Along with its new smartphones, Google also introduced its latest smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3. Google’s third-generation smartwatch features a number of new features to help users track their progress, make plans, and take care of themselves.
Before we get into the features, it’s worth noting one of the most obvious changes Google has made: the Pixel Watch 3 adds a 45mm case size option. The first two generations of the Google Pixel Watch only offered a 41mm option. This addition brings the Pixel Watch 3 into line with smartwatches from Apple and Samsung.
Google has also shrunk the smartwatch’s bezel by 16 percent compared to the second-generation model, giving the 41mm model 10 percent more active screen area. The display is also twice as bright, offering up to 2,000 nits of brightness. The watch also works for 24 hours with the always-on display or 36 hours in battery saver mode (which automatically switches to when the battery drops to 15 percent). Google also claims that the 41mm Pixel Watch 3 charges 20 percent faster than its predecessor.
The Pixel Watch 3 features a new fitness and cardio load tracking guide that tells users how hard their heart is working and whether they need to slow down during their workout. The smartwatch also provides information about recovery time. Google has personalized fitness score features, offering recommendations based on factors like sleep and resting heart rate. Fitbit Premium subscribers can also get AI-powered recommendations.
There’s also a new “loss of heart rate detection” feature that Google says is the first of its kind on the Pixel Watch 3. Although it’s a bit oddly worded, “loss of heart rate detection” basically does what it describes. It uses the Pixel Watch 3’s heart rate and other sensors to detect whether the user has a pulse. Since the device samples your pulse once a second, which is one of the most common in the mainstream smartwatch space, it’ll detect if your heart has stopped fairly quickly. It’ll then look for other signs, like whether you’re still moving and still on your wrist.
With all this data, the Pixel Watch 3 will be able to determine if you’re experiencing a “loss of pulse event,” such as cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure, overdose, or poisoning. It will contact you when it detects a loss of pulse, and if you don’t respond, it will call emergency services. Google said at launch that this will be available in several countries in Europe and that it’s “working with regulators to make the feature available in more countries.”
How much should I pay for the Google Pixel Watch 3?
The Pixel Watch 3 also has some home-based features, including Nest Cam and Doorbell notifications, access to live view, and two-way talk. The watch also doubles as a remote control, letting you pause, change the volume, or switch to a new channel on Google TV. If you have a Pixel phone, your watch can control its camera, record a note, and access Google Maps.
The 41mm Google Pixel Watch 3 will be sold starting at $349 in the US. The 45mm version will start at $399 in the US.