The first smartwatch featuring Google-built hardware and software is coming. At its I/O developer conference on Wednesday, Google officially announced the Pixel Watch, slated to arrive alongside the Pixel 7 (and presumably a new Apple Watch) this fall.
On the design front, the new wearable will feature a domed circular face, a tactile crown, a recycled stainless steel case, and customizable bands. On the inside, it will run Wear OS, featuring an "improved" user interface "with more fluid navigations and smart notifications," Google SVP Rick Osterloh said at the event.
In terms of apps, the Pixel Watch will naturally feature several Google standbys, including Assistant, Home, Maps, and Wallet, along with "deep" Fitbit integration, according to Osterloh.
The watch is voice-enabled, so you can ask Google Assistant for the weather forecast and more. With Google Maps, you can follow directions, even when cycling, right on the watch without having to bring your phone. Google Wallet on Wear OS will launch starting with support for payment cards, letting you check out in stores with a tap of your wrist. A new Google Home app for Wear OS will let you control and monitor compatible smart home devices including lights bulbs, security cameras, and thermostats from your watch.
On the health and fitness end, the Pixel Watch will support continuous heart rate monitoring and automatic sleep tracking. It will also be the first Wear OS device to support Fitbit's Active Zone Minutes metric.
That's all Google has officially said about the Pixel Watch at this time. Osterloh promised more details in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Google also tipped additional Wear OS devices from Fossil, Mobvoi, Montblanc, and Samsung launching later this year, but didn't offer details.
On the software side, Deezer and SoundCloud apps are slated to arrive on Wear OS in the near future, joining several other notable additions that have recently launched on the platform, including Adidas Running, KakaoTalk, Line, and Spotify. Google also plans to bring Emergency SOS to Wear OS later this year, allowing you to easily contact a trusted friend or family member or call emergency services from your watch.
In addition, the Google Assistant app is headed to the Wear OS-powered Samsung Galaxy Watch4. Samsung today announced plans to bring Google's voice assistant to its Watch4 series this summer. At the moment, Samsung's own Bixby is the only voice assistant available on the watch. Google Assistant will play nice with Spotify on the Watch4, so you'll be able to change songs by voice.