Google has dipped its toes into the consumer hardware business for years, and while the endeavor started off rocky — ahem, Google Glass — the tech giant quickly redeemed itself with its line of smartphones, Pixelbooks, and Google Home products. Eventually, it may re-enter the wearables market with its first smartwatch. The Pixel Watch has been rumored for years now, and 2019 could finally be the year that we see it. Here’s everything you need to know.
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Release and availability
Could 2019 be the year that we finally see the Pixel Watch? Fresh rumors from Asian trade newspaper Nikkei Asia Review suggest that the watch could finally be released alongside the Google Pixel 4 at the company’s hardware event scheduled for Tuesday, October 15. The report doesn’t mention the Pixel Watch by name, however,
The new rumors back up a February report from Japanese newspaper Nikkei. The newspaper, which has a history of getting tech predictions right, noted that Google will likely release a Pixel 4 phone, Pixel Lite phone, and the long-awaited Pixel Watch at some point in 2019. If we had to bet, we’d wager that the watch will likely launch in October, at Google’s annual hardware event.
Better apps
Google has announced a revamp of policy surrounding the Wear OS apps that run on devices like the Pixel Watch. It’s aimed at improving the overall quality of them — a clear suggestion the company is looking at the wearable ecosystem as it prepares for some sort of launch. The policy, unveiled on August 15, calls for mandatory review of apps by Google rather than allowing app makers to voluntarily submit to the process (you know, if they feel up to it). Google also now insists that developers include at least one screenshot of the app in action.
The new policy is meant to address two common issues Google says it has seen in Wear OS apps: Weak support for different shapes and a lack of screenshots detailing an app’s appearance. Some of the best wear OS watches are weird shapes, after all. Here’s how Google puts it:
Support for different screen types: Wear OS by Google is available in both round and square screens, and some round devices also have a chin. Developers are advised to test on all screen types. If a physical device is unavailable, they are asked to use the Wear OS by Google emulator.
Wear OS by Google app screenshot: To pass the review, the app needs to have at least one Wear OS app screenshot. To keep prerelease Wear apps private, the Google Play Store will not show the Wear screenshots unless the Wear app is in production or open testing.
Specs
Since we’re still a while away from a possible Pixel Watch announcement, details on the rumored smartwatch are sparse. But we do expect the Pixel Watch to ship with flagship-quality hardware.
Much like similar premium smartwatches, we anticipate both Wi-Fi and LTE versions of the Pixel Watch. German website WinFuture reports that the Pixel Watch is currently being developed as three different models, code-named “Ling,” “Triton,” and “Sardine.” If true, this also means it’s possible the Pixel Watch will come with size variants as well. That same report also goes on to state that the Pixel Watch will come with at least 1GB of RAM, though it’s uncertain whether that would apply to every model.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of the rumored Pixel Watch is its operating system. The Pixel Watch will most likely run a stock version of Wear OS, or a version with special features just for the Pixel Watch — similar to Google’s brand of Android for the Pixel phones. Since the smartwatch will be Google’s own hardware, it should receive frequent software updates and support for at least a few years.
Features
While rumors of the Pixel Watch’s features aren’t widespread yet, expect Google Assistant, Google Assistant, and a touch of Google Assistant. Google has leaned heavily into Assistant in the last year, improving it significantly and packing it into more products. It would be fair to assume that Google’s voice assistant will be a big part of the Pixel Watch’s intended use.
Design
It’s hard to guess exactly what the Pixel Watch will look like. There have been no leaked images or schematics of the device just yet, so anything we list is almost pure conjecture.
We do anticipate that the Pixel Watch will be smaller than many other smartwatches on the market. Since it will likely use a smaller, yet to be released processor, Google will likely be able to shave off a few millimeters of the overall case width.
On the other hand, Google is reportedly looking to pack features into the watch. According to a report from WinFuture, the Pixel Watch will contain a heart rate monitor, Bluetooth support, and other premium features.
Name
Google has yet to confirm it is even making a smartwatch, so we’ve yet to receive confirmation on the name. Famed leaker Evan Blass and other tipsters have referred to the upcoming device as the Pixel Watch, and that name appears to be on brand. So for now, that’s good enough for us.
Updated on October 10, 2019: Added rumors about release date at Google’s upcoming Pixel event.
The Oppo Watch charges its way to a day’s worth of battery life in 15 minutes
Oppo has integrated the fast-charging tech its smartphones are famous for into its first smartwatch, the long-awaited Oppo Watch. VOOC Flash Charge gives the watch enough power to last for 16 hours after just 15 minutes spent plugged in, which means you get to take full advantage of its sleep tracking and special fitness routines whether you charged it overnight or not.
Short battery life is a major smartwatch pain point, and although the Oppo Watch’s 30-hour total usage time isn’t outstanding, it’s helped by the 15-minute charge window. The Oppo Watch is being pitched as a wearable with a focus on health and wellness, with sleep tracking on board. It also has an unusual five-minute workout feature, complete with voice coaching. We’ve yet to see this in action, but it sounds like a great addition to common smartwatch wellness features like breathing exercises and reminders to stand up.
Apple Glass may be coming soon. Here’s everything we know
Is the world ready for augmented reality (AR) glasses? Despite Google failing to bring Google Glass to the market in a meaningful way back in 2013, it seems Apple feels the world is ready for another attempt a little less than a decade later. Apple Glass is on the way to becoming a reality, but how much will it cost, and what will it do for the world? Here's everything that we know about Apple Glass.
Design
There are rumors that Apple Glass will be crafted with inspiration coming from typical sunglass-style designs, and cameras will be mounted on the outside frames. According to tech analyst Jon Prosser, a prototype pair of Glass features a plastic set of frames, but the material is subject to change. When it comes to color, rumors are that Apple is considering the two most basic options for its consumers, white and black; however, this may change as time moves forward.
Apple Glass will also include the ability to use prescription lenses, so if you need a bit of sight assistance, you may be able to add lens options as required. The opportunity to add prescription lenses will likely be an add-on charge.
Razer Anzu smart glasses deal knocks $140 off the price tag
While smartwatch deals have slowly claimed their place in the mainstream, smart glasses haven't turned out to be as popular. Gaming-focused brand Razer, however, is trying to renew interest in smart glasses with the Razer Anzu, which you can currently purchase from Best Buy at $140 off. If you'd like to give them a try, they're available for just $60, less than half their original price of $200.
There have been failures like the Google Glass and Snap Spectacles, and hopeful attempts like Oppo's Air Glass and Apple's secretive project, but the Razer Anzu smart glasses take a different spin on the wearable device by designing them for indoors. While they come with polarized sunglass lenses, their clear lenses are more useful with their blue light filter, which protects your eyes from screen glare to prevent discomfort even after hours of playing video games or working from home. The smart glasses, which also have a built-in omnidirectional microphone and speakers, may also be more comfortable to wear for an extended period of time compared to headsets and headphones. You'll enjoy smooth, stutter-free sound with the Razer Anzu's low latency audio with a 60ms Bluetooth connection.
