The discovery of a device allegedly belonging to the Pixel Watch 5 model, which Google has not yet announced, in the ocean has come to the fore as an interesting example of leakage in the technology world. The images shared by Randy Pitchford, founder of Gearbox, the developer of the Borderlands series, include a smartwatch that is said to have been removed from underwater. While it is noteworthy that the “Pixel Watch 5” text is clearly written on the back of the watch, it is considered that the device may be a prototype of Google’s next generation smart watch.
In Pitchford’s post on X, it was stated that the device was found by a friend who was scuba diving near Saint Martin Island in the Caribbean. The physical design of the watch can be seen in two different photos shared. While there is no obvious inconsistency in the images, the appearance of Pitchford in the reflections in the photographs reduces the possibility that the images were edited.
It is not uncommon in the technology industry for prototype devices to be revealed to the public. In the past, some of the iPhone prototypes that Apple used for testing purposes also appeared in unexpected ways. Despite this, the discovery of a smart watch in the ocean and then sharing it on the internet stands out as a very unusual event.
There does not seem to be any major changes in the Pixel Watch 5 design
The shared photos offer some, albeit limited, clues about the external design of Pixel Watch 5. While it is stated that the model in the images is 45 mm in size, the general design language is largely similar to the existing Pixel Watch series. There is no noticeable change in the round screen structure and body design. However, no details regarding the software side of the device have been obtained.
It appears that the watch’s battery is largely depleted. For this reason, no information has been shared about the operating system or new features. Despite this, Pitchford said the device continues to display the correct time when in low-power mode. It is a remarkable detail that an electronic product reportedly found in the ocean can maintain its basic functions.
Google is expected to introduce the Pixel Watch 5 model later in the year. However, to date, no comprehensive leaks have emerged about the technical features or innovations of the device. For this reason, sharing the prototype in question can be considered as one of the first concrete examples of the product reflected to the public.
The most prominent element among the expectations is Qualcomm’s next generation wearable platform, Snapdragon Wear Elite. Google previously stated that this platform will offer improvements in performance, battery life and connection features. In addition, the company has also signaled that it will include more artificial intelligence-supported features in the next generation Wear OS experience. It is said that especially Gemini-based functions may find wider use with Pixel Watch 5.