Google Beats Apple to Satellite Connectivity With Pixel Watch 4

[MacRumors]

Along with new Pixel 10 smartphones, Google is debuting updated Pixel Buds 2a and a new Pixel Watch 4 with some unique features.

Google says that the Pixel Watch 4 is the biggest update to the Pixel Watch so far. The device has been redesigned with a domed 360 display, and Google beat Apple to a smartwatch with satellite connectivity.

The domed display is physically curved, a change that Google says provides a 10 percent larger active display area and 16 percent smaller bezels, plus 50 percent improved performance in sunlight. There's a stronger haptic engine for better physical feedback, and the battery is able to last for up to 30 hours on the 41mm watch and up to 40 hours on the 45mm watch. Google is using a Snapdragon W5 chip inside and an ML-powered co-processor.

Google says that the display and the battery can be replaced, significantly improving repairability. There's a custom Gorilla Glass display cover, and the watch itself is made from aluminum.

The LTE version of the Pixel Watch 4 offers emergency satellite support so users can get help even when there's no Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity available. Rumors suggest that Apple is planning to add this same functionality to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 that's coming in September.

Sleep tracking is more accurate, there's a better skin temperature sensor, and dual-frequency GPS allows for more accurate route tracking. Google even mimicked Apple's Workout Buddy, introducing a personal AI health coach that's powered by Gemini. It offers proactive fitness and sleep coaching, along with on-demand guidance. Pricing for the Pixel Watch 4 starts at $349.

At $129, Pixel Buds 2a are priced lower than Apple's ANC AirPods but they still offer premium features. These are the first earbuds in Google's A-series to feature Active Noise Cancellation, and Google says that sound quality has been improved with a custom-designed speaker driver and high-frequency chamber. Battery life has been extended, and Gemini AI is available when the earbuds are paired with a Pixel smartphone.

The Pixel Buds 2a are designed to be lighter and more comfortable than prior-generation models, with an in-ear fit and no protruding stem. Google added a twist-to-adjust stabilization feature for a tighter fit, and there's IP54 water and sweat resistance.

Google is also adding new features to its $229 Pixel Buds Pro 2, which launched last year. The earbuds are getting functionality that's directly copied from the AirPods, including Adaptive Audio and Loud Noise Protection. Adaptive Audio adjusts sound level to the wearer's surroundings to let key noises come through, while Loud Noise Protection protects hearing when there's a sudden loud sound.

The Pixel Buds 2a and the Pixel Watch 4 can be pre-ordered from Google's website.

Article Link: Google Beats Apple to Satellite Connectivity With Pixel Watch 4

 

[dannyyankou]

I know some people like the circular watch design, but you just can't fit as much information on it. Those corner complications on the infographic Apple Watch face, there's no space for it on the Pixel Watch.

 

[LeeW]

Not for me, but it looks pretty decent with good features.

 

[ebika]

That's a pretty cool design for the watch. I can't say satellite connectivity is a priority for me, but I could see it coming in useful in an emergency situation out in the boonies.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

I know some people like the circular watch design, but you just can't fit as much information on it. Those corner complications on the infographic Apple Watch face, there's no space for it on the Pixel Watch.

I prefer my circle Garmin to my previous Apple Watches... I don't need, or want, as much info on the screen, but even if I did, it still fits fine. The only thing I had on my AW was the time, date and weather.

As for this this Pixel watch, it looks nice but I would destroy the screen in a matter of days. I scratched the hell out of screen on my AW6 from a single boulders session...it continued to get worse after that.

 

[sherwinzadeh]

I've never seen a single person wearing a Pixel Watch.

 

[jarman92]

Good God that thing is ugly.

 

[nightpilot]

Standby for a lawsuit by Ressence Watches.

 

[Astuces iOS]

wowowow, Apple has a schedule, they cannot release an Apple Watch in the middle of the year… wait until September and we will see

 

[turbineseaplane]

Also this...

Get to work Apple

 

[jz0309]

Good, and competition is a good thing

 

[turbineseaplane]

I love the circular design, especially with being reasonably thin.

It eschews a huge piece of the dorky "computer on wrist" vibe of square-ish watches.

A bit biased, as my Garmin is round also (still plenty nerdy due to how chonky it is)

 

[jz0309]

Also this...

View attachment 2539369

Get to work Apple

Does Google publish how it gets to those numbers, eg x number of notifications, y minutes of work out and such?
If we have that info we can make a comparison to Apple...

 

[jz0309]

I love the circular design.

It eschews a huge piece of the dorky "computer on wrist" vibe of square-ish watches.

A bit biased, as my Garmin is round also (still plenty nerdy due to how chonky it is)

How wild you feel about a round display on your desk? Or on your laptop?

 

[turbineseaplane]

Folks think this is good looking:

But this is ugly?

I'm really struggling to see how one is arriving at that, short of just "I love Apple and hate Google".

 

[jimbobb24]

This headline suggests a race that Google won. The correct title is Google First to put Satellite Connectivity in a watch. Is this useful? Is apple working on this or do they care? I dont know but saying beats is a weird construction.

Also this all looks cool. Google has gotten good at making cheap reasonable niche stuff. Not for me but they do a good job.

 

[nutmac]

16% smaller or not, that bezels still look chunky.

 

[turbineseaplane]

This headline suggests a race that Google won. The correct title is Google First to put Satellite Connectivity in a watch. Is this useful? Is apple working on this or do they care?

Yes, they are working on it and do appear to care and seem to have gotten beaten to the punch.

 

[LawJolla]

Only the haters find that ugly. Nice work Google.

 

[alexandr]

I've never seen a single person wearing a Pixel Watch.

I have. Once.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

I know some people like the circular watch design, but you just can't fit as much information on it. Those corner complications on the infographic Apple Watch face, there's no space for it on the Pixel Watch.

Not everyone wants a smartwatch to be a phone on their wrist. I'd prefer the aesthetics of the round screen, and if I have a notification I have a phone that can handle anything more complex than a simple yes/no/ignore.

 

[jz0309]

Folks think this is good looking:

View attachment 2539373

But this is ugly?


View attachment 2539372



I'm really struggling to see how one is arriving at that, short of just "I love Apple and hate Google".

"Taste" ("good looking") is in the eye of the beholder, nothing wrong with that, and good thing we are all different.
Also, there is a reason why computer displays are rectangular vs round ... just sayin

 

[Zoboomafoo]

How wild you feel about a round display on your desk? Or on your laptop?

These are apples and oranges.

It's a screen on your wrist so customers are inherently willing to make lots of concessions over information density. Does the circular design provide less density? sure. But not everyone wants/requires that much info.

 

[jz0309]

Not everyone wants a smartwatch to be a phone on their wrist. I'd prefer the aesthetics of the round screen, and if I have a notification I have a phone that can handle anything more complex than a simple yes/no/ignore.

And some people don't want to or can't use their phone for that purpose, and that's ok.
We are all different...

 

[jz0309]

These are apples and oranges.

It's a screen on your wrist so customers are inherently willing to make lots of concessions over information density. Does the circular design provide less density? sure. But not everyone wants/requires that much info.

And that's totally fine...
Does Google have an option of a squarish watch?
Does Apple have an option of a round watch?

Options would be a good thing