pixel Watch 2, and the Fitbit app now includes new menstrual health support.

The update is rolling out now, and will be available on devices in the coming weeks, depending on your carrier and device.

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Google has started rolling out Wear OS version 5.1 to its entire Pixel Watch lineup, with new features in tow that include a potentially life-saving Pixel Watch 3 upgrade for users in the US.

Google's Pixel Watch 3 is one of the best Android smartwatches on the market, and it offers a unique feature that can detect when your heart stops beating, intervening to call emergency services and alert folks nearby. Loss of Pulse Detection was unveiled during the initial Pixel Watch 3 launch in 2024, and is already available in the UK and other countries, but it only got FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) clearance in February.

Unfortunately, this feature isn't currently available on the Pixel Watch 1 and 2, but Google did hint that it could come to other models in the future; whether those are existing Pixel Watches or the anticipated Pixel Watch 4 for 2025, remains to be seen.

If you do have an older model, Wear OS 5.1 still brings with it some significant updates. Here's what's new…

Wear OS 5.1 on Pixel Watch

Along with the usual suite of bug fixes and performance tweaks, Wear OS 5.1 brings several major new features.

Among those coming to the Pixel Watch 3 is new menstrual health support, available via the Fitbit app from the Google Play Store. Now you can easily log periods, view your current cycle status, and see predictions for your next period.

The Pixel Watch 2 is also getting an upgrade to its Auto Bedtime feature, and now automatically detects when users are asleep or awake, automatically controlling bedtime mode on their watch accordingly.

Google has updated its step count algorithm on all Pixel Watch models, bringing more precision to users who are pushing a shopping cart, using a wheelchair, or walking or running with a stroller.

Wear OS 5.1 also brings new controls for playing media that will adapt to the content being played.

The Pixel Watch Wear OS 5.1 update is rolling out now, and should be available for your device in the coming weeks, with availability depending on carrier and device. You'll be notified on your watch once the update is available.

Google says we can expect the next big Wear OS update in June, 2025.

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• A new Pixel Watch feature has been found in an APK teardown
• Adaptive Charging will use AI to charge your watch more efficiently, extending its lifespan
• The feature is already used on Pixel phones

Google Pixel Watches are consistently among our list of the best Android smartwatches and score highly in reviews, but we’re always a little let down by the battery life. Compared to watches that last a couple of days, even the Google Pixel Watch 3’s 24 hours with always-on display enabled seems a little lackluster.

A new feature could be added to the Pixel Watch 3 which will improve the battery’s health and overall lifespan, although it probably won’t change how long your watch will last between charges directly. During an APK teardown, a process in which an app's code is examined to predict new features that could arrive in the future, Android Authority discovered a hidden chunk of code referring to an Adaptive Charging feature.

Adaptive Charging is a machine learning-powered feature used on Pixel phones, which learns your charging habits and charges the phone at different rates depending on your usage. If you plug it in overnight, the phone will eventually charge slowly at these times, while if you tend to top it up at regular intervals, the battery will charge quickly.

This is done to extend the device’s overall lifespan, reducing both energy consumption and e-waste. It also stops the battery from deteriorating as quickly.

It’s not confirmed that the feature will arrive on Pixel Watches, but it would be a welcome addition. We would like the feature to come hand-in-hand with Adaptive Battery, another Pixel feature that uses similar machine learning to put little-used apps to sleep to avoid battery drainage. This would extend the watch’s life between charges, possibly aiding Google to reach the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s 36-hour figure.

Tackling e-waste in wearables

Adaptive Charging will prevent battery degradation and reduce e-waste – both very important issues plaguing the wearables world at the moment. We live in a time in which smartwatches do not have replaceable batteries, new products are brought out each year, and old ones deteriorate quickly.

Similar problems occur with the best earbuds and best smart rings: if smartwatch manufacturers are unwilling to create their watches with easily replaceable batteries, extending their lifespan is going to be key. And who doesn’t want their gadgets to last longer, meaning they’re better value for money?

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• This appears to be aimed at reducing the frequency of accidental emergency calls.

New code spotted in the latest Pixel Watch app appears to suggest that Google is working on a tweak to its Emergency SOS feature that will make pocket-dialing emergency services less likely in the future.

While the Emergency SOS features on the best iPhones, smartwatches, and devices like the Google Pixel Watch 3 can be indispensable in life-or-death situations, adding easy access to emergency calling from a smart device inevitably leads to some accidental calls. A quick glance at Reddit will show you both Pixel Watch and Apple Watch users struggling with the problem.

To that end, Android Authority reports that Google is preparing a new 'Touch & hold to call' option that should reduce those accidental calls. Specifically, strings (lines of code) reveal the feature's name and how it works: "On your watch, quickly press the crown 5 times, then touch & hold the screen for 3 seconds to call for help."

It seems this new feature will be one of two options for emergency call settings because there's also an "automatic call" option listed that will still dial 911, 999, or the emergency number wherever you are, after you press the crown five times.

Combatting rogue emergency calls

As mentioned, pocket-dialing the emergency services from your smartphone or smartwatch isn't a new phenomenon.

When Apple first introduced Crash Detection to the iPhone 14 back in 2022, the company quickly found itself dealing with complaints of calls being triggered in non-emergency situations. Notably, a 911 dispatch center near a Cincinnati amusement park received six such calls from iPhone owners riding rollercoasters.

Later that year, a Colorado ski town dispatch center fielded 71 automated calls from iPhones and Apple Watches in a single weekend.

As you can imagine, the problem is a massive drain on emergency resources. The calls take up the airwaves for dispatch centers, and emergency responders are usually sent to accidental calls to check the location. “We are not in the practice of disregarding calls," a dispatch director told The Colorado Sun in 2022.

In 2021, a Wisconsin county sheriff's office revealed it had taken more than 700 accidental 911 calls triggered by iPhones in a single year, revealing in the process the one thing you should never do if you accidentally call 911.

Next time you accidentally dial 911, stay on the line and let the dispatcher know you're alright – don't hang up the phone.

There's no timeframe for the release of this leaked feature, but with code present in the latest Pixel Watch app beta, it's unlikely to be far away.

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As the best Android smartwatches battle to bring Android's Wear OS 5 update to older generations of devices, mixed fortunes mean a rollout for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 could be close at hand. Not so for older Pixel Watch owners, who could have a long wait in store.

This week, Samsung has rolled out its seventh One UI 6 Beta update to the Galaxy Watch 6. As noted by Android Police, it's the first update to the beta program in almost a month, but could signal that a stable One UI 6 watch build is almost ready for release on the older Samsung Galaxy Watch models.

It's great news for owners of the older Galaxy Watch model, who could get a taste of the new Android wearable software before to long, packaged in Samsung's own One UI, of course.

But while Samsung's Wear OS 5 rollout could be imminent, there's bad news for owners of the Pixel Watch 1 and 2, following the latest update from Google about the rollout.

Wear OS 5 coming to older Pixel Watch models later this year

Google rolled out its Wear OS 5 upgrade for the Pixel Watch 1 and 2 in late September, but users quickly reported big problems with their devices being bricked by the new software.

Google later confirmed to TechRadar it was aware of the issue and had paused the Wear OS 5 rollout. At the time, Google said it was "actively working on a resolution," but a new update reveals that could still be some ways off.

Overnight, Google told its support forum members "We plan to resume the WearOS 5 rollout to these devices later this year, once we’ve mitigated the observed issues, and will share additional updates with our community as they become available."

The timeline of "later this year" isn't a huge confidence boost, and certainly doesn't indicate that Wear OS 5 is coming anytime soon. With Samsung readying its own Wear OS 5 update imminently, Google's struggles are a shame for users, but longer term they could put Google on the back foot – especially if Samsung can demonstrate it has more reliable and consistent software support for its older devices going forward.

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If something breaks on your Google Pixel Watch 3 (or an older model), there are no repair options: you have to replace it. That less-than-ideal situation may change in time for the launch of the Google Pixel Watch 4 next year, however.

As reported by Wired, new comments from Nicole Azores – who's a manager of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google – suggest that Google is thinking about modifying the future design of the Pixel Watch so that it can be more repairable.

"Watches and wearables are still fairly nascent, and we are thinking through how to make this repairable," Azores said at the Climate Week NYC panel hosted by Back Market. "We want to make sure that all of our products eventually become repairable."

"I think watches being so new as a category, there are some design elements that need to be considered on how we make them repairable," Azores added, though there's been no official comment from Google more broadly.

Warranties and repairs

As you'll gather from our Google Pixel Watch 3 review, it's the first in the series to be available in two sizes, and the smartwatch comes with a brighter display and an improved internal processor compared to the Google Pixel Watch 2.

The Pixel Watches are covered by a warranty for a year, so you can swap them out for free replacements if something breaks that isn't your fault. You can also choose to extend that coverage with a Preferred Care plan, which costs extra.

However, if you clumsily drop your wearable and smash the screen, you can't take it to a repair shop in the same way as you can with a Pixel phone – which is bad both for users, and for the environment in terms of e-waste.

There's no timeline on this change yet, and considering the lead times on new gadgets it might be optimistic to expect improved reliability in time for the Pixel Watch 4. If Google sticks to this year's schedule next year, we should see it in August 2025.

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Considering that the Google Pixel Watch 3 launched on September 10, 2024, in two sizes, new Fitbit integrations, and running Wear OS 5, it was likely only a matter of time before some of its software features began to trickle down to previous Pixel Watches.

Like clockwork, Google has announced that the latest Pixel Watch Update brings Wear OS 5 to the original Pixel Watch and the Pixel Watch 2. The update is just beginning to roll out now and is being done in phases, so you may not see it immediately available as an over-the-air update. 

It also brings with it more than just bug fixes and security patches. 

Wear OS 5 arrives on the Pixel Watch 1 and 2

Google’s latest version of WearOS isn’t necessarily a redesign or a rethinking, but it brings a few changes that Pixel Watch wearers can take advantage of. Beyond bug fixes, you can expect new colors for watch faces and more widgets – aka complications – to pick from. You can also put different data metrics on the watch face from the developer side.

Like the Pixel Watch 3, the new app grid launcher will arrive on the first- and second-generation, making it easier to find and view all the apps. Better Camera Controls are arriving, so you can use your Pixel Watch as a viewfinder for your connected smartphone's camera. It becomes more practical and less of a gimmick. Pixel Recorder will also arrive on the wrist.

Google promises many quality-of-life improvements in WearOS 5, such as squashing bugs and ‘performance updates.’ To be eligible to receive the WearOS 5 update, you’ll need to ensure that the first-generation or second-generation Pixel Watch is running either Wear OS 3.5 or Wear OS 4.

WearOS 5 is housed within the September 2024 update, which is now rolling out in waves, so it might appear immediately. If you’re inclined to check, you’ll swipe down from the watch face on the Pixel Watch and tap Settings. From there, navigate to System then System Updates to check for an update. If one is found, you can install it and wait as the Pixel Watch goes through the motions of downloading, installing, and restarting. 

No matter how you get WearOS 5, it's great to see Google continuing to support its previous generation Pixel Watches.

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The last Fitbit smartwatches we got were the Fitbit Sene 2 and Versa 4, and since their launch in late 2022 we haven't heard a whisper about next-gen models. Well, it turns out the next ‘Fitbit’ smartwatch did just launch – but without the name. We’re talking, of course, about the Google Pixel Watch 3.

This isn’t just us saying that the new watch is more like a Fitbit than ever thanks to an impressive suite of fitness functions – even if Garmin did beat the Pixel Watch to the punch by a country mile. This is Google itself admitting that the future of Fitbit watches are as Pixel devices; a comment which follows Google’s acquisition of Fitbit which was finalized in January 2021.

In an interview with Engadget, Sandeep Waraich (Google’s senior director of product management for Pixel Wearables) was asked directly if we’ll see a Fitbit-branded smartwatch soon. In response, Waraich said "Pixel Watch is our smartwatch part of the portfolio" adding that “Pixel Watches are our next iteration of smartwatch for Fitbit."

You don’t get a clearer confirmation than that. In effect, Fitbit smartwatches will now be Pixel Smartwatches starting with the Google Pixel Watch 3.

So long Fitbit?

Fortunately, that doesn’t mean Fitbit fitness trackers are going the way of the dinosaurs, too. 

Wariach instead confirmed that these more discreet, simpler, longer-lasting fitness bands will be the focus of Fitbit going forward. The aim here being that Fitbit trackers will serve people who are health conscious but not keen on a full-on smartwatch, with Pixel devices filling in for people who are after that more complex smartwatch upgrade.

It’s also worth noting that Wariach’s comments aren’t saying we’ll never see a Fitbit smartwatch ever again, just that isn’t the brand’s focus right now. So we may eventually get a Versa 5 or Sense 3 or something entirely new, but the chances do look very slim – so don’t hold your breath.

It’s always a little disappointing when tech changes, but it’s not like the writing wasn’t on the wall. Both our Fitbit Versa 4 review and Fitbit Sense 2 review awarded the devices three-stars a piece – a fine but far from stellar score – whereas our Google Pixel Watch 2 review gave it four stars, and our other picks for the best smartwatches all sit in that four to five star bracket (as you’d expect).

So it makes some sense to simply kill off those lesser models, roll their best tech into the Pixel Watch line, and focus on what Fitbit is best known for (read synonymous with): simple activity trackers. 

It’s not yet clear how this strategy will play out. That said, things do seem to be off to a good start. In our hands-on Google Watch 3 review the new smartwatch is shaping up to be a strong competitor to its rival smartwatches, though we’ll need to spend a little longer with it to know for sure.

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During Made by Google 2024, the tech giant unveiled its next-gen wearable, the Pixel Watch 3, and with it, a life-saving feature called Loss of Pulse Detection. This is an opt-in tool that gives the smartwatch the “ability to detect loss of pulse,” which is a very scary event in which your heart suddenly stops beating.

According to the announcement, the Pixel Watch 3 utilizes a combination of “sensors, AI, and signal-processing algorithms.” The Heart Rate sensor constantly tabs on your pulse via a green light. But let’s say your heart stops for whatever reason, for example. “If the feature detects signs of pulselessness,” the wearable enacts a multi-step process.

First, infrared and red lights activate, looking for any signs of a pulse, however faint they may be, while the motion sensors check to see if you’re moving. If you don’t move, a countdown with an alarm begins. If you still don’t respond, a call is placed to emergency services alongside a message telling the operator that you have no pulse and where you are located.

Google states it worked with cardiologists when developing Loss of Pulse Detection to learn exactly how this event manifests in the human body. Their algorithm was given “hundreds of thousands of hours of real-life user data from a diverse group of people” and tested so the AI could learn how to detect loss of pulse incidents. The company also consulted emergency medical service providers, like dispatchers and paramedics, to receive feedback on the best way to implement this technology.

What’s interesting is Google claims they even hired stunt actors to simulate instances of loss of pulse. They wore tourniquets to “induce pulselessness” and fell in ways “that would mimic a person” whose heart just stopped.

Watch our TikTok coverage of the Google Pixel Watch 3 hands-on here:

Vital details

Loss of Pulse Detection will be available on the Pixel Watch 3 at launch later this September but only in select European countries including the UK, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands. 

Google plans to explain the feature to other global regions, such as the United States; however, the tech has yet to be “cleared or evaluated by the US FDA” (Food and Drug Administration). Right now, the company is “working with regulatory bodies” around the world to make the expansion a reality. Also, the official trailer for the tool mentions a few pieces of important information. 

Loss of Pulse Detection is not meant for people with “pre-existing heart conditions or those who require cardiac monitoring.” It cannot diagnose any potential medical conditions, nor can it detect “every instance of loss of pulse.” Finally, contacting emergency services depends entirely on “call functionality and cellular connectivity.”

To catch up on everything that went down at the recent event, be sure to check out TechRadar's list of the seven things we saw at Made by Google.

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Google Pixel Watch 3 has landed. Google has used its Made by Google event (on August 13, 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST) to unveil the latest iteration of its best smartwatch. While you can read our hands-on review to check out our first impressions of the watch (and check out our run-down of the whole Made By Google event live here) one aspect of the device we've not yet had a chance to test is the set of new fitness tools. 

As well as smart features and the new emergency Loss of Pulse Detection tool, which alerts emergency services if you’re having a cardiac event, there’s a big new suite of fitness functions from Fitbit. The Pixel Watch 3 now uses machine learning to analyze advanced running metrics, so runners can benefit from knowing their stride length, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation (which means 'how much you bounce up and down during a run' in runner-speak). 

The Pixel Watch 3 also offers a new Target Load feature and more advanced workout plans, allowing you to schedule in multi-stage workouts incorporating warm-ups, intervals and target paces. The watch will alert you if you’re falling behind your target pace during your run. 

While it collects information about your workout, it also gathers recovery information, serving you up your Daily Readiness Score and other health metrics in a new Fitbit Morning Brief, a daily digest of your health sent directly to your watch. 

Familiar (watch) faces

If all this sounds great, that’s because it is. As a keen runner, I’m certainly looking forward to testing these advanced running metrics. However, I’ve also already been using them for years… because they’re already on other watches. 

None of this is anything new. The best running watches and best Garmin watches have been estimating stride length, oscillation and ground contact time for a very long time, and even Apple advertised that advanced training tools for runners just like these were arriving to its new suite of watches – two years ago, during its watchOS 9 debut. 

Likewise, the Morning Brief sounds almost exactly like Garmin’s Morning Report, a feature I also loved when it was introduced, and I welcome it here. Garmin has also long allowed its users to design custom multi-segment running programmes, or use its premade ones, with warm-ups, virtual pacers and intervals. Garmin has actually moved on and is now using algorithms to adjust its running plans based on your recovery statistics.  

I’m glad Google has caught up with the pack. Its Fitbit devices have long been lagging behind, and Google seems intent on making the Google Pixel Watch 3 the best Fitbit ever created, even if it’s not a device that’s properly under the Fitbit name. However, the implication that these features as groundbreaking or innovative is silly, as competitive smartwatch brands have been doing this for ages. 

Google Pixel Watch wearers who happen to be runners - and I’m betting there are quite a few - will definitely benefit from these powerful running tools. The bit I’m interested in is the mention of “machine learning” used to calculate statistics: as soon as I get the opportunity, I’ll be running with a Google Pixel Watch 3 on one wrist and an Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Garmin Epix Pro on the other, to see if the two watches spit out similar results. 

Check out our Google Pixel Watch 3 TikTok coverage here:

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Google Pixel Watch 3: One-minute review

If you just look at the Google Pixel Watch 3 in its 41-millimeter size you'd likely call it sleek, modern, and beautiful, although you might not expect there to be much that's new over the previous generation, because Google has stuck with a successful design that lets its wearable stick out from the crowd.

What is new is that the Pixel Watch 3 is now available in two sizes, the 41mm of its predecessors and a new 45mm option. Both sizes sport the classic polished-pebble look and feel comfortable on the wrist. It's a nearly perfect design, aside from the sometimes clunky to-use band mechanism on the back.

Both displays are bigger, even on the smaller 41mm watch, which lets you do a lot more from your wrist. They're also easier to use outdoors thanks to a higher maximum brightness, and wearOS has been optimized to let you take advantage of the larger screens.

It's still as responsive as ever, thanks to a Qualcomm processor that keeps things ticking along. The sensor stack on the back is accurate for workout tracking and other metrics, and a slew of new Fitbit features are on board. 

You can read my full thoughts on the Pixel Watch 3 below, but for now I can tell you that it's one of the best-looking smartwatches around, and delivers mostly excellent performance (one of my few issues is the lackluster battery life of the 41mm model), making it a great pick for folks with a Google Pixel or one of the other best Android phones.

Google Pixel Watch 3: Specifications

Google Pixel Watch 3: Price and Availability

With there being two sizes of the Pixel Watch 3 this year, pricing is a bit more complex than in years past. The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi is priced at $349 / £349 / AU$579 – that's the same price as the Pixel Watch 2 in the US and UK, but a bit more in Australia – while you’ll pay $449 / £449 / AU$749 for cellular connectivity. The 45mm Pixel Watch 3 will start at $399 / £399 / AU$669, and jump to $499 / £499 / AU$839 for the advanced connectivity.

Both sizes come in Matte Black or Polished Silver; the 41mm is also available in Champagne Gold, and the 45mm in Matte Hazel. Whichever size and model you go for you’ll also get six months of Fitbit Premium for free. All variants of the Pixel Watch 3 are up for preorder now, with a shipping and on-sale date of September 10.

Google Pixel Watch 3: Design

• Two sizes is better than one
• Still one of the best looking smartwatches around
• Band mechanism for attaching and detaching is less than ideal

With the Pixel Watch 3, Google is mostly staying on course when it comes to design – it’s still an exceptional-looking piece of tech, but now available in two sizes. It still comes in a familiar 41mm option, though looks are a bit deceiving here, and a larger 45mm variant. I spent time with both at the August 13 Made by Google event, and I’ve been living for about three weeks with the smaller 41mm Pixel Watch 3; and I have to say I love the design. 

One of the things I love is that the display here is slightly larger than the Pixel Watch 2 thanks to the bezels being shrunk by 16%; the result is more usable space so you can see more of a message and ultimately have more touch points to get stuff done. It’s also easier to make information out, be it a notification or an extended forecast, as the Actua Display can hit 2,000 nits. It’s on an adaptive brightness setting by default, and while it’s harder to see a difference indoors, when you step outside it gets way brighter. 

My colleague and TechRadar’s Editor-at-Large, Lance Ulanoff, has been testing the larger 45-millimeter Pixel Watch 3. It’s not just a bigger smartwatch; it has a gloriously expansive screen that makes the most of the raindrop design. It’s fun to look at, and feels responsive and roomy to the touch. It’s probably the first big-screen smartwatch that isn’t a pain to wear, because the focus is on the display and not unnecessary hardware embellishments around it.

One of my favorite things is that the polished-pebble-like build of the Pixel Watch is still being used in the third generation here. The larger displays on both sizes feel lik they're molded onto the recycled aluminum bottom. Google’s digital crown, which was redesigned on the last generation, is still on the right-hand center alongside a button. It feels responsive and is an easy way, in conjunction with touch, to navigate wearOS. 

The rear of the Pixel Watch 3 contains the sensor array, which makes activity and workout tracking a reality, but also other health features like heart-rate and sleep tracking, ECGs, and stress monitoring. 

If you’re coming from a Pixel Watch 1 or 2, your bands will work here as Google is sticking with the same band attachment system. If you're switching from another brand of watch though, the system can be a bit challenging – it’s a press-in and a pull to either attach or detach. Once you get the hang of it, that process can be quick, but it took me more than a few tries. 

The band mechanism aside, I really like the look of the Pixel Watch 3, as the focus isn’t necessarily on extra buttons or extraneous design. It’s all about whatever you have on the display, with no raised bezel around the circular OLED on either the 41mm or 45mm. It’s also not super-thick and rests nicely on the wrist, to the point where I think most folks will be fine wearing this overnight for sleep tracking. 

The addition of a larger display on Google’s part likely makes a good chunk of users happy as well, and if you thought the Pixel Watch was too small, well, that’s simply not the case anymore. 

• Design score: 4.5/5

Google Pixel Watch 3: Features

• A simple wearOS experience with deep Google integrations
• Tiles make it easy to get bite-sized pieces of information
• Optimizations to the interface make better use of the larger screens

Unless you get the bigger, 45-millimeter Pixel Watch 3, you likely won’t notice any major changes at first glance, and that’s because a lot of the new stuff is found under the hood or within wearOS. No, the Pixel Watch 3 isn’t powered by a custom Google-made Tensor chip like the Google Pixel 9 or forthcoming Pixel Buds Pro 2, but it does feel, act, and perform like a modern smartwatch.

The experience feels as smooth as using an Apple Watch, the Pixel Watch 2 before it, and even the Galaxy Watch 7 or Galaxy Watch Ultra without a bunch of Samsung pre-loaded apps. A Qualcomm cortex chip is still powering things here, and everything about the Pixel Watch 3 – save for battery life on the 41mm model – is zippy and responsive. 

Applications open quickly and without any perceptible lag; you can quickly adjust or customize watch faces, engaging Google Pay is prompt, and you can start a workout without a hitch. 

To take advantage of a larger display on the 41mm size and the new 45mm size, Google updated the user interface of wearOS itself and some applications. I think we can all agree that Weather is a popular app on the wrist that you might tap into from a widget built into the watch face or ask Google Assistant for. Here, you get a bit more detail shown within the app – there's a graphic depicting the conditions and the current temperature (and highs or lows), but on the 45mm an extended forecast is right below, while on the 41mm it’s a slight scroll away.  

When you open Workouts, you’ll see more rows for types of workouts on both sizes. When viewing messages or emails, more text is visible, giving you a better sense of the message. Little things like that not only make wearOS feel a bit more polished, but potentially let you accomplish more, faster. 

If you use Google's Nest ecosystem, that app has had a pretty major upgrade, as you can see a live view from a connected cam or doorbell right on your wrist. It’s pretty handy, and I also liked being able to quickly adjust the temperature on a Nest thermostat. 

As with the Pixel Watch 1 or 2, you don’t need to push the crown in and go to the app library to find a specific app. You can swipe across the watch face, either left or right, to access tiles for bite-sized information, be that your step count, the weather, messages, or to a start workout. It all feels really responsive, though I find myself hanging around on the new 'Active' watch face, which is colorful and very customizable. 

wearOS optimizations aside, a lot of what else is new lives within Health and Activity. The Pixel Watch 3 feels more like a Fitbit than ever before, and adding to that feeling is the fact that you get six months of Fitbit Premium for free with your new watch (after that it’s $9.99 / £7.99 / AU$15.49 a month). You can still track daily activity like steps, calories, and exercise minutes, but the Pixel Watch 3 can also track heart rate, monitor stress, and take an ECG (electrocardiogram), among other health features.

Similar to the Readiness score on a Garmin watch, Google's new Morning Brief feature greets you when you wake up, showing you your readiness and sleep scores. As you scroll down, it also highlights any important notifications that came through overnight and shows you the weather. It’s a nice way to start the day, and feels like your Pixel Watch is trying to say "good morning". 

Another way that Google’s looking to take on Garmin is a suite of running features—you’ll be able to build a custom workout on your wrist, taking advantage of two metrics: Cardio Load and Target Load. Both of these use custom Fitbit and Google algorithms and your previous activity and Readiness Score to help add extra content and ultimately make a recommendation for you. 

Best of all, though, these aren’t behind the Fitbit Premium paywall. AI-powered Daily Run recommendations and classes will be behind that wall, though as mentioned you do get six months to try them out. 

The Pixel Watch 3 builds on a comprehensive feature set that the second-generation and first ushered in, but continues optimizing the experience, and tosses some new tricks. However, I think the watch's best trick is still that you can use the Camera app on the watch to make composing group shots with you in them easy, calling up a watch-sized preview of your Pixel phone camera's viewfinder image (with your phone propped up or held by someone else) so that you can line everyone up. For me it's more authentic than the Pixel 9 phone's new AI-powered Add Me tool, which creates a composite image out of two photos to let you insert yourself into group pics.

• Features score: 4/5

Google Pixel Watch 3: Performance

• Fast, smooth performance on the wrist
• Battery life on the smaller Pixel Watch 3 could be better

Much of the Pixel Watch 3 experience – nearly all of it, really – is great. It gets the job done as a wearOS smartwatch, and could likely compete with the Galaxy Watch 7 or Apple Watch Series 9. It feels responsive in everyday use for productivity tasks, and does a good job of tracking workouts. 

I completed an outdoor walk, rode an indoor cycle, meditated, and tracked yoga, and I found that the Pixel Watch 3 delivered accurate results in terms of active time, exercise minutes, and heart rate compared with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 or the Galaxy Watch 7. Like both of those, the Pixel Watch has dual-band GPS for more accurate tracking when you're outdoors. 

Tiles are still a very fast, responsive way to get things done on the Pixel Watch. I didn’t encounter any noticeable bugs, and I imagine that as software updates roll out the Pixel Watch 3 might get even more responsive, as has been the case with Google's wearables in the past.

My one area of disappointment is battery life, specifically on the 41mm watch. Google promises 24 hours of battery life on both sizes but, as you might suspect, two sizes offer two different tales when it comes to battery life, because the bigger watch can fit a bigger battery inside.

With the 41mm model – and keep in mind that the always-on display is enabled by default – I got about a day of use, but I needed to recharge it either first thing in the morning or, if I wanted to wear the watch to track my sleep, before bed, depending on the battery level. From what I could tell, it uses about 20% of battery overnight for sleep tracking, which makes sense considering that the rear sensor stack is running.

Of course, a larger smartwatch means room for a larger battery, and the 45mm Pixel Watch 3 doesn't disappoint on this front. It easily lasts close to two days on a full charge, and that’s even with the always-on display working 24/7 (and if you sleep with it on, as Lance has).

So if you have a Pixel Watch 1 or 2, can handle a larger size, and have been asking for better battery life, the 45mm Pixel Watch is likely the way to go, and that’s the main difference – aside from size – between the too. Otherwise, both are plenty responsive. 

• Performance score: 4/5

Google Pixel Watch 3: Scorecard

Google Pixel Watch 2: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also Consider

Google Pixel Watch 3: How I Tested

I've been rocking the 41mm Google Pixel Watch for about three weeks, using it in conjunction with a Google Pixel 9 Pro. After I unboxed the Pixel Watch, I quickly paired with it the 9 Pro and left it on the charger until it reached 100%. I wore it daily, sometimes on its own or sometimes with an Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 for comparison.

I put it through its paces using a variety of apps, including pre-loaded ones and others that I downloaded via Google Play. I also used various tiles to get a feel for the enhancements, and tested out the new watch faces.

For workouts, I tried several – including multiple a day – with the Pixel Watch including walking, yoga, strength, meditation, and indoor cycling. I compared the results with other smartwatches and wearables, like the Oura Ring. 

To test battery life, I marked where I was at various points of the day and when I needed to recharge in order to be able to use the Pixel Watch 3 for sleep tracking overnight. 

Today is the day for a Made by Google event (that's August 13 at the time of writing), where we expect to see a whole suite of Pixel devices, from phones to watches, foldables to earbuds, and of course plenty of AI. Right now we have our Made by Google live blog up and running to bring you all the news and views from the event, as well as last-minute leaks and rumors. 

The Made by Google event follows May's Google I/O 2024 showcase, where the search giant talked up the AI future of Android, its Google Gemini AI chatbot, and the super-smart Project Astra; that's if the latter ever makes it out of a lab. 

However, the August event will focus on hardware, with new phones and wearables sure to be in the spotlight. Still, we expect Google to champion a lot of AI features for these new devices. 

So read on for how to watch the Made by Google event on August 13, and a brief overview of what to expect. 

How to watch the Made by Google Pixel 9 launch

The upcoming Made by Google doesn't have a snazzy name or strapline, but it will be livestreamed on August 13, at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST, which is August 14 at 3am AEST. 

The best way to watch August's Made By Google event will be on YouTube on the Made by Google channel. Alternativley, you can also go over to the Google store to register your interest and get alerts on the latest Pixel news.

However, we'll be live blogging the presentation, and we'll have boots on the ground at Google's Mountain View headquarters to bring you the latest news from the event; keep an eye on the TechRadar TikTok for videos from the showcase. 

What to expect at the August made by Google event

Google has already officially stated that the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be revealed at the Made by Google event. Therefore, we also expect to see the Google Pixel 9. 

The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro aren't expected to have huge upgrades over their predecessors. But images so far show a new horizontal pill-shaped design for the Pro's rear cameras, and leaked images have shown that change will filter down to the standard Pixel 9. Expect a new Tensor G-series chip as well, focusing on powering AI tools on-device. 

There have been rumors and tidbits of information about a Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, which looks set to bring a larger display and battery to the next-generation Pixel lineup. However, it's unclear if the XL phone, if legitimate, will get unique features beyond the screen and battery. 

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold looks set to be a big upgrade over the Google Pixel Fold. Expect a powerful chipset, a new suite of rear cameras that look set to follow the specs and capabilities of the 9 Pro, and a tweaked design to make for a thinner foldable phone that still sports a large interior screen. 

There are also hints that we could expect the rumored Google Pixel Watch 3, where we hope to see improved performance, better battery life, and a suite of smart features. And we'd not be surprised to see the likes of the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, which are likely to have improved audio over their predecessors but also be compatible with Google Gemini AI features. 

In short, the August 13 Made by Google event looks set to have a bounty of new Pixel products to peruse and potentially pre-order. 

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You're in luck if you wanted to see another leak of the Google Pixel Watch 3 ahead of its big reveal, because what appears to be an official promo video of the smartwatch has appeared online – showing off its design and some of its key features.

This video comes courtesy of @OnLeaks and Android Headlines, and while the text and audio are Spanish, you can clearly see the two sizes of the Pixel Watch, as well as how it's going to look on the wrist.

Some of the features mentioned here, including a brighter screen compared with the Google Pixel Watch 2, match up with earlier leaks. It would also appear that Google has managed to shrink down the bezels around the display.

For the first time we're getting a larger 45mm model of the Pixel Watch alongside the 41mm one, and they're put side-by-side here. It seems as though Google won't be using the XL branding mentioned in previous rumors for the larger watch.

Feedback and briefings

Around the back of the Pixel Watch 3 shown off in this video, the four-pin charging system looks the same as the one on the current model – though we'll have to wait and see whether or not the same existing charger can be used.

We also get a look at real-time running metrics and feedback in this video, which look like they will give you coaching advice while you're running. Current features, such as step-by-step navigation on Google Maps, also appear.

Android Headlines mentions a Morning Brief feature, which again has shown up in earlier leaks, and which will give you a daily summary of how your fitness and well-being is looking ahead of a new day.

We're expecting the Google Pixel Watch 3 to make its debut at Google's event on Tuesday, August 13, alongside the Pixel 9 series of phones. If the rumors are to be believed, the watch's starting price will match the Pixel Watch 2 at $349 / £349 / AU$549.

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There's a good chance the Google Pixel Watch 3 is going to be officially launched later this month, and leaks around the smartwatch are continuing to appear – with the latest giving us an idea of its pricing.

This information comes courtesy of Android Headlines, and puts the starting price at $349 (that's roughly £275 / AU$535, though Google is unlikely to use a straight currency conversion). As you'll see from our Google Pixel Watch 2 review, that wearable also launched at a price of $349 in the US (and £349 / AU$549 elsewhere).

That's for the 41mm model with Wi-Fi apparently, with the LTE-enabled version set to cost $449 (about £350 / AU$690). That's a jump of $50 over the equivalent Pixel Watch 2 model, so it would seem the prices aren't being kept the same across the board.

We're also getting a bigger 45mm Pixel Watch this time around. That is set to cost $399 (about £315 / AU$615) for the Wi-Fi model and $499 (about £390 / AU$765) for the Wi-Fi+LTE model. The original Pixel Watch and the Pixel Watch 2 both came in one size, so there's nothing really to compare these prices to in terms of previous models.

Price comparisons

If this pricing leak ends up being accurate, then the Pixel Watch 3 will be starting at a higher level than the recently unveiled Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, which can be yours from $299 / £289 / AU$549 and up.

The Pixel Watch 3 will also be competing directly with the Apple Watch 9. The starting price for Apple's smartwatch is $399 / £399 / AU$649, so the Pixel Watch 3 is set to be slightly cheaper. Next month we're probably going to see the unveiling of the Apple Watch 10, which may change the calculations.

We've now seen plenty of information leak out around the Pixel Watch 3, though none of it is confirmed yet. The wearable is apparently going to come with ultra-wideband this year, as well as a selection of more advanced health features.

Google has a launch event scheduled for Tuesday, August 13, and the Pixel Watch 3 should be making an appearance at the show. We're also expecting the launch of the Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and we will of course bring you all of the big announcements while the show is happening.

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While most of the focus is going to be on the Pixel 9 series at Google's upcoming launch event on Tuesday, August 13, it's likely that the Pixel Watch 3 is also going to make an appearance – and now we have more of an idea about what's coming.

This leak comes from the often reliable Android Headlines, and gives us a preview of 10 different bands: an Active Band, an Active Sport Band, a Woven Band, a Stretch Band, a Metal Mesh Band, a Metal Links Band, a Metal Slim Band, a Two-tone Leather Band, and a Crafted Leather Band, and a Performance Loop Band

That last one is the only one that wasn't available with the Google Pixel Watch 2 – and its introduction is rumored to be delayed. According to sources speaking to Android Headlines, it won't be available until the end of October.

There are apparently going to be fewer bands available for the larger Pixel Watch 3: the Active Band, the Active Sport Band, the Woven Band, the Metal Links Band, the Crafted Leather Band, and the Performance Loop Band are the ones slated for that model.

Colors and cases

Android Headlines also provides a full breakdown of the colors of these bands, which vary depending on the band and the casing size. The Woven Band, for example, will be available in Ivy, Porcelain, Lemongrass, Peony, and (at the smaller size only) Bay and Sage.

As for the actual watch cases, these are said to be matte black and polished silver across both sizes. The smaller 41mm model also gets champagne gold, while the larger 45mm version of the Pixel Watch 3 is apparently getting matte hazel as well. These all come with a different default band in the box.

Speaking of that larger 45mm model – and this is going to be the first Pixel Watch to be available in two sizes – another leak suggests that Google won't be branding it as the Pixel Watch 3 XL, which is a name we've seen mentioned in earlier rumors.

It's just going to be the plain old Pixel Watch 3 for both sizes. All should be revealed in a couple of weeks at the official Google event, and we'll have to see if the new wearable makes it into our comprehensive list of the best smartwatches.

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With Google's next launch event less than a month away, the Pixel Watch 3 might well be imminent – and new rumors around pricing suggest that Google is aiming to hit the same kind of price points as it did with last year's Pixel Watch 2.

This unconfirmed information comes from Dealabs (via Notebookcheck), and puts the starting price of the 41mm Pixel Watch 3 at €399 – that euro price matches the Pixel Watch 2, which originally went on sale for $349 / £349 / AU$549 elsewhere in the world.

The LTE-enabled version of the 41mm watch is supposedly €499, which is €50 (about $55 / £40 / AU$80) more than the Pixel Watch 2 LTE, which launched with a $399 / £399 / AU$649 price tag.

Dealabs adds that you'll be able to get the standard Pixel Watch 3 with Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, and Pink bands (one color more than we heard about in a previous leak), while the LTE edition will come with Obsidian, Porcelain, and Hazel options.

Going extra large

We think there's going to be a second size of the Pixel Watch this year – and if that happens it would be the first time Google has launched its smartwatch in two sizes, so we don't really have any pricing comparisons for previous years.

Dealabs says the 45mm Pixel Watch 3 XL will cost €449 without LTE, and €549 with LTE. Google won't use direct currency conversions globally, but for reference that's about $490 / £375 / AU$730 and $600 / £460 / AU$890 respectively, at current rates.

According to Dealabs, the brand name of the larger watch is yet to be confirmed, though most of the earlier leaks have referred to it as the Pixel Watch 3 XL. The main rivals to this watch, the Apple Watch 9 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, also come in two sizes.

This source also says the exact release date for the Pixel Watch 3 is still unclear. While Google has teased a Pixel 9 Pro reveal for its August 13 event, it's possible that the smartwatch could come later in the year, rather than alongside Google's next flagship phone series.

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Google has a launch event scheduled for Tuesday, August 13, and alongside the Google Pixel 9 we might well see the Google Pixel Watch 3 as well. Now a new leak has revealed some of the key upgrades that might be on the way with the new wearable.

An inside source speaking to Android Authority suggests the 2024 smartwatch upgrade is going to shrink the size of the bezels around the display, which addresses one of the main complaints we had in our Google Pixel Watch 2 review. They'll apparently shrink down from 5.5mm to 4.5mm.

Then there's brightness: a maximum of 2,000 nits is mentioned in the software for the Pixel Watch 3 apparently, though Android Authority says this might not be the final figure that Google uses in its marketing. The Pixel Watch 2 topped out at 1,000 nits, so we're talking about a major increase.

Another upgrade predicted here, which is one we've heard before, is that the Pixel Watch 3 is going to have ultra-wideband (UWB) tech included. This means better accuracy for location tracking, and improved close-range communication.

Colors and sizes

We're going to get new colors for the Pixel Watch 3 too, it would seem. The smaller 41mm model is set to come with a silver case and rose quartz band option, alongside the case and strap options we saw last time: those were black and obsidian, gold and hazel, and silver and porcelain.

As for the larger 45mm size, we'll apparently see the black/obsidian and silver/porcelain combinations, as well as a hazel case and hazel band configuration. This is going to be the first time the Pixel Watch will come in two sizes, and there's talk that the larger one will be called the Google Pixel Watch 3 XL.

Android Authority has also managed to access a Pixel Watch 3 animation, which will be shown on the wearable in retail stores. It doesn't really tell us anything new about the device, but it looks quite cool.

We will of course be covering all the news and announcements that come out of Google's show on August 13. Before that, we should get a couple of new smartwatches at Samsung's Unpacked event today: the Galaxy Watch 7 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra.

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Google has set a date in August for the unveiling of the Pixel 9 series, and we could well see the Pixel Watch 3 then as well: the smartwatch just passed a key regulatory hurdle in the US, and it looks as though at least one key upgrade is incoming.

The arrival of the Pixel Watch 3 at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US was spotted by Android Police, and these filings usually happen close to the launch of the relevant devices – making an August debut now very likely.

There are four models in total here, codenamed GBDU9, GRY0E, GG3HH, and GGE4J. Two have LTE cellular connectivity, while the other two stick to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so it looks like we'll get 41mm and 45mm variants of the watch (as has been rumored).

There's apparently going to be support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands, plus Wi-Fi 6 – more upgrades over the current Pixel Watch 2, which should improve connectivity and performance when connected to wireless networks.

Ultra-wideband ready

Significantly, all four models have ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, which upgrades close-range connectivity and location tracking. It's a handy feature that's already available in the Apple Watch 9, Apple's AirTags, and the latest iPhones.

One of the ways UWB can be used is to give more precision when locating a lost device, although Google's Find My Device network sadly doesn't support it yet. It could also help with improved integrations with other devices, potentially including Chromebooks and Pixel phones. It's an upgrade that's been rumored before, too.

Most of the Pixel Watch 3 leaks so far have been focused on the new larger model that's supposedly coming this year, giving users a choice of sizes for the first time with the Pixel Watch. There's also been talk of new sensors being fitted inside the smartwatch.

The big event day has been set for Wednesday, August 13, and as well as the Pixel Watch 3 we should get a few other shiny new gadgets, too. We'll of course bring you all the news from the show – as well as any more Pixel Watch 3 leaks that appear in the meantime.

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Two days after renderings for the Pixel Watch 3 surfaced online, another leak has come out revealing its sibling device: the Pixel Watch 3 XL. 

This appears to be the rumored large, 45mm smartwatch that Google has been working on behind the scenes. If you look at the images given to Android Headlines by industry insider OnLeaks, it looks similar to the Pixel Watch 2. You have the same round glass covering the watch face and a digital crown with a single button on the right. Things only begin to differ when you look at the dimensions.

The article claims the Pixel Watch 3 XL’s display measures 1.45-inches across, larger than the Pixel Watch 3’s purported 1.2-inch panel. It goes on to say that the second model will measure 45 x 45 x 13.89 mm. That’s about a full millimeter thicker than the Pixel Watch 2, as pointed out by 9To5Google. 

It’s unknown why the tech giant is opting for bulkier wearables; the same design update is reportedly occurring on the standard model, too. Online theories suggest it’s because the Pixel Watch 3 series is going to house a bigger battery and new sensors. As a result, the devices need the extra room. 

Design changes

Now we’re getting into potentially bad news. According to the leak, “the Pixel Watch 3 XL will come with a larger band attachment system” because it is significantly bigger than its counterpart. 

Not only does this mean that the bands between the two models are not interchangeable, but you also won’t be able to use your old Pixel Watch 2 bands. They won’t fit.

Apart from the potential sizing issue, there’s not much information about the XL bands. The renderings are nothing more than possible designs. They appear to showcase a white (or “Porcelain” as the report calls it) Active band.

Initial online reactions are mostly positive, although we did see a comment hoping that the Pixel Watch 3 XL comes with sapphire crystal glass to protect against scratches. 

There is still a ton we don't know about the wearable or any of its accompanying models. However, all these leaks coming out in a short span of time could hint at an imminent release for the series. As always take the unconfirmed information with a grain of salt. And make sure to check out our roundup of the best smartwatches to get an idea of wear Google's next release might fit.

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Wearables are on their way to becoming the next big tech trend for kids, and this includes the best smartwatches. In its latest update, Google is gearing up to add a new WearOS feature that will help parents manage their child’s smartwatch usage during school hours. 

The Google System release notes for May 2024 share that the new ‘School Time’ feature is designed for parental use, and will allow parents to put access limitations on the apps their child uses. Parents will also have the option to silence their child’s smartwatch, limiting distractions and allowing them to focus in the classroom.  

Google hasn't yet announced how School Time will work, but we imagine users will be able to change their children's School Time settings from their own Wear OS app. We also don’t yet know if the feature will be available across all WearOS devices, or if it can only be accessed on more recent WearOS devices like the Google Pixel Watch 2. 

While it’s a new addition to the WearOS user interface, parental settings for wearable tech are far from new. Apple introduced a similar feature – also called ‘Schooltime’ with its watchOS 7 update back in 2020. It allows parents to limit certain features on their child’s Apple Watch, including setting time blocks on certain apps and watch face complications, but still allowing them to access features like Activity Rings, and it’s likely that School Time feature in WearOS will work in a similar way.  

Analysis: are smartwatch makers increasingly targeting kids?  

Although Google is lagging behind with its parental features for smartwatches, it’s good to see the company taking younger smartwatch users into consideration – features like School Time makes it easier for high school-aged users to focus on things like studying. However, Google’s new update could also suggest that it’s pitching its wearable devices more at younger users. 

It’s understandable why high-school-aged kids would want to wear a smartwatch, especially if they’re already using Google Pixel phones and want to explore wearables that extend its functions and services. But younger children are increasingly starting to take an interest in smartwatches. 

Some brands already make watches designed for younger children – we think the Fitbit Ace 3 is a solid entry-level option for a kids smartwatch. So could Google’s launching its School Time feature be an indication that a new Google kids smartwatch is on the way?  

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Google’s Made by Google Event has arrived, and the Google Pixel Watch 3 is set to be revealed later today. However, we already know loads about it. With a bigger size for the first time, a slew of new wellness tools, a brighter screen and advanced fitness smarts, the new Pixel Watch is shaping up to be the best yet. 

You can read our hands-on review of the Google Pixel Watch 3 here for our first impressions, and check out our Made by Google 2024 live blog here.

However, below is everything you need to know right now about the Google Pixel Watch 3. Let's dive in!

Cut to the chase

• What is it? Two new Pixel Watch 3 models from Google, a 41mm and the 45mm.
• When is it out? Available to pre-order now.
• How much does it cost? Starting from $399 in the US and £349 in the UK, with Australia pricing TBC.

Google Pixel Watch 3: Price and release date

The Pixel Watch 3 is available to pre-order now on the Google store. The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi is priced at $349/ £349, while cellular connectivity, so you can access the internet without a phone, costs $449/ £449. 

The 45mm Pixel Watch 3 XL will start at $399/ £399  and jump to $499/ £499 for cellular connectivity. 

UPDATE: Australia pricing has been confirmed, with AU$579 for the 41mm with Wi-Fi only, AU$749 for the 41mm LTE, AU$669 for the 45mm with Wi-Fi only, and AU$839 for a 45mm with LTE., 

Google Pixel Watch 3: Specifications

Google Pixel Watch 3: Design and screen

The 41mm and 45mm both arrive in a Matte Black color / Obsidian band and Polished Silver Aluminium / Porcelain band. The 45 mm watch is also available in Polished Hazel Aluminium color / Hazel band, and the 41 mm model offers the option of a Champagne Gold Aluminium / Hazel band.

The Pixel Watch 3 is similar to the Google Pixel Watch 2 in many ways. It’s still got Google’s distinctive teardrop rounded screen. It still comes in a 41mm size. It still runs Wear OS. But there are plenty of changes this year too, on all of the above fronts: the screen is brighter than ever (reaching up to 2,000 nits), a larger 45mm Pixel Watch 3 is now available, dubbed the Watch 3 XL, and the Pixel Watch 3 comes equipped with Wear OS 5. 

The screen in particular is worth noting: Google says the Pixel Watch 3 has its “most advanced Actua displays that are twice as bright as before, with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits” that can also go as low as 1 nit. 

The Pixel Watch 3 41mm has 10% more screen real estate than the Pixel Watch 2 due to its thinner bezels, while the 45mm has 40% more screen than last year’s model. Wow! Both also have 60Hz refresh rates, and are said to be “more power efficient” than last year’s model.

Otherwise, the design remains very similar to the Pixel Watch 2, with the single crown button and teardrop display. The Pixel Watch 3 XL has a 35% bigger battery to account for the larger screen, although both watches still only last 24 hours with the always-on display enabled. A Battery Saver mode extends life to 36 hours.

Google Pixel Watch 3: Features

Alongside all the fantastic capabilities and third-party apps you’re able to bring to bear with Wear OS, the Pixel Watch 3 has a bevvy of new and improved features. 

First up is a new suite of health tools. It’s supposed to be great for runners, using machine learning to track metrics such as your vertical oscillation (how much you bounce up and down on a run) cadence and stride length, presented in a new-to-Fitbit running dashboard.  

Fitbit’s Daily Readiness Score has been improved with a new algorithm, which tracks your body’s key biometrics and condenses it into a single score to tell you how much energy you have to spend that day. A low Daily Readiness Score means now may not be the time to go on that long run, while a high one may mean you’re ready to go. 

The Google Pixel Watch 3 is also now packing a Fitbit Morning Brief, similar to the Morning Report on the best Garmin watches, and two new metrics: Cardio Load, which tracks your heart rate trends during training, and Target Load, which can help you set training goals. The new running dashboard can help you plan workouts, setting workout segments like intervals and warm-ups on your phone and sending it to your watch. Neat.

A new feature is Loss of Pulse Detection, which detects when your heart suddenly stops beating, and can automatically place a call to emergency services or share an automated message with your location. 

Otherwise, the Pixel Watch 3 connects to multiple GPS network for better fitness tracking accuracy, uses the best Fitbit health and fitness tools (especially with the included six-month free trial of Fitbit Premium, one of our best fitness apps) and can continue to link with your Google Pixel phone for call screening, notifications, messaging, camera control, and all the usual smarts. It can be used a remote for your Google TV, and interface with the Google Nest hub. It's genuinely embedded in the ecosystem. 

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The Google Pixel Watch 2 is one of the best-looking smartwatches around, but its successor could finally fix one of our main gripes with the series – a lack of larger size options.

The Pixel Watch 2 continued Google's one-size-fits-all approach to smartwatches, offering just a single 41mm version. But according to a 9to5Google source, Google is planning to launch the Pixel Watch 3 in two different sizes.

Right now, we don't know what those two sizes are going to be. The larger variants of the Pixel Watch's rivals all have slightly different sizes; for example, the largest Galaxy Watch 6 is 44mm, while the Apple Watch Series 9 offers a 45mm version alongside its 41mm model.

But whatever the final dimensions of the Pixel Watch 3's bigger variant, it seems that it won't be functionally any different from the standard model. 9to5Google says it's "not yet aware of any plans" from Google to offer any extra features on the larger version, other than a screen or a potentially bigger battery.

We also haven't yet heard any further rumors about the Pixel Watch 3, which isn't too surprising considering the Pixel Watch 2 only arrived in October 2023. But one strong possibility, based on patents, is that the next version will be going big on gesture controls. While that would be handy, we also have a few more urgent things on our wishlist.

Our Pixel Watch 3 wishlist

In our guide to the world's best smartwatches, we've labeled the Pixel Watch 2 as "the best watch for style", thanks to its charming, pebble-like design and circular screen. But there are still a few tweaks we'd like to see on its successor.

First, smaller bezels and improved battery life would be top of our list, although the latter may be restricted to that rumored larger model. We'd also like to see an improved screen to see it match the 60Hz AMOLED display seen on the Galaxy Watch 6.

We've also found Google's band attachment system on both Pixel Watches to be a little fiddly, so it'd be good to see that refined next time around. And another improvement would be to make the Pixel Watch a little more rugged and hard-wearing, without compromising that lovely design.

Those rumored gesture recognition powers could help with the latter, as they could even result in a button-less design. Google's patents detail new sensors on the side of the watch, which could detect presses, taps, and squeezes.

Still, as we know, patents frequently don't see the light of day in hardware releases, and we'll have to wait until close to the Pixel Watch 3's launch (potentially later this year) for clearer details on what to expect from Google's next smartwatch.

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It’s time to stop CPR on the Google Pixel lineup. I’m making the call. Time of death: 10am, January 17, 2024, when Samsung announced the Galaxy S24. I’m sorry for your grief, Pixel fans, but there’s nothing more we can do. I see that the Pixel was an organ donor, so rest assured its passing will benefit others. Now, if you wouldn’t mind trading in your old device, there’s a line forming to pay respects. 

I was a huge fan of the Google Nexus phones and tablets, especially the Nexus One by HTC, and the subtly curved, eminently-pocketable Nexus S by Samsung. Those were cool phones for tech nerds. By the time Google changed the branding to Pixel, things felt a bit more silly, and sadly more cheap.

Over time, Google has tried to make a premium Pixel phone, but this year it’s stretched too thin, and the entire Pixel organism is needlessly suffering.

Google made a nice phone, but then it started branching out. In 2022, it launched the Pixel Watch, which didn’t quite land. It had battery life problems and wasn’t very competitive.

Google also launched the Pixel Buds Pro, which you can now buy at a serious discount versus comparable AirPods Pro 2 from Apple. Both of those products have been updated with huge new features since launch, including spatial audio and conversation detection on the Buds Pro.

In 2023? We finally got a Pixel Tablet, and it comes with a speaker dock attached?! That’s a lot. We also got the Pixel Fold, a tablet/phone hybrid. Both of these should have shipped with an entirely new version of Android to match, but Google could hardly be bothered to create even a clock widget to fit the new, larger screens.

Google is stretched thin, and you can feel it in the experience.

The experience every Pixel owner knows too well

When I left for CES 2024 in Las Vegas, I asked my Google Pixel Tablet to turn off all the lights. “Turning off 6 lights. Sorry, 5 lights aren’t available right now,” was the semi-familiar response. I have thirteen Philips Wiz lights in my apartment and a Nanoleaf Shapes. 

When I came back from CES, I asked the Pixel Tablet to turn on the lights. “Sorry, three lights aren’t available right now.” No lights turned on, but the light in my kid’s bedroom had been on all week. 

I’d love to say that this was just a bad experience, but which experience? Is it the Pixel Tablet that’s having problems? Google Assistant? Google Home? I suspect all of the above. Pixels work well on day one but deteriorate quickly, and eventually, things stop.

Samsung just got all the good stuff

Google’s year in mobile has been a bust. Android 14 made precisely zero waves, while Apple’s iOS 17 is so good that cops are warning parents that it could be corrupting children. Android is folk music, while Apple is Rock ‘n Roll.

Now, Google just lost its best features to Samsung. I still carry a Pixel 8 Pro to work because the Google Recorder app is so good. It transcribes as it records, and you can later tap on a word in the transcript to hear what someone actually said. It’s amazing, and invaluable for journalists, students, or anyone who needs a concise record.

It’s now available on the Galaxy S24, as the Samsung Voice Recorder app. Same features and functionality. Oh, and the amazing generative AI wallpaper that was exclusive to the Pixel 8 family? Also on the Galaxy S24. 

In fact, lots of Pixel features are coming to the new Galaxy. Google’s newest search feature, circle to search, will launch on the Galaxy and come to the Pixel 8 on January 31 - the day the Galaxy S24 lands in stores.

Seven years of support - who do you believe?

If that isn’t enough to doom Google’s Pixel, here’s the real nail in the coffin. Samsung announced seven years of support for Android updates on the Galaxy S24 family. That’s a major commitment from Samsung, and it steals all the thunder from Google’s identical promise.

Why? Because we can’t trust Google, not yet. Google cancels products. Google also cancels promises.

When Google launched the Pixel 6, it offered a ‘Pixel Pass’ upgrade program so buyers could trade for a new phone within two years. Those buyers should have traded for a Pixel 8, but Google canceled the program before it allowed them to trade. Frankly, that’s a serious blow to Google’s credibility, and why my eyebrow goes up every time I hear about a seven-year commitment to the Pixel 8.

Samsung, on the other hand, delivers on its promises. It may cancel products and services, but when Samsung says a phone will get three or four years of Android updates, you can verify three and four years later that the phone has been kept up to date. I’ve done it with every Samsung Galaxy S phone, and the company has a solid track record. 

I don’t really see how Samsung can pull it off, supporting a phone from 2024 into the year 2031. Will our phones even work in our Moon houses? But if I’m skeptical of Samsung, I would literally bet against Google pulling this off. There is no way it supports the Tensor G3 chipset on the 2023 Pixel 8 until 2030. I suspect we’ll get a fork of Android for older phones, or a similar disappointment. Why even bother?

When I look to the future for Samsung and Google I see different vistas. Samsung looks confident. Is it building on its Google partnership, or swallowing its flailing rival? 

When I look at Google, I see Pixel promises that will be more difficult to keep, whether that’s refreshing the new tablet, adapting Android to foldables, or even just keeping the existing smartphones alive as long as it promised. I don’t have the confidence that Google's Pixel team can do all of this at once, so maybe it’s time to just stop.

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The next Google Pixel Watch could be button-free, relying on gesture recognition controls, with the aim of making the most out of the watch’s space. 

That’s going by a patent filed by Google (as spotted by Wareable) that appears to suggest that by ditching the buttons, a Google smartwatch could have fewer moving parts and thus a cleaner design. 

“Content on such a small screen is easily obscured when touching the device, making it difficult to precisely select and scroll because the user cannot see what they are selecting or scrolling,” the patent noted. 

This would facilitated by having new sensors on the side of the watch that could detect specific presses, taps and squeezes on its sides to act as a form of gesture recognition.

The patent is titled “Gesture recognition on watch bezel using strain gauges” which would suggest that the sides of a future Pixel Watch could be squeezable, not unlike those of the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 phones, only likely reliant on sensors rather than moving parts.

Going by the patent's intent, it would suggest that a next-gen Pixel Watch won’t be getting a larger display, though we do hope it trims the bezels slightly to offer more screen space without enlarging the watch’s footprint. 

An image in the patent also suggests that the crown used to aid scrolling through apps on the Pixel Watch, as well as being a home button, may be dropped altogether on a future Google smartwatch. 

One to watch

The current Pixel Watch 2 only really has one dedicated standalone button, just above the digital crown, so it’s not like it's festooned with buttons. 

Yet, going button-free and harnessing gesture recognition could not only avoid the challenge of obscuring a display when tapping at on-screen icons, it could also make a future Pixel Watch more durable and likely better at resisting water and dust due to having fewer external moving parts and thus less scope for gaps between the external and internal hardware. 

However, this has been filed and not yet granted, so the tech Google is proposing may not come to fruition. And even if a patent is granted, it’s no guarantee that the tech or techniques proposed will get into a consumer device. But it does feel like a button-free Pixel Watch isn’t beyond the realms of imagination; we suspect we’ll have to wait until later next year at the earliest before we see a next-gen Pixel Watch. 

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WearOS 4 is here, and it’s rolling out to the Google Pixel Watch and Google Pixel Watch 2 starting today (October 18, 2023).

The new software doesn’t come with a massive swathe of new features, but there are some exciting additions that Pixel Watch owners are sure to enjoy, so when the update is made available for your device in the coming weeks you’ll want to make sure you upgrade as soon as you can.

Below we'll tell you about four of our favorite new WearOS 4 that you can look forward to using on your Google Pixel Watch. You can also read our hands-on Google Pixel Watch 2 review for our early thoughts on Google's latest wearable.

1. Improved safety features

Thanks to Wear OS 4 you’ll have access to a few new safety tools on your Pixel Watch in the shape of Safety Check, Emergency Sharing, and Emergency Info. With Medical Info ID your most important medical info is accessible from your wrist – and in supported regions, it can even be sent directly to participating emergency services if needed. 

With Emergency Sharing and Safety Check you can either simply share your location with your Emergency Contacts so they can see your live location, or set a check-in timer on your watch so that it will share this data automatically if you don’t confirm that you’re okay at the specified time.

2. Easier device switching

If you’re upgrading to a Google Pixel Watch 2 or Google Pixel 8 phone from an older Pixel model, it’ll be easier to do so with Wear OS 4.

With Watch Transfer, you can now transfer your Pixel Watch information and settings to your new phone without having to factory-reset it. With Backup and Restore, your Pixel Watch settings are all securely backed up, so when you pick up a new one it can be instantly set up with all of your data, your preferred settings, and your watch face of choice on display.

3. Enhanced notifications 

These subtle tweaks to notifications will give you the most important information upfront, so you can act on it a little more quickly. Now notifications will come with smart link recognition for phone numbers and addresses. This will allow you to start a call, send a message, or get directions from the notification. New embedded media previews will let you view images and GIFS from the notification shade, again saving you a bit of time, as you don’t have to open the app the notification is from.

4. New calendar app

Lastly, we wanted to highlight that your Google Pixel Watch will get a new Google Calendar app. You can get event and task notifications from the app on your watch, see the next 30 days of your schedule, and set up navigation to an event location from your wrist. Plus, Google will be launching Calendar tiles and complications, so you can keep the most important information in plain sight.

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Thanks to a firmware update, last year's Google Pixel Watch now has much slower charging times. However, this might not be the major bummer that it first seems to be.

Previously, the Google Pixel Watch's battery could be charged from 0% to 50% in 30 minutes, to 80% in 55 minutes, and to 100% in 80 minutes. Fast charging is a must for one of the best smartwatches for Wear OS users, as you'll find yourself charging it on a near-daily basis. 

Following a firmware update, the Pixel Watch now takes 45 minutes to go from 0% to 50% (15 minutes slower), takes 75 minutes to reach 80%, and 110 minutes to charge its battery from empty to full.

In a statement to 9to5Google, Google explained that a “firmware update for Google Pixel Watches required us to review the charging times, the new times are what the average user will experience.” It didn’t explain why the firmware update was needed, but we suspect it has something to do with helping to keep the device from getting too hot while it charges. Unconfirmed Reddit reports have mentioned overheating during charging and the watch's backplate randomly falling off (via Android Police). 

Those of you who splashed out on the new Pixel Watch 2 – or who are thinking about buying one after reading our Google Pixel Watch 2 review – will be happy to know that it hasn’t been affected by the firmware update. So it still only takes 30 minutes for its battery to charge from 0% to 50%, 43 minutes to reach 80%, and just 75 minutes to be fully recharged.

Interestingly the new Pixel Watch 2 uses a different form of charging – swapping the original’s wireless charging for pin contacts, like many Fitbits use. 

Why has the Pixel Watch charging been slowed down? 

As we mentioned above we don’t know for certain why Google has made this battery charging speed change, but we think it has something to do with the Google Pixel Watch overheating while it charges.

Wireless charging is neat but it's fairly inefficient. If you want to charge something quickly using a wireless connection it’s going to generate a fair amount of heat which can cause problems for the hardware. Batteries will drain faster, parts might become warped, and glue holding components together can melt causing the gadget to literally fall apart. While no explanation was given at the time it seems likely that heat was a problem given the recent changes.

The switch to slower charging speeds on the Pixel Watch, and the use of contact charging on the Pixel Watch 2 should help to keep the devices from getting too hot – and make problems related to the device overheating less likely to occur. So while it does mean your Pixel Watch will need to charge for a little longer between uses, this charging change should mean you’ll be able to enjoy using it for longer before it needs to be repaired or swapped out for a newer model.

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What’s the story? 

The Google Pixel Watch 2 has arrived and comes with a welcome boost to its battery, promising 'all-day' use. And it gets a host of smart features stuffed into its refined design. 

Preorders are now live and the Pixel Watch 2 will start shipping on October 12. Prices start from  $349 / £349 / AU$549 for the Wi-Fi model and $399 / £399 / AU$649 for the LTE version. 

What do I need to know about it?

Google has refined the Pixel Watch 2 – while it looks pretty much the same as its predecessor on the outside, there are a few minor design tweaks such as the use of more recycled aluminum to make the watch lighter, alongside a thinner glass cover. 

On the inside, the smartwatch now has a more powerful chipset, while the battery life has been boosted to deliver a full day of use. Charging has also been improved to juice the watch to 50% capacity in 30 minutes. 

But the biggest improvements come in the form of the Pixel Watch 2’s software capabilities. Coming with Wear OS 4 out of the box, it enables more to be done with native apps such as Gmail and Google Calendar directly on the smartwatch, while Google Assistant can better deal with health-related queries such as using sleep data to answer questions about how well a wearer slept. 

Speaking of sleep, a new skin-temperature sensor can better read the heat of one’s skin and provide improved data on things like sleep tracking. Plus, heart-rate tracking has been improved thanks to a trio of new sensors. There are also smart features such as body response monitoring to detect signs of stress, auto exercise detection, and smart coaching features including haptic feedback to nudge wearers into meeting their pace while running.

For people who exercise alone, the new Safety Check feature allows you to schedule a timer for specific situations where you might want your friends or family to know your location. When the timer expires, Safety Check will prompt you to confirm you’re OK, or if you’d like to start sharing your location or contact emergency services. If it gets no response, Safety Check will trigger Emergency Sharing, which shares your real-time location and situation with your pre-selected emergency contacts.

What do we think of it?

Our early impressions of the Pixel Watch 2 are positive, given Google has taken the formula of a rather nicely designed and keenly priced smartwatch and refined it.

It’s not going to bother the likes of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. But for people looking at getting their first smartwatch and who have one of the best Android phones (or indeed any Android phone), the Pixel Watch 2 could be worth keeping an eye on – check back with TechRadar for our full review coming soon. 

Want to know our first impressions on the latest Pixel products? Check out our hands-on Google Pixel 8 review, our hands-on Google Pixel 8 Pro review and hands-on Google Pixel Watch 2 review as well.

Further reading

• 1-minute news: Google Pixel 8 Pro arrives with big camera upgrades and a whole lotta AI
• 1-minute news: Google Pixel 8 unveiled with Pro features including 120Hz display
• Where is all your health data going? The Google and Fitbit scandal explained

Following last month’s reveal, Google is now rolling out its redesigned Fitbit app having reorganized the user interface to make it easier to use. Additionally, five new features were added that we haven’t seen before.

First, the company has improved the communication between your phone’s sensors and Fitbit giving users the ability to track walks, runs, or hikes just by using the app. You don’t have to wear a Google Pixel Watch or any kind of wearable. All you have to do, according to the announcement, is connect your smartphone to Fitbit. It will begin automatically tracking steps or whatever exercise you’re doing at the moment right on the Today tab.

Speaking of which, the Today tab now offers people a way to customize what goals they want to work on for a particular day. For example, maybe you want to focus on managing your stress or getting better sleep.  The company states users will have to tap the Edit button at the top and then place the two goals into their own widget. That way, you can keep track as you make progress.

Finding workouts

To help people find their next workout, Google has added a new Coach tab on Fitbit. There, users can search for exercises based on their “type, duration, required equipment, instructor” among other metrics. If you want to workout your whole body, the app may suggest interval training with weights or calisthenics. Or if you workout a specific area, like your core, it’ll recommend strength training with kettlebells. 

There will be free workouts available. However, Fitbit Premium subscribers will have access to even more content including HIIT (high-intensity interval training) and dance cardio classes.

The final health-related update involves the revamped Charts that will display the results of your wellness journey in an easy-to-understand format. You can check out specific metrics like how well you’ve been sleeping or your “Active Zone Minutes”. Also, it’ll highlight unique patterns it detects to help “make sense of your health”.

Availability

Besides all the wellness features, Google has tweaked Fitbit’s privacy controls to, as you probably guess by this point, make them easier to use. Managing your data has been simplified so you won’t have to go through a labyrinth of menus just to make a change. Detailed instructions on the new way to control your data can be found on the Fitbit help website.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the patch when it arrives on your device. It’s unknown if the release is global or if only a few countries will get it. We reached out to Google asking for clarification. This story will be updated at a later time.

If you’re thinking of buying a fitness tracker, but don’t know where to start, we recommend checking out TechRadar’s list of the best Fitbit wearables for 2023. 

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