Google’s first entry into the smartwatch sport, the Pixel Watch, is maybe the one I’ve cherished greater than every other smartwatch. A 12 months later, I nonetheless adore it, however I even have a number of issues I’d prefer to see the Pixel Watch 2 enhance on.
Higher battery life, clearly
Maybe the only largest criticism that arose from Pixel Watch customers and reviewers was the battery life, and for good motive. Whereas Google marketed that the Pixel Watch may get 24 hours of use out of a cost, it’s been virtually unattainable to really hit that determine in my testing. Even with out utilizing apps and leaving the always-on show turned off – principally simply utilizing it for passive well being monitoring and my notifications – I’m fortunate to get 18 hours out of the watch.
If the one factor the Pixel Watch 2 fixes is that this, it’ll be a will in my e book, and it actually appears that would be the case.
We reported earlier this 12 months that Google can be switching from the outdated Exynos 9110 chip in its first watch to a Snapdragon W5 sequence chip within the Pixel Watch 2. That might imply transferring to a way more environment friendly chip, which would supply significantly better battery life.
A associated request right here can be sooner charging, but when the battery life is nice sufficient, this isn’t wanted. Equally, reverse wi-fi charging can be a pleasant factor to have.
End the Fitbit suite of options
Google rested a lot of the advertising for the primary Pixel Watch on the Fitbit options, however actually, these have been a bit underwhelming. The Pixel Watch felt as if it was a Put on OS watch with some Fitbit options tacked on as a result of it was lacking a variety of the items that made Fitbit what it was, like automated exercise monitoring.
Over time, that improved, with help for top/low coronary heart price notifications, blood oxygen readings, Sleep Profiles, and others.
However nonetheless, it’s not fairly on the identical degree as a correct Fitbit, just like the Fitbit Sense 2. Google must concentrate on making the Pixel Watch 2 a Fitbit that runs Put on OS somewhat than a Put on OS watch with Fitbit.
Once more, it looks as if that is taking place, with a leaked advert just lately showcasing a broader adoption of Fitbit options, together with EDA for stress monitoring, a pores and skin temperature sensor, and a brand new coronary heart price sensor.
Customers ought to have the ability to make this simply a smartwatch too
On the flip facet, Google also needs to give customers the selection right here.
Well being has largely been the main target of the trendy smartwatch – and for good motive. Nevertheless, I do imagine that any smartwatch ought to have the flexibility to show off these well being options and simply be a better watch.
The Pixel Watch couldn’t try this.
Google blocked the flexibility to show off the center price sensor on the primary Pixel Watch solely, which prevents the wearable from being only a watch and never a health tracker. Whereas that is one thing that I feel most individuals gained’t need to do, Google is just about alone in blocking the performance, because the Apple Watch and Samsung’s Galaxy Watch each provide the choice. It needs to be moderately easy to simply add a toggle that does this, however Google simply hasn’t. The Pixel Watch 2 is an efficient alternative to make the change.
Enhance sturdiness and restore choices
The Pixel Watch is a “attractive piece of {hardware},” as I mentioned in my assessment final 12 months, nevertheless it’s additionally one which takes injury simply. The rounded glass could be very straightforward to wreck, as I skilled with a tough scratch to my show over the spring. A number of months later, I’ve not been in a position to do something about that besides apply a display screen protector as a result of Google has no choices to switch the glass.
Pixel Watch 2 ought to at the least make some stride in fixing this downside, even when that’s simply making restore components obtainable on the market.
Extra bands
The proprietary connector on Pixel Watch was all the time going to be a wrestle at the start, however virtually a 12 months later, the ecosystem isn’t precisely thriving.
A fast search on-line for Pixel Watch bands doesn’t actually come again with something all that spectacular. You’ll find a few respected names producing Pixel Watch bands, nevertheless it’s a really restricted record, and Google isn’t resting on the energy of its Made for Google companions to bolster this. Spigen launched the primary Made for Google watch band only in the near past, and its super-low value is superior, nevertheless it’s wild {that a} 12 months in, it’s the one choice.
And Google’s personal first-party choices aren’t doing significantly better. We’ve seen precisely one new Pixel Watch band since final October, within the (admittedly nice) $200 metallic band. Not a single new colour or model. With Pixel Watch 2, it seems like we’ll be getting a brand new model within the obvious “Sport” design, in addition to some new blue colours. However nonetheless, I need to look again at Pixel Watch 2 this time subsequent 12 months and have the ability to take a look at a full suite of band choices that will have expanded between every now and then somewhat than sitting there stagnantly.
What about you? What’s the primary factor you need Google to enhance on with Pixel Watch 2?
Let’s talk about within the feedback beneath! As a reminder, the Pixel Watch 2 is about to debut on October 4.
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