A new watch is exciting.
For some reason, I feel like the Google Pixel Watch 3 is becoming like the Apple Watch . That said, the new model doesn’t have any Apple-friendly features, and I don’t want to stir up a factional fight between Android and Apple.
If you’re a Google fan, this is the watch for you!
For now, let’s take a look at the Pixel Watch 3. From the dome-shaped circular display to the pop-out digital crown, it looks exactly like its predecessor and the model before that. If I had to say one thing, it’s that this time you can choose a larger size . On the other hand, if you don’t want a larger size, there’s no need to rush out and buy a new model.
And, it’s become more like the Apple Watch. That’s because every year, a new Apple Watch model comes out, which is the same square rectangular shape. Sometimes it gets smaller or more durable, but anyway, a new Apple Watch is released every year, and if you wear it, you can tell at a glance that you’re an Apple fan.
In that sense, the Pixel Watch seems to be following in the same vein. It’s not a Samsung Health or other smartwatch, but a watch that expresses the ” if you call yourself a Google fan, this is the one for you ” aesthetic.
There aren’t many new features in the third generation. Most of the new features are related to Fitbit and Wear OS . Stability and battery life have also been improved. We will provide more details as soon as there are updates. I still have to test Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7, and since Google released it before Apple this time, I’ll have to check out the Apple Watch Series 10. I’m curious to see what the difference is between 10 years and 3 years.
At the very least, the Pixel Watch 3 will provide a comfortable experience for Android users who are not satisfied with other watches. The larger display is also attractive!
A lovely dome-shaped circular design
The design follows the same design as several generations ago. The biggest benefit of the Pixel Watch 3 is that it is now available in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm . The bezel is the smallest ever, and the latest Actua display is up to 2,000nit, twice as bright as the previous model.
Even on a country road in the middle of the night without lighting, the flashlight mode is enough. I have yet to experience what it will be like in the middle of the day when the temperature is high.
According to Google, both versions of the Pixel Watch 3 have a battery life that is up to 45% longer than the previous model . The smaller version has a 307mAh battery, while the larger version has a 420mAh battery. After a full charge, it can last up to 24 hours with the display always on, and up to 36 hours without the display being displayed.
This time, I tried it for a short time, and I realized the difference in lifespan between the 3rd generation and the 2nd generation. Even now, almost two days after being removed from the charger, the battery is still at 43%.
By the way, it does not seem to reach the 100-hour battery life of OnePlus’ smartwatch. OnePlus’ products are equipped with a system that reduces the burden on the processor so that basic tasks do not consume a large amount of battery.
What’s new on Fitbit?
Fitbit is great. Tracking my daily routine was a lot of fun with the Pixel Watch 2. With the Pixel Watch 3, tracking aggregate data feels a little easier . I especially like the Morning Brief , which tells you how well you’re feeling and how much energy you have for the day based on the quality of your sleep . The watch gives you a nudge, and you can check the Fitbit app for more information.
Morning Brief’s metric is your Cardio Load , which is based on your sleep, your activity-based readiness score, and a target load if you want to see results. By the way, I’m currently collecting data to display this feature.
I’m looking forward to seeing how it works with a 3-week on/2-week off exercise schedule! More on that later. At least, you do n’t need to be a Fitbit Premium subscriber to use this feature .
By the way, the premium version costs 640 yen per month and allows you to use sophisticated running management functions. The AI-managed custom running features are quite useful, so it may be a great help for runners who are dissatisfied with Apple Watches.
It’s like having a remote control on your wrist
Wear OS 5 has evolved with each new feature added to the Pixel Watch , and now it has a built-in Chromecast remote . It appears as an icon in the app launcher on the watch, and can also be added as a tile. Just like the Chromecast Remote app on your phone, you can control playback, volume, and content on nearby screens.
Google Home shortcuts have also been upgraded . For example, you can check security camera footage from the watch, so you won’t have to worry about your smartphone being ready in time for your visitor to leave. If you use it at home and connect it to Wi-Fi, you’ll be able to feel the benefits.
The last thing I want to note is the call assist feature . I haven’t used it yet, but Google says that this is a feature that tells the other person that you want to make a call via automated voice.
When I try to answer a call on my smartwatch, the connection between the watch and my smartphone often doesn’t work well. I usually hang up the phone and call back, but I can’t always do that, so I hope that the call assist feature will reduce the number of missed calls from the watch.
Should you buy the Pixel Watch 3 after all?
Google’s smartwatch platform has improved dramatically over the past few generations, and since it’s a Google product, the Pixel Watch 3 will no doubt follow the same evolutionary path as other Android phones.
It ‘s a great mini command center for accessing smart home and media controls and checking notifications . We’ll have more details on how the fitness and health features work in the future.
If you already have the first or second generation, I don’t think you need to rush out and buy the Pixel Watch 3. However, if you want to see a lot of information on a big screen, you might want to consider trading it in.
It’s true that the bigger the screen, the more convenient it is to check notifications and Fitbit data. By the way, I’ve used large smartwatches from Samsung and OnePlus this year, and once you get used to the large display, it’s not that much of a burden.
